We are going to the Big Island for 7 nights in May 2005, and are intending to divide our stay between a hotel on the Kona side and a B&B on the Hilo side. It seems that there are enough activities on the Hilo side (waterfalls, town of Hilo, puna district, volcano, mauna kea stargazing tour) to warrant three nights at the B&B. Am I overestimating here, or does this sound right?

Yes, I think it's a good amount of time to spend on the Hilo side. You can spend all day at Volcanoes Nat'l Park, all day seeing waterfalls and their surrounds, and all day in and around Puna (black sand beaches, warm pools, etc). I really only spent the morning in Puna (I was on a very short trip), spending time at Ahalanui warm pool (very awesome) and the new black sand beach at the end of the highway. I'm still trying to finish my trip report from the end of September, which means I am lame. Look for it, eventually.

love
roxy

I'd suggest 2 nights on Hilo side. However, if you left Kona early enough I'd say you could see a lot w/ only a 1 night stay. I'd suggest you visit Waipio, Rainbow Falls, Hilo area one day (day you drive from Kona) and then spend one whole day around the Volcano National Park. Some people dislike the BI, but I think 10 days is barely enough time. Enjoy!

I love the Big Island, especially the Hilo side, so keep in mind my views run in that direction. Three nights on the Hilo side in a B&B would probably be just right. Two would not be long enough. The Waterfalls Inn (in Hilo)or the Palms Cliff House (just north of Hilo) are both very lovely B&B's. Cafe Pesto in Hilo on the bayfront is a great place to eat. The Puna District has plenty of uncrowded, lovely things to do. The Maku'u market on Sundays is great (as is the Hilo Market on Wed. & Sat.), the snorkeling at Kapoho is wonderful, the new black sand beach forming at Kaimu is lovely (plant a new coconut tree while you are there) and the drive along the "red road" is beautiful. This is real Hawaii to me. Have a wonderful trip!

Gloria and others --- what is a good guidebook that covers the attractions of the Hilo side, especially the Puna district?

I don't want to start a controversy, but I use the Big Island Revealed, keeping in mind respect for private property and the Hawaiian people. Have fun - there is so much to see and do, but don't forget to just drink in the beauty and restfullness for your soul of Hawaii.

I second Big Island Revealed, and not just for the Puna district. EXCELLENT maps and directions and lots of color photos.

love
roxy

We LOVED the Hale Kae Hawaii B&B in Hilo! We were there for 3 nights and actually wished we'd had more time. We did the Volcano National Park, a sightseeing flight (Island Hoppers), the Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Tour through Arnott's Lodge (highly recommend) and saw the waterfalls. We made a quick trip to the Puna district but didn't have as much time as I would have liked there. We just LOVED Hilo - the Farmer's Market is terrific too!

Do a search under my name and you'll find my Big Island trip report with more info.

Have fun!!!

carabro --- I have read your trip report before, sounds like you had a wonderful trip. About the Arnott's tour to Mauna Kea, do they provide parkas or some other gear to keep you warm? Mauna Kea was one of the main things (besides the volcano) that attracted me to the Big Island.