Waikoloa or Kona?

Old Apr 30th, 2004, 12:34 PM
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Waikoloa or Kona?

Hi everyone,

My family (2 adults, 2 kids... ages 13 & 9) will be going to the Big Island in August, as part of a 4 island vacation. Since I have not been to the Big Island in many years, I can't decide which is best for us... Waikoloa or Kona. Last time (prior to kids) we stayed in Waikoloa (Shores at Waikoloa I believe), but that was before many of the large resorts that are now there. I want to be fairly near moderately priced eateries and shops that the kids will like (I've seen some posts that refer to the long trek to Kona for less expensive restaurants). I'm considering non-high end accomodations such as (1) the Kona by the Sea if we stay in Kona, and (2) either the Shores at Waikoloa, the Outrigger Fairway Villas (which share priviledges at the Waikoloa Marriott), or the Hapuna Beach Prince (which is higher end but still has good prices) if we stay up North. If there are good, moderatly priced, eatieries and shops in Waikoloa or close proximity areas (possibly Waimea/Kamuela... not sure how close that is however?), we'd consider staying up North... although we are planning to spend time south of Kona as well (snorkeling, etc.). Any recommendations on Kona vs. Waikoloa... or on the hotels/condos mentioned above?

Also, we will be flying out of Hilo (3 nights Kona area / 1 night Hilo) so I need another moderately priced accomodation on that side of the island. Here are my current thoughts: (Hilo) Dolphin Bay Hotel or Old Hawaiian Bed and Breakfast, or (Volcano area) Kilauea Lodge. Any recommendations here... or other recommendations for a family of 4?

Thanks for any assistance!!

Carole
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Old Apr 30th, 2004, 01:45 PM
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I stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa recently and loved it. That said, on my next trip, I think I will stay in South Kona, probably in a B&B. That way I'd be closer to the great snorkeling sites, more budget dining options, still close to Kona town, Place of Refuge, closer to South Point...
You can use Priceline for the Waikoloa resorts too, it seems that only Hapuna Prince and the Hilton accept bids.

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Old Apr 30th, 2004, 02:57 PM
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Carole, I'll take the easy question first. Kilauea Lodge is a great place. Nice rooms and really good food.

If you haven't been to the BI in many years, be prepared for Kona. It's crowded now. Very crowded. It even has a rush hour every weekday afternoon, and simply getting to it from Waikoloa can be a real pain. On our last trip we ran into bumper-to-bumper traffic coming back from Hapuna every day, from just south of the KOA airport all the way into town. In my opinion sitting in traffic is no way to spend a vacation.

So you need to figure out what you'll be doing and and seeing on the island, and make accomodations accordingly. If most of your sightseeing will be points north (Waikoloa, Akaka Falls etc) then definitely opt for a place in Waikoloa. (By the way, the Shores is still a great and quiet place, even with the increased number of resorts in the area.) But if you'll be heading south of Kona most of the time, staying in Kona is still ok. Traffic from the south is nothing like it is from the north. Kona By the Sea, Kona Makai and Kona Reef are my three favorite condos along Alii Dr, but like most condos, since they're individually owned you have to be a little careful -- quality of furnishings and upkeep vary widely.

If being oceanside is not a priority Waimea is a great alternative to either Waikoloa or Kona. It's about 20 minutes inland from Waikoloa, up in elevation about 3500 feet. So it's cooler and more comfortable most of the time. But even Waimea gets crowded in the afternoons, and they do get more rain than Waikoloa. If you want specific recommendations in and around Waimea let me know.

As for the Hapuna Beach Prince, it has nice rooms, wonderful grounds and is smack dab on the best white sand beach on the island. We've run into spotty service on occasion there, as well as more people than we'd like to see, but it's still a cut above the Shores or anything in Kona.
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Old Apr 30th, 2004, 03:10 PM
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I love the Kohala Coast, but with the kids, I would probably stay in Kona!
 
Old Apr 30th, 2004, 10:48 PM
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Thanks everyone! Looks like it's Kona by the Sea, and Kilauea Lodge for us!
Now to figure out the rest of the trip... looks like it's the Ilima on Oahu, the Mauian on Maui, and the Kauai Coast Resort and Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club (a few days at each... more variety for the kids) on Kauai. How do those sound? Also, will it be too hot to stay at the Mauian (no a/c) in mid to late August??
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Old May 1st, 2004, 03:49 AM
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I would not stay anywhere on Maui without air conditioning in mid- to late August! I love Kilauea Lodge.... superb digs! The others I have not stayed at.. Have a great time.
 
Old May 1st, 2004, 03:52 AM
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cawhite, I take that back........ regarding the a/c. There are places upcountry that I would stay without a/c, but not in the places I usually stay......
 
Old May 9th, 2004, 12:31 AM
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cawhite:
Kona...I agree
Hilo...Dolphin Bay..I stay there when I go to Hilo [which I perfer]. No a/c. but has ceiling fans. Has kitchens in each room. John Alexander[owner] will help you with, restaurants, sites, groceries.
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