Big Island Question
 

I will be on the Big Island for seven nights. My original plan was to stay at the Four Seasons Hualalai for the first 5 nights and then move to the Kilauea Lodge, in Volcano, for the last 2 nights. I definitely want to see Volcanoes National Park and a night time lava flow, if there is one visible. Are there any other must sees on the Hilo side of the island? I have heard and read so many wonderful things about the FS Hualalai, I am wondering if I should spend 6 nights there, and only 1 night at Kilauea Lodge. Would 1 night be enough?<BR><BR>For those of you who have experienced both sides of the island and VNP, I would appreciate your input.<BR><BR>Thanks a bunch!

Don't go to the Volcano the last 2 nites. Spend the last nite at the 4 Seasons. You are probably catching a plane out of Kona, so if you stay the last nite at the Volcano, you will have to get up awfully early to drive almost 150 miles to catch the plane. An option I would take is, fly on a helicopter over the volcano, and forget about staying there. The 4 Seasons is the BEST place to be in Hawaii. If you had several wks, you could stay at the Volcano, but if you try to do all that driving, it willbe a waste of your time, I think. Aloha!

Anuhea -Thanks for your reply. Actually, I am flying into Kona and out of Hilo, so I won't have a lot of driving before my flight. I could always change my flight to leave out of Kona, but then I won't be able to visit the park or get close to an actual lava flow. Will a helicopter ride over the volcano really be as exciting as going to VNP? Also, I don't know if I'll be able to get a reservation for the 7th night at the FS. I would have to check into it.

Akaka Falls is on the Hilo side and is interesting.

We stayed in Kona the whole time and drove around the island several times. Day trips are fine. We even did a day of horseback riding in the valley on the Hilo side and had plenty of time to get back. We went to VNP and drove around on one day and we took a helicopter tour on another. The helicopter is the only way to get close to an above ground flow if there is one. We got really close. It was really hot! We got some great pictures. Helicopter it the way to see the park.

Susan, when did you visit the Big Island and which hotel did you stay at in Kona? Also, do you remember the helicopter tour company you used out of Kona?<BR><BR>I was thinking that if I stayed in Kona that I would waste less time driving and be able to spend more time seeing the sights. Also, the Four Seasons is an expensive resort, so while I am paying those rates, I didn't think that it would be a good value to take a whole day trip and be away from the resort all day. Staying inVolcano is far less expensive. Maybe I should rethink that though.

Any other opinions?

What about the Kula Lodge

ss Where is the Kula Lodge?

ttt

I love the Kilauea Lodge. Two nights will actually work well. It can take a good aprt of the day to get from Kona to Volcano if you want to stop frequently. (Actually 2-3 hours if you move along). So the first day you get to the Volcano mid-afternoon, check in, and then head down the Chain of Crater's road to see the eruption. The next day, you have breakfast at the Lodge, explore the park before it gets crowded, take a nap, and have a great dinner at the Lodge. That leaves the last day for a casual start (including breakfast again at the Lodge with their sweetbread french toast)and then out through Hilo. <BR><BR>Could you do it in a day? Sure but it would be rushed. I really like the VNP including hiking trails like Kilauea Iki which takes 4 hours so I may take longer than many others. Many people come to Hawai'i and say the best part of their trip was right at the end when they slowed down.

Thanks Hans. Msybe I do nbeed 2 days, then, because I also want to stop at Akaka Falls on the way to Volcano, as well as the Botanic Gardens. I thought that it might be possible to leave about 9AM, visit the Falls and Gardens, and get to VNP by 2:30. Explore VNP until approximately 6 PM, and then head over to where ever I'll be able to see the lava flow at night. Then end the day with dinner at the Lodge.

Hoping for a few more replies, please.

My husband and I spent 8 nights on the Big Island as part of a 3 island trip just a month ago. We stayed at the Kilauea Lodge for two nights and I thought it was just the right length to stay. Kileaua lodge is beautiful and the ferns are gorgeous. Staying two nights gives you the opportunity to explore the volcano area for two days. We also stayed at the Four seasons for four nights, one night at the Hapuna Beach Prince hotel, and one night in the Waipio Valley area. Some may say that staying in so many different places is too much moving around but we liked the variety. Don't miss the National Botanical Garden near Hilo. It was incredible and one of the highlights from our trip. Enjoy your trip.. the Big Island is so diverse and there is so much to see.

Two nights at Kilauea Lodge will be perfect - that's what we did, then spent the other 5 nights at the Outrigger Waikoloa on the other side. I love the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens, a high point of our trip, and the City of Refuge is not be be missed. Have a wonderful time!

Cindy and Lani, I am glad to hear that you loved the Botanical Gardens. I am looking forward to that very much. I absolutely love tropical flowers, and my husband enjoys photographing them. Aprroximately how much time should we allow for our visit to the Gardens? Did either of you visit Akaka Falls? If you did, what did you think?<BR><BR>Cindy, I have so many questions for you, if you don't mind answering them. It sounds like you and I both enjoy planning similar types of vacations. I love variety, but I try not to change hotels too much since my husband enjoys that aspect of traveling less.<BR><BR>1. Which were the other 2 islands you visited? How long and where did you stay on each? We will be visiting 4 islands over 21 nights, in 6 different accommodations.<BR><BR>2. How did you enjoy the Four Seasons? I have read in so many threads that the resort is so beautiful and relaxing that, once you are there, you don't want to leave, not even to tour the island. Did you feel this way? I am trying to decide if I should change the number of nights at FS and the Lodge because I don't want to regret staying one less night at the FS to move to the Lodge. I also do not want to feel like I've missed anything in Hilo or at VNP. I know that this sounds rediculous but, it seems that as many nights as we have, it always seems like I can use just one more night on each island to see all that I want to see -and to leave some time for relaxation.<BR><BR>3. Did you go to the Lodge at the beginning or end of you BI stay?<BR><BR>4. Are there any specific tours, activities, or beaches that you would highly recommend on the BI, or the other islands?

Hoping Cindy will see this post.

I live in Hawaii and had a chance to stay at the Kilauea Lodge earlier this year. I think you'll love the contrast between Hualalai, which is supposed to be very upscale and oceanfront in a very warm and dry part of the Big Island, and the volcano area, which is cooler (because of the elevation) and wetter. The food at the lodge is great and the service wonderful. Even locals drive the almost 20 miles from Hilo for dinner at the lodge, so you know it's something special. Accommodations at the lodge are spacious, but quaint. There are no TV's except in the common rooms. <BR><BR>Your original plan sounds great. Have a terrific vacation.<BR><BR>Aloha!

Hi burta! Thanks for your reply. So, you are recommending 5 nights at the Four Seasons and 2 nights at Kilauea Lodge, also. One night probably wouldn't be enough time on the east side of the island. What I need is 8 nights so I can have 6 and 2. I'm very excited about this trip though, no matter how many nights it is! Thanks again!

ttt

I'm also hoping that Cindy replies. Excited has asked a good question.

Which is a good helicopter company on the BI? Also, would it be better to go on a shorter helicopter flight from Hilo or a longer one from Kona? The longer flights from Kona are much more expensive. Is it worth it?

Did not read your thread thoroughly but I have seen pictures of the Waipio Valley and it is stunning. I also understand through ultimate guide that you can see wild horses here. I say this is a must see.

PS friend who was born and raised on big island says you can get very close to the flow right now. I have visited over the years and have gotten very close. Do not think a helicopter ride is imperative at all. Icing but certainly not the cake

Thanks sss. I was beginning to think that I would not get to see the lava flow up close. That would have been soooooo disappointing. The reason I decided to go to the BI was to visit VNP and see the lava flow. It had been flowing in very observable areas for so long, I was hoping that it would hold out until I get there the end of August. At least it looks good right now. My other question was: How should I divide my time on the BI -6 nights at Four Seasons and 1 night at Kilauea Lodge in Volcano or 5 nights at FS and 2 nights at the Lodge? What do you think?

Yeah actually that friend on the big island won't get on a helicopter. They are well aware of the accident rates. I want to do it but having lived there (Oahu) I can't get those reports out of my head either. The state was always talking about making them illegal I have never done a helicopter trip and I have always had incredible experiences at the volcano. I think once the view was in the distance but for the most part it was great. Friend told me on phone call the other day you do have to be carefull because some ground is cool but thin and can cave. She said she is waiting to hear about tourists falling in. THAT SAID DON'T PANIC. I have done it about 10 times. Thing is it can get pretty exciting at night and all kinds of people are hiking over the lava just want to stay on marked paths. I only tell you this so you are careful at night. There are park rangers there so you won't be scrambling in the dark alone. What a tough job everyone is so excited at night and you see the park wrangers scrambling to advise proper paths.<BR>As for you stay ideas<BR>I really like the Hilo side better. I think you might want to see the volcano for two nights. I know I always do. I am going for a two week stay on Kauai first night at hotel in Poipu than two weeks NS but we heard about the recent eruptions on our local news in NYC. I quickly cancelled the Hyatt Regency (Ok I still have to call) and reorganized lodging, flights and car. <BR><BR>I wish I had your lodge reservation but I don't think they allow kids. So far we are at the Volcano House inside the park with a king no guarantee of a rollaway for 9 year old, non-designated smoker/smoking rooms. I am telling you all of this because THAT IS HOW SPECTACULAR the volcano at night is.<BR><BR>I have to disagree with the people that are telling you to drive too and fro from Kona. It is something like a 4hour drive roundtrip. That is the quicky non coastal route. Who needs that on a vacation. I would drive Kona-Waipio or better Hilo-Waipio. Call that lodge today and reschedule to stay another night. When I called the Volcano house 7:30am Hawaii time the reservationist was laughing because the phone was ringing off the hook. I felt lucky to get what I got. Kilauea lodge judging by this travel board is in greater demand. I also found these very idealic story book like cottages on the Volcano House website also in the village.<BR><BR>Definately 2 nights volcano

You know it is advisable to pack a light rain slicker and hiking boots if you have them for Big Island. You might need a sweater at night. I can't remember how cold it gets in August but other times of the year I wore a wool sweater up there. It is about 10-20 degrees cooler than Hilo. Might be able to get temp from weather channel website. Just make sure it is not Hilo weather. Hiking boots will serve you all over the island. I like the kind that that don't come too high on ankle and breathe but are water proof.

last and I am sorry but I just switched my trip around and I too am not excited. You want to checkout calendar events for Big Island at go-hawaii.com . Do you have big-Island revealed excited? They talk a lot about Waipio Valley and other significant sights throughout the island.<BR><BR>August is the month for the Obon-Festival season on most of the islands. You don't want to miss this if it going on around one of your locations. This is the remembrance dance you can see it at the end of "the picture bride" the movie. I am coming from the east coast we just don't see this kind of thing here I go to them each August I am in Hawaii.<BR>

sss -just one more question, if you don't mind. I am not sure I understand why you are cancelling your 1 night stay at the Hyatt on Kauai. Could you please explain? You mentioned something about the local news in NY. I must be very out of touch because I don't have any idea which news story you mean?

Sorry I just typed and did not proof read. The volcano flow was mentioned on local news in NYC on Saturday. This is rare and probably the first time I ever heard a volcano piece on local news here. This prompted call to friend who said it was an amaizing flow. I cancelled the Hyatt and two nights on Kauai so I could get to the volcano. The Hyatt is a great hotel that is why I thought it worth mentioning, the sacrifice you see :):). Paying for lodging on both islands second night on BI.

Suggest you do two nights at Kilauea Lodge. It will take you a while to drive from the Kona side to the Hilo side of the island, so you will lose part of a day to the drive and settling in. You will want to visit the volcano area in a leisurely fashion -- tour the visitor center, walk the devastation trail, even visit the winery nearby perhaps.<BR>What I'm suggesting is that you'll need one full day besides your travel day between Kona and Hilo for the volcano area, so if you can manage that with one overnight at Kilauea Lodge, that would be okay. If you are leaving (flying out) during the day on your second day there, then I'd suggest two nights at the lodge. Otherwise, I think logistically you'll be pressed for time.

sss -Now I think I understand. Originally, you were not going to the BI at all, but decided to cancel the first 2 nights of your Kauai trip to get to the BI instead to see the volcano.<BR><BR>I was thinking about looking into a helicopter trip but maybe that is unwise. I know that there are accidents from time to time but, given the number of helicopter flights each day, is the number really that high? I also booked a helicopter trip on Kauai that I am looking forward to. When will you be going to Hawaii?<BR><BR>Burta, thanks for your input. It seems like most people believe that I should spend 2 nights at Kilauea Lodge. It seems like the most sensible plan if I really want to enjoy the sights instead of feeling rushed. I know that the weather might be a little chilly, but should I expect a lot of rain during the end of August?

Not usually but this is the orchid isle and this is the wetter side. We are also in an el Nino year all that is doing so far on Kauai is making a lot of wind and clouds but you never know, look at the photos at the Volcano house for July4. Can't do anything about unlikely rain so I just pack for it.

Two nights minimum somewhere in Volcano. It is a great contrast to the rest of the island and being so close to VNP is the best way to go. My wife and I stayed two nights at the Inn At Volcano (wonderful, elegant place) and did not think it was enough time to really see VNP. A third night would have been better for us.<BR><BR>One thing I would echo from a previous reply is the hike at the Kilauea Iki crater. No active lava there but the place is stunning nonetheless.

John, thanks for your input. Another vote for at least 2 nights in Volcano. Could you please share more information on the Kilauea Iki hike. Just wondering how long and strenuous it is. Thanks again!

John, just wanted to let you know I found the info in a guide book. It seems like a preety long hike. I'm not sure if I wll have enough time fot it even if I do stay in Volcano for 2 nights. I read about a look-out though. From what I understoon, you don't really have to hike to get to the look-out is that right?.

I'll be getting into the Volcano Village area around 7:30pm. Is it too late to start exploring the volcano and the lava flow area? I would greatly appreciate any reply. Thanks.

We took the Circle of Fire tour with Blue Hawaiian on our last visit to the BI. It was unbelievable. Blue Hawaiian has an excellent safety record. It is, however, not a cheap tour, but a very memorable experience. They tape the entire tour and you are given your own copy as part of your tour price. Check out their website: http://www.bluehawaiian.com/big_island_frameset.htm.<BR><BR>On our first trip to the BI, we stayed on the Hilo side. On our subsequent trips we have stayed in Kona. Hilo is pretty and green, but that's because it rains a lot more than on the Kona side. But Akaka Falls and the Botanical Gardens were well worth the time spent to visit.

Betty K were you able to do that at sunset or when there was some dimness in the air to accent the lava?