Big Island questions
 

Wife and I will be making 4th trip to Hawaii in Jan. '08. We've been to Maui and Kauai before, but never the BI. Wondering how the BI compares to Maui or Kauai. What are the differences? What area is the best to stay, and does anyone have any condo/hotel recommendations for the BI?

Your questions are pretty broad. Pick up a copy of "Big Island Revealed" to get an overview of the island, and to help narrow down your list of accomodations and attractions that might interest you.

The BI offers just about everything found on Maui and Kauai, and a few things not found on any other Hawaiian island. What's "best" as far as areas, accomodations etc depends on what you're looking for.

I have been to Maui and Kauai and the Big Island, and I think the biggest difference is the SIZE of the Big Island. Another difference is that you can visit Volcano National Park on the Big Island.

I think Kauai has the best hiking, natural views. I think Maui has the best choices for accommodations, dining. I think the Big Island has the most variety of areas.

We stayed in the Kona area, in volcano area, and also in Kohala area. Kona area is good for water activities (boat trips, etc.) and being near the town of Kona, where you can walk to different restaurants(sort of like Lahaina on Mauai). Volcano area is good for visiting the volcano and Hilo (I wouldn't stay here longer than 2 nights). Kohala Coast area is great for mega resorts, tropical beaches, luxurious surroundings, nice restaurants.

Depends on what you like in a vacation. We stayed at the Hilton and it was wonderful, but it is truly a megaresort. So, if you don't like that, there are many others. I liked the Kohala Coast area. It is sunny and the resorts are very nice. The Marriott is a smaller version of the Hilton. The Fairmont Orchid is a lovely hotel resort (quieter) and there are some very nice condos in the area. You will need a rental car. Kona does have some good boating activites and such. Big Island is very different from all of the islands. I have been to Oahu and Maui and Big Island and it is very unique looking. It is lots of black lava rocks (miles of it) and then the blue blue waters, mountains and watefalls and of course the volcano. Lots to see and do. Our favorite was just swimming with giant turtles going by everywhere. Very good snorkeling for us novices. You can walk in and see all sorts of beautiful colored fish.
Enjoy.

The western shore of the Big Island is dry and rocky with abundant remnants of old lava flows. Graffiti along the highway is the most unusual I've seen: white coral spells out marriage proposals, memorials, initials, etc. We loved Mauna Lani Bay, about 30 minutes north of Kona Airport. Lots of things to do for families. Two-hour drive to Hilo w/o going through Kailua-Kona.

I would have to agree with others on this topic. I would stay near Kona. Many more resorts to choose from as well as restaurants. My wife and I stayed at the Outrigger Royal Sea Cliff(condo), which is a couple of miles south of Kona along the main highway. It is not fancy and has no beach, but was very quite and the room we had was very clean and nice. We stayed for 5 nights and I think that is about all you really need to stay for. Driving around the island and seeing all the sights will take you atleast 2 days. A must see while on the island is Volcano National Park and the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut factory just south of Hilo. One very good beach to check out is the Black Sand beach which is on the South side of the island. Other than around Hilo or Kona, not much other dinning or activity options to choose from. But still a very nice island to visit.