alex

Just returned this morning from the Big Island. I will post a full trip report in the days to come but I wanted to report for those about to go that there were TONS of whales. Amazing, breathtaking, words cannot do justice!!!!!!!

Quick rundown:

Best meal: The CanoeHouse (Mauna Lani)

Best whale watching: Captain Dan McSweeney's. Not only did we see so many of these beautiful animals, we also found ourselves surrounded by literally hundreds of spinner dolphins, jumping and showing off for us.

Most important item I brought on my trip: Marmot waterproof windbreaker (I think the Kohala coast had all nine inches of its average annual rainfall the first day we arrived and just added from there - it's called the PreCip jacket - indispensible)

Wish I would have brought: Car adaptation kit for iPod or cd's - it really is a BIG island which means lots of driving and we did not care for any of the radio stations

So glad we: traded in our Jeep Wrangler for a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I used to have a Wrangler and we have always had convertibles but the weather was truly disagreeable with multiple road closures and high winds. Grand Cherokee definitely worth the extra money.

Despite the weather, had a great time, the beaches were to die for!!!! More later!

Kal

Alllohaaaa Al,
Welcome back.

Need TR and photos to keep us going for another 295 mo' days. We want to do a few days on Da BI, so TR awayyyyy!

We have seen soooooo many whales the past 2 trips over it's amazing.
And it's amazing how you never get tired or excited seeing them.

Come home to some different weather, yah?
Tha Kals

JohnD

Welcome back and would like to hear about any snorkeling info.

alex

Aloha!!!!

I'm working on my trip report as we speak and I hope to load the pictures by this weekend.

I am sorry though, I have no snorkeling information. I know it is strange but I just do not like snorkeling.

Now we are back here in cold Chicago but at least we are supposed to have a high of about 40 today so not too bad!

We have no trip in the works to Hawaii as we speak so I have to get moving and start planning the next one!!!! We just have to decide if we want to go back to an island we have been to or try a new one..... Hmmmmmmm.......

JohnD

What?!? No snorkeling info?
Guess will have go check it for ourselves, 12 mo' days!

How about a lava flow update

alex

Late last week, lava began to flow in an area accessible only by helicopter. They showed footage from a Blue Hawaiian helicopter tour on TV and it was completely amazing. By that time, we could not get onto one of their tours (I think once people heard lava was flowing, they were booked up immediately). I would keep an eye on the park website for lava flow updates and maybe call and reserve helicopter space now if the flow remains inaccessible by land. Our friends were there the week before and did I think the Mauna Ulu hike and saw no lava at all. We saw a lot of sulfer at Halema uma u.

Also, although I did not snorkel, the water at a lot of the recommended snorkeling spots was crystal clear. In front of the Mauna Lani is a very calm sort of protected area with extremely clear water. I would imagine the snorkeling would be excellent. Looking at fish swimming near me just kind of freaks me out. Oh, also, on our whale trip, at one point we were surrounded by spinner dolphins, and I mean completely surrounded. There had to have been 100 of them. You could see them swimming under the boat so again the water was very clear. There were people snorkeling off of boats in the inlet where the dolphins hang out in the morning and they must have had a great show of the dolphins playing and swimming under water. We sure did on the surface!

JohnD

Thanks for the very helpful update. I look forward to your report about which whalewatch you took and from where, and how roughamp; the ocean conditions were?

Kal

Silly me! I thought JD was asking about the cocktail Lava Flow.

JohnD

Kal L.O.L.!!!
Now that we're on the subject, perhaps someone might share where the best BI lava flow or other island ~o)concoctionis to be found?[-o<

Kal

JD,
As I always say "Rather a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy" tho some would argue I've had both.

I know where the best lava flows and mai tais are on Kauai but will have to undertake a new "fact finding mission" on BI this December.
Mahalocias, amigo!

JohnD

Reply to Kal, BTW, as my wife and I plan also to soon visit Kauai, have you revised your best findings from your last Fodors report in Y2K:~"THE BEST WE CAN FIND SO FAR IS A LITTLE HOTEL IN KAPAA, THE ISLANDER ON THE BEACH"& 2nd place=Amelia's??? Inquiring minds wanta know? >-

alex

I thought the best and strongest drinks were at Huggos-on-the-Rocks. One of them was called something like the Hawaiian Rainbow. It tasted great and nearly knocked me on my okole.

JohnD

Thanks Alex, The Hawaiiansounds interesting, is it served over a pot o' gold

alex

If you drink too many, you might think so!!! We also liked Lulu's which is across the street from Huggo's. The owners also own a bar here in Chicago and they fly a Cubs flag out in front.

Kal

"We'll always hyave Hugo's Frog Bar".

Chicago and Hawaii. 2 of my fave pances.

Man, I'm thristy! It has to be 5:00 somewhere!

alex

I'm buying next time you're here though!!!!

Kal

Hahahaha..DEAL!
Chicago marathon...Oct 10...you may be getting a phone call from Hugo's!

alex

I had better give you my cell number then so you can reach me in Malta. : )