We love the Caribbean but it's a real trek for us to get there from Arizona. Have a trip planned this fall to the Big Island of Hawaii. Wondering if any other Caribbean lovers have been to Hawaii and can recommend any hotels/resort (on any of the Hawaiian islands). In the Caribbean we've been to Young Island and Bitter End Yacht Club. The closest I can find in Hawaii is Kona Village Resort and that's where we're going this fall. Any other recommendations?

hey OrangeTC! We've been to the Carib lots too, even to Young Island. For our 25th anniv, we finally went to HI. Wow. When time permit more 2 week vacations, we'll definitely go back. Anyway, I know (I think) what you're looking for. Check out the Hotel Hana Maui. It's awesome, but very $$$. We stay mostly in villas now, so if you'd consider that, you'd flip over this villa in Hana:
www.hamoabay.com/

It only has a distant view of the ocean, but the home is truly garden of eden material!

We love the Carribbean, too. Getting there from the midwest is also difficult. We got married on Oahu and stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Beautiful swimming pool, next to no children, very exclusive feeling and great restaurants. We are going back to Hawaii again this year, but to Kauai and staying at the Hyatt. If we were going in the fall, we would have gone with the Princeville, but are opting for the southern part of the island as we are going in the winter. Did you check out Hawaii in the Fodor's U.S site?

Resorts on Hawaii at the high end seem to be far more refined than their carribean counterparts. The Big Island of Hawaii is far larger and more diverse than most carribean islands. To see most of it, I'd highly reccomend renting a car.

The resort I stayed in last visit was the Mauna Lani Resort. It clearly eclipsed any other resort I've stayed in the past. Service was impeccable, the atmosphere increadble, and no matter where I was, there was always a breeze.

I also Visited the Hilton at Waikaloa, which was more like "Disneyworld on Hawaii" complete with Monorail, Mediocre restauants, and no beach.

Kona is the major town on this side of the island. There is a Wal-mart, and a Costco in Kona. If you're looking for an Ultra-exclusive resort like Bitter End, or Young Island..Chances are it will not be directly in Kona.

We used to live on the west coast, so Hawaii was our favorite vacation destination. We have been to Oahu, Kaui, Hawaii and Maui. Our favorite is Kaui - less crowded, beautiful beaches, less of a touristy feel. Now that we live on the east coast, the Caribbean is our vacation destinatin. But I often think back on some wonderful times we've had on Kaui ...

we've been to many islands in the caribbean, but in no way do they compare to hawaii!.. we saved for a special trip for our 25th anniversary, and it was everything we had dreamed about, and more. we stayed on oahu, in the kahala mandarin oriental, on the other side of diamond head- so serene, incredible service- we took a bus to the "strip" and that was enough. then on to kauai- beautiful, but rough waters, stayed on poipu beach- great golfing, drove to hanalei bay- rode on a huge sea turtle. then on to maui- best b eaches of all- stayed at ritz carlton kapalua- a little disappointing, but the banyan tree restaurant is special. we're going back in october for the ironman triathlon- our first visit to the big island- we're staying at the mauna lani bay resort,and then on to maui again, this time to wailea, and the four seasons resort. we can't wait! just be prepared if you're going around columbus day, because the big island is overrun with triatholon participants, etc. so things can get pretty crowded, i hear.

our trip is planned for the end of sept/beg of october so hopefully, no crowds. will be writing a trip report and posting on the us forum if anyone is interested.

We took a 2 week vacation to the islands and loved the Big Island--so hawaiian and not as commercial. We stayed at the Ohana Keauhou Resort 3 miles from Kona. Absolutely loved it! You could hear the sounds of waves and birds and feel the balmy breezes. Beautiful grounds kept immaculate. Next door is a good snorkeling spot where my husband swam with giant sea turtles. You should enjoy Kona Village appears very polynesian. You will have to rent a car it's a very large island. Have a great trip!

In the Carribean, I have only been to the Bahamas so far (although we leave for our cruise in a week from today! We'll be hitting Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel). I can tell you, though, that Hawaii is absolute paradise and if I ever get back there, I swear I'm never leaving!!! I was ther for 10 days (2 in Oahu and the rest in Kaui). In Kaui, we stayed at the Sheraton Resort which was really nice. It is such a beautiful island! There are lots of hidden waterfalls, great snorkeling (Tunnels Beach) and the Napali coastline in breathtaking! We did the helicopter ride along the coastline (take motions sickness pills though). I would recommend Hawaii to anyone!!!!!!

I've been to St. Maarten, St. Thomas and the Bahamas, and I say no question- Hawaii is the best!!! We visit Hawaii at least 3 times a year, and have been to all the islands- Here are my recommendations:
Big Island- Kona Village Resort. It is so unique, and it is totally relaxing- very Hawaiian. No tv's, phones, etc... All inclusive- great food as well as water sports.
Four Seasons Hualalai- right next door to Kona Village. Beautiful property, and outdoor showers on ground floors.

Lanai- Manele Bay hotel. There are really only two hotels on this island, the other one is the Lodge at Koele.Manele is on the beach, and Koele up a bit among pine trees. Both lovely.

Maui- Four Seasons at Wailea. Great beach, and large rooms. Great is you have kids.
Fairmont Kea Lani- a few hotels down from Four Seasons. Suites. Nice pools- private one for adults as well. Wailea is the drier side of the island.

Oahu- sorry can't recommend. Last time I was there was 15 years ago. Heard Halekulali (sp?) was nice.
Any more questions? You will LOVE Kona Village- I'm jealous!!!

oops-
forgot Kauai-
Princeville Hotel- weather isn't as sunny on this side of island but hotel is great- very quiet.
Poipu side- Hyatt.

You are going at a good time of year- not too crowded. Have fun!

Thanks, everyone. We will be staying at the Hapuna Beach Resort for two nights, and then Kona Village for five nights. Can't wait.

Great choices-
Hapuna beach resort is very nice, and if you want to body surf, it's the best spot on the island. ( as well as the best beach). And you know what I think about Kona village...........
Aloha!

We spent a week on Maui and then two nights on the Big Island in Feb. 03. We have been to Maui and Kauaii on a previous trip and just Honolulu our first time to Hawaii. I agree about the Disneyland comment re: Hilton Waikaloa. One night was enough there. You can pay a fortune to swim with dolphins and there isn't a sandy, white beach. The rates are affordable and you do get an ocean view room. Volcano, HI, however, about 45 minutes from Hilo has several unique B&Bs and an interesting German-run restaurant. We really enjoyed visiting the active volcano. Don't forget your flashlight.

My husband decided he wants a/c so we are going to spend our entire week at Hapuna Beach Resort. A little disappointed about not going to Kona Village but Hapuna Beach will be great, too, I'm sure.

Guess I'm having a pretty boring day if I'm looking at my posts from August 2003! Anyway, we ended up spending our week at the Hapuna Beach on the Big Island and we loved it. The beach was beautiful and never crowded, but the water couldn't compare to the Bahamas or Caribbean. Rough, big waves and not that clear-as-gin warm water. Although I would go back to the Big Island again, I still much prefer the Bahamas or Caribbean. We are going to Abaco in Feb and Anguilla in May and I can't wait.

I'm with you, orangetravelcat! We live on the west coast so have been to Hawaii many, many times. But we find ourselves drawn back to the Caribbean more despite the longer flights. Just wished we lived closer!

I agree with orangetravelcat's Caribbean comments. Over the years, I've vacationed on three Hawaiian islands (Maui, Kauai and Oahu)--with Kauai being my favorite.

My most recent Hawaiian trip was in September. While it is lovely, it just doesn't compare to the beautiful, laid-back atmosphere of the Caribbean for me. After having traveled to several Caribbean islands, I love the fact that the turquoise water is crystal clear and the snorkeling is fabulous. I also love the warmth of the peope, the spicy food and the very low key atmosphere. In Hawaii, we went to all the "top-ranked" snorkeling spots, but we never could find as much visibility in the water.

With work being so demanding, my idea of vacation is being able to veg really hard. In my opinion, people tend to be more relaxed on Caribbean beaches whereas in Hawaii I found people more likely to be gabbing away loudly on their cell phones. Hawaii is pretty but I definitely prefer the Caribbean.

As they say, "To each his/her own." However, other assessment on the visibility of the water, I couldn't disagree w/ Nema more. Most should know that the water in HI is much deeper blue and thus you do not have the 100-150 ft visibility in parts of the Caribbean (Hawaii is approx 50 ft). Hawaii offers sheer beauty that is hard to find in the Carribean. The Napali coast of Kauai or the active volcano on the Big Island or star gazing from the top of Mauna Kea is not something you'll find in the caribbean. I like and enjoy the caribbean, I love Hawaii. My only advice would be to go to Kauai and/or the Big Island. Enjoy!

I thought Hawaii was one of the best trips we have ever taken. We fell in love with Maui and Kaui, each one has their own charm.