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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

Since you'll have more time on Kauai you might want to do the Kauai Coffee Plantation. I LOVE their coffee and it's an interesting short tour. (Check to see when it's offered.)

I would fly in and out of ITO. I would not stay in Waimea. (What's the point?) Base in Hilo, although there are few good places there. (Shipman is one of the VERY FEW.)

Might you extend a night on Kauai and just do Hilo-side for three nights?

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.

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.

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?

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).

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

Mellissa,
Thanks for the Kona Coffee info. Is that the company where you can also take a tour?
We arrive at Kona airport about 11:50 so we could plan a tour that afternoon and then we will stay at the King ..??....Marriott Resort just south of Kona that night. May also have time to do some other touring in the area.

Where should we stay for 1 night en-route to Hilo where we spend the last 2 nights?
Was thinking about 1 night in Waimea but have gotten some negative input about Waimea?? Opinions? Is there a good place to stay in Honoka'a area?

You're NOT staying at the King Kamehameha are you? MUCH better options in the Kohala area NORTH of Kona Town. You don't need to stay *anywhere* enroute to Hilo. Just take the northern route via Waimea.

It's a fine hotel, that has been rebranded and renovated and is perfect for a night in order to visit a coffee plantation and Place of Refuge. New rugs, furniture, mattresses, bedding. Highly regarded for cleanliness. There are not MUCH better options in Kohala even close to that pricepoint for an ocean view.

Lookin_Glass -- I stand corrected! I was acting on old information. (Old lady ready to learn new tricks!)

Oh Chisue: The comments one could make.

Glad to hear the King Kam is alive and well refurbished - as it's a great central location for a couple of nights, and then I would head up the coast a bit. Mauna Kea is my favorite but there are about five other - very nice destination resorts up the coast.

"Oh Chisue: The comments one could make. "

What does that mean? What does the blushing smiley face mean? Are you talking in code?

Chisue, just trying to be a responsible poster. When giving travel advice it is often best to be informed before slamming a persons choice of lodging. I am sure nannibray, you will have a wonderful time. It is a great location that fits your needs for this trip. Perhaps after getting a taste of the island of Hawaii you will return and stay in other areas.

I personally, after the first night would head to Hilo on a slow driving tour. However, there are a couple of places around Hawi that might fit the bill. Take the ocean drive there and take the mountain drive back toward Wiamea the next day on your way to Hilo. Have dinner at Bamboo or sushi rock and take in this beautiful area. I stayed in a private cottage while there, but there are a few options to lay your head after a day of exploring. Not sure of the rates at this one. I drove by it while heading down the shore access road. Other one night options will likely be more rustic.

http://www.hawaiiislandretreat.com/

Thank you all. Glad to know that the King Kamehameha is newly renovated. Will do some reading about Hawi area. We also would like to do a horseback ride (2 1/2 hrs) in the Waipi'o valley. Would it make any difference (weather wise) if we scheduled a 9:30 departure verses the 1:00 ride)?

Nannibray - can't help you with the horseback riding but here are some of the coffee places we visited:

UCC Coffee - one of the most famous Japanese brands, and they give free very short and quick tours but must be scheduled through their website. you can pay for a pricier tour but it includes roasting a bag of your own coffee. Their tastings are served in real china cups and they have a fantastic kona coffee ice cream that you can get for free if you rip out their coupon in one of those touristy mags that are all over the place.

Kona Joe - pricey coffee, but enjoyed their free iced coffee and great views. Their tours are not free but it includes a souvenir mug.

Greenwell - great informative tours which are free. Tasting room is basically a little hut. But everyone enjoys themselves here, lots of coffee to sample.

Bayview - tours are free, some of the coffee is great, and some are ok.

There are lots of farms but some of them are closed to the public so you might want to double check and call ahead. Also the volcanic heated pool - it's called Ahalanui Park (aka Pu'ala'a County Park). It's fun but do not look in the water with snorkel gear. You might get a little grossed out (I was) but if I didn't know what was in the water, I'd probably be ok.

If you are gluten-free, you may want to try out Two Ladies Mochi in Hilo for some of their beautiful fresh mochi (japanese rice balls with sweet filling). Their specialty is fresh strawberries with a red bean paste wrapped in rice dough. A very lovely and unique dessert Call ahead as they kind of close randomly during the week but when they are open they sometimes sell out of stuff. Have a great trip!

King Kamehameha is now owned by the Marriott chain (Courtyard); they refurbished after the tsunami. (They ticked me off by not accepting my Marriott gift card for lunch, though!)

My only comment is why wait until the last night to go to VNP? What if there is bad weather and you can't see anything? Just thinking that you should make it a priority since it was the first (and presumably most important) thing you listed in your first post.

If it were me, I'd try to go there the first day and somehow plan your itinerary to give yourself another shot at visiting if the weather doesn't cooperate then. Probably will be fine but I always like to give myself 2 chances for a must-see item in case something comes up the first time.