I bequeath this thread to cd. No problem. Will go to TA for the balance of our trip.

We've been visiting the four major islands of Hawaii for over 30 years -- in winter. I would never rent anywhere where A/C was not an option.

Big Island may well be my favorite island. However...

I might stay Keauhou again, but never Kona Town. A beautiful bay has been obscured by old condos in a sea of paved parking. No extra fee for the vog. The tourist bazaar trashy shopping area smells more of 'weed' than of flowers.

The Kohala area has superior lodging and is nearly always free of vog. If you want to explore Volcano National Park, book a couple nights in Volcano or Hilo.

I just got back from the BI. I had been once before about 7 years ago, and we stayed in Keauhou on our first trip and Waikoloa Beach area in South Kohala on this last trip.

I kind of have to agree with ChiSue, that Keauhou is better than Kona and that the smell of weed in Kona is awfully prevalent. I didn't remember it being that way 7 years ago, but it was certainly around and out in the open this trip.

Also, the vog is worse around Kona than the Kohala area, so the skies are pretty gray in and around Kona. It's sunny and bright in the Kohala area, but there's also more wind.

kureiff: Good update on what is going on in and around Kona town. We stayed in a beautiful home up by the Mauna Kea about 4 years go - and only had a couple stops/meals in Kona/Kailua - so didn't really hang there to get the current "vibe".

Sounds like it has gone downhill, and if the VOG is making it overcast/hazy along Ali drive - all the more reason to head up the coast.