Hi there,
as part of our trip to the US, we will be calling into Hawaii on the way back home.
We have been to Honolulu twice and are now looking at going to the Big Island. We will be in Hawaii in January.
What are your must sees and dos?
Where would you recommend staying?
We would like a modern, clean room with a view if possible.
We would hire a car to get around.
We are thinking of 4 nights.
What do you think?
Thanks in advance
Donna

Must sees;
Volcanoes National Park
http://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm
Place of Refuge http://www.nps.gov/puho/
Snorkel trip to Kealakekua Bay.

Other snorkel sites: Honaunau Bay (near Place of Refuge), Kahalu`u Beach Park, Mauna Kea Beach.

Would recommend staying in Kona/Kohala area, where depends on your budget, and renting a car (over $-)hiring a car) and plan on driving a couple hours to and from Volcanoes National Park.

Hi John,
Thanks for your help.
Donna

remember that it takes a long time to drive from place to place. it's a BIG island.

we loved Hawi, the little town at the north tip of the island. there was a place there called the Bamboo restaurant (i think) that was fabulous.

have fun!

January is a good time to do a whale watch. We've always used Capt. Dan McSweeney--www.ilovewhales.com. If you are driving from Kona/Kohala area to Volcano, you might consider making stops at Waipio Valley, Akaka Falls, Hawaiian Tropical Botanic Gardens.

I would get an oceanfront condo (as I've mentioned to other posters). In Jan. you will be able to see the whales from your own "home"! Condos are cheaper than hotel rooms and really more convenient (I think anyway).

Take a tour of a coffee farm--I think we did Greenwell. It will enhance your coffee-drinking experience every morning!

We really used the book BI Revealed. Lots of good suggestions.

We even got a kick seeing the Kona airport (I guess we don't get "out" very much!)

Thanks for all of your great suggestions.
Donna

If you want a change of pace from the coastal adventures, we enjoyed the Mauna Kea Summit tour...learned alot about the stars. It does involve several hours to head up to the top where several international observatories are positioned. In January you could very well see snow...In the dark clear skies, you'll be able to see the North Star and the Southern Cross from one spot. Looking through their telescope was incredible. We let the tour guide do the driving ~ after an afternoon and evening of high altitude adventures, I slept like a baby all the way down the mountain. It's a totally different aspect of Hawaii..The Big Island has over 10 different climate zones.
Have a great time regardless of which sights you choose or have opportunities to experience! Aloha!