oregonmom

We boogie boarded in December at Hupana Beach and had no issues. We went over Christmas Break. The beach is long and you can walk out quite far in the water and it was calm. We have not stayed at the hotel but a $1500 difference is a lot. I am more of a budget traveler so I consider all these hotels too expensive. I am right behind you on the anniversary issue, though since we are coming up to 28. If we weren't taking our girls with us I might like somewhere a bit more luxurious for just me and the Husband.

razzledazzle

We spent 2 weeks on the BI at end of Jan-beginning of Feb.
this year. Wasn't nearly long enough ! We flew in to Hilo,
picked up our car and stayed at this marvelous
home right across the path from the Kapoho tide pools.
http://www.vrbo.com/53607

We swam and/or snorkeled nearly everyday. This area is simply magnificent !!!We also were given the grand tour of the area by our very own matnistym who is a resident there. He took us out to where the lava was flowing,
and I can advise that you wear shoes you wouldn't mind
discarding after a walk out there, LOL! Also, don't miss the waterfalls. We were very glad we spent 8 nights on the Hilo side and will spend the bulk of the time over there when we return.

Our experience of rain on the Hilo side was that most often it rained at night. The occasional day time shower
was rare, and we were amused that nearly no one used an
umbrella ! They just walked in the warm rain.

The day we moved over to the Kona side we stopped
at Volcano NP for an all too brief visit. Should have spent
at least 2 nights up there so we could have hiked in the crater.

We found the Kona side quite disappointing - strip malls,
hotels and condos forever, UGH ! The Captain Cook area
was quite lovely,however. So don't miss a snorkle trip
out at Two-step or the Captain Cook monument.
We rarely experienced the sun while on the Kona side
as the vog made everyday quite hazy

We stayed in an unremarkable quest house
for a few nights before moving on to the the
http://www.keauhoubeachresort-hawaii.com/index.cfm

Not really fancy, but the location for us was perfect
for 2 nights. The Verandah Lounge is built right over the water and it was great fun to sip a cocktail and watch
turtles swimming in the clear water below.

Our return trip will have us flying into Kona for 2 nights
and them on to the Volcano and the tide pool house.
Have a great time !

R5

girlonthego

We stayed on the Kohala coast in march and the weather was beautiful. (couple of years ago) Kohala is the sunny side. We did stay at the Hilton which had tons of stuff going on, but we were with our kids! The Marriott was redoing everything and was a nice property. The Fairmont was also a nice property and not as busy as the Hilton and Marriott where you will find more families. Hapuna beach had some great boogie boarding. I am in my 40s and enjoyed riding the waves there. I believe the resort Hapuna prince they are talking about above is near there. We really loved the big island and it's uniqueness! Have a great anniversary and enjoy!

Melissa5

razzledazzle: Bill, loved your details in your answer above...interesting that you enjoyed the Hilo side more than the Kona side despite the rain! We also preferred the green (thus rainy) side of Maui and Kaui. We were in Maui in January but we were in Kaui in June. I'm putting us on the Hilo side for 5 nights in a b&b and on the Kohala side for 4 nights in a fancy hotel for anniversary. I'm not sure we will like that built-up feeling on the Kohala side, but the beaches look pretty, and I love the sun as in San Diego January is a very cold rainy month...I don't mind tropical rain...but in January in San Diego its a cold rain all day sometimes every day if its a bad month...and no sun... So Hawaii here we come! I hear there is more "vog" in Kona region than in the Kohala region.

Thanks everybody for the help! I'm going to ask one more question focused on the Kohala hotels...