Big Island: Hilo plus Hilton vs. Marriott vs. Fairmont vs. Hapuna?
 

Hi all,

We're going to be on the Big Island for 8 nights (in October). Our plan is:

3 nights in Hilo (one day to drive, one day in Hilo area, one day for Hawaii Volcanoes, and visiting the Farmer's Market on the last day before we drive back to Kona area)

5 nights on the Kona side: plans are open.

We found a good deal at the Hilton for 5 nights, which is about $600 less than the Marriott or Hapuna and $1000 less than the Fairmont, for an oceanview room. (The Fairmont we would be able to get the Gold Floor, for what that's worth).

My questions are:

1) Does the breakdown above make sense (3 nights vs. 5 nights)?
2) We'd be staying in Hilo for 3 nights to be able to go to the Farmers' Market on Wednesday. Is it worth staying for?
3) I know the Hapuna or Fairmont are nicer than the Hilton. But is it worth that much extra money, in your opinions?

Thanks everyone!

David

Aloha,

I'm not sure about the farmers market, since you won't be cooking, but think there is so much to see on that side of the island, you will barely touch in 3 days.

As far as the resorts, I would consider what your expectations are for your time there. If this is going to be a mostly resort destination then the Fairmont will offer the special pampering making it worth the tariff. If you are more likely to be spending a lot of your time exploring the island, then not so much. I adore beach Pole 69 in Puako, and would happily visit 4S for sunset cocktails pupus and hanging in their oceanside loungechairs and taking it all in.

Contrary to a not so expert expert on another thread, the resorts are not just a few minutes away from the airport.

Goodluck!

I'm a big fan of Hawaii Volcanoes NP and surrounds, not a big fan of Hilo at all. One trip we drove around the north side of the island to Kona and stopped at Akaka Falls and some craft shops on the way up, but a few years later the shops were mostly gone or had less nice stuff. (Falls were just the same.) Otherwise that was all we saw of interest anywhere near Hilo - and that includes eating there several times. Most stuff I know of can be done on a leisurely drive around the north (unless you want to spend much time at Waipi'o Valley). Perhaps someone else knows some good things about Hilo.

Lava Tree State Park, Pahoa and things in that area are interesting; we did them from Volcano, though. (Okay, we didn't get any good food in that area, either. I suspect the food on that side of the island might not be great.) And lots of stuff to do in the park, much more than a day's worth. Also, the drive around the south end back to Kona made an interesting trip, quite different from the northern route. Last time we were there, April '08, we took the Saddle Road back to Kona, which I recently saw listed in some magazine as one of the "must do" scenic drives in the US. I wouldn't go quite that far but it was a change from the other routes. However, it was undergoing major construction when we drove it and while I understand it was bad before, much of it was beyond bad when we drove it. If the work is done now, though, it should be a very nice road.

I can certainly understand the cost factor for the Kona side resorts in your choice. The Hilton is fine, but overall you may be happier at the Hapuna. Beach wise there is no comparison and the Hapuna grounds are much nicer, serene with a very nice atmosphere for adults.

We stayed at the Hapuna one year and did a swim with the dolphins at the Hilton for our son. There were kids and families all over the hotel and pool areas. Now that's not necessarily a bad thing, but the Hapuna was an oasis in comparison, so for me the extra cost would be worth it. You need to decide whether that applies to you. Enjoy your visit whatever you choose, I know you'll have a great time irregardless.

Thanks, all.

How about Hapuna vs. Mauna Kea? Any opinions on that distinction? I know you can use both facilities if you stay at either one, right?

Thanks,
David

Mauna Kea is a far superior property and recently updated. You can use the MK property is you stay at HP. I believe there is a shuttle between the two properties.