ANOTHER great visit to Big Island
 

Just got back from a short trip to BI. It was hot - over 90 every day and very humid but hey you have the ocean to cool off in although the ocean was pretty warm too. Even the locals were talking about the weather - not too many trade winds.It was a joy to come back into the hotel and cool down. Unusual weather for this time of year.

Hapuna Beach Hotel was great. Can't get much closer to the ocean! We were upgraded to Ocean Front in Building #3 which was awesome since it is a large hotel and Building #3 is closest to the beach which we took advantage of every day for either a morning walk, reading under the umbrellas they provide or swimming in the ocean. Lovely King size room and huge bathroom! We actually went through Costco Travel and got a great deal which included car, air, hotel and breakfast.

DINNERS:

1. Browns (Fairmont Orchid Hotel) for dinner one night; it is our signature dinner when we are there. Fabulous service, excellent service and views are outstanding of the water and beach.

2. Disappointed in Beach Tree at the 4 seasons. Perhaps it was because it took so long to get there (40 minutes) and we seemed to be seated in the "kids section" as there were lots of kids in our area and we couldn't enjoy the music or the environment. Dishes on the menu were over priced (but it was the 4 seasons) with way too many ingredients in each dish so I opted for a burger and fries which I have to admit was excellent.

3. Cafe Pesto dinner- delicious, low key and only a 10 minute drive from hotel

4. Another Low key dinner took us to Tommy Bahamas which was very pleasant and good food. Loved the atmosphere

"Flumin the Ditch" was a blast. Got wet but I knew that going in and it beat any Disneyland or Sea World ride I have been on. Kayaked the old plantation ditches through many tunnels and beautiful back country.

Finally hiked down to the black sand and rock beach at the Pololu Valley lookout. Not a swimmable beach but outstanding hike down and back up and interested valley and rocks. Couldn't believe people were walking down there in "Slippahs or Flip Flops" A couple of people had kids on their backs wearing them. Very dangerous! going down was easier than going back up! WEAR GOOD SHOES! Stopped at Gills Taco's on the way back to hotel for some delicious Fish Tacos.

5 days only but worth the short flight from CA in order to be refreshed Hawaiian style.

We'll be there for the first time in over 30 years in November. Making notes!

Glad that flumin is back as an option after the earthquakes that messed up the ride.bagree, it's amazing the variety of footwear seen walking down steep paths!

I'm so glad you had such a good trip. I loved the Hapuna Beach Hotel and I'm so happy that I'll be going back for the Hawaii Music Festival in June. I had an excellent meal at their restaurant. Did you eat there?

Wow. That's HOT--especially without breezes!

I'm looking forward to doing that hike!

Thanks for sharing, Shar!

Sadly, leaving Oahu tonight to return to the mainland. It has been humid here. Everything is lush and green. Even the walls (sides) of Diamondhead are very green with vegetation growing. Oahu is much more lush and green than past Septembers. I really noticed it on my island drive and also above Punchbowl on Tantalus and Roundtop drives. WOW! A bit of rain everyday, temps upper 80s to 90, but some fabulous evening breezes on my balcony along Kalakaua Avenue. Not complaining!

I had GTGs 3 times, with Oahu fodorites. It has been a lovely week. No side trip to the big Island this time, just Oahu. I'm here every September, so maybe I will get back to Hawaii next time.

Going in February! Glad to hear Cafe Pesto is still good, since it has been at least 10 years since my last trip the the BI.

Thanks for your report :)

Pololu look out hike is fun!

Must admit we were foolish enough to try to paddle in the ocean. The waves are really unpredictable and although we were less than ankle deep a wave soaked us as we ran for the rocks just a few metres away.

Our socks and shoes were soaked by the spray and we were lucky not to lose them!

I need a Hawaii fix soon ;)

songdoc.......HAPUNA BEACH HOTEL.....Ate at the Ocean Terrace on first night because it was a crab feed! enjoyed lots of fish, etc. Unfortunately when we wanted to eat at the Grille, it was closed - strange but closed on Tuesday and Wednesday and Tuesday was when we wanted a reservation and Wednesday we were leaving. Ended up at Cafe Pesto which we wanted to try anyway. Got my Hawaii fix for awhile, until next year that is! I always have my Hawaiian CD's to comfort me until then.

Shar, consider it a blessing in disguise imo. The Grille would have run 2-3 times as much as Cafe Pesto, and the food almost certainly would not have been 2-3 times as good. :) IMO the best option for a nice local dinner at the HBP is next door at Manta, at the Mauna Kea.

thanks for the tip fdecarlo. Will remember for next trip.

Bookmark

I love Browns too

Manta at the Mauna Kea is excellent for an elegant evening, Monstera for a casual one. Added note, Hapuna has incredible deals for golf and its available if you stay at the MK too. Why fly to PHX for winter golf when the extra airfare can be made up in green fees?

Bookmarking. Maybe be on BI at the end of June.