A very special friend and I will be in Kohala (Mauna Lani Bay)for 5 nights (with a day or overnight trip to Honolulu). We're from the east coast, love fun, food and travel. What should we see, do, eat, to make the trip memorable and show her that she means the world to me.

We where there in Sept. '99. Stayed at the Hilton. We did the helicopter ride over the active volcano. We drove to Hilo and visited all the different waterfalls on the way. It was really exciting! Ate at Roy's, was delicious! Hope this helps.

Suggestions:
1. Dining: Mauna Lani's "Canoe House" restaurant is highly regarded. But also have dinner at Roy's Waikoloa Grill (in the "Kings Shops", only a 10 minute drive from your hotel) and have lunch or dinner at Merriman's (in Waimea). Both will not disappoint!
2. Scenic Drives: A relatively short drive along the 20 mile Kohala Mountain Road (#250) is a MUST. Very scenic and offers a commanding view of the Kohala coastline. The road ends at "Hawi", where you can have delicious macadamia nut ice cream at "Tropical Dreams". A longer drive along the Hamakoa Coast is also recommended, with stops at Akaka Falls, the "4 mile scenic detour" and a walk in the Hawaii Tropical Gardens (about 5 or 10 miles north of Hilo).
3. Fun: I enjoyed the horseback ride in the Waip'io Valley, where you ride across streams, alongside taro farms, view waterfalls , etc.
ENJOY!

Take a helicopter tour of the volcano. Since you only have a few days, save yourself some time by flying out of the Kona airport. It is more costly, but how many times do you get to see lava flowing right beneath you.
If you scuba dive, do a night dive with the manta rays. I saw this from shore and these fish are just amazing. I wish I knew how to scuba, just so I could check them out. Sierra Magazine did a story on it a couple of months ago.

J,

Hate to say this but you will barely start to recover from jetlag and have to come home! If you could possibly double your trip, I would. Maybe stay at a cheaper hotel for a longer time - All the above suggestions are good but you will not have enough time for all of them. Your travel days are eaten up already, so you will only have the days in between. Do yourself a favor, and try to stretch! Good luck!

lani,
Unfortunately time away from commitments do not allow more time. She's been to Maui and I've been to Honolulu on business before. Trust me, we are 'seasoned' travelers. Earlier in the year, we left for Paris at 8pm EDT, didn't sleep a wink on the plane, checked into the Crillon at noon the nextday, slept for 2 hours, then stayed out 'til 3am the same night. So assuming we don't tire easy, inundate us every little suggestion you guys may have. Every idea is appreciated. Thanks

j,

We just returned from 12 days on the BI and even that wasn't enough, but take what you can get, it's wonderful! You're staying at a beautiful resort (we stayed next door at the Orchid two years ago when we also had just 5 days). I'd love to give you some more tips, but some info about your interests would really help. Do you want beautiful beaches, adventurous hiking, water activities (snorkel/scuba/boogie boarding), history, fine dining... The BI has them all, but in five days you'll want to limit those so you're not in the car the whole time. Let me know!

While in the Kohala area visit the Parker Ranch, wander around Waimea (also called Kamuela) and while in Waimea eat at Edelweiss (sp?). Great food, but remember to make reservations!
If you can venture into the Waipio Valley it is AMAZING. Have a great time!

I live in Kona and agree with everything people have said. I am not sure if you are already on your trip but if not, e-mail me I will tell you all I can!

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