Hey Gang,

Just tripped across this website planning a trip to hawaii for late October. Oct 16 - 28th.
i am a coffee nut, would like to see the plantations and volcano, hence doing BI.
DH has been to maui, but doesn't remember much of it.Are thinking of splitting time between the two.
We don't have kids, would like to stay in a condo preferably one that does not appeal to "families". We are on a moderate budget and would like to keep condo cost down, but have to have a king size bed to sleep. DH is very tall. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Also must do's... have read a few posts already and have done some digging. I am an avid hiker , DH not so much, don't want to kill him. I also wouldn't mind an ultralight flight(i am currently getting private pilots licence in Canada).. have seen some available on Kuwai, but not on maui or BI.. any ideas?? Sorry post is so long , but have many questions, and would like to have a rough itenarary before we go.

There are a lot of websites on this thread for all islands & at least one for each island. Just ignore the Oahu info:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34812564

Here is a Big Island coffee farm touring map:

http://www.konacoffeefest.com/drivingtour/map.html

This is a link to an oceanfront condo in Kona on the Big Island that has a king sized bed and looks like it is available when you are going to be there. The price is reasonable. This is walking distance to one of the outdoor markets and several restaurants also. I have stayed in this complex, which is nice, but not in this particular condo. This complex has a fresh water and a salt water pool. Hope this helps. http://www.vrbo.com/102847

welcome

good luck researching this site. there are so many great ideas from fellow posters. click on the hawaii bar to reduce US threads to those addressing only the islands.

vrbo.com has been a great source for comparing properties. I have been quite fortunate with all of my rentals while visiting the islands.

happy searching
gyppie

Most condos will "appeal to families", however, since you're going at a time that school is in session, there should be far fewer kids than there would be during school holidays.

There are some very nice hikes on the Big Island that will give you the flavor and history of the island without killing your husband.

Many of the resorts have petroglyph trails that are flat and a mile or two, then you can stop for a drink or snooze on the beach.

There are several waterfalls and gardens on the Hilo side that are rather doable: Akaka Falls, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden http://www.htbg.com/ , Pua Mau Place in North Kohala (A weird garden with giant insect sculptures and a great view) http://www.puamau.com/.

Also, The Place of Refuge has an interesting hike, and the Pu'ukohola Heaiu in Kawaihae http://www.nps.gov/puhe/ and Lapakahi State Park (an old fishing village) have gorgeous views, and are safe and can be simple or challenging depending on how much you explore.

You might want to look into condos in Puako. It is further north in a small town, but you are near several charming towns including Hawi and Waimea. Kona is too crowded for me, although it's relative!

We toured Greenwell Farms on the BI & loved it! Great coffee & lots of samples.

Thanks so much for all the input... GloriaE I bookmarked this VRBO page for hubby to look at... thanks

If you're going to the Big Island, I'd suggest visiting Mauna Kea.

I second the vote for Greenwell Farm for the coffee plantation.

Definitely going to hit Greenwell Farms thanks to your posts

Try Kilauea Lodge www.kilauealodge.com Cute rooms, great breakfast..it's a small inn as opposed to a traditional b&b with a great restaurant!! Try the lilikoi margaritas (passion fruit) and the coconut battered deep fried brie...mmmmmmmmmmmm

We also enjoyed Kilauea Lodge. Highly recommend it!

If you love coffee, Kona is not the only place to find it. Since you are planning to visit Maui, right after you get off the plane, drive to the corner of Hana Hwy and Dairy Road (the road from the airport) to Maui Coffee Roasters (their website is www.mauicoffeeroasters.com). It is both a place that sells great coffee but also is a coffee shop to eat. Have a great time. If you are going to end up in Lahaina, Maui, on Friday nites they have what they call Art Night. If you like not only to see art but acutally meet the artists, this is a great casual thing to do. One of my favorite places is Images Art Gallery, right next to the Hard Rock Cafe. Have a great time.