My husband and I will be returning to the Big Island for the second time in November. We went their the first time 4 years ago.

We have 7 nights on the Big Island. I need help in organizing my stay. We are very active people and would like to do some hiking so I believe we should stay near the Volcano for a few nights.

How many days should we stay near the Volcano? Where should we stay. We would like to stay somewhere where there is a jacuzzi and somewhat romantic and quiet.

We may try to fly out of Hilo because our second week will be spent on Kauai.

What other hiking is there to do near Kona?

Thank you in advance for any help.

There are some really wonderful hikes on the Big Island. When I go, because I'm usually by myself, I stick to hiking in public rather than adventurous places.

Here are some that I've enjoyed:

Hawaiian Botanical Gardens http://www.htbg.com/

Petroglyph trails (many are near the Kohala resorts)

Pua Mau Gardens http://www.puamau.com/area.htm

Pololu, a steep but fairly easy hike to a black sand beach at the end of the beautiful road through North Kohala. http://gohawaii.about.com/od/bigisle...u-Valley-Hike/

Pu'ukohola Heiau, http://www.nps.gov/puhe/ Lapakahi, and ancient fishing village, http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/park...cfm?park_id=50 , Mo'okini Heaiau are fascinating, historical and sacred places. http://lovingthebigisland.wordpress....ice-on-hawaii/

The Place of Refuge is wonderful, and nearby is the 1871 trail, which follow the path of ancient trade routes, and goes through an old abandoned village. http://www.nature.nps.gov/views/Site..._1871Trail.htm

Other suggestions are Waipio, Akaka Falls, urban hikes in Kona, Hilo, and small heritage towns.

There is a great book of more traditional wilderness hikes on the Big Island, so check that out.

I just found a website with links for a lot of places I mentioned. http://www.letsgo-hawaii.com/hiking/

The volcano has great hiking too. You would enjoy a night or two either in the town of Volcano, or in Hilo. One place that is very basic but charming, and is a favorite of active adventurous types is the Dolphin Bay Hotel. http://www.dolphinbayhotel.com/cgi-b...CSeAeH8bCZRvg3

Thanks Kailani for all the information. Any other recommendatins on where to stay near the volcano for one or two nights would be great. I prefer a place maybe in a little more private and romantic but not too expensive.

I've gone to the Big Island a couple of times and have loved it. Each time, I brought along a copy of The Big Island Revealed (http://www.wizardpub.com/bigisland/bigisland.html). These "revealed" books are easily the best guide books that I've come across. I'm sure that you would be able to find out helpful hints for your trip there.

Good luck!

> How many days should we stay near the Volcano?

This same question comes up almost every week, and as always, the only one who can correctly answer it is the person asking. It depends on your priority list: if hiking is more important than ready access to sunbathing and white sand beaches, then spend more of your time near VNP. One can do a (very) quick tour of the park in half a day, or spend weeks exploring the back country.

I don't have a firsthand recommendation for you, unfortunately. I just wanted to point you at this website, because i thought the place looked lovely, so it might be worth investigating.
http://www.visitthevolcano.com/.

I had been looking at B&Bs when planning my trip. We've decided to rent a small house on the coast, about 40 mins from Volcano.

The Kilauea Lodge is a very good restaurant near the volcano, and they also have lodging.

http://www.kilauealodge.com/cgi-bin/...0boBFeC1a3frN2

Here is a website with a lot of volcano b & b's listed. http://www.bigisland.com/html/Volcan...s_to_Stay.html

I would suggest a night or two at the volcano, and a helicopter ride over it (out of Hilo they are more affordable).

I don't usually stay at the volcano, because I'm up in North Kohala, which is the birthplace of King Kamehameha, and the most charming place on earth! Since you are active, maybe you will like the new zipline! http://www.bigislandecoadventures.com/ I'm sure I'm too scared to try myself!

A moderate priced B&B place near the volcano, where we stayed a couple of years ago was Carson's Cottages. Very nice grounds, with a hot tub, on the main property. Don't expect perfection, but I thought very nice for the price.

There are many sites good for all islands & a couple just for Big Island on this thread:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...trip-to-hi.cfm