liesel

My Fiance and I found out this past Friday that we are definitely going to Hawaii (Big Island) and we are staying at the Fairmont Orchid. Yeah! So Excited. We've never been to Hawaii before.

We bought "BI Revealed" and have begun to read that but I wanted to post a message and find out from the experts what's not to be missed!

We'd like to go snorkeling (best place?), horseback riding, taste the best cuisine (recommendations?), rent a jeep and go driving. Any thoughts on the above would be great and/or other suggestions.

Also, I did do rearch on Fodors regarding the Fairmont but wanted to see if anyone has stayed their recently and what their thoughts are. It looks to be an amazing place. I'll definitely have to look into the outdoor spa.

With that being said .. we are staying in the hotel from the 7th-11th .. and we are looking for a condo or cheaper hotel to stay in for 3/4 more days either before or after the above dates (possibly with another couple). Any recommendations? On the water would be great!

Thanks in advance for everyone's help!
Kelly

fdecarlo

These same questions get asked several times a week in this forum. If you search for "Big Island" or "Orchid" you'll get lots of info.

We've stayed at the Orchid several times (last time was in Jan-Feb) and it's a beautiful property. The grounds are spotless and the rooms, while not large have some of the best bathrooms on the island.

If possible, get a room that faces into the pool area (south side of the north building, or north side of the south building). The two times we had outfacing rooms there was maintenance equipment on the adjacent golf courses every morning, and we didn't appreciate the noise.

As for activities, snorkeling etc these topics are covered in other threads.

Ashley24

I would suggest that you rent the condo first and then stay at the Fairmont as I'm sure the Fairmont will be much nicer than the condo and you won't feel let down. You can do more exploring of the island during the condo portion of your trip and then more relaxing at the resort near the end of your trip.

travelinandgolfin

We usually stay at the Mauna Lani, but on our last trip, we scouted out the Orchid for possible future stay. It was very impressive. Smallish beach, but nice. I don't think you'll have a bad view, even if you're on the outside facing rooms of the south tower. This one will look out toward some luxary homes.

As far as the golf course views from the outer facing wing of the north tower, I would definitely recommend it. You will have the 10th hole of the Mauna Lani in front of you and a wonderful view of the Kohala mountain range. The ocean will also be in view.

I will disagree with fdecarlo a bit as the golf course mowing doesn't last that long. Of course, I'm a golfer, so I may have a bit more patience with such things.

travelinwifey

You don't mention your price range for the alternate hotel/condo accomodations but people have been getting the Marriott Waikoloa on Priceline for between $80-100 per night on Priceline, an absolute steal. You can see a list of winning bids at biddingfortravel.com. Alternatively, resorts come up at around $140-165/nt.

fdecarlo

travelin: This wasn't just a few minutes of noise. It was well over an hour's worth -- and it woke us up between 8AM-8:30AM every morning: tractor mowers, leaf blowers, tree trimmers, wood chippers etc.

I'd venture a guess and say most people who spend thousands of dollars to stay at a 4-star resort won't appreciate waking up to the roar of landscaping equipment every morning.

iamq

Check out the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Hotel as an option for the cheaper place. I agree with Ashley on the order in which to stay.

-Bill

MerryTravel

I really liked the snorkeling off the beach at the Orchid. Lots of turtles and even some colorful coral if you go out a little bit. Way easier than having to schlep to another beach or pay for a tour.

allison_h

If you look on the website for the BI Revealed book, and click on "Updates", it mentions that there is ongoing construction next door to the Fairmont Orchid (a new residential area is being built). No time frame has been set for its completion. It also says that the Kona Tower is next door to the construction, but the Kohala Tower is well away from the noise. You might want to call the Fairmont Orchid to check it out.