Planning a week on the BI in Sept. Have read many many posts, but would like more specific, first-hand advice:

1. Stay on Kona coast? Some say it's sunnier, some say rainier.

2. From posts, sounds like Hapuna Prince or Outrigger Waikoloa would be best resorts. (we're late 20's who like kids but would prefer a non-family oriented hotel) I'm hoping we can rent a car and drive to the sights, since we'd prefer to stay in one place than hotel hop.

3. Nightlife? Don't need Waikiki, but some activity.

4. Main things to see: Volcano Park, Place of Refuge, Botanical Gardens, Capt. Cooks Monument, Royal Kona Coffee Mill, Rainbow Falls, and Punalu'u. Do you agree?

All advice on the Big Island would be most welcome! Thank you so much! gt;

Kona is on the dry side compared to Hilo, but a drive around the island is a lot of fun. Chopper or fixed-wing flights over the lava flows are cheaper from Hilo, anyway.

Your list is fine, I'd add a minimum of few hours' poking around the hill roads in the Parker Ranch to the must-do list; exceptionally beautiful and such a contrast from the sea level environment. On the Kohala coast the Hilton seems the most kid-oriented place, the Mauna Lani the least, but just an impression. There ought to be enough in Kona or around Waikoloa to keep you busy in the evenings. Also don't miss breakfast or lunch at Sam Choy's place in the industrial park south of the Kona airport. Arrive hungry.

Kailua-Kona is very dry. Hilo is very wet. They have two very different climates - think southern california vs more tropical rainforest. Both are very beautiful and the weather on both sides is warm in September.
The Mauna Lani in Waikoloa is my favorite hotel. Very Hawaii feeling and very elegant.
Have fun!

Hi Girl! Feel free to check out my posting from last week. It's entitled Moderate Accommodations - Big Island. I'm returning July 15th for my third trip to the BI. Instead of repeating myself, I just thought I'd refer you to my posting since there is valuable information there for you to review and get a better game plan for your trip. September is a great time to visit the islands - it's low season and you can get some great rates on various activities when the tourism is at a lull. Anyway, take a look at my posting and let me know what you think, ok? Best wishes for a wonderful trip!

Shelley I tried to find your post you mentioned with no luck. Please someone help.

Please don't.

sometime is needed near hilo do not miss the volcano at night. That 4 hour (can't remember if it is roundtrip or one way) trip is just plain annoying. If you must do it stay a day or two in Waipio Valley. Check out vacationspot.com for accomodation and follow links to other realtors. And so far as the best resort, that would be the Hilton Waikoloa. There are no children in the off season. This is a fabulous resort we never see kids during school season. Waterslides and Pacific Artifacts abound.

Another Gene is right skip shelly's post.

Stayed at the Outrigger Waikoloa when it was Royal Waikoloan. Had a truly wonderful time. When we were there it had hammocks stretched between trees on the beautiful private bay. Not too big and felt very relaxing. Visited next door at the Hilton and it was really busy. If I went back I would definitly stay at the Outrigger over the Hilton.

I just returned from my second trip to the Big Island. I don't have kids, but I agree with the earlier posting about the Waikoloa Hilton being the most kid-friendly. I love the Orchid at Mauna Lani and it seems to draw a wide range of ages: honeymooners, kids, middle age, seniors. I have always been surprised by how wide the age range is. Anyway, that is my personal favorite.

The Kona/Kohala/Kohala coast is driest. Basically, it is lavaflow desert. Hilo is much wetter.

You should rent a car. Things are a little spread out. Plus, you will want to drive the volcano route. Also, you may want to try restaurants at the different hotels on different nights.

Some other things to do:
Definitely volcano park.

Hawi is a delightful town to visit on an afternoon and you can go a few miles further to the edge of Waipio and see the beautiful valley.

Watch the manta rays feed at the Mauna Kea at night. They have a light that attracts plankton and therefore the mantas. There's no real organization to this--just an overlook spot to watch from.

Although I havent done this, friends loved "flumin' da ditch" near Hawi.

The submarine in Kona was a kick.

There are lots of petroglyph fields, usually near the property of most large hotels.

Turtles hang out and bask in the sun on the rocks and beach of the Orchid at Mauna Lani.

Expedition to top of Mauna Kea is an adventure if you are interested in astronomy.

As for nightlife . . . well, there isnt a whole lot. Most hotels have some form of music or hula dancing and a few hotels have staged shows. On the whole, the nights are pretty quiet, with dinner being the main event. It is nothing like Waikiki in that it is more relaxed and has more of a traditional hawaiian feel.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Girl - if you click on Hawaii and type in Big Island in the text field, and check off exact match, you'll find my posting on the list on the left-side of your screen. Please try again. The things Leslie listed above are great suggestions. Hope you can find my posting this time.

Mark and Another Gene - I do NOT appreciate your comments. If you review all of the comments, you'll see some great ideas. You are both out of line here, BIG TIME!

sorry "bubbly puppy" ...the comments were meant as a warning to Girl.