Big Island priorities
Oct 7th, 2000 | 04:57 PM
#1
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Big Island priorities
We are traveling to the Big Island in a few months. Please tell us, everything that we should definetly do. We will be staying in the Kohala area. We want to travel to the volcano. Is traveling to the north wiser than traveling to the south? Thanks for any and all help.
Oct 7th, 2000 | 05:26 PM
#2
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Aloha Joy,
First and foremost, go to your local bookstore (or wizardpub.com) and buy a copy of "The Big Island Revealed". It was our BI vacation bible last year.
Secondly, how long will you be staying? This is significant in determining how much of this wonderful island you'll be able to experience. They call it the BIG Island for a reason and you don't want to spend all your time in the car.
If you're going to be there for at least a week...you should really consider staying over night in the Volcano area. It is an amazing experience, but you'll probably want to see the lava at night (or in the very early morning), and we were very grateful to not have to make the drive back to the Kona/Kohala area.
Staying over at least a night would also allow the opportunity to fully appreciate the drive to or from Kohala along the northern side of the island. This is one of the most beautiful stretches in the world (IMHO)!
You might also want to check out Konaweb.com. Even though the name indicates "Kona", it is really another great resource for those interested in the Big Island. They have a forum for posting questions, as well.
Let me know if you'd like any other info. As you probably tell, I love talking about the Big Island!
First and foremost, go to your local bookstore (or wizardpub.com) and buy a copy of "The Big Island Revealed". It was our BI vacation bible last year.
Secondly, how long will you be staying? This is significant in determining how much of this wonderful island you'll be able to experience. They call it the BIG Island for a reason and you don't want to spend all your time in the car.
If you're going to be there for at least a week...you should really consider staying over night in the Volcano area. It is an amazing experience, but you'll probably want to see the lava at night (or in the very early morning), and we were very grateful to not have to make the drive back to the Kona/Kohala area.
Staying over at least a night would also allow the opportunity to fully appreciate the drive to or from Kohala along the northern side of the island. This is one of the most beautiful stretches in the world (IMHO)!
You might also want to check out Konaweb.com. Even though the name indicates "Kona", it is really another great resource for those interested in the Big Island. They have a forum for posting questions, as well.
Let me know if you'd like any other info. As you probably tell, I love talking about the Big Island!
Oct 7th, 2000 | 08:25 PM
#3
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Posts: n/a
If you're in Kohala, either way you drive, north or south is the same difference. We've done it 3 times. Hope you're staying in a condo as we went into shock over the price of meals in Kohala area. We stayed a little north of there at the Hapuna Prince and buffet breakfast only cost $57.00 for 2.
However, there are cheaper places to eat like Taco Bell in Kona.
I too like the Big Island revealed.
However, there are cheaper places to eat like Taco Bell in Kona.
I too like the Big Island revealed.
Oct 8th, 2000 | 05:03 PM
#4
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Thanks to Kelly and Dana for their info.We will be staying in a condo in Waikoloa. Where would you say "reasonable" restaurants are? Also, how about grocery stores? We will have a kitchen, which will be perfect for breakfast. Is an overnight stay at the volcano really that special? If so, what accomadations would you suggest? Thanks again. Mahalo
Oct 9th, 2000 | 01:17 PM
#5
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Joy,
Most of the "reasonable" restaurants are closer to Kona, but Waikoloa does have a food court in the Kings Shops. North of you in Kawaihae there a couple of reasonable places, Cafe Pesto is one of our favorites.
As for groceries, I know there is a grocery store in Waikoloa Village (never been there), but the cheaper route would probably be to pick up supplies/food closer to Kona when you fly in. (Wal-Mart, Costco, etc.)
My recommendation for a stay near the Volcano is Kilauea Lodge. It's a B&B, with one of the best restaurants on the island. We actually rented a 2-bedroom cottage just down the road from the main house and we felt like we were in a fairy tale. If money is really tight and you can't change your condo, the drive back is doable. But lodging prices are pretty reasonable in the Volcano area, and it was WELL worth it to us.
Again, I don't know your general age, whether you'll be with kids, and how long you'll be on the island, so it's tough to know how to recommend certain things. No matter what, you'll have a great time!
Most of the "reasonable" restaurants are closer to Kona, but Waikoloa does have a food court in the Kings Shops. North of you in Kawaihae there a couple of reasonable places, Cafe Pesto is one of our favorites.
As for groceries, I know there is a grocery store in Waikoloa Village (never been there), but the cheaper route would probably be to pick up supplies/food closer to Kona when you fly in. (Wal-Mart, Costco, etc.)
My recommendation for a stay near the Volcano is Kilauea Lodge. It's a B&B, with one of the best restaurants on the island. We actually rented a 2-bedroom cottage just down the road from the main house and we felt like we were in a fairy tale. If money is really tight and you can't change your condo, the drive back is doable. But lodging prices are pretty reasonable in the Volcano area, and it was WELL worth it to us.
Again, I don't know your general age, whether you'll be with kids, and how long you'll be on the island, so it's tough to know how to recommend certain things. No matter what, you'll have a great time!
