Hawaii -where to stay?
Jan 20th, 2008, 07:44 AM
#22
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Character,
You bring up some excellent points.
We all agree that the OP has a tall order for the price she'd like to spend and will not (likely) get all she wants in a single location....especially the beachfront. Hence, she may need to drive to fulfill the need for excellent snorkeling, dining, beaches, etc.
I still stand by my choices of Waimea/Kamuela for pure relaxation and lush tropical environs. Climatically diverse, it's not always rainy/windy.
Since most folks stay in the resort areas of Wailea and Kaanapali, Lahaina is more of a "destination". I'm offering that there are low key laid back places to stay within Lahiana....not necessarily in the heart of the village. And if so, the OP will more than likely be walking to dine/shop than looking for a parking spot.
Although Mama's (which I personally don't think is worth the high price tag, but MANY are willing to and do pay) and Haliimale are not inexpensive, Paia and Makawao have a huge variety of inexpensive good eats with many options to choose from.
Good luck Catherine73....you may not get it all, but there is something in Hawaii for you.
You bring up some excellent points.
We all agree that the OP has a tall order for the price she'd like to spend and will not (likely) get all she wants in a single location....especially the beachfront. Hence, she may need to drive to fulfill the need for excellent snorkeling, dining, beaches, etc.
I still stand by my choices of Waimea/Kamuela for pure relaxation and lush tropical environs. Climatically diverse, it's not always rainy/windy.
Since most folks stay in the resort areas of Wailea and Kaanapali, Lahaina is more of a "destination". I'm offering that there are low key laid back places to stay within Lahiana....not necessarily in the heart of the village. And if so, the OP will more than likely be walking to dine/shop than looking for a parking spot.
Although Mama's (which I personally don't think is worth the high price tag, but MANY are willing to and do pay) and Haliimale are not inexpensive, Paia and Makawao have a huge variety of inexpensive good eats with many options to choose from.
Good luck Catherine73....you may not get it all, but there is something in Hawaii for you.
Jan 20th, 2008, 09:24 AM
#23
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Wailea/Kamuela may be diverse. However, that drive down and back up that road to go to a state park beach every day would make me insane. When I read OP's comments about the snorkeling and beach access, I just don't picture loading up the car, driving down to Hapuna, parking in the parking lot, setting up on the public beach area and then re-packing and driving back up again. For example, I just love Hapuna Beach, but I stay in the Hapuna Beach hotel so I can be on the beach any minute that I want. I agree that there are excellent restaurants in Wailea, but they are far pricier than OP describes.
I have to agree with others, unless you turn up a hidden gem, $150 a night is not going to buy you what you want in Hawaii.
I have to agree with others, unless you turn up a hidden gem, $150 a night is not going to buy you what you want in Hawaii.
Feb 24th, 2008, 08:47 PM
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Catherine73:
I could have written your post! Thank you for posting this as this is how we travel too...and the same age. I am arriving in Maui in April. Upon my searching, here is a site that might help you.
http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/index.html
I could have written your post! Thank you for posting this as this is how we travel too...and the same age. I am arriving in Maui in April. Upon my searching, here is a site that might help you.
http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/index.html
Feb 26th, 2008, 08:03 PM
#26
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We spent 4 days of our honeymoon at POMAIKA'I "LUCKY" FARM B&B. It's in South Kona on the Big Island.
www.luckyfarm.com
We stayed in the coffee barn. ($85 a night) It was exotic, rustic and clean. A bit secluded from the rest of the property and very private with an outdoor shower. Specific amenities: expansive view of the night sky, hint of exotic florals in the air, realistic soundtrack of tropical birds accompanied by the rhythm of a banana tree brushing across the tin roof.
From the brochure:
"Experience living on a century-old working macadamia nut/Kona coffee farm, surrounded by birds, tropical fruit, and exotic flowers. Eat all the mac nuts you can pick up, plus a hearty farm breakfast."
There is not direct access to the water, but it is very near the Captain Cook Monument which is an excellent snorkeling site. Washer/ Dryer was available for use. The innkeeper had snorkels/fins for use by guests who didn't bring their own as well as coolers and ice. She helped us save a lot of money with snorkel, other trips.
Not for those who prefer Hawaii as created by a resort. Perfect for anyone who wants a real Hawaiian experience.
www.luckyfarm.com
We stayed in the coffee barn. ($85 a night) It was exotic, rustic and clean. A bit secluded from the rest of the property and very private with an outdoor shower. Specific amenities: expansive view of the night sky, hint of exotic florals in the air, realistic soundtrack of tropical birds accompanied by the rhythm of a banana tree brushing across the tin roof.
From the brochure:
"Experience living on a century-old working macadamia nut/Kona coffee farm, surrounded by birds, tropical fruit, and exotic flowers. Eat all the mac nuts you can pick up, plus a hearty farm breakfast."
There is not direct access to the water, but it is very near the Captain Cook Monument which is an excellent snorkeling site. Washer/ Dryer was available for use. The innkeeper had snorkels/fins for use by guests who didn't bring their own as well as coolers and ice. She helped us save a lot of money with snorkel, other trips.
Not for those who prefer Hawaii as created by a resort. Perfect for anyone who wants a real Hawaiian experience.
Feb 27th, 2008, 05:22 AM
#27
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Aloha Catherine...
What time of year will you be traveling? North shore Kauai and Oahu are great for what you describe, but snorkeling out the door will only happen in summer months there. Big swells in winter months.
mhc, lucky farm looks heavenly!!! Def one to bookmark for BI.
mahalo
What time of year will you be traveling? North shore Kauai and Oahu are great for what you describe, but snorkeling out the door will only happen in summer months there. Big swells in winter months.
mhc, lucky farm looks heavenly!!! Def one to bookmark for BI.
mahalo
Mar 9th, 2008, 02:08 PM
#28
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Hi Catherine & Everybody,
Okay, the place that has it all is North Kohala, and the tiny former sugar towns of Hawi and Kapa'au.
http://www.gokohala.com/pages/about.html
http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/special/bink.htm
This is one of the oldest places in Hawaii, and the birthplace of King Kamehameha.
Since I'm a vegetarian also, I'll start with restaurants. The best known is The Bamboo, which is in the old Takata's market, and is "Old Hawaiian" decor and "New Hawaiian" cuisine, which means delicious local produce and fish, and innovative styling. Friday and Saturday nights are wonderful local musicians, especially John Keawe. Many dishes have vegetarian versions with tofu, and I love their grilled polenta and greens salad. Fish is superb.
Then, just down the road is Sushi Rock, which is gaining a world class reputation. We love the baked mac nut chevre salad, the caterpillar roll (avocados thinly sliced to create scales) and the Mac nut torte. The chefs are young and very innovative, and supposedly Alan Wong is a big fan. Wonderful, creative sushi. Tiny, charming old building which is a gift shop by day.
Then, there is a new restaurant that I love called "Pico's Bistro". It's is delicious Greek/Hawaiian food, spanakopita, spinach quiche, almond torte, etc.(closed Tuesdays). Just up from the restaurant on the same property is a tiny museum devoted to the man who lived there all his life and was an artist of sorts. Up from that is a great art gallery/cooperative with reasonable prices.
Luke's Place has live music every night and a living room-like lounge, and Sammy D's (burgers & plate lunches) is owned by the family of Miss Aloha Hula. Short & Sweet is a high end bakery with good sandwiches and pizzas on Fridays. HuLaLa for burritos.
North Kohala has lots of local musicians, and many colorful characters. There is a great community park with a 6 hole golf course overlooking the ocean where anyone can play for $6! There are several significant archeological sites (Lapakahi, Mookini Heiau) beautiful views (Pololu).
http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/activity/bihckoh.htm
There are no resorts, condos, it is secluded, tropical, lush, rural, great view of Maui and the Kohala mountains, great whale watching, low-key adventures, very nice galleries, wonderful family owned businesses including a big grocery store that stocks organic local products.
If you can be there for King Kamehameha Day, there is the most wonderful ceremony at the statue of Kamehameha in Kapa'au, as well as the most picturesque parade on the planet.
http://www.kamehamehadaycelebration.org/
If you are there for the Iron Man Triathlon in October, Hawi is where the bikes turn around, and everyone comes and cheers.
On Sundays, locals sing at the Kohala Coffee Mill. You might have a 90 year old lounge singer or a garage type cover band, and someone may offer to paint your portrait for free.
There are many affordable guest houses, and the Kohala Village Inn which is $75 a night and is right in town.
http://www.kohalavillageinn.com/index.shtml
I don't know about this next place, but there are a lot of alternative type healing energy places to stay.
http://kohalasanctuary.com/
There are many tiny churches and graveyards, lots of birds, geckos, wild boar. Great organic fruits and vegetables and farmer's markets.
Oh, Kapa'au has the largest used bookstore in the state with the best collection of antique Hawaiian texts.
Some of the links include info about snorkeling, and you are only 20-30 minute drive to the beautiful resort beaches at Hapuna and Mauna Lani.
It is also a half hour drive on the most beautiful road to Waimea, with an amazing view of Mauna Kea. Waimea has the paniolo charm mentioned above, and many great restaurants, my favorites being Daniel Thiebaut's (tofu napoleon) and Merriman's.
Okay, the place that has it all is North Kohala, and the tiny former sugar towns of Hawi and Kapa'au.
http://www.gokohala.com/pages/about.html
http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/special/bink.htm
This is one of the oldest places in Hawaii, and the birthplace of King Kamehameha.
Since I'm a vegetarian also, I'll start with restaurants. The best known is The Bamboo, which is in the old Takata's market, and is "Old Hawaiian" decor and "New Hawaiian" cuisine, which means delicious local produce and fish, and innovative styling. Friday and Saturday nights are wonderful local musicians, especially John Keawe. Many dishes have vegetarian versions with tofu, and I love their grilled polenta and greens salad. Fish is superb.
Then, just down the road is Sushi Rock, which is gaining a world class reputation. We love the baked mac nut chevre salad, the caterpillar roll (avocados thinly sliced to create scales) and the Mac nut torte. The chefs are young and very innovative, and supposedly Alan Wong is a big fan. Wonderful, creative sushi. Tiny, charming old building which is a gift shop by day.
Then, there is a new restaurant that I love called "Pico's Bistro". It's is delicious Greek/Hawaiian food, spanakopita, spinach quiche, almond torte, etc.(closed Tuesdays). Just up from the restaurant on the same property is a tiny museum devoted to the man who lived there all his life and was an artist of sorts. Up from that is a great art gallery/cooperative with reasonable prices.
Luke's Place has live music every night and a living room-like lounge, and Sammy D's (burgers & plate lunches) is owned by the family of Miss Aloha Hula. Short & Sweet is a high end bakery with good sandwiches and pizzas on Fridays. HuLaLa for burritos.
North Kohala has lots of local musicians, and many colorful characters. There is a great community park with a 6 hole golf course overlooking the ocean where anyone can play for $6! There are several significant archeological sites (Lapakahi, Mookini Heiau) beautiful views (Pololu).
http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/activity/bihckoh.htm
There are no resorts, condos, it is secluded, tropical, lush, rural, great view of Maui and the Kohala mountains, great whale watching, low-key adventures, very nice galleries, wonderful family owned businesses including a big grocery store that stocks organic local products.
If you can be there for King Kamehameha Day, there is the most wonderful ceremony at the statue of Kamehameha in Kapa'au, as well as the most picturesque parade on the planet.
http://www.kamehamehadaycelebration.org/
If you are there for the Iron Man Triathlon in October, Hawi is where the bikes turn around, and everyone comes and cheers.
On Sundays, locals sing at the Kohala Coffee Mill. You might have a 90 year old lounge singer or a garage type cover band, and someone may offer to paint your portrait for free.
There are many affordable guest houses, and the Kohala Village Inn which is $75 a night and is right in town.
http://www.kohalavillageinn.com/index.shtml
I don't know about this next place, but there are a lot of alternative type healing energy places to stay.
http://kohalasanctuary.com/
There are many tiny churches and graveyards, lots of birds, geckos, wild boar. Great organic fruits and vegetables and farmer's markets.
Oh, Kapa'au has the largest used bookstore in the state with the best collection of antique Hawaiian texts.
Some of the links include info about snorkeling, and you are only 20-30 minute drive to the beautiful resort beaches at Hapuna and Mauna Lani.
It is also a half hour drive on the most beautiful road to Waimea, with an amazing view of Mauna Kea. Waimea has the paniolo charm mentioned above, and many great restaurants, my favorites being Daniel Thiebaut's (tofu napoleon) and Merriman's.
Mar 17th, 2008, 08:16 PM
#30
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Oh, that is so exciting! I'll write up some more ideas. I don't think I've oversold it. The Big Island is a very special place. Families have lived there for 1000 years. Hopefully, you will still see whales. Lapakahi and Pu'ukohola, are two beautiful, and free state/national parks, and are very sacred places.
http://www.hawaiiweb.com/hawaii/html...ical_park.html
Maybe you'll be there for the Merrie Monarch in Hilo festival (March 30-April 5). The tickets sell out, I think, but it is on television every night and the Kahiko (traditional & chants) is stirring. I think there will be a parade & craft fair in Hilo towards the weekend.
http://www.merriemonarchfestival.org..._festival.html
Later in April is Earth Day. Here is a link, including the North Kohala recycled art Fashion show.
http://konaearthfestival.org/events/Trash-Bash.htm
Stop at Takata's grocery store in between Hawi and Kapa'au. Takata's is still run by the family who lived in the original store in Hawi that is now the Bamboo. We always buy $5 Takata hats, $8 Takata store t-shirts, and cheap flip flops.
Takata's also sells lots of local organic products, including delicious macadamia nut butter grown in North Kohala.
http://kokoikinaturalfarm.com/
There are farmer's markets at the Banyan tree, and a local flower and fruit stand. The Kohala Coffee Mill, Short & Sweet, Kohala Rainbow Café, and Nanbu Courtyard in Kapa'au also have great, inexpensive veggie meals (primarily lunch).
The Mauna Lani has an amazing "Full Moon Talk Story" night at the Saturday closest to the full moon. Also free.
There are so many great snorkeling places, and many other small cities with just as much aloha and places to discover.
Have a wonderful trip!
http://www.hawaiiweb.com/hawaii/html...ical_park.html
Maybe you'll be there for the Merrie Monarch in Hilo festival (March 30-April 5). The tickets sell out, I think, but it is on television every night and the Kahiko (traditional & chants) is stirring. I think there will be a parade & craft fair in Hilo towards the weekend.
http://www.merriemonarchfestival.org..._festival.html
Later in April is Earth Day. Here is a link, including the North Kohala recycled art Fashion show.
http://konaearthfestival.org/events/Trash-Bash.htm
Stop at Takata's grocery store in between Hawi and Kapa'au. Takata's is still run by the family who lived in the original store in Hawi that is now the Bamboo. We always buy $5 Takata hats, $8 Takata store t-shirts, and cheap flip flops.
Takata's also sells lots of local organic products, including delicious macadamia nut butter grown in North Kohala.
http://kokoikinaturalfarm.com/
There are farmer's markets at the Banyan tree, and a local flower and fruit stand. The Kohala Coffee Mill, Short & Sweet, Kohala Rainbow Café, and Nanbu Courtyard in Kapa'au also have great, inexpensive veggie meals (primarily lunch).
The Mauna Lani has an amazing "Full Moon Talk Story" night at the Saturday closest to the full moon. Also free.
There are so many great snorkeling places, and many other small cities with just as much aloha and places to discover.
Have a wonderful trip!
Apr 17th, 2008, 10:42 AM
#31
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THANK-YOU Kailani & others!!
Some of the area's you've described is right up our alley. The restaurants, farmers markets, local art shops etc etc -super sweet!!
I was starting to give up..
We've been searching online like crazy & could find places but I'm not Donald trump. Just a middle class couple that loves to travel.
Though I think that with the suggestions made, I'm going to find that piece of heaven we're looking for
Thank-you everyone for your suggestions!!
Some of the area's you've described is right up our alley. The restaurants, farmers markets, local art shops etc etc -super sweet!!
I was starting to give up..
We've been searching online like crazy & could find places but I'm not Donald trump. Just a middle class couple that loves to travel.
Though I think that with the suggestions made, I'm going to find that piece of heaven we're looking for
Thank-you everyone for your suggestions!!
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XULIETTE
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Oct 26th, 2004 05:04 PM
