Planning a trip for myself, husband, and boys 14 and 20. We are looking at the Big Island for our interest in outdoor activities and unique experiences -- volcanos, hiking, kayaking, etc. In fact both boys are both Boy Scouts, but Mom is not camping on her trip to Hawaii!! Is there a place to use as a home base or is it better to travel from one area to the next? I saw one itinerary posted here with the suggestion to fly into one airport and leave from the other, for example.
Not sure if we should try and visit a second island and extend trip from one week to ten days or so. Any suggestions are appreciated!
Big Island with the Boys
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You will find so much to do on the BI; distances are not so great that you have to stay in different spots, but you might want to have a couple of nights on the Hilo side to do Volcano National Park and various state parks, etc. West side is great for all the beaches, snorkeling, etc. We like the Kohala coast for location to go elsewhere (A Bay then the beaches along the coast). Waikoloa Beach REsort is a great place to access other points. (I have a great 2bd/2bth condo suggestion, but have to find the link.)
By staying in Volcano for 2 nights, you can do the park (lots of hikes, drives, and Thurston Lava Tube) and surrounds; there are also great places in Hilo (nice beach parks) or even Pahoa (snorkel the warm pools and reefs of Kapoho).
Ok, these guys raised the price $10; still a fab deal, IMO. http://www.vrbo.com/413069
I like this area because there's a great snorkeling/swimming beach at A-bay, and shopping, restaurants, even a fast-food court nearby. A short drive to wonderful other beaches. Check out the area, there are lots of great condo rentals.