carolinagirl

We are going to Hawaii in late July. We've narrowed our stay to two islands: Kaui, and Hawaii(Big Island). Now it is time to reserve places to stay, here is my question. There seem to be sooo many interesting places on both of the islands. Which towns should we make reservations in so that we are not tooooo touristy but are not completely cut off from having things to do (bars, beaches, restaurants, etc..)? Thanks so much for the help!!!

abbekit

Least touristy towns on these islands are Hanalei on Kauai and Hilo on BI. Hanalei has a laid back funky atmosphere, beautiful 2 mile beach, good shops and restaurants. The more scenic lush area is due to more rain however. Same goes for Hilo as far as weather but it is closer to Volcano Nat'l Park and beautiful scenic drives up the coast.

JohnD

Hello, I suggest you pick up two inexpensive guidebooks: "The ultimate Guide to Kauai" and "Hawaii The Big Island Revealed" for help with your trip decisions, they are available at Barnes & Noble Bookstores, etc. For Kauai, I recommend staying near the Princeville Resort includes hotels (upscale)and condos, or nearby town of Hanalei (more varied). Also many people seem to enjoy staying south near the Poipu Beach Area. Kauai is beautiful and small, and it is possible to drive to most locations no matter where you stay in an hour or two. We have stayed twice on the Big Island at the Kohala coast (Outrigger Waikoloa Beach Marriott) and previously at the Kona Reef Condominiums in Kona, this was a good area for a mix of restaurants and bars but the immediate beaches were very rocky and sometimes had rough swimming conditions. The Kohala coast is more isolated but contains Hawaii's disneyworld-the Hilton Waikoloa Resort, and the beaches here were more protected,calm, and usable. The Hilton Waikoloa Resort may be too touristy (and costly), though worth visiting once (for dinner for example). We found the nearby Outrigger Marriott to be a better value. Overall we prefer renting condominiums over the internet in our location of choice, rather than staying at hotels, though most condo rentals seem to require a minimum stay of about a week. Another location you might stay on the Big Island is near the volcano Natl Park, if you want to avoid the drive from Kohala or Kona, though I believe there is not as much in terms of bars or restaurants there.
Finally I am not sure I would exclude visiting the island of Maui, as the Road to Hana is one amazing drive through a tropical rainforest, and the island has many ocean activities, resort areas, and nightlife. Have fun in paradise!

Helen_in_Hawaii

If you pick the BI and are going to be there a few days I would stay on the Kona side where the weather is better. Make a day trip or a two-day trip over to the VNP and spend the rest of your time enjoying the Kona and Kohala coast.

giorgi

I love the Big Island. I stayed there for a week at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows on the Kohala Coast. It is an expensive, isolated resort with excellent rooms and service. Their beach was great. The Hilton Waikaloa Village definitely seemed more vibrant than the Mauna Lani, but as JonnD said, caters more to families. Definitely have a car and go down to Kona for nightlife, restaurants, and shopping. I suggest taking an all day bus tour which takes you to the highlights on the island including the Kiluea Volcano and Hilo. The contrast in the terrain on the west(Kona side) with its moonscape and the Hilo side(tropical rain forest) was amazing. Sorry I can't remember the name of the tour company but I am sure you hotel will have brochures.