Makapu'u was GREAT when I first went to Hawaii to live in 1965 and it is STILL great today.

If you decide to go to the island of Hawaii (aka the Big Island)--IMO the area around Kealakekua Bay in south Kona would have what you want. The snorkeling in the bay is very good and it is a nice place to kayak. At the south end of the bay is Ke'ei Beach which often has a very good surf break. Snorkeling is also quite good between Ke'ei Beach northward towards the bay. My DH says the coral is gorgeous. Snorkeling is also good at Honaunau Bay (by Pu'uhonua o Honaunau (Place of Refuge)just south of Kealakekua Bay (aka Two Step). There is a very good supermarket (Choice Mart) up on highway 11 that would have everything you would need.

DH is a golfer and he likes the Makalei and Kona Country Club courses--relatively inexpensive for Hawaii. http://www.makalei.com/index.htm http://www.konagolf.com/

We go to south Kona twice a year and have stayed at this house several times. Photos really don't do it justice. It is a lovely, peaceful estate with wonderful caretakers. It is not ocean front but is only about a 10 minute drive from Kealakekua Bay.

http://www.vrbo.com/298438

Here are some other VRBO listings either in Napoopoo Village on the bay or just south of there. Haven't stayed at any of them.
http://www.vrbo.com/53528
http://www.vrbo.com/243074
http://www.vrbo.com/35438
http://www.vrbo.com/44011
http://www.vrbo.com/373545
http://www.vrbo.com/37479

If you'd like to explore the other side of the island we have often stayed at Lagoon House in the Puna district. www.lagoonhouse.com It has a warm snorkeling lagoon behind the house and it about 20 minutes from Hilo and 45 minutes from Volcano—if you want to check out Volcano National Park to see what Madame Pele is up to.

Kauai has great hiking also as well as at least 3 rivers to kayak on, although you do have to go with a guide on the Hualia (spelled that wrong) as you go through some private land. Kauai is the only island that has navigable rivers. That time of year you would want to stay south, Poipu has a lot of condos and nice house rentals. But be sure to visit the North Shore one day at least, beautiful beaches but the surf may be up. Can still watch the surfers though unless the lifeguards close the beach.

Our favorite is the Garden Island - aka Kauai - and the Big Island is 1-A with us, but as I have said before - we love them all - and they all are beautiful and offer something special.

We took a wonderful kayak trip (4 hours) ocean kayaking out of Kailua beach on Oahu. I love that area, and if I were to rent for any length of time, that's where I'd go (the north shore is great too, but the surf is too high for swimming in winter).

Thank you all for your replies - this forum is so great for picking up expert and lovely ideas. Martym - I love all the homes you posted - you are spot on with location. The coffee planatation looks absolutely wonderful but I also love some of the waterfront locations ? being able to walk to some of the local cafes would be an advantage. I will show my husband the golf courses - the views look so lovely I may even go with him for the walk! I saw on one of the sites they have placed temporary restrictions on Kayaking in Kealakekua Bay from 1st Jan this year ? whether this will continue - do you know if there are other places that allow kayaking close by? I have not rented through VRBO before but did book most of our accommodation online for a European trip 2 years ago - everything worked out as planned even the 14th century building with a caretaker named Igor! I am going through the same feelings of uncertainty this time but I am sure if I research well all will be ok.
Thankyou also to jamie99,Tomsd and sf7307 - Kauai does look good and the suggestion of Kailua beach looks good as well- I am now torn between Kaui and Maui as our 3rd Island - I think doing all 4 Islands would be too busy and not allow enough 'down time'. Maui also looks like it has some great kayaking expeditions around Molokai - that area intrigues me a bit as well.I will look into it a bit more and then perhaps go for the family vote.
The next thing would be working out order of Islands and where to spend Xmas. I think from Australia our only option is to fly into and out of Honolulu ? we spend around 6-8 days there early Dec then fly out to the islands. Is there any order we should do this -thinking of accom expense around xmas and possible overcrowding in some places more than others + travel convenience? Thank you again should you have a moment to reply.

First of all, here is the web site for a good kayak rental outfit in south Kona. http://www.konaboys.com/kayak/ It appears the moratorium on kayaking in the bay is supposed to last for a couple of months--so if that is true--there should be no problem by the time you get there. Plus the Kona Boys have other areas where you can go and kayak.

As far as being able to walk to restaurants--well, Napoopoo (the village on Kealakekua Bay) has no restaurants. There is one restaurant on Napoopoo Road about a 5 minute drive from Napoopoo which has great fish sandwiches and a kim chee burger TDF. All other restaurants are on the highway and unless you can find a lodging on the highway close to one of the little south Kona towns--you will need to drive.

The advantage to staying in Napoopoo is that it is right on the bay for swimming and snorkeling--the disadvantage is that it can get crowded and noisy especially on weekends (depending on how close your house is to the main (only) road and that it is a about a 5 mile drive up Napoopoo Road to get to the highway.

The houses located on the bay in the area south of Napoopoo would be quieter and more secluded--but still the drive up.

The estate (Maka Nui) is about 5 minutes from the highway (restaurants, grocery store, the rest of the island)and is very private i.e. quiet.

Now if it sounds as if we don't like staying on the ocean that is not true. We'll be staying there for two weeks begining Feb. 21 (can't wait). I just wanted to make you aware of the logistics of the area.

Here is another very good website of all things Kona http://www.konaweb.com/

Here is a good website showing the area--http://mapcarta.com/24043946 you can zoom in and out to see the relationship between the area and the rest of the island.

If you decide on Maui as the third island you can get non stop flights (I checked Hawaiian Airlines) from Honolulu to Kahului(Maui) and from Kahului to Kona and from Kona back to Honolulu. If Kauai is your choice, flights to/from Lihue (Kauai) and Kona all go through Honolulu. Though changing planes at the interisland terminal in Honolulu is no problem.

BTW - IMO - you were fortunate to take that fabled cruise. Years ago - when I worked for a civilian branch of the US Navy - at the Port of Oakland in the SF Bay area - many of the old timers used to wax nostalgic about the days when Matson lines had cruises to and around the Islands. Think another famous ship was the Matsonia.

And my boss (a retired Coast Guard Captain who was "double dipping" with the Military Sealift Command, Pacific - where we had civilian mariners) - had been stationed on Kauai for 3 years right after WWII - and also did a 2nd tour stationed on Oahu during the 50's. When they lived at Poipu Beach - there were only a few houses down there.

He truly loved the islands and everthing associated with them, and one time - while on Oahu - came home during the day and his 4 year old son (who is now a Doctor living up by Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Oahu) - was speaking pidgin with the maid.

I learned more about Hawaii from him than I ever imagined - and it served me well during my many trips there - some of which were even for business.

And we have even enjoyed staying at the son and his wife's guest house up on the North Shore - literally on the edge of Waimea Bay - where the huge surf rolls in during the winter.
Their kids (the grandkids of my boss) - grew up on the North Shore - and their very cute/blond daughter used to dance in hula competitions and also for a local - very popular Hawaiian band. The other daughter became a Vet and their two sons also still live in Hawaii.

I think the outer islands may be less busy at Xmas - but just google and google and google away. I would wind up at wherever you get the best beachfront type accommodation where you can spend the last few days kicking back before returning to Oz.

We enjoyed a couple of days on Molokai and also I spent a day on Lanai looking at property. Think they may also have some kayaking opportunities on Lanai.

While we love Kauai - the advantage of Maui is it's easier to get to Lanai (by ferry from Lahaina) - and also to Molokai?

Hey - while some people say spend a week on each Island - Kauai (the "Garden island" ) is only a 20 minute flight from the smaller/easy to navigate inter-island airport (next door to the huge International airport) - and then you could fly from Kauai over to Maui/Big Island.

Even a couple days would be great to appreciate Kauai's beauty, and it's a relatively small island.

You could drive to the incredibly beautiful Bali Hai view/North Shore one day (assuming you stayed down in sunnier Poipu during Dec) - and then also over to the what Mark Twain called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" - Waimea Canyon. Both drives are more or less an hour from Poipu - assuming you don't get caught in "rush hour" traffic in Kapaa - but there is a "detour".

If you haven't seen the 1958 Academy Award winning movie - a Rogers and Hammerstein WWII musical (with some of the story about the heroic/Auzzie island watchers - even though the main star is French) - check out South Pacific http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0052225/

It might encourage at least a short jaunt to Kauai - as might the more recent George Clooney movie - The Descendants.

Parts of Jurassic Park were also filmed on Kauai - as was part of the ole Elvis Presley "classic" - Blue Hawaii. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054692/ and for some pics: http://tinyurl.com/czaq58s

Kealakakua Bay has been closed to snorkeling.

No kayaking is allowed (commercial or private) to protect the resting area for the dolphins.

No commercial tour operators of any sort are allowed in. This includes snorkel tour.s

I meant to say Kealakakua Bay has been closed to kayaking and commercial snorkeling.

For car rental, I used discounthawaiicarrental.com

Book your cars when you book your flights, as they can and do run out, read about a guy on another forum who had to rent a U-Haul during the Christmas season cause he waited too long to book. Just keep checking the prices and if they go down, cancel and rebook. Or you might try traveljigsaw.com.au, they will include all the necessary insurance you will need.

As far as the order to visit in, from what I understand most flights to Australia leave from HNL pretty early so I would do Oahu last. Also if you want to do any shopping (most Aussies seem to want to take advantage of the good pricing vs their pricing at home), by leaving Oahu for last, you do not have to lug all your purchases around with you.

Have a great trip!

I've got a couple of original Matson Line cruise brochures, from my DH's aunt (who has been gone since mid-80s) who was a single woman, school teacher, and she travelled the world! Ah, Hawaii would have been something very special at that time!

What about splitting your time on the big island? Both 'sides' have their advantages, Kona Coast and Hilo area.

You guys are so amazing and generous with your time thank you again- I now have some serious homework to do and google, google away I will do! + My copy of Hawaii for D's has just arrived in the mail. (Not that I am what that word suggests - but the more info the better in my mind!)
Martym that mapcarta map certainly is an eye opener to positioning of properties and a greater understanding of the trek to the water and golf courses..wow ......that will put a smile on my husband's face - my daughter is a little risk adverse and possibly would enjoy the higher location anyway - we will see what some more research will uncover but I am 'starting' to get a grip on it all.I hope to get it sorted in the next few weeks as I am sure bookings will be harder to get the longer I leave it for that time of year. Would love to hear all about your next trip when you return so will keep an eye out for that trip report.
I really know our aim has to be to try and have only a few home base stays as we were so on the go with our European trip - this time we all feel determined to go slow - such a temptation to want to see it all though! I may change my mind completely the more I read and it is good to hear your points of view as it seems quite manageable. Maybe a quick short stay at Kaui will be ok - I did love all the beautiful scenery in The Descendants...but then there is Molokai and Lanai ...it all looks beautiful - this is where it is so hard making decisions!
Is Oahu still open for business between Xmas and New Year ie after boxing day? Accommodation will be crazy expensive their at that time I am sure and ? getting 2 bedroom min will be hard.
Thanks also jamie99 with the info on the cars - that was one of my next questions - I may be lazy there and get the travel agents to organize it with our flights to ensure we get the right insurance and to double ensure the car is arranged properly.
Not sure what we can drive to from Kona Coast yet ie can you get to Hilo area for a day trip - haven't done that reading/research yet - still have a bit to do!
Thanks for all the nostalgia Tomsd - I will have to talk to my 87 yo mum and see if she can jolt my memory more. I remember passing through Pago Pago and the mail boat from Tin Can Island (- I am sure I kept the postcard I posted myself somewhere!)It is lovely you have so many family connections to keep bringing you back to such a beautiful place.Anyway I found this youtube video of the Mariposa in 1969 around 3 years before I went on a similar trip to LA with my family (whilst dad was on Sabbatical leave for 12 months from UQ) and then back to Australia on the SS Galileo ?1973. http://www.youtube.com/watchv=H2o9kSrirlU&list=PL0284ECEEAD1F71FD&index=5 or http://whiteships.com/ you may enjoy.

loum: Great info on the fabled White Ships/Matson lines (the 2nd cite - couldn't get the first one to open) and the names of the two other ships - the Lurline and the Monterey. Thanks for that - and we (MSC PAC) used to even book some cargo on those ships while they were cruising around the islands.

If it were moi - assuming you fly into Oahu - I would spend a couple/three days there/Waikiki - and maybe a couple of days/nights on the North Shore (or drive around the island one day) - and then pop over to Kauai for a short/exploratory visit - and then spend a week or so each on Maui and Big Island - and perhaps fly back to Oahu the night before your flight home.

And you can drive around the Big Island in one day (have done it 3 times and loved each one) - even though it makes for an all-day drive. You could leave early from Kona side - drive to the Volcano (figure 3 hours + if you are enjoying the drive - which will be slower in places) and enjoy the visitor's center, driving around the Volcano - have lunch, etc.

From Volcano drive down into Hilo (35-45 minutes) and north to stop at Akaka Falls (another half hour).

From Akaka Falls - the road is fairly straight (but a beautiful ride though the scenic green/east side of Big Island) up to Waimea town (another hour?) - and maybe have dinner there - and from there back down the Kona side, another hour or so.

This map has small print - but gives you a general idea of driving times. http://www.gohawaii.com/resources/pdf/bigisland-drive-map.pdf

And here are some pics of Big Islnd taken by a professional photographer from my home town of Klamath Falls, Oregon. They have been spending some time there the past week or two?

https://www.facebook.com/larryturnerphotography

And here's one of the "little" Volcano - Kileua Iki - a mile? or so from the Visitor's Center. We hiked it during our honeymoon in '86. You walk through a rain forest/botanical garden to get to it - and then on down into the small cauldron - and back up and out the other side.

https://www.facebook.com/larryturnerphotography#!/photo.php?fbid=4409661073371&set=a.3259503120141.2128366.1044034095&type=1&theater

Forgot to mention. Larry's sister lives in Puna? - by Hilo - and they are having a great time visiting the Big Island. One could spend a month there and still not see it all.

And it's named the Big Island - because you could take all the other inhabited Hawaiian islands and fit them onto the Big Island and still have room left over.

My late Mom had a job lined up one summer as a ship's librarian on the Lurline (Grandpa knew the Matson line president) but a small event known as Pearl Harbor took place before summer. My mother never forgave the Japanese.

Great Photos Tomsd - one day I will try to learn how to do that!
I like your travel plan idea idea -may work - might even leave 5-6 nights Kaui as our last stop over xmas before extra 1 - 2 nights Oahu to do last minute shop before home.There seem to be lots of reasonably priced condos in Poipu. Trip keeps getting longer but with public holidays it may all be ok (currently looks like around 32 days) Love the looks of Poipu especially if the weather is fine - I wonder does the surf get much bigger there as well in winter?
jamie99 - amazing all the connections to the Matson Lines - obviously lots of memories there for a few people.

Hey - like your idea of maybe stretching it out if you have the time, and visiting the most beautiful island last.

In the winter - the southern facing beaches get the smaller surf - which reverses in the summer when the north shores are usually flat. Should be at least a couple of good days - low surf - if you are there for say 5 days/nights - and that gives you time to pick clear days to travel to the North Shore/Bali Hai view - and also visit Waimea Canyon.

You might even consider a catamaran tour up the gorgeous Na Pali coast - out of Port Allen - if you have time. We saw dolphins (or porpoises - get them mixed up), turtles, went scuba diving (although you can choose to snorkel) - and had a great time.

Think we took Captain Andy's. http://www.napali.com/

Tomsd is spot on, always ask the lifeguards about the sea conditions, there are lifeguards at Poipu Beach State Park and also at Salt Pond Beach on the west shore, both are usually pretty calm that time of year for swimming.

Find out what channel in your condo the Weather Channel is on, at 5 minutes before the hour, they have local weather for Hawaii including temperatures in different towns, surf conditions and five day forecast.

It also helps to have some fins on if you are swimming/snorkeling - to give you a little extra kick.

They have different styles of fins - and some are also great for helping catch waves while body surfing. We used to call those "Duck fins" - but not sure about the current/local lingo.

Thanks Tomsd and Jamie99 - yep we also watch the surf conditions and follow the lifeguard instructions pretty closely back home and will be very weary of different conditions to what we experience here. Hopefully we will find at least a little bit of rolling surf for my 16/17yo boy for body boarding - he may even bring his body board and fins with him - if we can get the right sort of travel bag for it (he has a good board and I imagine they could damage pretty easily in transit)As he is 6ft 2" with size 13 feet - it may be better to bring his own! They are a bit of a weight though. He pretty well will enjoy any activity - loves the freedom of going for a run / anything that maintains his fitness for Rugby. He will even do the golf thing as well and the kayaking appeals to us all as long as conditions aren't too rough.
My daughter also asked about bike riding any thoughts welcome - she is not quite as adventurous/athletic but would enjoy it to explore some places.
The Na Pali Catamaran trip looks lovely - that will be on my wish list! (I am the only one who really enjoys snorkelling)The others will enjoy being out on the water I am sure.
So I think (still flexible we are now looking at 6 days Oahu,10 Big Island,8 Maui,6 Kaui and the 2 Oahu before trip home - a bit more moving around than I wanted but at least I can start looking at airfares(rang the TA this am), car hire and then book our Xmas stopover...its really happening now!.....
Thanks so much to all for your continued help!

Like your prospective schedule.

Also - does your tall son play upfront - in one of the scrum lines?

When I went to UC Hastings/San Francisco law school - early/mid 70's - we had a good club/Rugby team - and they always wanted me to play scrum half - which they said was my natural position as I played QB on the flag football teams.

Always partied hearty with the lads - but with softball in the spring - not to mention of all things - studying - and my favorite winter sport - snow skiing - I never got on the ole "pitch" that much - but loved the spirit and camaraderie - and of course - singing the songs afterwards while having a few brews.

But dang - there was a visiting club team from Australia - college club - who just thoroughly dominated one of the best sides in the Bay Area - the Old Blues/U California Bears - and your lads were thoroughly outmatched physically - but with their superior technique - won the match.

Anywho - Hawaii I would think has plenty of rental equipment - so you might google and google away for that - as bringing it all the way from Australia might not only be expensive - but a wee bit of a task.

Up to 2 years ago he had always played front row (since he was 4 years old)tight head/loose head prop as he was always stocky and solid ....last year he went from that to tall and skinny but really fit and strong - he still played at front row as you're right there if they know the technique they can manage any size no matter how much padding they use but he is possibly more suited to 2nd row now. Their season doesn't start until 3rd term(Sept/Oct)he is into cricket at the moment - loves basketball but that conflicts with Rugby season so has to just shoot the hoops at the local park. His Dad was a Prop as well(the smarter ones than the backs....that's what they joke with anyway!) and played A grade hence I didn't get a chance when I suggested soccer!
His dream is to play in the first 15 in his final year at school and I just want him to get to Hawaii in one piece!

...and Graduate!

Fooey - lost my post getting this page. Anyhow - if your flight is very early from Honolulu back to Australia - you might stay your last night at a hotel by the airport - and one of them is nicer than the others. see http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60982-d87017-Reviews-Airport_Honolulu_Hotel-Honolulu_Oahu_Hawaii.html

And LOL about your husband's comment - that Props are smarter than Backs? Never heard that - but don't the Backs get all the glory? Also hope your son makes the first 15, and impressed your husband played at a high level.

When the Aussie college side came up to play - in the 70's - the other team - Old Blues - from U Cal at Berkeley - had a big/muscular football player - an All-American lineman - who stood his Aussie opposite STRAIGHT UP in the scrum. The Cal guy's name was Swanson? and I will never forget seeing that.

However - the other lads on the Aussie scrum lines just sort of shuffled around - and dealt with it - and of course, they also had better skills at the other positions and won the match.

Also - while I played college baseball - never played cricket - until getting down to Antigua (which Lord Nelson used as a base for the English Fleet) - a few years ago. There was a cricket match/game? at the end of the week - and the two teams were friends - all from Manchester, England.

Well, I showed up - and a little kid and I were the last guys chosen - and while the match proceeded - he was nice enough to pitch to me over on the side (this resort was one place where the national/very good cricket Antigua team trained - so they have good batting cages as well as the small stadium) - and I started to get a little hang of how to handle the bat, time the bounce, etc.

Anyhow - at the end of the game, they finally put me in the game - and I went up and promptly tapped the sticks (wickets?) behind "home plate" with my bat - and one of the guys on the other team yelled in - He's out, or whatever is the call. (In baseball - we always tap the plate before batting. What did I know?)

My guys shouted back - he's just a Yank and he didn't know the rules - so they let me bat anyway. Well, I got a wee bit lucky (also - the bowler wasn't that good) - and hit a couple low/hot shots, which promoted another cry from the outfield. BLOODY RINGER!!

Then, somehow - I hit a Rounder? - a grand slam type home run (over the fence anyway) - which counted for six runs? - and we won the match. Afterwards - I didn't have to buy a beer as we celebrated for a couple of hours

Nice chaps all - and their wives and families watched the match as well. Geat stuff cricket.

If your son wants to rent a boogie board, they would have them at Nukumoi Surf Shop next to Brenneke's Restaurant (they also give discounts for tours and the restaurant to folks who rent from them), surf board rentals and other stuff like snorkel gear. Good boogie boarding usually at Brenneke Beach.

If your daughter wants to rent a bike to ride there is a very nice bike path on the East Shore, several places to rent bikes from, she can ride all the way up to Kealia Beach. They have extended the bike path and plan on future expansion.

<<<They have extended the bike path and plan on future expansion.>>>

How many miles can you ride now without having to go on-street?

BTW - for your time on Oahu - you might consider our friend's bungalow/guest house/old style - up on the North Shore - right on the edge of Waimea Bay - an incredible location - where the HUGE surf breaks. (When it's really up - Waimea can be up to 50 feet+ - once every 10? years or so).

The North Shore of Oahu is similiar to traveling to an outer island.

My mother in law was with us when we stayed there (it's a 2 BR with one bath and kitchen/living room, etc) and we loved it.

They have lived there for 30? years - and when he's not tending to surfers - he's Dr. and his wife is a nurse/office manager - he surfs himself and she boogie boards, as did their kids when they lived there.

If you want some local knowledge for Hawaii - they have it.

see: http://www.vrbo.com/44333 and http://www.vrbo.com/44333#photos

A bit bogged down with trying to sort out air fares at the moment...seems that to get the HA 330-200 we need to fly from Sydney otherwise stuck with direct HA from Brisvegas in one of the old 767-300. / Qantas also only older 767-300 from Sydney.
Would be keen for Prem Ecconomy seating but this is not an option on these flights,also to use points to upgrade means paying a rediculous amount for the upgradeable eccon fare.(which can't be guaranteed) Really need extra leg room for a number of tall bodies so only other option is to pay for exit row seats which cannot be confirmed until 24 hours before flight. Any other airlines anyone knows about flying from Oz to HNL?

jamie99 - thanks for all the info on the hire gear - that is so reassuring. I googled the bike paths - they look perfect for what we would enjoy.

sf7307 I think 10km/ 6 miles would be about enough - we enjoy riding for leisure and I personally would prefer to be able to walk comfortably the next day! The boys(DH,DS) would happily manage more I am sure!

Tomsd - Sounds like you are a bit of a sporting buff! I only know what I learn from the boys but can only imagine their reaction to you hitting the stumps!
As for The Rugby Union my son always tells me that whilst the 'very pretty' backs get all the glory its the forwards that come away from the game with the badge(s)of honour (black eyes and varying shades of blue and purple!) ...much to the horror of their mortified mums!
The guest house at Waimea Bay looks perfect damn shame it is not free for the time we would be there ( Early Dec/ NY)Oh well cannot book accom until we confirm flights so will keep researching.

Think we will be there for NY as well so 3 nights back in Waikiki at the end to shop and celebrate the NY - any hints of good places to stay and get a good view of fireworks?
Flight back to Oz is around 10am 1st Jan 14 currently.
Do you think we will need cars for the whole time we are on B.I. 10 days,Maui (8days), Kaui 6days? I understand I should book these asap - what sort of car would be appropriate? We would need enough room for 4 adults + luggage to get us from Airport. I see from info on other forums public transport is good in Waikiki so maybe a car just to get to Nth Shore etc would be all we need there.

I am so grateful for your continued help - thanks again

It appears from Hawaiian Airlines website - they fly Brisbane to Honolulu on 767's. Flights are not available every day of the week.

I would think you would want a car for the entire time you are on the Big Island, Maui and Kauai.

sf7307, not sure how long the bike path is now, been two years since I was last on Kauai (traded my timeshare for Hilton Head and Puerto Vallarta), hoping to get back this fall. Kind of tough living on Social Security and a small pension.

loumike, good luck on finding your airfare.

Think you should have a car while you are there for all the islands. Check out a monthly rental program - where you can pick it up from the same company on different islands.

I always use www.carrentals.com, to get qet a basic quote - and there are some other sites for also renting cars in Hawaii, such as the one jamie posted: discounthawaiicarrental.com

I skimmed the posts and didn't see the Big Island's Kohala Coast mentioned. Perhaps the best year round weather in Hawaii, and some of the nicest beaches too (several of which have good snorkeling). And golf courses. Rental rates are higher than in south Kona, but I think you could find a nice 2-3 bedroom condo in your budget that's within walking distance of a beach. Palm Villas in Mauna Lani Resort would be a good place to start looking.

http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/hawaii/big-island/kohala-coast/mauna-lani/palm-villas

Sharp eyes 22tango: Hsve mentioned on other posts that one of my favorite places is the venerable - Mauna Kea - with the hightest rated beach on the BI.

And why not - as Rockerfeller had his choice when he built it - the first destination resort on the Kohala Coast back in the 60's was it?

The Hapuna Prince next door also has a beautiful beach - but really - all of these newer resorts have nice beaches/amenities.

http://www.kohalacoastresorts.com/

The history of the Mauna Kea. http://www.princeresortshawaii.com/mauna-kea-beach-hotel/mauna-kea-hawaii-history.php

explanation on Feb 4, 13 at 8:01am
I meant to say Kealakakua Bay has been closed to kayaking and commercial snorkeling.

not true. The bay is closed to kayakers, boogie boarders, hikers etc. You can snorkel if you come by way of a commercial tour. The road at Napo'opo'o is closed at the entrance to the bay.

Thank you all - car info taken on board and I have added the Kohala Coast area to my reading list. Prices for condos look really reasonable. The palm villas look great...love being able to see the water from at least the lanai - not sure if it is possible here. ? surf around here safe in winter.You say here best year round weather on BI - I thought I had read it was better down South Kona way as this is where we were thinking of staying.
I love the resorts you mention Tomsd but they don't give that 2-3 bedroom option without ridiculous expense so think we are limited to VRBO type accom. My husband travels quite a bit and we try to avoid hotel type accom where we can as we all like our own space at times especially on a longer trip.

Enjoyed reading the history of the resort all the same. (We may stay in a nice resort over NY back in Waikiki)

Understand and we too usually try to get a condo unit. Much more comfortable and reasonable - and you can hang when you want/cook in, whatever.

For the Mauna Kea - was very lucky once - as around/above Mauna Kea are some gorgeous estate homes (and also condos).

A business associate (with waay deeper pockets than moi) - and myself stayed at at one of these homes when we were contemplating putting a group together to buy it as an investment when things were soft in Hawaii a number of years ago. The owners were out of NY and had owned it for some time - and were ready to sell - and it had been featured on the cover of Conde Naste.

You entered walking over a small bridge - which was over a beautiful Koi pond. Didn't buy it - but sure enjoyed staying a few days there - off the 5th hole of the golf course.

Call it an occasional perks of the real estate business.

As for weather - from south of Kona up to the Mauna Kea - I think is all pretty much the same - and no VOG concerns north of Kona town.

One can always dream - lovely to have those opportunities. I am very quickly coming to the conclusion that the people of Hawaii (and those that live close enough for regular visits)are so lucky to have so many beautiful locations to choose from - no wonder there are people counting down their next arrival from the day they leave!
Ok Tomsd - but now I am googling VOG - hadn't even thought of those sort of things! - 2 of us are prone to mild Asthma - more reactive / seasonal than all the time and may occur if already have a cold/cough. I imagine if we ensure preventatives are taken during this time we may avoid problems. Which areas are usually/likely to be a problem?

I think there has been some discussion in here under Hawaii/Kona on VOG - but I really don't know that much about it. I have been lucky not to experience it during my trips to the BI - but it supposedly blows from the Volcano area - around the south end - coming up toward the southern end of Kona. For more info - here is one page: http://www.konaweb.com/vog/index.shtml

there is not much VOG in Kona lately since the lava flow into the ocean is not much volume wise as it was 2-3 years ago. Depending on the winds, you might not even see the vog. I was over on the Kona side two weeks ago and the skies were clearer than I've seen them in years.

Great thanks Tomsd - something to think about anyway - maybe a reason to stay up north on Kahola coast rather than Kona.

Another reason to think about the Kohala Coast is that there really are no good beaches in Kona.

About the VOG - when it's present, prevailing winds put Kona directly in it's path. We experienced it, staying south of Kona last June, like a haze hanging over the mountainside. And an associate of mine who spends six weeks each winter on the south Kohala coast regularly sees it. At worse, it exacerbates respiratory problems for some; at best, it adds beautiful reds to sunset photographs. The further up the west coast, the less likely you'll see it.

Thanks matn and 22tango - good to have this information from your first hand experiences and we all do enjoy a good beach.Having the car means we can still go down Kona way for a visit if we decide to stay Kahola.

Here's a good website for information about vog
http://weather.hawaii.edu/vmap/index.cgi

Hi Martym - Thanks for the website it is really helpful and I am building up quite an online resource now. I also searched Vog on fodors and found some other great info from you and many others on a few of the posts - wouldn't it be great if Fodors had a "save to own trip" feature?
Still like the looks of Maka Nui - have you ever seen much VOG around there / know if it is an issue. Also the website says beautiful views of the ocean - the photos don't show this clearly but the reviews seem to rave about it. Can the views be seen clearly from the house as well?
You must be counting down the days now.....

Maka Nui looks really great. Suggest you keep monitoring the VOG up until a couple weeks before you depart - or whenver the cancellation deadline is. Guess it makes for good sunsets, sort of like the smog around LA used to.

During our the first week of our Honeymoon - back in '86 - we stayed "below" it - on the ocean at the Keauhou Surf and Racquet club - 4 miles down Ali drive from Kona town. http://www.alohacondos.com/bigisland/keauhou-kona-surf-and-racquet-club

There was a little lawn area in front - before the rocks above the ocean - and we loved watching a local Mongoose family play during the day. Like cats really, very quick and agile

They imported the Mongoose to deal with the rat population - but rats are nocturnal? and the Mongoose hangs out during the day. Who knew?

BTW - the last pic looks like the home has a spectacular - panamoric view of the ocean - from up on the hill of course.

And as they say - being up and to the south of Kona town - you are closer to the Volcano - 90 minutes - so you could use this as a base to go over there one day - and also - another day - travel up the west side - as far as Hawi if you chose.

22tango on Feb 8, 13 at 7:41pm
Another reason to think about the Kohala Coast is that there really are no good beaches in Kona.

One of the best snorkeling beaches on the west coast is Kahalu'u Beach Park just south of Kailua town. Also Honaunau Bay (two steps) is pretty spectacular.

loumike, we have stayed on the Maka Nui property 4 times now--twice in the cottage and twice in the large house. The views of the ocean, which are spectacular, are from the lanai which wraps the house on three sides. I spend lots of time on the lanai when we are there--it has the most comfortable day bed--great for reading and naps. We always have morning coffee there, watching the Kona coast wake up and waiting for the sun to crest Mauna Loa (we're early risers).

As to the vog, for me personally, it has always been a non-issue. We've been going to south Kona since 2000 and go twice a year now. The upcoming trip in two days will be our 21st. Vog has never interfered with anything DH and I have wanted to do and at worst, to me, looks like a little haze in the air when I look off in the distance.

BTW-if you are interested in Maka Nui in December the 8th through the 18th are the only days still open. Just something to keep in mind.

Thanks Martym good to have that info I am sure we will be fine too but reassuring to hear it from you all the same - it really does look like a perfect spot we also are early risers so will happily keep the tradition of morning coffee going! - I am trying desperately to confirm our itinerary so we can book asap, DH has to check a few things with work this week to ensure we can be away all that time -things are starting to book up quickly. I haven't contacted them yet but the website calendar still says it is free all of Dec up to 18th? you may have some inside info.....We may have to move things around to make it work if the dates are as you say. Fingers crossed. 2 Days until your trip is very close - Have a great time!

Tomsd - I'll have to watch out for the Mongoose - they sound like interesting little things! On Rottnest Island over W.Australia way they have similar sized creatures called Quokkas ( they are however marsupials and herbivore which is a little different) and they just hang around during the day and are considered mainly nocturnal. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quokka

LOL about the Quokkas. Will look them up.

When it comes to piecing together accommodations for a month or so - in 3 to 4 different places, I suggest you try to lock down what you think you like the best and then work around it.

And obviously check to see what the cancellation policies are where you want to go. This far out - I would hope they would not be that significant.

Seems to me that you are a point now where you could sort of go for it - and then tell hubby - hey Dear - let's try harder to make this happen for the family.

Above all - Hawaii is such a great place as even if you don't hit your "perfect" plan - your family will still have a blast wherever you stay.

As for snorkeling at Place of Refuge (Two Step) - we enjoyed it - but check out DebitM's posts - as she got caught in a tide up against the rocks or some such and had a heck of a time getting out.

Always inquire about local conditions - and then also - check the tide tables. And wear fins. Even then - nature can deal you a couple of bad hands in a row so the most important thing to remember is try not to panic and keep tabs of each other.

We were snorkeling off Sandy Beach once on the south shore of Oahu - and trying to get out beyond the break - (were going to do a little body surfing as the visibility wasn't that super) - and my wife - who is a better swimmer than moi (she swam competitively while growing up) - and has been in the ocean many times - caught a little wave/water in the snorkel and was a little unplussed for a couple of minutes. We chatted a bit and she was fine - but again, ole mother nature can surprise ye.

The other park recommended - Kahalu'u Beach Park and http://www.hale-hoola.com/Kahaluu-Beach-Park.htm http://tinyurl.com/an6jey2 - is pretty much surrounded by reefs - and has a lifeguard as I recall. It can also get busy with families - more on weekends? - so I would also ask about that.

Hey - the Quokkas are big. Them seem almost a cross between a Mongoose and a small Roo?

In general - the Mongoose is smaller. They have some at the San Diego Zoo too - and they can be characters. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mongoose

And have you ever seen the great story about - Rikki Tikki Tavi? A classic fairy tale for sure. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rikki-Tikki-Tavi

Check the vrbo site for the upstairs rental of the house http://www.vrbo.com/343436 - if the upstairs is rented, the house is not available.

Was reading the new/April edition of Surfing magazine this morning at the local grocery store - and it's dedicated to the North Shore of Hawaii.

Their website also has some great videos of surfers challenging the fabled Pipeline, their first memories of seeing the North Shore, etc. see: http://www.surfingmagazine.com/#

Hopefully there will be some big surf up while you are there.