My husband and I will stay at the Hilton Waikoloa Village in January for five days on a business trip. We would like to extend our visit for another two days - is there a must-see on another island or something we won't be able to reasonably see while at this hotel?

You could stay on the other side, near Hilo, to give that area the attention it deserves. Easier to view the volcano, Hamuaka coast, snorkel the Kapoho tide pools, explore lava tube caves, see lots of waterfalls (and botanic gardens), Lava Tree State Park, gorgeous coastline drives...

I'd find a rental at Volcano Village and enjoy the park before and after the daytrippers and explore that side of the island- one day in either direction. So much to see.

What Lookin_Glass said. We actually enjoyed our week on the Hilo side more than our week on the Kona side.

Stay two nights on the other side- near Hilo or Volcano.

Not at all worth flying to another island.

You could move to the town of Volcano to explore Volcanoes National Park, then fly out of Hilo rather than crossing back to the Kona side of the island.

You could fly to HNL to see Pearl Harbor, Punchbowl, the Iolani Palace -- and drive Oahu's beautiful east and north shores, then fly out of HNL.

January is a good time to stay *south* on any island, and a good time for Big Island, although Hilo area will be wet.

We really preferred our slow drive back to Kona for our evening flight. Really, it's all good! The one thing so far that is agreed upon is staying on island and seeing the other side of life.

While I love Volcano Village - you could get some heavy rain there - which I don't mind at all - but just letting you know.

And if you haven't done it - you might consdier planning to stay one night on Oahu on your way home - and take a quick tour in and around Waikiki/Honolulu/snorkel at Hanamau Bay, etc. So much to see and do and possibly plan for a future trip.

Actually - I would try to extend for another three nights/days - spending two knocking around the Volcano area and north/south of Hilo, etc - and then spending you last night on Oahu and getting to know that island a little bit - as suggested above.

I spent 3 weeks on that island and was busy all the time There is a LOT to do and see. I moved 4 times so I was close to different areas and did not have to waste time driving.

Get your guide books out and start reading up!!!

i would presume that you already have your air plans tied up so changing to leave from HNL as suggested for a 2 night stay on Oahu could cost you a pretty penny depending on airline. Staying on the Big Island makes more sense since you lose time flying to other islands as well. the drive from the Kohala area to Hilo is lovely and it might be interesting to spend a day or 2 in the Hilo area. I assume you will be leaving the Hilton at some point during the 5 days to see the big Island on the Kona side.