East side of Big Island
Oct 31st, 2008, 04:54 PM
#21
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You're most probably right, elsiemoo - it's just those beaches .... I haven't found any (in books, internet) so beautiful as those on Kaiau on Oahu or BI. Maybe I'm not looking hard enough!
Oct 31st, 2008, 06:12 PM
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The Big Island has a few nice white sand beaches. The two best front the Mauna Kea and Hapuna Beach Prince Hotels. However this part of the island is nothing like Kauai. Almost all of it is barren lava flows.
Nov 2nd, 2008, 12:30 AM
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Kailua beach on Oahu is as fabulous as you can get. We have been to all six islands allowed for tourists and every one is fabulous. Every time I leave one I have to plan again for another as they are all my favorite. We are spending a week each on BI and Oahu in December and I am wishing we had more time as I know we are not going to get to do everything we want and squeeze in relaxing. A week in Oahu isn't enough or for any island as far as that goes. Just do not spend all your time in Waikiki it is just the tip of the iceberg. With 3 adults you might want to check out vacation rentals which can be closer to the ocean, with a lot more space for a fraction of the price. No matter what you choose in Hawaii all the islands have their on charm and you will be back.
Nov 2nd, 2008, 04:49 AM
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fdecarlo and Lvamy - thanks for your replies. I've looked at the Mauna Kea , but, eeek, expensive! Kailua beach does indeed look wonderful. I'm afraid that I can't resist Kauai - this will (truly) be our only trip to Hawaii - it's a long way away, we are late 50's/early 60's and we don't have an awful lot of money! I've looked at the Hawaiian Airlines schedules (and prices) and I thought, last night, that I finally had it planned. 3 nights Waikiki, 4 nights Kauai, 6 nights BI and one night back on Oahu in readiness for the early morning flight. Now I'm not so sure! Maybe we could look at rentals at Kailua beach and stay there instead of Waikiki? Is it an easy drive from the airport? And I'm not sure how to split the time on BI - 3 nights around Hilo and 3 nights Kona or 4 nights Kona and 2 nights Volcano. Hmm.
Nov 2nd, 2008, 06:00 AM
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We've done this journey from the U.K. twice and depending what is most important to you it is worth exploring routes other than the west coast-change-planes-and-straight-on.
The first time we went (in August 2004)the bucket shops were promoting United (bear in mind that staff receive bonuses and incentives and so will promote different airlines according to what they can get). We have Delta frequent flyer miles so I wanted to look at Delta and also I couldn't countenance th thought of a 17 hour trip.Priced via Atlanta the flight came out at about £150 each less and there were 4 of us. The agent was really surprised and said it had never occured to him to route people through Atlanta before. So we had a 9 hour flight,overnight in Atlanta where we caught up a little on the time difference and then a late morning departure the next day for Maui via L.A. where the plane stops for some reason for two hours.
On the way back we flew Honolulu to Atlanta where we overnighted again in a nice resort and then on overnight to Manchester. The return from Hawai'i nearly always involves two night flights.
We went again at Easter this year. The route out was the same. Coming back we bit the bullet and flew straight through- Honolulu to LAX-JFK-Manchester. We left at about midnight on Holy Saturday flew right through Easter Sunday and arrived in Manchester on Monday morning.
After we booked the holiday our daughter decided to join us and got her flight on Expedia for about £200 less than ours. She went straight through on American from Heathrow. She sent us a text when she arrived and we were snuggled up in bed in a cold Atlanta saying she was standing on the lana'i and it was warm! We couldn't wait!
She went back from Maui to Lax to Chicago to Heathrow.
Sorry this is getting long but one thing you need to know is that her connection in LAX on the way out was very tight and she had to reclaim her baggage. When we checked up on this in advance(because I didn't want a call from LAX saying "I've missed my connection what do I do" )I was told that as she was all the way through on American the segments of her flight were marriage segments and the flight to Maui would not depart without those who had come in to LAX on her flight.This wouldn't apply if you were changing airlines even if they were partners(which B.A. and American are)
On the first occasion we spent 3or 4 nights in Lahaina then 2 nights in Hana on Maui. We then flew to Kaua'i and spent 2 nights in Waimea and 2 nights in Poipu. Then we flew to Honolulu and spent 2 nights in Waikkiki which blew us away!
The second time we spent 3 nights in Lahaina, 2 nights on Lanai'i another night in Lahaina. Then we flew to Big Island and spent 2 nights in Hilo, two nights high above Kona-Kailua and then another 2 nights in Kona. Having enjoyed Honolulu so much we spent another night there which was even better than the first time!
If you click on my name at the head of this post you will turn up what I reported back after out Easter trip.
The first time we went (in August 2004)the bucket shops were promoting United (bear in mind that staff receive bonuses and incentives and so will promote different airlines according to what they can get). We have Delta frequent flyer miles so I wanted to look at Delta and also I couldn't countenance th thought of a 17 hour trip.Priced via Atlanta the flight came out at about £150 each less and there were 4 of us. The agent was really surprised and said it had never occured to him to route people through Atlanta before. So we had a 9 hour flight,overnight in Atlanta where we caught up a little on the time difference and then a late morning departure the next day for Maui via L.A. where the plane stops for some reason for two hours.
On the way back we flew Honolulu to Atlanta where we overnighted again in a nice resort and then on overnight to Manchester. The return from Hawai'i nearly always involves two night flights.
We went again at Easter this year. The route out was the same. Coming back we bit the bullet and flew straight through- Honolulu to LAX-JFK-Manchester. We left at about midnight on Holy Saturday flew right through Easter Sunday and arrived in Manchester on Monday morning.
After we booked the holiday our daughter decided to join us and got her flight on Expedia for about £200 less than ours. She went straight through on American from Heathrow. She sent us a text when she arrived and we were snuggled up in bed in a cold Atlanta saying she was standing on the lana'i and it was warm! We couldn't wait!
She went back from Maui to Lax to Chicago to Heathrow.
Sorry this is getting long but one thing you need to know is that her connection in LAX on the way out was very tight and she had to reclaim her baggage. When we checked up on this in advance(because I didn't want a call from LAX saying "I've missed my connection what do I do" )I was told that as she was all the way through on American the segments of her flight were marriage segments and the flight to Maui would not depart without those who had come in to LAX on her flight.This wouldn't apply if you were changing airlines even if they were partners(which B.A. and American are)
On the first occasion we spent 3or 4 nights in Lahaina then 2 nights in Hana on Maui. We then flew to Kaua'i and spent 2 nights in Waimea and 2 nights in Poipu. Then we flew to Honolulu and spent 2 nights in Waikkiki which blew us away!
The second time we spent 3 nights in Lahaina, 2 nights on Lanai'i another night in Lahaina. Then we flew to Big Island and spent 2 nights in Hilo, two nights high above Kona-Kailua and then another 2 nights in Kona. Having enjoyed Honolulu so much we spent another night there which was even better than the first time!
If you click on my name at the head of this post you will turn up what I reported back after out Easter trip.
Nov 2nd, 2008, 08:16 AM
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wildblueyonder, I would NOT do Kailua Beach in lieu of Waikiki ... but so much depends on what YOU enjoy doing. We just did two weeks on Oahu in September, the first seven nights at Kailua Beach, the last eight nights at the Outrigger Waikiki. Our Kailua rental was a 15 min. walk from the beach. It is gorgeous there, one of the best beaches in the world. We did enjoy Kailua Beach very much, but given a choice and your timeframe ... I'd do Waikiki. We enjoyed Waikiki more, because there is so much to do, every minute, and it is also very clean and beautiful. We are in our sixties, and we enjoyed being able to walk to dinner, beach, pool, entertainment for all that time. (Never even used a bus or trolley ... Waikiki Beach is only about 2 miles long.) The first week on Kailua we had a rental car, and drove to all the places on the island that we were interested in, outside Waikiki.
If you love sitting on a beach, and having very quiet evenings, then go to Kailua. If you want everything at your fingertips and something interesting to do all the time PLUS sit on a lovely beach, stay in Waikiki.
This was my 5th trip to Hawaii, and we've done all the islands a couple of times. Oahu has everything the other islands have, and more ... you just have to look for it!
Have a great trip, whatever you decide.
If you love sitting on a beach, and having very quiet evenings, then go to Kailua. If you want everything at your fingertips and something interesting to do all the time PLUS sit on a lovely beach, stay in Waikiki.
This was my 5th trip to Hawaii, and we've done all the islands a couple of times. Oahu has everything the other islands have, and more ... you just have to look for it!
Have a great trip, whatever you decide.
Nov 2nd, 2008, 08:47 AM
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Elsiemoo - thanks for the words of caution - I have to admit that I'm in a muddle over this. I have found a studio 10 mins walk from the beach at Kailua Beach, which looks nice and is very cheap, compared to Waikiki (half the price). I thought we might hire a car from the airport and drive straight there for 3 nights. Then stay in Waikiki for 2 nights at the end of our holiday. That would save us enough money to do the catamaran dinner cruise on Kauai!!
So, from Honolulu to Kailua Beach - 3 nights. We are not really big beach people, but, if in Hawaii will certainly want to see the pretty ones - and, perhaps, the first day, we could laze around to help with the jetlag (10 hours time diffence) and the second day, drive to USS Arizona in the morning and then into Waikiki before returning to our rental? Then 4 nights Kauai, 6 nights BI and 2 nights Waikiki (I've added in an extra day!)
However, I guess if I looked outside of the 'beach strip' in Waikiki, I might find something more affordable for those first 3 nights and we could drive to Kailua Beach. Oh, decisions, decisions.
Frances (hey, I have the same name! thanks for the suggestions. I've looked carefully on the flights on Expedia and I still prefer to fly BA, because if plans change, even if slightly, then you have the option of changing dates/flights for £50 - but if you book through Expedia, you can't do that (I know this to my cost, when we had to move dates in 2004, due to illness - had to claim off insurance and rebook). I would've liked to have had a couple nights in Seattle on the way (MUCH prefer that to LA), but it would work out much dearer. So, it's BA-LAX and AA-HNL. Do you think the fares will go up between now and after Christmas?
So, from Honolulu to Kailua Beach - 3 nights. We are not really big beach people, but, if in Hawaii will certainly want to see the pretty ones - and, perhaps, the first day, we could laze around to help with the jetlag (10 hours time diffence) and the second day, drive to USS Arizona in the morning and then into Waikiki before returning to our rental? Then 4 nights Kauai, 6 nights BI and 2 nights Waikiki (I've added in an extra day!)
However, I guess if I looked outside of the 'beach strip' in Waikiki, I might find something more affordable for those first 3 nights and we could drive to Kailua Beach. Oh, decisions, decisions.
Frances (hey, I have the same name!
thanks for the suggestions. I've looked carefully on the flights on Expedia and I still prefer to fly BA, because if plans change, even if slightly, then you have the option of changing dates/flights for £50 - but if you book through Expedia, you can't do that (I know this to my cost, when we had to move dates in 2004, due to illness - had to claim off insurance and rebook). I would've liked to have had a couple nights in Seattle on the way (MUCH prefer that to LA), but it would work out much dearer. So, it's BA-LAX and AA-HNL. Do you think the fares will go up between now and after Christmas?
Nov 2nd, 2008, 11:21 AM
#30
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I didn't mean to say that Expedia was the way to go , in fact I've never booked through them. Both times we went we booked with Trailfinders.
Its not the agency which controls the possibility of change but the airline. The cheapest fares have the greatest restrictions and before now we have also bought "no change" fares. Of late however there has been greater flexibility.
One of the more common routes to Hawai'i from here is via Vancouver on Air Canada. This would make a trip to Seattle very easy but Air Canada is not known for being cheap especially since Zoom its major competitor went to the wall.
As far as when to book goes, Hawai'i is always expensive . The sooner you book I would have thought you would secure a lower price than later.
Its not the agency which controls the possibility of change but the airline. The cheapest fares have the greatest restrictions and before now we have also bought "no change" fares. Of late however there has been greater flexibility.
One of the more common routes to Hawai'i from here is via Vancouver on Air Canada. This would make a trip to Seattle very easy but Air Canada is not known for being cheap especially since Zoom its major competitor went to the wall.
As far as when to book goes, Hawai'i is always expensive . The sooner you book I would have thought you would secure a lower price than later.
Nov 2nd, 2008, 01:35 PM
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Hi elsiemoo - I wish I knew what my budget was for the Oahu segment - LOL. I'm trying to budget around (no more than; less would be good) $3500 for accommodation for the entire trip. So what I save in Oahu I can spend in Kauai and vice-versa! The guesthouse at Kailua Beach cost around $450 for 3 nights - whereas (say) the Marriott Waikiki would cost nearer $900 for 3 nights. At the moment, I'm looking at the Waikiki Marina Resort, which would cost $641 for 3 nights partial ocean view studio (king + sofabed), which isn't bad. Outrigger's a bit dear, unfortunately. I have my eye on a nice condo (for Kauai) at Hanalei Bay Resort, but that costs $275 per night.
This is much harder to organise than I'd hoped!
Frances - yep I know what you mean. I did work out flights which took in Seattle (BA to Seattle and out of Honolulu, so needing a flight from Seattle to HNL) and that worked out about the same as the direct flight total. But it would've meant either more expense (taking in the accommodation in Seattle) or 2 less nights on Hawaii - and, as we've been to Seattle before, we decided to go the direct route. But I'm getting tired just thinking about that loooong flight!
This is much harder to organise than I'd hoped!
Frances - yep I know what you mean. I did work out flights which took in Seattle (BA to Seattle and out of Honolulu, so needing a flight from Seattle to HNL) and that worked out about the same as the direct flight total. But it would've meant either more expense (taking in the accommodation in Seattle) or 2 less nights on Hawaii - and, as we've been to Seattle before, we decided to go the direct route. But I'm getting tired just thinking about that loooong flight!
Nov 4th, 2008, 08:32 AM
#32
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elsiemoo,
There are only two of you on the trip, correct? You should definitely look into Priceline for your hotels -- people very regularly get the (huge, amazing, beachfront, four-star) Hilton Hawaiian Village for under $150/night on there.
If you don't want to go the Priceline route, the Hawaiiana Hotel consistently gets good reviews and is very reasonable. Within a block of the beach, nice pool, "old Hawaii" charm.
Since you're doing three islands, I'd recommend sticking to one area of Oahu, either Waikiki or Kailua. And honestly, I think I'd pick Waikiki -- even though, given the choice, I'd MOVE to Kailua in a heartbeat But it'll save you one more odyssey of packing, checking out, checking in, and unpacking.
Kailua Beach is a half-hour ride from Waikiki -- and that's if you're driving with aloha (er, slowly). I'd stay in Waikiki the whole time (using Priceline or booking a budget-friendly hotel) and stick with your plan of renting a car for the first few days of the trip.
There are only two of you on the trip, correct? You should definitely look into Priceline for your hotels -- people very regularly get the (huge, amazing, beachfront, four-star) Hilton Hawaiian Village for under $150/night on there.
If you don't want to go the Priceline route, the Hawaiiana Hotel consistently gets good reviews and is very reasonable. Within a block of the beach, nice pool, "old Hawaii" charm.
Since you're doing three islands, I'd recommend sticking to one area of Oahu, either Waikiki or Kailua. And honestly, I think I'd pick Waikiki -- even though, given the choice, I'd MOVE to Kailua in a heartbeat
But it'll save you one more odyssey of packing, checking out, checking in, and unpacking.Kailua Beach is a half-hour ride from Waikiki -- and that's if you're driving with aloha (er, slowly). I'd stay in Waikiki the whole time (using Priceline or booking a budget-friendly hotel) and stick with your plan of renting a car for the first few days of the trip.
Nov 4th, 2008, 08:23 PM
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Hi there! Even though I see you have more than enough opinions here, I cannot help but give mine also.
Hubby and I spent 2 1/2 weeks in April - 5 days in Oahu and rest in BI. We had a beautiful, and relatively inexpensive house rental on the cliffs just south of Hilo. And at first I thought it was a mistake to rent in Hilo, because I did not like the thought of so much rain either. But let me set you straight on the rain. Hilo is in fact the rainiest city in the US (Sorry, Seattle), BUT it's in a tropical rain forest climate zone. So, the rain is not constant. It may rain for a few minutes on and off during the day with the breaks being incredible, sunny and gorgeous. It NEVER rained more than 30 mins at a time the whole time we were there. I was so glad we split our time like we did. Waikiki and the North Shore of Oahu were certainly worth the trip, but it does get old. WAY TOO CROWDED! and too touristy. The BI is authentic Hawaii at it's best. The people are wonderful...warm and loving. You can tour the whole island in a couple of days. And it's all worth seeing. We took a helicopter tour of the volcano (right from the airport in Hilo) - that was great. Then we hopped in the car and toured down south to the hot springs and over to the VNP. That is a must see! I don't know what the lava is like now, but since it's been active since the 80s, chances are you'll see some activity. What we got to see from the air was so much more impressive than what we saw from the ground at the park, but the park was definitely fun. Then go on around the bottom of the island, through the desert climate (did you know that there are 13 climate zones on the BI?) and up north to Kona side. Hapuna Beach is beautiful...white, sandy, lush palms. lol Travel on up north to Waimea (sp), beautiful mountain ranch lands. Hubby and I had a great horseback ride up there. You can travel straight across the BI, but the road is not very good. Very bumpy and some rental car companies do not permit it. Best to go around. Don't forget a trip to Mauna Kea. The observatory is AMAZING. We took a tour there and actually biked down. lol Talk about sore butts! lol
Anyway, I wish I was going with you. I would move to Hilo or anywhere on the BI in a minute. And we just may... lol
Have a blast and God bless!
Let me know if I can be of any help.
Tammy =)
Hubby and I spent 2 1/2 weeks in April - 5 days in Oahu and rest in BI. We had a beautiful, and relatively inexpensive house rental on the cliffs just south of Hilo. And at first I thought it was a mistake to rent in Hilo, because I did not like the thought of so much rain either. But let me set you straight on the rain. Hilo is in fact the rainiest city in the US (Sorry, Seattle), BUT it's in a tropical rain forest climate zone. So, the rain is not constant. It may rain for a few minutes on and off during the day with the breaks being incredible, sunny and gorgeous. It NEVER rained more than 30 mins at a time the whole time we were there. I was so glad we split our time like we did. Waikiki and the North Shore of Oahu were certainly worth the trip, but it does get old. WAY TOO CROWDED! and too touristy. The BI is authentic Hawaii at it's best. The people are wonderful...warm and loving. You can tour the whole island in a couple of days. And it's all worth seeing. We took a helicopter tour of the volcano (right from the airport in Hilo) - that was great. Then we hopped in the car and toured down south to the hot springs and over to the VNP. That is a must see! I don't know what the lava is like now, but since it's been active since the 80s, chances are you'll see some activity. What we got to see from the air was so much more impressive than what we saw from the ground at the park, but the park was definitely fun. Then go on around the bottom of the island, through the desert climate (did you know that there are 13 climate zones on the BI?) and up north to Kona side. Hapuna Beach is beautiful...white, sandy, lush palms. lol Travel on up north to Waimea (sp), beautiful mountain ranch lands. Hubby and I had a great horseback ride up there. You can travel straight across the BI, but the road is not very good. Very bumpy and some rental car companies do not permit it. Best to go around. Don't forget a trip to Mauna Kea. The observatory is AMAZING. We took a tour there and actually biked down. lol Talk about sore butts! lol
Anyway, I wish I was going with you. I would move to Hilo or anywhere on the BI in a minute. And we just may... lol
Have a blast and God bless!
Let me know if I can be of any help.
Tammy =)
Nov 5th, 2008, 09:32 AM
#35
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we went to the in the middle of may last year to the big island and divide our time between the kona,dry side,and the garden cooler sde of hilo vnp.we stayed in a pond house not to far from the volcano or hilo.we had it to ourselves.very relaxing older syle home,in a gated area.close to vacationland,and less than 1 k to champaine pond and the ocean. out door futon and bbq and a pond with lites at nite.some fish to see also.very relaxing not toursty,yet close to things on that side of the island.I believe it was call themo pond.south of hilo,by the tide pools.I found it on www.vrbo.com..vacation rentals by owners.There are about 3 different homes with ponds not too bad pricewise.Kona area,the dry side is a bit more reasonable in price,we stayed at a place close to the outrigger,with the name sport and racket club in it.large area with kitchen,3 telis,and they had boggie boards and masks for us to use.this was very close to a very good snorkle park,less than 1k.we were really swimming with the turtles.Area very protected.Lots of things to do on this island.try a nite snorkle with the manarays.no stinger,sunlite on the water a small boat ,more personal.The rain was not a problem,but I live in the pacific northwest an hour or so to north van.bc.It is an on and off thing.
Nov 5th, 2008, 01:36 PM
#36
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bonnessei and climber45 - thank you so much for your suggestions.
Since I last was on here, I've been very busy thinking and searching! We've finally decided to stick with Oahu and BI. I've booked 4 nights in the Embassy Suites in Waikiki (good reviews and we get a bed each!) and I'm in the process of booking 3 nights in a beach house (or hut!), right in front of La'ie Beach (across the road from the Polynesian Cultural Center). They want 30% non-refundable deposit though, which is a bit anxiety-provoking. Then fly to BI - Hilo. I hadn't intended to buy the flights yet, but am getting a little alarmed because several of the 'cheap' Hawaiian air seats are being 'crossed out' for certain times, so I think I should book those sooner rather than later.
Anyway, on BI, I'm in the process of booking 2 nights at the Volcano Places B&B. Although no deposit, thye do have a long cancellation policy (2 months) or you lose money. Finally, 5 nights in a rental house (with pool) Kailua-Kona (1000 feet up - will it be cold??) - I'm waiting to hear back from the owner on this one. The price is good.
I've found a better deal for a flight from the UK - with American Airlines - via LAX on the way out and via DFW on the way back (with a 12 hour layover) and we save £600 (about $1000 although not sure what the current exchange rate is at the moment). But I'm a bit uneasy about flying with AA, not because I think there's anything wrong with them (!), but because we've always flown BA jumbo - and we're kind of used to that! (But such a big saving!)
This is MUCH harder to do than I had thought it would be. I've planned 3 long road trips in the US and they've always had a successful outcome (thanks also to Fodors folk for excellent advice!)- but this trip is spooking me a bit. I don't like the deposit scene - it worries me (what if something happens!) I've booked a couple vrbo properties in the past and the deposits have been refundable. There don't appear to be any 'cheap but cheerful' places to stay, like Hampton Inn or the cheaper Marriott properties. Oh well!
Thank guys!
Since I last was on here, I've been very busy thinking and searching! We've finally decided to stick with Oahu and BI. I've booked 4 nights in the Embassy Suites in Waikiki (good reviews and we get a bed each!) and I'm in the process of booking 3 nights in a beach house (or hut!), right in front of La'ie Beach (across the road from the Polynesian Cultural Center). They want 30% non-refundable deposit though, which is a bit anxiety-provoking. Then fly to BI - Hilo. I hadn't intended to buy the flights yet, but am getting a little alarmed because several of the 'cheap' Hawaiian air seats are being 'crossed out' for certain times, so I think I should book those sooner rather than later.
Anyway, on BI, I'm in the process of booking 2 nights at the Volcano Places B&B. Although no deposit, thye do have a long cancellation policy (2 months) or you lose money. Finally, 5 nights in a rental house (with pool) Kailua-Kona (1000 feet up - will it be cold??) - I'm waiting to hear back from the owner on this one. The price is good.
I've found a better deal for a flight from the UK - with American Airlines - via LAX on the way out and via DFW on the way back (with a 12 hour layover) and we save £600 (about $1000 although not sure what the current exchange rate is at the moment). But I'm a bit uneasy about flying with AA, not because I think there's anything wrong with them (!), but because we've always flown BA jumbo - and we're kind of used to that! (But such a big saving!)
This is MUCH harder to do than I had thought it would be. I've planned 3 long road trips in the US and they've always had a successful outcome (thanks also to Fodors folk for excellent advice!)- but this trip is spooking me a bit. I don't like the deposit scene - it worries me (what if something happens!) I've booked a couple vrbo properties in the past and the deposits have been refundable. There don't appear to be any 'cheap but cheerful' places to stay, like Hampton Inn or the cheaper Marriott properties. Oh well!
Thank guys!
Nov 5th, 2008, 02:12 PM
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wildblueyonder, I would be leery of a place that would not refund the deposit if you had to cancel within a reasonable timeframe ... within 30 days of the date, I could see your losing it but not before that. With the economy being what it is, especially in Hawaii, I think you could find way more reasonable landlords than that!
Nov 5th, 2008, 04:48 PM
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I am a little nervous about the house at 1000' above Kailua-Kona, because the vog (volcanic ash and fog) has been quite bad in that area.
You may want to ask the owners of the house about that, and hopefully someone else on the forum can advise about vog in this location, as I'm not current on the situation.
I noticed the Marriott Waikoloa isn't too expensive, and it would include breakfast and resort amenities. Also, the Hilton Waikoloa is often available on Priceline, and has rooms online for $209. These hotels are farther north and are less affected by vog.
Here are links to a couple of inexpensive, local style hotels in charming areas, the first near Hilo, the second in Hawi (North Kohala).
http://www.dolphinbayhotel.com/cgi-bin/dbay?Todo
http://www.kohalavillageinn.com/
You may want to ask the owners of the house about that, and hopefully someone else on the forum can advise about vog in this location, as I'm not current on the situation.
I noticed the Marriott Waikoloa isn't too expensive, and it would include breakfast and resort amenities. Also, the Hilton Waikoloa is often available on Priceline, and has rooms online for $209. These hotels are farther north and are less affected by vog.
Here are links to a couple of inexpensive, local style hotels in charming areas, the first near Hilo, the second in Hawi (North Kohala).
http://www.dolphinbayhotel.com/cgi-bin/dbay?Todo
http://www.kohalavillageinn.com/
Nov 6th, 2008, 03:50 AM
#39
Join Date: Apr 2004
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I wouldn't worry about the 1000 ft elevation. In June, it will be more comfortable there than along the shore--which can be quite warm and humid. Per a friend who lives in south Kona, there has not been as much vog recently as there was earlier in the year (i.e. April). Also vog tends to impact the areas downwind of the volcano--Kau, the southern part of the island, south Kona more than the Kailua area. When we were there in April afternoons around Honaunau were very voggy but the further north one went the bluer the skies became. That said, there is no predicting what the volcano will be doing in June. BTW, I'm going to Kona next week and will post a vog report plus will report on any restaurants we go to when we return.
Nov 8th, 2008, 01:53 PM
#40
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Kailani - thank you for these suggestions, but we would prefer to stay in a rental - it generally works out more comfortable for the 3 of us - and I can get a house with 3 bedrooms and a private pool, for little more than the cost of a hotel room.
Martym - yes, thank you - I would appreciate a report on the vog situation. I've made enquiries at 2 vrbo properties and not had a response from either of them yet!
Martym - yes, thank you - I would appreciate a report on the vog situation. I've made enquiries at 2 vrbo properties and not had a response from either of them yet!
