Big Island and Kauai questions

Old Jan 22nd, 2017, 09:13 AM
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Big Island and Kauai questions

We are planning a trip for our 25th wedding anniversary for July/August to the Big Island and then to Kauai. We will be on the Big Island for one week. I was thinking that we would stay on the west side for the snorkeling and weather and history and then visit the east side for the volcano. Here are the questions:
1. We always do vacation rentals and are looking for a recommended area on west side. We are looking for a non-commercial area but not completely remote. We would like a few restaurants nearby but we don't eat out a lot because my daughter has significant dietary restrictions that make it challenging. I don't want to be 30 minutes from everything but don't want to be in a busy area. My daughter is 10 so being close to beaches is ideal but we don't mind a short drive.
2. Is it better to take a day trip to the east side and drive back or is it better to leave the west coast, drive to east coast, spend two days seeing volcano and Falls and Zoo and then flying out of Hilo to go to Kauai? And if we do that, where are good places to stay on east side. I don't need super economical but am not looking for $500 a night.
3. In Kauai, we were thinking about a rental in the Waimea area. We were in Kauai 18 years ago and liked the non-commercial area on the south side. I'm sure it has been built up since then but we would like to stay in an area that again, isn't remote but we do want to feel like we are on an island; not a city on a beach. Is Waimea the area?
And thoughts and suggestions are appreciated.
Bugmom1 is offline  
Old Jan 22nd, 2017, 12:19 PM
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I like Waimea area but would not stay there especially in summer.
1. There are only a handful of restaurants so you would be driving to Kalaheo or even as far as Poipu.
2. Most beaches are not swimmable in the immediate area good for intermediate and above surfers.
3. Waimea is not to the best of my knowledge a designated visitor area like Poipu, Princeville, Hanalei, Kapa'a and Lihue so many rentals there could be illegal which is a big problem on all the islands. If you do find something you like, ask for a TVR number. If the owner or manager cannot provide one, walk away. Do you really want to spend your vacation time getting "stinkeye" from your neighbors if you rent an illegal unit?
That time of year I would look for a nice condo in Princeville. North Shore is beautiful that time of year.
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Old Jan 22nd, 2017, 01:54 PM
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The North Shore is a fine idea (though Princeville seems overdeveloped to me), it will still be a better place to stay than Waimea. I like the Poipu area and there are plenty of condos available. Lots of restaurants in the area and a good swimming beach right at the park.
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Old Jan 22nd, 2017, 05:18 PM
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The only overly commercial places on the Big Island IMO are Kailua-Kona town, and in a lesser way, the Waikoloa Beach Resort area. So I'd suggest the Mauna Lani Resort property as having the best/broadest options for lodgings that meet your criteria. The term "resort" carries certain connotations for some, but we've stayed in 5 different condos on the property at different times of the year, and never found it busy or crowded. Aside from the wide range of lodging options, 2 of the best snorkeling beaches on the island are with "resort" boundaries, and there's a small shopping center with a Foodland store and several restaurant choices. Book directly with South Kohala Management to avoid VRBO's recently added fee.

Chances are that the only opportunity for seeing lava will be from the glow of the crater (either pre-dawn or after sunset), so it's best to book a night or two in either Hilo or Volcano rather than try to see it all in a day trip. We were on the island last May, we got an early start from our Mauna Lani condo, routed ourselves via the Hamakua Coast, including visits to Akaka Falls and the Tropical Botanical Gardens, before heading to VNP for the glow and the night. We spent the next morning in the park before returning via the Saddle Road back to the Mauna Lani. Perfect for us... In your case though, it may be best to put VNP at the beginning of your stay because the only direct flight from the Big Island to Kauai leaves from Kona.
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Old Jun 26th, 2017, 12:05 PM
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Just wondering if anyone has recommendations of where to stay in VNP.
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Old Jun 26th, 2017, 12:35 PM
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Volcano Village has many lodging options, and most are within a mile or so of the park. There's Volcano House within the park (and camping cabins, plus the military camp if you fit the requirements).
I usually recommend Waikoloa Beach resort, but in this case, I agree that Mauna Lani sounds like a better option for you.
The drive from one side to the other is not a big deal.
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Old Jun 27th, 2017, 04:03 AM
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For Kauai, given your requirements, I'd stay in Princeville.
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