beachgirl86

klf214: I did not get a chance to see a terrace view room there, but last year, we had a partial ocean view, and it was not really any different than the ocean view we got this year. The resort is not built directly on the beach, it is more set back with the grounds and pool in between. So, although, we could see the beach and the ocean from our balcony, it was not like it was on Waikiki.

On Waikiki, an ocean view room can be right over the beach, and you are a lot closer to the beach and water. Our partial ocean view at the Outrigger was much closer to the water than the full ocean view at Hapuna. Both were beautiful, just different.

I wouldn't worry too much about the room. They have upgraded us two years in a row, and reading a lot of the Trip Advisor rooms, it seems like it happens to a lot of people. If you decide to go with the terrace view room, just make sure they know it's your anniversary. I called and e-mailed very politely both years, and it paid off! Have a wonderful trip!

beachgirl86

DAY 12: Woke up early as usual, and hit the beach for snorkeling and a few hours of relaxing on the beach. I can't stress how much I love the free lounge chairs and umbrellas at Hapuna! So much nicer than renting them.

At about noon, we showered and headed to Cafe Pesto for lunch. It was excellent again, I had a fish sandwich, and hubby had one of their calzones. Then it was off to Volcano National Park! We did this last year, and this year, decided we wanted to drive around the other side of the island and see things we didn't see last year (Waipaio Valley, etc...) This was a GORGEOUS drive. We stopped at the Waipaio Valley overlook for photos, and next time I definitely want to do one of the horseback riding tours through the valley. This was a beautiful part of the BI, all the farms, horses, green pastures, etc...Just lovely. We also stopped at Akaka Falls, which was loud and flowing strongly. Another great spot. We drove through Hilo (which on another trip, I would like to explore more) and ended up at VNP around 6. This was perfect for us, because all we wanted to do this year was drive down Chain of Craters road, and hike to the lava. But we were in for a little accident

While driving down Chain of Craters road, hubby ran into a curb and popped the tire on our rental car. It was awful. I could see the lava and the steam, but we were so far away! Hubby worked to change the tire with help from another man who stopped to help, and by the time it was done, it was almost dark. We hadn't brought flashlights because we hadn't expected to need them, so we could only hike a little bit, and missed the lava flowing into the ocean. We could see it on the hillside, though. This was not exactly how we wanted our 2nd VNP trip to turn out, but there's always next trip VNP is gorgeous, though, and definitely worth a day trip from Kohala.

Drove home the other way through Kona and got home VERY late. Not much of a dinner that night -- french fries and sodas on the way home.

beachgirl86

DAY 13: Our last full day in Hawaii This was a TOTAL relaxation day...we snorkeled again in the morning, and then hung out on the beach until lunch time. We had lunch at the Beach Bar by the pool (burgers), and spent the afternoon at the pool. It was VERY windy that day, and the staff put the umbrellas down at the pool and the beach. A few customers complained, even though it was for people's safety, and one guy in particular made a real scene at the pool with one of the managers. He actually posted on Trip Advisor -- I saw it when we got home! Hubby was pretty mad that the guy was ruining the serene scene at the pool over somthing so insignificant, but what can you do? Some people like to complain.

For dinner that night, we had reservations at Roy's Waikoloa Bar and Grill. We never made it to a Roy's last year, so I was really looking forward to it. I can not say enough about the food and the service. We had more bread and water than we could eat/drink and the food was excellent. For apps we did the crabcakes and the tiger skewered shrimp, and our entrees were mac crusted mahi mahi and JUMBO sea scallops. Dessert was the warm chocolate souffle. All around delicious, perfect meal... we will definitely return to Roy's. We also did some shopping at King's Shops that night.

beachgirl86

DAY 14: Spent the morning snorkeling, and we went very far out on this morning. The snorkeling was excellent, although no turtles, which made me sad. We sat by the pool until 10:30 or so, then had to pack and get ready to go. We returned our snorkel gear in Kona, and did some last minute shopping for souvenirs at ABC. Also grabbed some good cheese pizza at Basil's. Flew back to HNL, then flew HNL to Chicago to Boston. The flight home is DEPRESSING, but it goes quick, too.

beachgirl86

LAST MINUTE NOTES:

We are more in love with Hawaii than ever ! We were thinking of going someplace else next summer, but it may be another trip to "the HI" as we call it. It is about a 12 hour journey for us from Boston, but it is so worth it. We figure we have about 2 "big" trips left before we start a family, buy a house, etc....and we are thinking that would be perfect for 2 more trips to Hawaii. 2 weeks in summer 2006 and 2 in summer 2007....enough for one more week each on Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai (which we haven't visited yet) Once we have kids, we will have to stick closer to home vacation-wise until they are a little older!

Honestly, Hawaii is a place that seeps into you, and over the past 2 trips, I love it more and more every time I think of it, or dream of returning. Everything about it is simply magical. I feel so lucky to have experienced all that we did in these past 2 years, and hope we can return.

Thanks to everyone who has always helped with these trips....I am happy to answer any questions. Mahalo!

Barbara5353

I have enjoyed your reports- particularly the Big Island portion since that is our next island destination. Can you recommend a particular tower at Hapuna Prince? We are thinking of staying there. Other reports talk about "..lots of walking". We are senior citizens and want to be closest walk possible to pool and beach.
Also, did you take advantage of the free shuttle to/from Mauna Kea? I really like the idea of being able to use the pools and beach at both properties!

fdecarlo

Beachgirl: Thanks for a wonderful report!

Barbara: The Hapuna Beach Prince is organized into two buildings -- the front building, which contains "oceanfront" units (in quotes because they aren't truly oceanfront -- they're on a small bluff and set back from the ocean about 100'), and the rear building which is where ocean view and terrace view units are located. Both buildings are quite long, so the further from the lobby your room is, the more walking you'll have to the pool and beach.

To minimize distances, request a room as close to the lobby as possible. On either side of the lobby are elevators that will take you down to the pool level, although from there it's still about 20-25 steps to the pool and beach.

Also note, a few evenings a week there is live entertainment in the lobby (usually a Hawaiian singer and one or two backup musicians). It's definitely low-key, but some people who book rooms right next to the lobby might still find the noise objectionable.

beachgirl86

fdecarlo: Glad you enjoyed the trip. Thanks for all your wonderful BI info. here on the board.

Barbara: fdecarlo is definitely correct with her Hapuna info. We had requested the building closest to the beach and pool, and we received the building that the lobby and all the restaurants are in. That is building 5, I believe. We were on the 7th floor, and just took an elevator to the 4th, and then walked down to the pool and beach.

excited_confused

How far is lanikai beach from the airport? I really want to see it & am thinking of getting an am flight from BI to HNL & driving to Lanikai Beach before catching the 7pm flight to BOS.
Unless we eliminate BI & just do Maui for 5-6 days & Oahu for 3. Am really torn between the two!

sherrie

Hi Beachgirl. Enjoyed all of your report. Did you stay in VNP last year and if you did, can you recommend a place for one or two nights. We're thinking staying at Hapuna for several nights next summer, but want to spend a couple at VNP also. Any recommendations are appreciated.

travelinwifey

Hi Beachgirl, so glad to find your report, have been away from the boards for a while I am going to have to try Dukes, will be back on the BI and HNL in 3 weeks. Glad you had a wonderful time and happy 27th! Would you mind switching ages with me as I'm going to turn 35 soon and am starting to miss that late 20's feeling??????

beachgirl86

excited_confused: I'm not sure how far Lanikai is from the airport since we drove from Waikiki, but if you can get there, definitely go for it! It is absolutely stunning.

sherrie: No, we stayed on the Kohala Coast of the BI both years. Wanted to minimize the moving around, even if meant a couple of long day trips.

travelinwifey: Thanks for the birthday wishes! My husband is a little older than you, and I always tease him. Have a fabulous trip, I can't wait for your report...if memory serves, aren't you staying at the Four Seasons BI?? Can't wait for the full report on that

travelinwifey

Yes, we'll be there and for 2 days we are staying at the Hilton on HNL. Just about every review from tripadvisor has been bad for the past few weeks. To tell the truth we want to be close to Benihana! lol But at what cost? I should look into the Outrigger but I booked with a travel agent and a hotel consolidator.

monicapileggi

Great trip report! Tony and I are heading to Hawaii in October.

Can you tell me what you paid for your meals at Huggo's and Roy's? I'd like to get an idea of what to expect to pay.

Thanks!

Monica

monicapileggi

PS: What kind of car did you rent on the Big Island? I was thinking I would need a 4WD but they are soooo expensive? Did you have a 4WD? Is it necessary?

Thanks,

Monica

razzledazzle

ttt & good example of a travel thread...

beachgirl86

Monica: Roy's and Huggo's were both over $100 each for dinner. That did include 1-2 apps, 2 entrees, 1 dessert, 2 drinks, and tip. Both were excellent. Nope, we didn't rent a 4WD, just a 4 door with AC. 4WD are very expensive, and I hear you must have one for certain parts of the island, but in our 2 trips, we never felt like we needed one. Have a great time -- make sure to do a trip report!

monicapileggi

Thanks for the information! I booked a compact car for the BI. I wasn't about to spend amost $500! We'll make do.

Monica

PS: I post my journals at http://www.luvtotravel.homestead.com/home.html which I provide here at Fodors.