Hi, I'm looking for advice on a place to stay on the Big Island. Will only be there 2 days, flying in and out of Hilo, but would like to book the first night on the Kona/Kohala coast and the next night in Hilo. Any suggestions on either (especially Hilo)? Don't know where to start over there, just no Bed & Breakfasts. Can anyone comment on the Kilauea Lodge? Thanks!

Do you realize that if you are flying in and out of Hilo, and you plan to spend your first night on the Kona side of the island, that you will be spending most of your waking time on the Big Island in your car?

No I didn't realize that.
So what is your suggestion, stay in Hilo both nights?
If so, WHERE?

If you are flying in to and out of Hilo, yes, I would recommend spending both nights on that side of the island. I'm really not a great source for information on accomodations for you, though, as the one time I visited the windward side of the Big Island, I stayed at a bed and breakfast not too far from Volcano National Park. It is called Hale Ohio Cottages, and I recommend it.

http://www.haleohia.com/index.html

I trust that other Fodorites will soon be chiming in with their suggestions.

We stayed at Kilauea Lodge a couple of weeks ago for two nights. It is probably the best property in the area. The restaurant gets busy for dinner so make reservations there, too.

Maria,

I agree with other posts that if you only have 2 days you will need to focus your time and probably will not want to try to do the entire island. The Hilo side and the Volcano area will be plenty to do and not leave time for the Kona/Kohala side, in my opinion. Depending on your flight times in and out of Hilo I would plan several hours travelling North of Hilo up the coast to the Waipio Valley with stops along the way for the Akaka Falls, Kalopa State Park Nature trail, the Hawaiin Botanical Gardens and then maybe a hike or tour down to the bottom of the Waipio Valley if time permits.

Then I would allow a full second day for sites around the Volcano. Take the Crater Rim tour drive in your car with stops along the route to view the calsera, tour the museum, hike the lava tubes, and then hike the Kiluea Iki trail and enjoy the lush rainforest as well as hiking across the crater floor. Hopefully the lava viewing will be available to do either during daytime or an evening viewing.

The Kiluea Lodge is a great place to stay and very convenient (approx. 30 minutes or so from the Hilo airport). Their restaurant is fabulous and your stay includes breakfast in the dining room. We also had an excellent meal at the Thai Thai restaurant in the town of Volcano.

Good Luck planning, I wish I were going back again.

Maria

Just wanted to add that the Hilo side of the island is the wet side of the island, and not the "touristy" side, if that makes a difference. There are not many accommodations in Hilo itself, but around volcano's park, there are some nice places to stay. If you want more activity, people, restaurants, shopping, then the Kona area is for you. Depends on what your goal is. If you want to just see the volcano area, by all means Hilo is closer. Kona is about a 3-4 hour ride away from Volcano.

suz74...Hilo is my favorite...been to the BI many times.
Suggestion: Dolphin Bay Hotel....check the web site www.dolphinbayhilo.com
John Alexander is owner and very informed on volcano and sites around Hilo or Kona.
If you want to do the "Kona" side or Kohola.....getting going early in the morning.....total circle around island is 235miles...approx. 2-21/2 travel time Hilo-Kona
Some ideas in Hilo, and surrounding:
Rainbow Falls, Boiling Pots, Farmers Market..Wed/Sats....Lyman Museum, Tsunimi Museum of the Pacific...Akaka Falls, Senic Drive (four miles north)
By all means stop at "What's Shakin'" for the best smoothies, and good food.

Knowing your arrival time, and time schedule would help in giving suggestions.....also what is it that you want to do on the BI.? Volcano, snorkel, swim????

Big Island Revealed...great reference

i don't see what's wrong with spending a day driving around the Big Island - it's absolutely gorgeous and there is a lot to stop and see. It took me all day to drive from Kona to Hilo because of all the beautiful scenery - I stopped the car constantly and wandered around a little bit.