Big Island Accommodations & Restaurant Recommendations
Sep 15th, 2004, 11:01 AM
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Big Island Accommodations & Restaurant Recommendations
Going to be on the BI in 3 weeks for 21/2 days. Looking for a recommendation on which area of the island to stay on taking into consideration weather (rainy in Hilo?), easy access to airport (can fly into KOA or ITO) and nearby restaurants/nightlife. Like to pay @ $100/nt.
Also seeking recommendations for special occasion dinner. Romantic ambiance, unique or intimate setting combined with excellent food and wine list. Price range is up to $200 for two.
Also seeking recommendations for special occasion dinner. Romantic ambiance, unique or intimate setting combined with excellent food and wine list. Price range is up to $200 for two.
Sep 15th, 2004, 01:46 PM
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You should definitely NOT stay in Hilo. I'm not sure about finding a place for $100/night. Perhaps other folks can suggest some places near Kona.
As far as restaurants go, check out Roys, Pahu i`a (the restaurant at the Four Seasons) and Brown's Beach House at the Fairmont Orchid.
Also do a search on the Hawaii board for "big island restaurants".
Good luck!
As far as restaurants go, check out Roys, Pahu i`a (the restaurant at the Four Seasons) and Brown's Beach House at the Fairmont Orchid.
Also do a search on the Hawaii board for "big island restaurants".
Good luck!
Sep 15th, 2004, 01:59 PM
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I see a number of places currently available for that 
at website: www.expedia.com
If you don't mind staying a few minutes drive south of Kona, I can recommend a hotel in Keauhou for that$) which is also great for snorkeling.
Suggest you check www.tripadvisor.com for reviews on Kona hotels, otherwise.
at website: www.expedia.comIf you don't mind staying a few minutes drive south of Kona, I can recommend a hotel in Keauhou for that$) which is also great for snorkeling.
Suggest you check www.tripadvisor.com for reviews on Kona hotels, otherwise.
Sep 15th, 2004, 03:56 PM
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We stayed one night in Hilo at the Wild Ginger Inn, and it was just under $100 for 2 people. http://www.wildgingerinn.com/ It is the worker's quarters of an old suugar plantation, so it is not fancy. The beds were very comfortable, and each room had a mini-fridge and a ceiling fan.
Sep 16th, 2004, 02:25 AM
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The north and east sides of the island (including Hilo) get lots of rain, while the west/Kona side gets the least amount of rain of anywhere in Hawaii.
If proximity to nightlife is a priority look into the King Kamehameha Hotel or Royal Kona Resort. If you do some bargain hunting you should be able to get into either one for around $100/night. While they aren't the Four Seasons, both properties are nice, clean, comfortable and within walking distance to downtown Kailua.
Further south is Sea Village, which is also nice but not within convenient walking distance to Kailua.
In addition to the dining options already mentioned are the Kona Inn and Jameson's By The Sea. These are less pricey than the fancy hotel restaurants but the food is very good and the locations are great.
If proximity to nightlife is a priority look into the King Kamehameha Hotel or Royal Kona Resort. If you do some bargain hunting you should be able to get into either one for around $100/night. While they aren't the Four Seasons, both properties are nice, clean, comfortable and within walking distance to downtown Kailua.
Further south is Sea Village, which is also nice but not within convenient walking distance to Kailua.
In addition to the dining options already mentioned are the Kona Inn and Jameson's By The Sea. These are less pricey than the fancy hotel restaurants but the food is very good and the locations are great.
Sep 16th, 2004, 03:52 AM
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Reply to travelbug1221, we liked the Ohana Keauhou Beach Resort, and I described our experience there in my Trip Report from spring:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34491972
Not sure what kind of room you'll get for that $), but can't hurt to ask for an upgrade. Also, there is not much in the way of sandy beach around Kona due to the presence of lava and this is true at KBR as well, though some sand and lava and awesome snorkeling can be found several steps north of KBR at the adjacent Kahuluu Beach Park.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34491972
Not sure what kind of room you'll get for that $), but can't hurt to ask for an upgrade. Also, there is not much in the way of sandy beach around Kona due to the presence of lava and this is true at KBR as well, though some sand and lava and awesome snorkeling can be found several steps north of KBR at the adjacent Kahuluu Beach Park.
Sep 16th, 2004, 08:36 AM
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Not sure if you want hotel accomodations only or if you would be interested in something like this, but check out the "Kona Kottage" at www.konaweb.com/konakottage
The rate is only $495 for a whole week and they do accept two day rentals.
We like to stay at the Kona Reef condos, which is oceanfront right on Ali'i Drive in Kailua-Kona. You can get a standard room for about $130 a night. I book directly from them at this website www.thekonareef.com and that way avoid any minimum amount of days you must stay and a cleaning charge that is usually assessed by vacational rental managers or owners booking direct.
All of the Kohala resorts have great restaurants, usually oceanfront - arrive about 1/2 hour before sunset (which is about 6:00) pm for the best sunset viewing. Have a wonderful time. I love the Big Island and I will be there tomorrow for 10 whole days!
The rate is only $495 for a whole week and they do accept two day rentals.
We like to stay at the Kona Reef condos, which is oceanfront right on Ali'i Drive in Kailua-Kona. You can get a standard room for about $130 a night. I book directly from them at this website www.thekonareef.com and that way avoid any minimum amount of days you must stay and a cleaning charge that is usually assessed by vacational rental managers or owners booking direct.
All of the Kohala resorts have great restaurants, usually oceanfront - arrive about 1/2 hour before sunset (which is about 6:00) pm for the best sunset viewing. Have a wonderful time. I love the Big Island and I will be there tomorrow for 10 whole days!
Sep 16th, 2004, 08:45 AM
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Oops - I just realized that I gave you the wrong website for booking directly from the Kona Reef - here is the "real" one: http://www.castleresorts.com/KRH/
Also, I second fdeclarlo's suggestion of the Kona Inn if you don't want to drive to the Kohala resorts from Kailua-Kona.
Also, I second fdeclarlo's suggestion of the Kona Inn if you don't want to drive to the Kohala resorts from Kailua-Kona.
