bride_2004

My husband and I have never been to Hawaii. Would going to the Big Island for a week be a good introduction to the state? Would we have enough time to "island hop" a bit, or is there just too much to see on the biggie? TIA!

martym

With only a week, I would stick to one island and, yes, there is a lot to see on the island of Hawaii. But if you could give us here on the forum some more information, you would probably get better answers. Like-- What are your interests--what do you want to do during your vacation? What type of lodging do you want--resort hotel, condo, rental cottage? What is your budget? What other island are you considering?

bride_2004

Thanks Marty. There's a groupon for a Windham resort on the big island. That's where this whole trip idea started. I teach, so the dates have to be during my spring break: March 2-10. As for what we like to do, we want to relax on the beach a bit, learn about the culture of the area (volcanoes, coffee plants, the people etc.) We're fairly active, so we'd like to take hikes in the parks and see wildlife if possible. I like kayaking and we both like snorkeling. WE're vegetarian, and my husband is an insanely picky eater, so while we like to enjoy food, it's not usually the major focus of our trips because it can be annoying finding places that cater to him.

matnikstym

Bride, there is a lot to see here on the Big Island and with you and your husbands interest a stay here would be perfect. I don't think that would be enough time to island hop, but you could fly to Maui in the am and fly home that night if you want to see two islands.

Kayaking off the Kona coast is popular and there are several snorkeling beaches north and south of the Wyndham. Kayak rentals and snorkeling gear can be found in Kailua-Kona.

A drive to the volcano is a couple of hours and there are lots of trails and hiking available. Don't miss Thurston Lava Tube and the Kilauea Iki trail. You could also hike Pololu Valley or Waipio Valley (though the road is steep)

There is a good farmers market right in the middle of Kailua-Kona where you could get veggies to cook at the condo. The only wildlife you'd see is mongoose and maybe a pig, goat or maybe a Nene (Hawaiian duck) There is also coffee farms to tour and taste fresh brewed coffee.

Melissa5

YES the Big Island is a great choice for your trip! We went to the Big Island last winter for our anniversary trip and it's my favorite of the Hawaiian islands!

This year we split our stay between Oahu and Kauai. It wasn't nearly as relaxing as spending the whole trip on 1 island. It was kinda frustrating seeing how much we actually lost by splitting our stay. For example, I went to a lot of trouble to research a hotel on Kauai where I would be on a good beach. I chose the Sheraton Kauai and loved our Deluxe Ocean Front room in the Ocean Wing...but, we didn't have enough time to even step foot on the Sheraton's sandy beach!!! Seriously! That's kinda crazy but true.

Big Island has PLENTY to keep you excited and busy for your whole vacation. We enjoyed splitting our Big island stay between Hilo (east side of island) and the Mauna Lani resort (west side).

I highly recommend the Shipman House b&b in Hilo if you want a good base in Hilo. But you can't walk to any beach from there. Breakfast is wonderful at Shipman House b&b, and great for vegetarians! I posted photos of the breakfast on my tripadvisor review. Breakfast is a wonderful selection of fresh sweet tropical fruit, some grown right on their property, plus real fresh oatmeal or quinoa, and cheese, and yogurt, and Yummy breads to toast and lilikoi butter...You'll love it!

Enjoy your trip!

Melissa5

Forgot to mention the Shipman House b&b also has home-made granola every morning, and the flavors vary...usually has yummies in it like macadamia nuts. MMMMMM

Sorry I dont' know the Whindam hotel.