Plan of "Attack" for 4 nights, 5 days on the Big Island in February??
Sep 15th, 2012, 12:53 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Plan of "Attack" for 4 nights, 5 days on the Big Island in February??
We will have only 4 days to do the Big Island in February ending our 18 night trip to the Islands.
Background: (Reservations are set and cannot be cancelled or changed)
1) MAUI - 7 nights staying in Maui Sunset condo - Kihei
2) KAUAI - 3 nights on N Coast in condo at Sealodge - then 4 nights in S. Kauai at Kiahuna Plantation
3) 4 nights on Big Island - FLY HOME FROM HILO AT 9:30 p.m. on 5th day
QUESTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BIG ISLAND:
1) We definitely want to do Volcanoes Natl Park. Am thinking last night in Volcanoes -
arriving in afternoon - seeing the glow that evening, sleep, hike and sightsee the
entire next day in the park and then drive to Hilo Airport for 9:30 p,m. flight. Is this adequate
time for the park?
2) Should we fly into Kona and out of Hilo? or Just fly in and out of Hilo and concentrate on Hamakua
Coast, Waipio Valley, Waimea, Volcanoes, and Hilo area?
WILL NOT BE INTERESTED IN DRIVING TO MAUNA KEA (altitude sickness)
3) Is the Kohala Coast "not to be missed"?
4) Where should we sleep the first 3 nights? Price range UNDER $200. and prefer UNDER $175.?
5) To do a Coffee Plantation tour, would it be better to fly into Kona?
6) Opinions on time at the Parker Ranch near Waimea? Horseback in Waipio Valley?
7) Will have Beach time in Kihei and Poipu - so do we need to do beaches of Wailoloa Resort?
(I cannot snorkel - claustrophobic)
THANKS FOR ALL OPINIONS!
Background: (Reservations are set and cannot be cancelled or changed)
1) MAUI - 7 nights staying in Maui Sunset condo - Kihei
2) KAUAI - 3 nights on N Coast in condo at Sealodge - then 4 nights in S. Kauai at Kiahuna Plantation
3) 4 nights on Big Island - FLY HOME FROM HILO AT 9:30 p.m. on 5th day
QUESTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BIG ISLAND:
1) We definitely want to do Volcanoes Natl Park. Am thinking last night in Volcanoes -
arriving in afternoon - seeing the glow that evening, sleep, hike and sightsee the
entire next day in the park and then drive to Hilo Airport for 9:30 p,m. flight. Is this adequate
time for the park?
2) Should we fly into Kona and out of Hilo? or Just fly in and out of Hilo and concentrate on Hamakua
Coast, Waipio Valley, Waimea, Volcanoes, and Hilo area?
WILL NOT BE INTERESTED IN DRIVING TO MAUNA KEA (altitude sickness)
3) Is the Kohala Coast "not to be missed"?
4) Where should we sleep the first 3 nights? Price range UNDER $200. and prefer UNDER $175.?
5) To do a Coffee Plantation tour, would it be better to fly into Kona?
6) Opinions on time at the Parker Ranch near Waimea? Horseback in Waipio Valley?
7) Will have Beach time in Kihei and Poipu - so do we need to do beaches of Wailoloa Resort?
(I cannot snorkel - claustrophobic)
THANKS FOR ALL OPINIONS!
Sep 15th, 2012, 03:21 PM
#2
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
nannibray: We LOVED staying at Shipman House b&b in Hilo. That was our January 2012 anniversary trip. The breakfast which included incredible sweet ripe exotic tropical fruits was memorable...we are still talking about it. We found Hilo to be a good base for doing a day-trip to the Volcanoes National park. Plus Hilo has more choices of restaurants. For me, one day was plenty to explore the Volcanoes National park, which is amazing even if there isn't much lava flow. But my husband is a biologist and he returned on his own for a second day at the Volcanoes national Park while I enjoyed time sitting on the porch at Shipman House b&b and writing poetry in my journal, then I walked into the town of Hilo for some lunch and shopping as I like some time on my own.
We also stayed at the Mauna Lani resort on the west side for some beach and snorkel time. While on the west side we enjoyed a drive down the west coast, and up into the hills where Kona coffee is grown and sold on plantations. I bought some organic Kona coffee which was so good I'm going to mail-order some!
It seems to me that since you don't want to snorkel, and are getting your beach fix in Poipu, you can skip Kahala coast, and enjoy the beautiful Volcanoes National Park. Will you have a rental car, because there are lots of places to explore using Hilo as a base?
Enjoy your trip!
We also stayed at the Mauna Lani resort on the west side for some beach and snorkel time. While on the west side we enjoyed a drive down the west coast, and up into the hills where Kona coffee is grown and sold on plantations. I bought some organic Kona coffee which was so good I'm going to mail-order some!
It seems to me that since you don't want to snorkel, and are getting your beach fix in Poipu, you can skip Kahala coast, and enjoy the beautiful Volcanoes National Park. Will you have a rental car, because there are lots of places to explore using Hilo as a base?
Enjoy your trip!
Sep 15th, 2012, 03:32 PM
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks, Melissa. Yes, we will have a rental car. Saw your pictures of the BI. Gorgeous! They were a big help for me. I was also thinking we need not try to do the West coast in such a short time. Did you go to Waipi'o Valley? Will look again at Shipman House and see how it fits the budget.
Sep 15th, 2012, 03:42 PM
#4
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes we saw Waipi'o valley but just from the overlook. It was a beautiful drive. We didn't have time to drive into the valley which is a pretty big deal, not even sure if you are supposed to do that...you can ask.
One of the most awesome sights in the Volcanoes National park was one we wouldn't have known to see, if not for the good advice of the owners of Shipman House b&b. There is a spot where you can go in the park right after dinner and see the glow from the crater against the sky...hard to describe but it was awesome, and we wouldn't have thought to do that otherwise.
The drive to Mauna Kea visitors center is still scenic, even if you aren't planning to continue up to the higher elevations. You may want to consider driving up towards the visitor's center, stopping for a nature walk along the way. Again the owners at Shipman House b&b suggested a place we could stop for a scenic walk on the drive up. I didn't feel the altitude until we drove up higher than the visitor's center. You might be able to just drive as far as the visitors center and still enjoy the scenery.
I think the Volcanoes National Park is one of the highlights of all the Hawaiian islands. I have been to Maui, Big Island, and Kauai.
Enjoy!
One of the most awesome sights in the Volcanoes National park was one we wouldn't have known to see, if not for the good advice of the owners of Shipman House b&b. There is a spot where you can go in the park right after dinner and see the glow from the crater against the sky...hard to describe but it was awesome, and we wouldn't have thought to do that otherwise.
The drive to Mauna Kea visitors center is still scenic, even if you aren't planning to continue up to the higher elevations. You may want to consider driving up towards the visitor's center, stopping for a nature walk along the way. Again the owners at Shipman House b&b suggested a place we could stop for a scenic walk on the drive up. I didn't feel the altitude until we drove up higher than the visitor's center. You might be able to just drive as far as the visitors center and still enjoy the scenery.
I think the Volcanoes National Park is one of the highlights of all the Hawaiian islands. I have been to Maui, Big Island, and Kauai.
Enjoy!
Sep 16th, 2012, 09:13 AM
#5
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 819
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
With the time you have, fly in and out of ITO. Do VNP. Drive up the Hamakua Coast. *I* would do the horseback ride within Waipio Valley, but you may not have time. Drive up to Waimea to experience the eerie change from 'wet side' to 'dry side'. Interesting little ranch town.
We discourage visitors from trying to do VNP from the Kohala Coast on a daytrip, but you can do the *reverse* one day. I wouldn't go as far south as Captain Cook, and IMO Kona Town is a total waste, but you could poke around Hawi and the peninsula and go back to Hilo-side.
We discourage visitors from trying to do VNP from the Kohala Coast on a daytrip, but you can do the *reverse* one day. I wouldn't go as far south as Captain Cook, and IMO Kona Town is a total waste, but you could poke around Hawi and the peninsula and go back to Hilo-side.
Sep 16th, 2012, 02:45 PM
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks Sue! You make some helpful points. We do want to see the Waipio Valley and would even like to do the 2 1/2 horseback ride there! thanks for reaffirming that idea.
Right now we are thinking of flyig into Kona by 11:30 drive up the Holala Coast and stay the first 2 nights in Waiimea. Then the next 2 night in Hilo area to do Waipio, Hamakua Coast and Volcano. Will not attempt Mauna Kea.
Right now we are thinking of flyig into Kona by 11:30 drive up the Holala Coast and stay the first 2 nights in Waiimea. Then the next 2 night in Hilo area to do Waipio, Hamakua Coast and Volcano. Will not attempt Mauna Kea.
Sep 16th, 2012, 05:11 PM
#7
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 11,375
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From VNP to Kona side (or in reverse) - driving along the south end of the Big Island - is a beautiful drive - but you might be better served flying into Hilo and staying there for a couple days - and maybe your last night up at Volcano Village, whatever.
From Hilo - or more specifically - from the airport - it's only about 20? minutes up the hill to the VNP.
The drive north of Hilo - toward and beyond Akaka Falls - also a must-see IMO - is green/lush - sort of like going to the North Shore of Kauai - or like when you get closer to Hana on Maui. If you get to Waimea town (either from flying into Kona and driving north - which is a fine plan) - and still have some wonderlust for great scenery - take the road from there up to the very north end at Hawi - and be sure at least going one way - you take the road that cuts through the trees/has a great view of the coast, etc.
Forget the name at the moment - but if you google away - you will find it - and also get some good maps, which normally - you can get in the tourist mags at the airport.
From Waimea down to Hilo does not actually take thaqt long - and while I can't remember specificaly - don't think it's much more than an hour? It's also a fairly straight road.
Here is a chart with distance and suggersted driving times for BI - but normally I make better time than what they suggest.
http://www.hiloagent.com/mileage.htm
From Hilo - or more specifically - from the airport - it's only about 20? minutes up the hill to the VNP.
The drive north of Hilo - toward and beyond Akaka Falls - also a must-see IMO - is green/lush - sort of like going to the North Shore of Kauai - or like when you get closer to Hana on Maui. If you get to Waimea town (either from flying into Kona and driving north - which is a fine plan) - and still have some wonderlust for great scenery - take the road from there up to the very north end at Hawi - and be sure at least going one way - you take the road that cuts through the trees/has a great view of the coast, etc.
Forget the name at the moment - but if you google away - you will find it - and also get some good maps, which normally - you can get in the tourist mags at the airport.
From Waimea down to Hilo does not actually take thaqt long - and while I can't remember specificaly - don't think it's much more than an hour? It's also a fairly straight road.
Here is a chart with distance and suggersted driving times for BI - but normally I make better time than what they suggest.
http://www.hiloagent.com/mileage.htm
Sep 17th, 2012, 10:47 AM
#11
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 465
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I definitely do love tastings on the Kona Coffee Belt, there is no other place to taste kona coffee right where it's grown. I think it'll be a good idea to stay on the west side of the island for 1-2 nights before making your way to VNP and Hilo for the rest.
Maybe a good place is the Sheraton Keauhou Resort? It's a bit further south of Kona and close to the coffee belt. It's not fronting a beach, but has a beautiful view, and you can check out the manta rays at night. Most rates I've seen have been well below the 200 range per night.
Up north on the Kohala coast, it's definitely beautiful, but it's a bit ritzier, with high-end shops in Waikoloa Beach Resort and Mauna Kea/Lani resorts. I don't think it's a must-do especially since you've been to Maui and Kauai at this point.
I do think there are some great restaurants on this side of the island though, especially real local places like Hawaiian Style Cafe in Waimea, Teshima's and Manago near Captain cook, and Sam Choy's new place in Keauhou. Since you'll be coming from all the other islands already you'll most likely have been to Sansei, Roy's and maybe Merriman's - but know they have outposts here too. (actually the original Merriman's is in Waimea).
Enjoy! Let us know what you decide.
Maybe a good place is the Sheraton Keauhou Resort? It's a bit further south of Kona and close to the coffee belt. It's not fronting a beach, but has a beautiful view, and you can check out the manta rays at night. Most rates I've seen have been well below the 200 range per night.
Up north on the Kohala coast, it's definitely beautiful, but it's a bit ritzier, with high-end shops in Waikoloa Beach Resort and Mauna Kea/Lani resorts. I don't think it's a must-do especially since you've been to Maui and Kauai at this point.
I do think there are some great restaurants on this side of the island though, especially real local places like Hawaiian Style Cafe in Waimea, Teshima's and Manago near Captain cook, and Sam Choy's new place in Keauhou. Since you'll be coming from all the other islands already you'll most likely have been to Sansei, Roy's and maybe Merriman's - but know they have outposts here too. (actually the original Merriman's is in Waimea).
Enjoy! Let us know what you decide.
Sep 17th, 2012, 01:59 PM
#12
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 490
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Having spent about two weeks on the BI this summer and splitting time between Hilo and Kohala, I agree with everything ChiCue has posted. In and out of ITO, Hilo, VNP, no Waimea, horseback riding if that is your thing, etc. I think her advice is spot on gtiven your time limits. I might add star gazing.
Sep 17th, 2012, 04:41 PM
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Tomsd
"If you get to Waimea town (either from flying into Kona and driving north - which is a fine plan) - and still have some wonderlust for great scenery - take the road from there up to the very north end at Hawi - and be sure at least going one way - you take the road that cuts through the trees/has a great view of the coast, etc."
That is a great idea to do the "loop" drive to Hawi. I have a Frommer guide book and a simple map of the BI and will get a better map before the trip for driving. Thanks for the driving chart.
Songdoc - Is the Kauai Coffee Plantation in the North shore or in the south?
tifa2276
Thanks for the tip that there is a Merriman's in Waimea! Looks like IF WE DO DO Waimea, it will only be 1 night and not 2. Just staying in Hilo does sound simpler.
One last question:
Of Maui, Kauai, and BI which is better for a LUAU?
"If you get to Waimea town (either from flying into Kona and driving north - which is a fine plan) - and still have some wonderlust for great scenery - take the road from there up to the very north end at Hawi - and be sure at least going one way - you take the road that cuts through the trees/has a great view of the coast, etc."
That is a great idea to do the "loop" drive to Hawi. I have a Frommer guide book and a simple map of the BI and will get a better map before the trip for driving. Thanks for the driving chart.
Songdoc - Is the Kauai Coffee Plantation in the North shore or in the south?
tifa2276
Thanks for the tip that there is a Merriman's in Waimea! Looks like IF WE DO DO Waimea, it will only be 1 night and not 2. Just staying in Hilo does sound simpler.
One last question:
Of Maui, Kauai, and BI which is better for a LUAU?
Sep 17th, 2012, 04:51 PM
#14
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 11,375
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There used to be a fairly authentic Luau at the Hanalei Colony Resort - out past Hanalei about 4? miles - once owned by Charo. We spent the 2nd week of our Honeymoon here - and loved it. And hey - met Charo too. Very guci guci.
http://www.hcr.com/restaurant/luau-menu
If you can't make that one - there are others on Kauai (and also Maui) - and you might also check out the local events for Kauai, Maui and for BI for Waimea and Hilo - as if a Church or local group is having a Luau - those can be the best (and least expensive).
http://www.hcr.com/restaurant/luau-menu
If you can't make that one - there are others on Kauai (and also Maui) - and you might also check out the local events for Kauai, Maui and for BI for Waimea and Hilo - as if a Church or local group is having a Luau - those can be the best (and least expensive).
Sep 18th, 2012, 08:22 AM
#15
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 819
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Old Lahaina Luau on Maui. Make your reservations online. Early reservations = Best seating. Another good option is Feast At Lele -- also in Lahaina. This has a more gourmet menu. Read up on both.
If you'll be Maui on a Wednesday, see if Willie K is performing at Mulligan's on the Blue in Wailea.
If you'll be Maui on a Wednesday, see if Willie K is performing at Mulligan's on the Blue in Wailea.
Sep 18th, 2012, 11:15 AM
#16
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In Hilo area there is a very nice botanical garden, a free zoo and go south to Puna to the warm water bath. It's like a pool heated by volcano water and ocean water. For your junk food fix, make sure you hit Tex drive in at Honoka'a for Malasadas, a portugese donut that comes hot off the conveyer belt out of the fryer ala Krispy Kreme, but much better! We did the wagon ride in Waipio and it was ok but not spectacular. We got a misty day and there isn't that much to see.
Sep 18th, 2012, 05:09 PM
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Great suggestions from all. Will look for the Puna baths! The Portugese donuts sound marvelous, but I must be gluten free - no wheat! Makes travelling a bit of a challenge.
Have heard of the Lahaina luau . Nice to know there is also one on the north shore of Kauai -
(we arrive on a Tuesday) in Princeville at Sealodge so that would work also.
But the best suggestion is to find a local one - at a church for instance - but doubt there will be one when we are there because it will be LENT.
I am getting a good "feel" on the trip. Thanks.
Have heard of the Lahaina luau . Nice to know there is also one on the north shore of Kauai -
(we arrive on a Tuesday) in Princeville at Sealodge so that would work also.
But the best suggestion is to find a local one - at a church for instance - but doubt there will be one when we are there because it will be LENT.
I am getting a good "feel" on the trip. Thanks.
Sep 19th, 2012, 10:48 AM
#18
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Nannibray: did you mention above that you love kona coffee? I am nuts about kona coffee and the best I've ever had was on an organic farm on the kona coast of the big island. It's in my trip report which you can find if you click on my name. Loved it so much I'm going to mail order some more from them! They have2 different tyes of roasting machines and you can taste coffee made from both styles. Also regarding luaus. My husband and I thought The Feast at Lele in Maui was better than a luau. It has dancing and gourmet food served to your table on a setting by the sea. It was better than the luau we saw in Kauai.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Sep 20th, 2012, 11:27 AM
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mesissa - We do love coffee. Would like to do a Kona tour - would the place you went be on the Kona coast, south of Kona near Captain Cook?? I will check out yout trip report.
will look at the feast at LELE.
will look at the feast at LELE.
Sep 22nd, 2012, 02:35 PM
#20
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
nannibray: The Kona coffee plantation where we stopped and I tasted and bought my favorite Kona coffee in the entire world was up in the hills on the road that goes just above the coast. Since I rarely clean my desk, guess what...I just found the brochure for my favorite Kona coffee on my desk under a pile! I've been planning to order some coffee from them because although I can find Kona here in California, it's never as fantastic as the stuff I bought in Hawaii on the Big Island. So here is the info:
Holualoa Kona Coffee Company (Kona Le'a Plantation, Holualoa, Hawaii) 77-6261 Mamalahoa Highway, Holualoa, Hawaii 96725
The specific package that I bought is their Coffee Shack Roast, 100% Kona dark-roast, whole bean. It's organic. Thanks to your reminder I'm going to order myself some right now! I've been craving it. Ah, sweet memories of the Big Island...Enjoy!
Holualoa Kona Coffee Company (Kona Le'a Plantation, Holualoa, Hawaii) 77-6261 Mamalahoa Highway, Holualoa, Hawaii 96725
The specific package that I bought is their Coffee Shack Roast, 100% Kona dark-roast, whole bean. It's organic. Thanks to your reminder I'm going to order myself some right now! I've been craving it. Ah, sweet memories of the Big Island...Enjoy!
