Goodness there's a lot in this thread. Beachgirl, I have a story very similar to yours....spent the last vacation on the Big Island and planned to go to Kauai this year for a change of pace. We've booked though for the Big Island because the cost on Kauai (we also want the Hyatt) was prohibitive. We have stayed there before, loved it, consider it our favorite hotel. But.....it all boils down to cost and the realization that we could spend more nights in Hawaii if we returned to the BI instead.

Actually the BI is our favorite, spent the last 3 out of 4 vacations there. My goal would be to alternate BI and Kauai, but I am having trouble convincing myself to spend that much extra money for Kauai.

To the person who mentioned something about elite certificates for the Hyatt on Kauai....where/how do you obtain these? Thanks.

In terms of the BI....we spend lots of time just relaxing -- stayed at Hilton Waikoloa last year and loved it. It's a huge property with wonderful swimming pools. Perfect for those r&r days.

In terms of sight seeing, they don't call it "big" for nothing. The Hamakua (sp?) coast is gorgeous, we always take a one day drive in that direction. A drive north (west side, Kohala mtns) is also nice, we've done that a few times but prefer the drive to Hilo more. VNP is the major draw, we've seen lava flowing at night, VERY exciting, you don't see that anywhere else.

We've watched the Dolphin Quest programs a number of times, haven't personally participated. It's expensive and there's a lottery draw determining who gets in. My daughter's friend did it once and loved it, a highlight of her trip.

The Fairmont is nice, we haven't stayed there, but we spent a lot of time there last year watching turtles on the beach and eating at Brown's Beach house. Costly, but excellent. Went for lunches and one dinner, highly recommend it. They also have a deli where you can get sandwiches "to go" for day trips. If you like smoothies the bar near Brown's Beach house makes excellent coffee flavored ones.

Four Seasons is indeed lovely....we've gone for meals there a few times. Their breakfast buffet at Pahu I'a is the best we've been to, set in an outstanding location, with good food beautifully presented.

The food at Hilton Waikoloa is ok, not great though. We thought their Orchid Cafe near the pool was overpriced and that the food was sub-par. I can personally vouch though for the curly fries and coconut smoothies at the Lagoon Grill and the Boat Landing is good for a less expensive dinner if you want to eat on-property. The breakfast buffet is decent....but Pahu I'a and the Bay Terrace at Mauna Lani Bay are better.

One more restaurant to mention....O's Bistro in Kona. It used to be Oodles of Noodles but they changed the name, still the same people. I've heard that the service varies, we've always gotten great service though. Their Mongolian Beef is delicious.

Connecticutlady: Thank you so much for all the GREAT information! We were on the BI last year, but only for 4 nights, so we are thrilled to be returning, and love all your help! Glad to see I'm not the only one who thinks the BI is more affordable (resort-wise) than Kauai. At first, we were kind of disappointed to be missing Kauai this time around, but now we are so looking forward to the BI again because it is such a spectacular and unique island. I'm going to be printing this thread and taking it with me, so thank you for all the wonderful tips

beachgirl: when in August will you be at the Fairmont on the BI? we are there 8/12 for seven nights. first trip to BI. can't wait!!
definitely want to do a Waipio Valley horseback ride.

stellaluna: right now we are booked at the Fairmont from Aug. 13-18! Looks like we will be there at the same time! I want to do the horseback riding, too, but may have to go alone because my hubby is more than the allowed weight, although he is trying to lose some before our trip. I am really looking forward to the Fairmont, the pictures look beautiful!