I'm going to the Big Island in a couple of weeks for 10 days. I originally wanted to go to Kauai for the beauty, but changed islands because a great condo offer in Kona. I've heard that I will be very disappointed with the Big Island becasue it does not compare in beauty with the other islands. Is this true? Is there some areas of lush, tropical beauty? What areas shoud we go to for scenic beauty?
Thanks!

Waipio Valley, Akaka Falls, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens, Place of Refuge, Ahalanui Park, Trail exiting Thurston Lava tube of Volcanoes National Park, ~o) plantations overlooking the Kona coast, beaches along Kohala coast, Punalu`u-black sand beach.

Well, I guess you'd have to define beauty. I LOVE the BI, just for it's amazing topography. You have almost a desert on the Kona (dry) side and all those lava fields. Maybe you'll see some of the wild donkeys trapsing across them. Wiamea..up around the Parker Ranch, I almost thought I was in Sonoma County. Wetter, more lush and tropical on the Hilo side and around by Wiapio. There are over 11 different micro climates on the BI. When it's really hot and humid on Kona you can get in the car and head for the mountains and get 10 -15 degrees cooler in no time. I'll be surprised if you really don't like it..but..maybe you won't. Personally, Kauai is not MY cup of tea but I have never regretted going there, never considered it a waste of time, enjoyed my stay and exploring but I've been there, done it, don't need to do it again. There are people that absolutely love Kauai, would kill to get there, and maybe you'll make it on your next trip. In the meantime, don't start out with a negative attitude about the BI. Explore, enjoy, and if you don't care that much for it, well, like I say, not time wasted, lots to see, but you know you won't need to go back another time. Scenic beauty is all so different: looking out over Honolulu from the top of Diamond Head, standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon..etc. The BI is loaded with scenic beauty also. Have a great trip.

I'll top this post since I was recently "volunteered" to help my folks plan a Big Island trip for next year. So I'll be anxious to hear people's thoughts on this.

I love the BI. It has some amazing scenery. There are so many beautiful drives. Many of the lovely spots to visit have already been mentioned, but check out the "Big Island Revealed" to get an idea of all the wonderful things to see and do on the BI. We were last there for 10 days and didn't have nearly enough time. What condo complex are you booked at?

Tourists to the BI can be divided into two groups. The first group flies into Kona and never ventures much further than Hapuna Beach. These people usually come away with the impression that the island is just one big, barren, boring lava flow.

The other group ventures to the island's north and east shores, to Hilo, Waipio Valley, Waimea etc, and these people generally come away raving about what a tropical paradise the island is.

When speaking of the Big island, diversity is the name of the game.Seek and ye shall find.