Crazy's Big Island - with a splash of Maui - trip report
Jun 6th, 2006, 09:28 PM
#22
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C4H, for future trip plans for you and other BI bound folks, this may be of interest: ATA now flies NONSTOP from Oakland to Hilo. Admittedly, this is a plug for my local airport, but you could fly LIT to OAK on SWA or AA, break up the trip with a few days in the Bay Area, and head over directly to Hilo. Sadly, it'll likely be in "steerage" instead of ...ahhhhhh 
...First Class!
I totlaly agree with your advice about dividing accomodations between the Kohala (or Kona) side and the Hilo side. We tried a Kona to Akaka Falls day trip last time there. Never again!! Those roads are pitch black at night--one of the scarier drives I've done, heading down the inland road (that borders the Kohala Coast).
Happy dreaming. Thanks to your always glowing description of it, I'm determined to stay at GW next time in Maui. A big splurge, but what the heck..a stay in Paradise? "Priceless."
...First Class!I totlaly agree with your advice about dividing accomodations between the Kohala (or Kona) side and the Hilo side. We tried a Kona to Akaka Falls day trip last time there. Never again!! Those roads are pitch black at night--one of the scarier drives I've done, heading down the inland road (that borders the Kohala Coast).
Happy dreaming. Thanks to your always glowing description of it, I'm determined to stay at GW next time in Maui. A big splurge, but what the heck..a stay in Paradise? "Priceless."
Jun 7th, 2006, 04:36 AM
#23
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Cali -
I booked the terrace room in December for $313. per night. A few weeks later the same room was $470. Since then, the resort has come under new management BUT, I'd say, booking early makes for pretty good deals with GW!
I booked the terrace room in December for $313. per night. A few weeks later the same room was $470. Since then, the resort has come under new management BUT, I'd say, booking early makes for pretty good deals with GW!
Jun 7th, 2006, 09:57 AM
#24
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Crazy4Hawaii, your great trip report is perfect timing! I can't wait to get to the BI next month on my HM. We're flying in to Hilo first to stay in Volcano for 2 nights then to Hapuna fro the rest of the week. Flying home from Kona.
I kind of wanted to do some horseback adventure, so we were thinking of doing the Waipio Valley wagon tour but your observation doesn't sound too appealing. So I'm guessing if it were to be one or the other, you would recommend splurging on the Mauna Kea Summit tour instead?? Would you mind posting the cost of that and where did you book though? Your description of it sound amazing! Thanks for your descriptive report, we'll certainly make sure we have a few of those stops on our itinerary.
I kind of wanted to do some horseback adventure, so we were thinking of doing the Waipio Valley wagon tour but your observation doesn't sound too appealing. So I'm guessing if it were to be one or the other, you would recommend splurging on the Mauna Kea Summit tour instead?? Would you mind posting the cost of that and where did you book though? Your description of it sound amazing! Thanks for your descriptive report, we'll certainly make sure we have a few of those stops on our itinerary.
Jun 7th, 2006, 10:05 AM
#25
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Yes, I would have never guessed it when I was doing my planning, but I would recommend Mauna Kea over horseback riding. Google Mauna Kea Summit Adventures and you'll get the company's GREAT website complete with pricing and many other details. I booked directly with them using the site and they were very responsive and professional with any and all questions I came up with!
Jun 7th, 2006, 11:06 AM
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Thanks for the Great Report - we leave for BI, Maui + Waikiki 2 WEEKS from today! We are booked for the same horseback riding tour but after reading your report are now considering the Mauna Kea trip. Aside from the guide, was the horseback riding something special or just OK? I may switch and do the riding on Maui.
Thanks!!
Thanks!!
Jun 7th, 2006, 05:52 PM
#27
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WOW! What a great report. We leave next week for Maui and the Big Island and can't wait.
You mentioned that you overpacked -- what would you suggest was must pack and what could you have done without?
You mentioned that you overpacked -- what would you suggest was must pack and what could you have done without?
Jun 7th, 2006, 07:08 PM
#28
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Oh how I miss the Big Island! You must have been there on many occasions! You describe everyting to a "T"! I am a local girl from Waikoloa living in New Hampshire. Lucky though because I still spend summers & X-mas there. Spring has simply been awful here in NH with all the flooding. Hilo gets rains, but NH doesn't know what to do with it! I cannot wait to get those tamales at the Hilo market. They are my favorite! I like mochi at Two Ladies in Hilo too. They do all differnt kinds:lilikoi, chi-chi, strawberry, etc.. Have you tried thiers? Sometime KTA & Longs will have a sampling of their mochi for sale. My sister recently got married at Mauna Kea. It was the nicest wedding & reception I've ever been too. We enjoy the clambake there too. Rooms at Hapuna are definately better. They have a really nice spa too. Have you been to the Waikolaon Hilton, even just to have a peak? It's pretty impressive, but not for everyone. It's one mile from end-to-end & despite a tram & water boats to lug you around, it takes a long time from room to parking lot! Your report was enjoyable to read. I am homesick! Can't wait to go back in 2 weeks! Mahalo
Jun 7th, 2006, 07:19 PM
#29
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very sweet of you to say so, crazy! but the ironic thing is that other than the US, i've only been to mexico and tahiti. no europe, no asia, no hawaii even! we're working on that! 
but our budget only allows one vacation per year.
yeah, i'm not a good flyer. 8 hrs to tahiti was my limit! africa someday will be very difficult.
but our budget only allows one vacation per year.yeah, i'm not a good flyer. 8 hrs to tahiti was my limit! africa someday will be very difficult.
Jun 7th, 2006, 08:19 PM
#30
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Travelingirl - Keep your horseback riding plans. The Waipio Valley is a special place. There's a female guide that has gotten rave reviews from others - maybe you can request her before your trip.
Hawaiiwego - The main things I didn't need to pack were snorkeling gear and flashlights - and walkie talkies and rain jackets. Oh, well. Who knew? My clothes and shoes selections were perfect. I used my jeans more than I expected I would and really needed my Tevas, sun hat, sunglasses, and Simple lightweight hiking shoes...
CoR - I have never had mochi or visited the Hilton - leaves some things for me to try next time! You are so lucky to have frequent opportunities to return. My too few trips have been very spread out over the years. Hey, NH is a beautiful place too, isn't it? I'll bet those Autumn leaves are gorgeous!
Lynne - I only get one big vacation a year as well - and for only about ten days. I just keep wanting to return to Hawaii...
Hawaiiwego - The main things I didn't need to pack were snorkeling gear and flashlights - and walkie talkies and rain jackets. Oh, well. Who knew? My clothes and shoes selections were perfect. I used my jeans more than I expected I would and really needed my Tevas, sun hat, sunglasses, and Simple lightweight hiking shoes...
CoR - I have never had mochi or visited the Hilton - leaves some things for me to try next time! You are so lucky to have frequent opportunities to return. My too few trips have been very spread out over the years. Hey, NH is a beautiful place too, isn't it? I'll bet those Autumn leaves are gorgeous!
Lynne - I only get one big vacation a year as well - and for only about ten days. I just keep wanting to return to Hawaii...
Jun 12th, 2006, 03:07 PM
#31
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Another great T.R. crazy4HI!
In the spirt of the K9s, why anyone would go to Kona and stay in Keauhou is truly crazy
unless your iron-personing of course.
And now more seriously, how has the G.W. changed since becoming managed by Hilton
Is the Kahuna right about Maui being "where its at" now
In the spirt of the K9s, why anyone would go to Kona and stay in Keauhou is truly crazy
unless your iron-personing of course.And now more seriously, how has the G.W. changed since becoming managed by Hilton
Is the Kahuna right about Maui being "where its at" now
Jun 12th, 2006, 03:58 PM
#32
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Hey, JohnD - I'm looking forward to your next report! I was a little worried about GW but am glad to report it is just as GREAT as before! I felt the employees seemed happy and upbeat. My husband said he thought the cleanliness had slipped a little so I just gave him another lava flow...LOL! This is a resort some people will always enjoy trashing because it's so "over-the-top" but I still love it. It's a wonderful splurgy treat for an island that's most definitely WHERE IT'S AT!
