jv_o

Staying on Kona Coast for 6 days, 5 nights. Thinking of extending stay for 4 more days. Should we stay on Big Island whole time or go to Maui? Went to Maui 30 yrs ago so I know its changed. Flying in to Hilo from West Coast so I was trying to avoid a lot of airport changes. After you see the volcano and the beaches is there still stuff to explore on BI?

highflyer

Yes, there's lots to do on Big Island. We got back from there 3 weeks ago and loved it (10nights).

Stay in Hilo a night or two so that you can see that side of the island and cut down on the driving (Big Island is big!).

For just 4 more nights it's not worth the the hassle to change islands... IMO

As for 'stuff to explore' there are waterfalls, gardens, ancient sites etc plus great hiking and snorkeling.

Have fun!

jacketwatch

I agree. We spent 9 nights on the BI and there is plenty to do. Get the book "The BI revealed". And do go to dinner at Roys in the Kings shops. Pricey but well worth it.

circa2

Flying into Hilo...are you planning to stay in Hilo area before going over to Kona?

What airport are you departing from?

turn_it_on

Definitely get the book Big Island Revealed, the maps are excellent, they give you very precise directions for everything, there's lots of color photos, and tons of good info. There are a million things to do; the island is huge! There are fabulous beaches, jungle hikes, waterfalls, Volcanoes Nat'l Park, natural steam rooms, heated pools, black sand beaches, and awesome snorkeling, to name just a few things. I was there in September, staying in both Hilo and Kona/Kohala, and I have a very detailed trip report here: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34542623

Why would you fly into Hilo and then immediately drive to Kona? Why not fly into Kona? If you really are flying into Hilo, can you stay a few days there first, then move onto Kona? It's pretty easy to fly into Hilo and out of Kona, or vice versa, and a combo of the two coasts makes a great trip and cuts down on driving (it's around 2.5 hours between Hilo and Kona, a long hot drive).

That said, I think you could spend three or four good days on Maui too. Get the first flight in the morning so you aren't breaking up the day too much. I have a Maui trip report here: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34436140 We spent five nights in Kihei (south Maui) and two nights in Hana. There's lots you can see in four days. Let me know if you have any questions!

love
roxy

jv_o

Sorry, I meant to say flying into Kona. I was thinking of 2 days to see the west coast North to South. 1 day seeing the volcano and 1 day seeing the rest of the Hilo coast. 1-2 half days of snorkeling, and then what?? I know I will lose 1 day flying and checking into hotel, getting car etc. and then have to fly back to Kona to fly out, or change completely and fly back home from Maui. Im not much to lay around the beach a lot, so I don't know if I will get tired of desert on the west side and constant rain/drizzle on the east.