Hello... We will be honeymooning in July, first week on BI, second on Kauai.
While staying on the Big Island, we will be flying into Kona, and staying at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, which is to the north...
Anyone familiar with it?? Should we rent our car right away, or is there enough to do in that immediate area for three days?
After the three days, we are headed over to stay at the Volcano Inn, just outside of the National Park.
Also, do the resorts provide a shuttle service from the airport in Kona??
Thank you for any input....

Yes, rent a car. We stayed at the Hapuna Prince last summer and enjoyed it very much. Some people on this line will disagree but I found it very relaxing, quite, and a great beach (isn't that the point?). Anyway, it's drive to anywhere and I would highly encourage you to get out and about. If either of you play golf, the Mauna Kea (same owners/adjoining property) has one of the best golf courses in all the U.S. Enjoy! I'd also encourage you to go to the www.fairwinds.com cruise site and go on a snorkel trip to Keakakua Bay (where Capt. Cook was killed). Very reasonable and very very fun! No, I'm not associated in any way.

First, I am jealous. The beach next to Hapuna is probably my favorite in the world. Second, rent a car. Downtown Kona and other attractions are not accessible from your hotel without a car (unless I somehow missed the public transporation system when I was there). Unless you plan to spend your entire first three days on the beach by the hotel and at the restaurants within the hotel, I would rent a car. Congratulations. I think the Big Island is a great place for a honeymoon- we had our wedding and honeymoon there in May 2001.

Thank you for the input.
One additional question, how long is the drive from Kamuela to Volcano Nat'l Park???

You'd be better off driving from Hapuna through Kona, around the southern tip on the BI (South Point, the southern most point in the US) and head for Volcano. This will take you about 2 hours. If you drive from Kamuela, you will be headed east and must go through Hilo. This will take you at least 2 1/2 hours. Either way, it's a nice scenic drive.

The southern route is the shortest but the northern is the more scenic (Akaka Falls, Parker Ranch, Waipio Valley, etc). FYI- either way, it can make for a very long drive to go over and come back in the same day. It can be done and would not try to discourage you but just be prepared to leave early in the morning and drive back late that afternoon/evening. Plan on approximately 2 1/2- 3 hrs driving time each way.

My most memorable, fun, adventurous thing I did on the Big Island:

Most visitors the the Volcano Park stop to see the huge Thurston Lava Tube - it's well lit and has hand-rails. Definitely interesting - but if you come prepared with a STRONG flashlight - I'd suggest each person carry their own - you can have even more fun.

At the end of the "common" lava tube is a chain link gate that can be opened. Tourists are welcome to explore this area, though most people head up the stairs back into daylight.

If you're adventurous, the tunnel goes on for about 1,000 feet further. It's all very Indiana Jones - yet probably safer than the helicopter tour you may be tempted to take to see the actual live lava flow.

It's really an odd sensation once you get deep in the tunnel - the sound completely changes and you've never seen dark get this dark!!!

There's a cool guide book to the island, written by a local that you should definitely pick up - email me if you' d like the name of it. I'm sure Fodor's would rather I didn't publicize it here.

I have stayed at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. BEAUTIFUL hotel. Quite deluxe (I usually stay at Ritz Caroltons when available; just so you know what my standards are)! Its gorgeous and the Hapuna Prince works in partner with neighboring hotel, offering a shuttle to and from each hotel. That other hotel offers a fantastic restaurant (ocean front of course) and they offer a manatee watch; in which they shine bright lights on the water and you can see the manatee rays swimming around! (Its absolutely fabulous) Also stargazing on the driving range! I had a wonderful time there and wish we stayed longer!

I also stayed at teh Volcano Inn. Its an antique hotel if my memory serves me correctly. It smells a little like soiled eggs when we went (but you get used to it) because of the sulfer. Its a tiny hotel without tvs or anything. They have games you can check out at the hotel though. Its a great view of the crater and lots of hiking is available! Its all breathtaking!

I'm not sure about the shuttle service, but the hotel would know for sure.

Have fun on your trip!