My husband and I are taking a business client and his wife to Hawaii. We have been to Maui but never to the Big Island. Need some suggestions on where to stay on the Big Island. Can't decide on 2 room hotel or condo. If there is a condo that has 2 master suites that would be great. Also, what are some fun things to do? We are active adults and want to make the most out of this trip-we may never get back!Thanks for your help. Cheryl

I'd go for the two rooms to allow some personal time and privacy. I enjoy the Sheraton Orchid at Mauna Lani. Very nice. There is also a 4-Seasons in the same neighbor and some other great hotels and condos.

We had dinner at the Four Seasons hotel. It was gourgeous. Out of our price range, but if it is in yours, go for it.
We really enjoyed the helicopter ride over the volcano. Kayak in Kealakekua bay and snorkel there. Time your trip for midday, between the two trips that the Fair Wind does their tour, so you don't have a lot of people in the bay.
If you scuba, do a night dive to see the manta rays. What an amazing sight they were from the shore. I can just imagine what it mus be like underwater.

Any of the resorts between Kona and Kohala are great, or see if you can rent a condo at The Greens at Waikoloa. You'll definitely want to hike around the volcano, visit Akaka Falls, visit the Waipio Valley (you can hike down to the bottom or pay someone to drive you down). If you like to snorkel, go on a charter to Kealekekua Bay to see the Captn.Cook monument.

I live here and can tell you it is an amazing area. I have been here almost 3 years and have not done everything I want yet. The Kohala resorts are about 30-40 minutes north of Kona airport. Hualalai (aka 4 Seasons) is about 5-10 minutes past the airport. Check out the Mastercard Senior golf tourney this weekend on ESPN it is being held at Hualalai. The Senior skins next week is at Mauni Lani. There are many times when these shows might tell a little about the area. (My fiance is volunteering so he can rub elbows with the pros) The Paniolo Greens is a time share. How many days will you be staying? If you want to see the white beaches in Kohala and the volcano, I would suggest staying in both places (2-3 hour drive one way) Our house overlooks Kealakekua Bay and I can't agree more about going there. Even if you don't want to rent kayaks, take the Fairwinds. There are more people when you go with them but worth it if you don't want to kayak and would like to see some of the coastline and get a BBQ lunch. There is also a hike down to the bay goes from 0-1200 ft elevation in about 2 miles. Killer on the legs on the way up but tons of fun and you can say you did it! There are also horse back rides that go down the same trail. Don't forget City of Refuge (Pu'uhonua o Honaunau), a very humbling experience. I have lots more I can say so e-mail me if you want to know specifics. Also check out www.wizardpub.com We constantly use the book "Hawaii The Big Island Revealed" Great info on everything!

to the top, bury the trash

What exactly does this last message mean? It was after every one of my posts. Should I be worried?

Kim- "Topper" was just bringing this thread to the "top" of the forum, pushing other threads topper finds less interesting down(e.g., "bury the trash").

Thanks for clarifying that for me. I was racking my brain today and even asking other teachers if they had any idea!

I've stayed at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel before (near the Orchid) and found it to be wonderful. Discreet, prompt service with wonderful views and plush rooms.
If you end up staying elsewhere, at least make a trip to the CanoeHouse at the Mauna Lani for dinner - spectacular views, menu, service, wine list. Our favorite restaurant there.