mosthecat

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the help with a previous question. Mose helpful!

We'll be in Waikiki for 4 nights, Maui for 6, then the Big Island for 6.

We're an active couple who travel a lot, practice our espanol in South and Central America, like big cities, but also like nature, but we have never been to Hawaii. We'll be going January 1.

Waikiki - In older posts, some folks said they like to stay farther from the West end, because it's all about the convention center and the Hilton. Others said to avoid the most Eastern end by Diamond Head, because it's a little too far off. Anyone think it's important to follow this advice, or just find the place that seems right for us?

Maui is all set. Friends live there, and we're all planned.

We fly into the Hilo side of the BI, and spend two nights. in answer to a previous post, folks suggested Volcano Village over Hilo for our stay. Hope it's not too small for us, but I trust all of you past visitors! The 4 final nights will be on the Kona side, and we fly home from there.

Sounds like the Kohala coast has beautiful beaches and big resorts. We'll have spent all of our Maui time at the Four Seasons (I'm not a Rockefeller - free for us through someone), so I'm not sure a big resort is what we would want, though they seem lovely. The Kona area sounds awfully crowded or touristy, but there seem to be fans, and certainly easier to find restaurants and so on. So, I know we'll end up in the Kona area for a few activities, and I know we want to go North to visit some of the smaller towns. Just wondering what everyone thinks might be better. I know there's not one right answer, but would love to hear you experts weigh in.

Thanks in advance!

taitai

All the best beaches and snorkeling are up in the Kohala Coast. There are no real beaches to speak of in Kailua-Kona and the waterfront there is rocky shoreline. With one or two exceptions, the best restaurants are also up in Kohala. There are a few big resorts but also lots of condo complexes that are a great value. You couldn't pay me enough to stay at the Hilton or Marriott but some of the condos in Waikola Beach Resort (Kolea) or Mauna Lani would be great and the beach at the Mauna Kea is the most beautiful on the island.

I guess where you base yourself on the Big Island depends on what you are looking for. If it beach time and snorkeling, then go North. The Four Seasons on the Big Island is the best in the state and absolutely amazing with ancient fishponds and a spectacular setting. If you are staying at a Four Seasons for free, that is the one I would choose. Hands down. What activities were you planning in Kona (which is a District, Kailua-Kona is the town)? I guess that will guide your decision. Plan to spend a lot of time in the car.

kanunu

Here's a vote for "central" Waikiki!
Seriously, now..... to me, Waikiki is not that big, and you can get around easily.... so, as you suggested, I'd pick a hotel situation that best suits you.

mosthecat

Thanks to both of you. I thought the idea of needing to avoid one side or the other of Waikiki was silly. We've found both condo and hotels we like, and they both seem to be on one of the ends of the area. I won't let that deter me at all.

As for The Four Seasons BI. Sure, I'd love to, but our is only for the Maui property. Not a bad consolation prize, though. I like the idea of a Kohala condo. We checked out the suggested spots, and everything looks great, so now it's just a matter of narrowing down the choices.

As for the question of Kona area activities, really I know we'll be in the area at least once, but the beaches in Kohala area, plus North kohala and the smaller towns seem really great, so I think we definitely want to be in Kohala.

Thanks again, and if you - or anyone reading this - has anything more to contribute. It'll help me, but I also know from reading other posts, all this advice helps everyone else, too.

Lookin_Glass

We really enjoyed our stay in Volcano Village. We like having the park to ourselves before and after the day trippers and spend mid day exploring the surrounding areas. Loved our accommodations!

http://mailetreehouse.com/952.html

I might also consider Puako for a beach house. It would be a nice counterpoint to your 4S Resort stay. I forget where, but a few condos in NKohala have beach club amenities so look for that in your search. You might also consider staying a bit upcountry at Kohal Estates or Kohala Ranch. And drive down to the beaches or explore Hawi and beyond..

suze

Waikiki is VERY small. I don't think you need to worry about which "end" you stay.

I personally think more central is more convenient but really no deal-breakers. There are pros and cons to any exact location (ease of using the busses, proximity to the two major parks and beach, views, shopping opportunities, etc.)

Katzgar

look at this stuff on gmaps and you tube

wekewoody

This place might suit you for your Kohala portion of the trip. I have not stayed there, but considered it. I love the way it looks and the individual cottages are very appealing. The person I spoke to about making a reservation had a bit of 'tude. I guess they didn't need my business.

http://www.puakearanch.com/

The next link is for a condo above the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

http://www.vrbo.com/407999