carrasco

Hi All - This July my family (hubby, two kids 5 and 7yrs) have decided to go to the Big Island. It's the first trip to Hawaii (any island) for all of us. We'll be there 7 days & other than seeing the volcano our itinerary is pretty open (would like to visit some plantations, go snorkling... essentially sight seeing in the am and beach playing in the pm). Any advice on where to stay? Is Kona the most logical choice? Or further North, near Waikoloa? And which condo chain would you recommend? I'm researching this solo and could really use some 'been-there' advice. Thanks so much!!! - Cindy

stever

Have you done a search using the search function? There are TONS of "just back" reports on the BI there. That's how we planned our trip, using these trip reports. We cut and pasted all the details and are bringing it with us. We're staying at the Hapuna Prince instead of the FS to save the money... It's only $219 a night with breakfast included.

Steve R
Maryland

heidiho

We stayed 2 or 3 nights on the Big Island eight yrs ago for our honeymoon. We stayed one night at a great B&B near the volcano recommended by a travel agent. It was called Chalet Kilauea. I think it would be fine for kids too. Rates started at about $130 and went up to maybe $300, depending on the room. The other place we stayed was Kona Village (in Kona) which was also really nice, but fairly expensive. Meals were included (fabulous breakfast and lunch) and many families were there. They also gave us a really good picnic/box lunch when we went off sightseeing. I think they probably had more activites for kids.
We rented a Geo Tracker Jeep to explore. You can drive across the island in about 3-4 hours if I remember correctly. I think the other side near Hilo was more rain forest like. The volcano was our main activity there, so I'm not sure about other things.

makai1

Aloha carrasco,

stever has given you great advise... make good use of the search function on this board... you will read about the BI until you can't see straight.

Also, pick up one of the travel guides... maybe BI Revealed, and research. I enjoy going to my local library and checking out every guide book possible to research the island of interest.

Only you will know what will best suit your needs and desires.

As "they" say... "research, research, research".

Happy planning!

CaliNurse

Please realize that it's a LONG round trip drive for a day trip to Volcan NP from either Kona or Waikoloa. Your kids especially (and you) may get restless if you do it in a day from either of those locations. I'd suggest staying in two different areas, one in Kona-Keauhou area, the otherr nearer to Hilo or Volcano village, as it's not a long ride to VNP. This is what I did first time there, and highly recommend that way (We stayed then at Keauhou Beach resort, then rented a cottage from Kilauea Lodge in Volcano Village.)
On last trip (in NOvember)we stayed at Kanaloa at Kona condos and loved it. They are very large. you can rent from vrbo.com or Outrigger.com. Good snorkeling at nearby beach (next to the Keauhou Beach Hotel, can't recall name of beach) and via boat at Kealakekua Bay, and you're also near Place of Refuge, which you and the kids will love (walk all around the area , informative stories on placques-don'tmiss the rock where Queen Kaahumanu hid from her husband). From Keauhou, you're jsut a few minutes north of great fun breakfast place at the Aloha Theater in the nearby little town of Kainaliu. You'll pass it on your way as you head south to the volcano area. You eat on the porch surrounding the old theater. Food is good, and your kids will love all the geckos that come to visit and join you for brekfast!!
Also, please check the web site for the Volcano NP. The lava flow, if there is any flowing, is a long trek. I think a lot of people think you can go and easily see it--which is often not the case . There aer other great things to se in the park, like the lava tunnel. Have fun researching and planning!!!

carrasco

Thank you everyone for the (wow, really fast!) responses. I've read several posts on the board, and for Kona lodging it appears the Mauna Lani Point, Outrigger Kanaloa, and Aston Kona by-the-sea condos get pretty high marks. I have thought about arriving in Kona, driving that same day (or next morning) closer to VNP, and staying there (so we're not rushing our volcanic visit), however some friends/family have told me it's "too much of a hassle" to switch lodging for just a 7 day trip. So now I'm confused. How's this sound... arrive in Kona, drive to Hilo and stay 2 nights there, then spend the remainder of the trip in Kona. Sigh, I need a Mai Tai...

Corgie

was there 2 summers ago...here is my cut n' paste trip report

We landed in Kona (had breakfast while we waited for our luggage to arrive on the next flight from Kauai) and then booted it up to the Volcano stopping at the Punaluu black sand beach on the way.

We checked into our accomodations at Volcano Inn (not to be confused with the Inn at Volcano or any of the establishments that have either "inn" or "Volcano" in their names. I REALLY loved this property. We had the Aloha Room which was small but very private with private bathroom and entrance. Nice rainforest setting. Coolers and flashlights were provided for trips to the volcano. A nice touch. The guidebook said that the inn keeperes were not friendly. I think shy is a better term for it. I like to put things in context. Anyone who chooses to live in a small village like volcano does so for a reason. I think these inn keepers are artist types who are quiet serene people which suited me just fine. I'm not always into chatting it up at bed and breakfasts anyway.

We hiked out to the Lava just before sunset and stayed to watch it long after dark. I couldn't believe how hot it got out there!! A great show (the lava was really pumping at one point and we walked right up to it). It was freaky to hike over rock and see the glow of lava through the cracks!!! Lava viewing was well worth the hot hike back at night too.

The next day we hiked the kilauea iki trail (a good morning hike), drove the crater rim trail and looked at the sights (thursten lava tube is a hoot and if you bring a flashlight you can go even further) In the afternoon we hiked to the Pu'u Cone (Mauna Ulu) where we got some exceptional views of Pu'uo'o doing its thing. Usually this view is cloudy and obscured I hear, so we lucked out.

That night we hiked out the the lava again and, although awesome, it wasn't as impressive as on the first night.

The next day we drove via Hilo to the Kona side stopping at the Waipio Lookout. We didn't hike down. Too tired from Volcano hikes. Next time.

We checked into our room at the Royal Kona Resort. Now, let me say that I was quite anxious about this property because I heard so many mixed reviews. I am happy to say that we loved it. Sure the rooms are a bit outdated ( I actually think it added retro charm) and definately it needs some fixing up (ie. our balcony needed paint etc.) but overall, for the price and location, it was awesome. No bugs. Clean, quiet, cheap draught beer and mai tais at the pool. It was heaven. I also thought the lobby and pool area were great. The pool overlooks the ocean and sometimes the waves would come crash right up on the wall while we were sitting there.

The last 3 days of our holidays included 2 days at Hapuna and other area beaches just chilling and one day Kayaking out to the Captain Cook Monument. Outstanding Snorkelling. Perhaps the best ever and I've done Australia's GBR. Dolphins swam beside our Kayak on the way back. A great day. We rented from Kealakekua Kayak and were happy. Another place not to be missed is Pu'uhonua o Honaunau or the Place of Refuge. Out of all the islands I've been to (and I've been to all now except Lanai and Molokai) I have to say I was most impressed with the Big Island in terms of history and preservation of historical sites. From Petroglyphs to Heius...all very impressive.

Food:

Honokaa--We had a wonderful breakfast at Simply Natural Cafe.

Volcano-- JP Cafe has good sandwiches etc. The owner is a real character. Check out the computer he has running in the kitchen and you will find that he is tracking the pending arrival of the aliens (and he is serious)

Kona-- We loved Lu Lu's for watching the sunset. Good food and drinks at good prices.

Hard Rock-- Okay. Typically overpriced

Pancho and Leftys-- Mexican. Reasonably priced. Good food. slightly sketchy but I can't figure out why.

Best place to watch the sunset? Windjammer Lounge right at our hotel. There was good weekend entertainment there too.

I should mention that we are Budget travellers. We're not into spending money at expensive resorts or fine dinning....so please put my reviews into context. If you like your food and accomodations five star, you should tune my reviews out.

p.s We snuck into the pool at the Prince Hotel and used their beach loungers and umbrellas at Hapuna.

Overall, we had a blast. Thanks everyone for the planning tips. And please ask if you have any questions.

CaliNurse

if you stay on different sides of the island, one idea is to fly into Kona, and out of Hilo (or vice versa). Assuiming you are flying via Honolulu that should not add anything to your airfare. Just reserch pickup of your car at one airport and return to the other.
IMHO, changing hotels or condos half way thru the trip is NOT as much of a hassle as a long, exhausting, attempt to pack it all in round trip in a day between for ex, Kona and Volcano, then returning . Furthermore, there are wonderuful sites in the Hilo area that you should not miss, believe me, as you and the kids will love them--e.g. the easy hike thru the rainforest to Akaka Falls and other wonderful lush sites. You could could spend two days in Hilo or or Volcano Village,andhead back to Kona area via the north side of the island, stopping at some waterfalls, parks, Waipio Valley. After you buy a few guidebooks, you'll get idea of allt here is to see. Sure, no one can do all of it in one trip, i'd jsut hate to see you missing a lot becasue you have to be back by dark (the roads there have no lighting and I find are VERY scary driving when it's
pitch black). As I recall, there are quite a few trip reports here from folks who divided there time between two places, and no one c/o it being a hassle.
BTW, we LOVED the condos at Kanaloa. There are three pools, one right by the ocean (no beach tho) tennis courts Then, there's a little shopping center jsut up the hill, you can rent videos at the big Long's Drugs there. We didn't eat at the restaurant at Kanaloa, and it gets mixed rviews for dinner but excellent reviews for breakfast.--great food and RIGHT on the edge of the rocks and ocean, with sounds of crashing surf and seaspray!

SRQRobin

FYI. If you're planning on staying only one night near Volcano Village, forget Hale Ohia Cottages. After spending time researching where to stay on the Big Island near Volcano Village for our two day/one night trip (the rest will be on Oauh), we decided on Hale Ohia Cottages. BUT, when I went to make reservations, was told that they just recently changed their policy and will no longer be accepting stays under 2 nights.

circa2

That's a great idea!

Gives you some lee-way and you don't have to rush.

There are things to see around Hilo also.

Hawaii....it's all good!

vegaslover73

With two kids those ages I would definitely stay at the HWV! Book via Priceline for a great rate. Enjoy!

hulamom

Aloha carrasco,
Puts a bit of a different spin on things when traveling with the wee ones,yes? We are a family who love,love,love the Hawaiian Islands. We go as often and for as long as we can possibly manage. Our children are 25 and 5, both girls. We have been to Maui, Kauai(several times) and last year Oahu. Both girls loved Oahu and its many activities for keiki's of all ages. Rented house on Sunset Beach, North Shore. Wonderful trip, as are all of our vists on all the different islands. We hope to visit them all. Each is new favorite until visiting the next. Leaving next week for first visit to Big Island. Chose Mauna Kea Beach Resort for the beaches (mauna kea and hapuna) for the baby. Did not think we would be able to swing a visit at this time until 5 year old informed her Father that she wanted to see a volcano. Cinched. How she came across newly purchased "Big Island Revealed" tucked into jammed bookcases located in darkened hallway is a mystery. Nontheless it worked, um I mean we're going so all is terrific. The volcano thing is a bit of a worry now though. Hoping she will be able to see a bit of the wonder without getting too close. Read on trip advisor, that hike is long and fairly arduous and easy to slip on shards of volcanic glass. Yikes. This is our very first stay at a hotel. In the past have rented condos or homes. Looking forward to not cooking and also how it works out financially. Cooking and cleaning up vs. not. Fodor's restaurant listing are informative. I wrote down all of the well enjoyed, less expensive restaurants and will now check them against Wizardpub's (Big Island Revealed) update on closings. I am a devoted researcher as well and while I realize that I did not help you on your post, (please forgive, just got so excited to see you were going to Big Island WITH CHILDREN that I had to respond. I will write again when we return if you like and tell of our experiences.
Best,
Gia

luvhawaii

Hi Cindy: My family (hubby, girls 9 and 5) just came back from a trip to the Big Island in March. We went for 8 nights--split between the Hapuna Beach Prince Resort and the Sheraton Keauhou. If I had to do it over again, I would stay a few nights near the volcano or in Hilo. The day trips to the volcano and Hilo were great--but the driving was just too much for the kids. The Hapuna is a fabulous resort with a superb beach, good service, and large rooms. The Sheraton Keauhou had no beach, so-so service, but a fabulous pool. My girls wanted to spend every day at the pool (sand-bottom wading area, fountains, water slide, 3 to 3.5 feet most of the way around, which meant my small 6 year old could walk around and swim without floaties or me holding her!) My husband and I loved the Hapuna--my kids loved the Sheraton.

Seeing your post reminded me that I haven't posted my own trip report. I'll get to that--in the meantime, feel free to let me know if you have any questions...

greecube

Hulamom and luvhawaii, I look forward to your trip reports. Our family is traveling to BI in August for 1 day/night at volcano and 3 days at Hapuna Price. Any tips and "must do" or "can skip" recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

matnikstym

if you want to see the "red" lava, you have to go at night. during the day, just looks like smoke on the mountain. from the park entrance it is about 45 minutes to the bottom viewing area. with kids that age, you probably would not want to walk 3 miles over uneven lava to get close to the "red stuff". the sheraton keahou (just opened) has a nice waterslide for the kids (and adults) the hilton waikoloa has dolphin pool, trains and boat rides which the kids will enjoy! hilo has a nice zoo and farmers market on wed and sat. waikoloa/resort areas have the nicest beaches. kahaluu beach next to the keahou beach hotel has excellent snorkeling and turtles every day. i live in hilo, so if you need more info let me know on this forum aloha

fdecarlo

greecube: Be sure to hit Cafe Pesto in Kawaihae (about 10 minutes north of the Hapuna Beach Prince). Excellent food, and inexpensive compared to the hotel's restaurants.

sfbayarea

Hello! Quick question - when you go to the park will they tell you how and where to hike to the lava flows and is there a set trail or do people just look for them themselves? Thanks so much!!!

kureiff

sfbayarea: The trail is marked for about a quarter of a mile and the rest of the way you can follow people, walk toward the steam, etc. It's more difficult after dark however -- lots of zigging and zagging.

I have a trip report for the BI that I just finished if you search under my name.

sfbayarea

Thanks for the tip! I just printed out your long trip report and will be reading it. Thanks!