We will be on the big island traveling from Honolulu from Mar 2-5th. want to make most of experience-where to fly into-or can we go by boat??? We want to see black sand beaches, volcanoes and waterfalls. Where do you recommend we stay-we like low key, with local feel, clean!

Do a search here and you'll find answers to your basic questions.

Unless the Hawaii ferry starts running, you have to fly between islands.

Based on your interests, I'd say Hilo and Volcano areas will be more to your liking. There is really only one black sand beach, Puna'a'lu'u, and it's between Kona and Volcano. Hilo has all of the waterfalls.

We staye done night at the Wild Ginger Inn in Hilo. It's very low-key and quaint, and also affordable!

Fly between the islands. The Superferry is unreliable.

Lots of info. Ignore the Oahu info:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34812564

Stupidferry doesn't go to Hawaii at this point, and it's doubtful it ever will. You have to fly. All the airlines are the same for islandhoppers flights.

From your description, you probably should base out of the Hilo area, although be aware it is the rainy side of the island.

You might check out the Puna area--it tends to be a little sunnier there and you're still within a reasonable distance of the things you want to do. www.apoparadise.com is a website we've used for lodging there in the past.

We stayed last year at the Bay House in Hilo, it's on the water, super clean and charming, a 4 minute walk to town and convenient to all sights.