Moderate Accomodations - Big Island
 

Hi Everyone! My husband and I live in eastern PA &amp; have been to the Big Island twice before. July 15, we leave for the BI again, this time with his 12 year old daughter for 9 days/8 nights. She has been to Oahu and Maui as a toddler, but never to the BI. Our package was booked thru Pleasant Holidays. We are scheduled to stay at the King Kamehameha Kona Hotel. The agent I spoke to at Pleasant told me that he goes to Hawaii twice/year. Originally, I was looking at having us stay at the Royal Kona, but he said that the conditions there are not real swift, so he worked hard to get us a similar deal at the King Kamehameha and told us it was a nicer place than the Royal. I would really appreciate some prompt input here from anyone who has been to these hotels so I can make a change in lodging if I need to. Also, I would appreciate suggestions on great budget activities for a girl her age to enjoy. We've been through a very rough time recently with my husband's ex-wife who is severely manic/depressive. We're looking at this trip as a much needed getaway from extrememly stressful circumstances. Wouls appreciate all helpful hints as we need to watch our p's and q's financially.<BR><BR>Thanks so much for reading this and responding. Looking forward to hearing from you. My work e-mail address is [email protected]. I am here from 8am-5pm EST in case you'd like to send your messages to me here at work. Thanks again, gang!

The big hint here is that your post is too personal and you leave yourself vulnerable by giving your work email. Get a hotmail address if you must leave an email at all. Go to Vacationspot.com for ideas on Condos if you are not locked into Pleasant Island Holidays. I think some time near the volcano is important if you are visiting the BI. You want to go at night for a lava flow view if you have not yet. I would also drive up to Waipio Ridge.<BR>The BI for me is about hiking and swimming. I would call the Hilton Hawaiian Village direct and see if you are able to get a pass for the pool for one day. It is a marvelous Resort to stroll around and there are waterslides for your friends daughter. Since you got personal at the risk of hurting your feelings I will chime in and tell you to respect this girls mother. If you are giving us this detail I can only wonder how she is spoken of infront of or about to the child. Well meaning advise Good Luck

Thanks, Ross, for responding, but you did not help me with your feedback. If anyone deserves respect, it is my husband - note HUSBAND, not friend. He has been through hell with his ex-wife and he is a wonderful man, not to mention a terrific father to his daughter. As her stepmom, we have a great relationship as well. Due to her mother's illness (and she has been clinically diagnosed as severely manic/depressive with psychotic<BR>tendencies. So please do not point your fingers of distaste at me without knowing the facts. My husband's daughter needs time away from the madness of the situation and we just want to give her the best time possible under the circumstances. I will act on your idea about a day at the pool at the Hilton Waikoloa. My husband and I stayed there for our honeymoon in 1997 and we are familiar with the grounds there. We just couldn't afford that kind of luxury this time. But I will check in to the one day pass idea. Thank you for that suggestion.

My words were well intended and manic depression is very frequently diagnosed. It no longer spells out to lunch crazy. I speak from experience you are hurting your step daughter if you hurt the image of her mother. And I also know from experience that it is all too easy to feel superior as a step mom and only understand your husband's role. I have made that mistake I hope you will not. I am not really a ross. If you think I am wrong consult a family therapist not just for the manic depressives you know. They will give you helpful insights in dealing with blended families. Good luck take it as food for thought.

Just had to make this last entry. I was referring to your step daughter's image of herself when I made the comment about how you speak about her mother. You are already only focused on your own relationship rather than the larger family picture. The larger family picture includes that women. We all see ourselves through our parents you will see that if you strengthen this bond in terms of how you interact in this blended family. You will strengthen your step daughters image of herself. When ever we engaged in battles over who is right the kids were visibly distressed. You are creating inner conflict for them . But you might not see this stuff right away you might see it when she is older and feels bad about herself because she may identify with the image she holds of her mother, one you and your husband help to foster. This is something that applies to both sides of the family so I am not ear marking mothers as martyrs . It is hard to see this stuff on your own I know it can be hard when you do not respect the parenting styles or life styles of the another parent. I only learned this stuff through family counseling and reading on divorced families. Think about it.

Ross, I believe that Shelley was looking for advice on the Big Island, which you gave her. She was also asking about a particular hotel. I don't think she was posting her note for therapy. If the mother is psychotic, I am sure that the girl has lived it and no matter what is said or not said, doesn't change that. If the mother does not take her medication, I am sure she is just as crazy as Shelley noted. Give her a break. It sounds like she is trying to do a good job.

Manic depression is not a pychosis using words like "crazy" and "madness" are not respectful or understanding and to use them on such a public forum as this is even worse. However crazy, you understand this peron to be the same rules apply in a family you don't push respect out the window because someone is ill. And I will always get involved when I see where I child could be hurting.

Could someone out there please give Shelley some help with are orginally inqury. Please, no more personal advise.<BR><BR>Thanks.

Shelly,<BR>The King Kamehameha (if it is the one I am think of) is right in town (Kona). It's a older hotel (been there for ages) but within walking distance of everything in the town. A 12 yr old might find the shops, etc. fun - many of the hotels are really not located that close to Kona so you just can't go out for a stroll around town &amp; get an ice cream or someting. Perhaps a boat ride down the coast would be fun for her as well. It's been awhile since I've been to the BI (and don't have kids) so it is hard to say what a 12 yr old might/might not enjoy. I'd think a visit to the Hilton would be fun day, likewise up to the Volcano Nat'l Park. Hopefully someone with a child this age can give you some more insight. Enjoy your vacation!

Thank you all for your remarks. I realize your intentions are honorable here. I think I'd better fill you in on some past history. Ken, my husband, was a victim of spousal abuse by his ex-wife. I met his daughter, Tara, at age 4, but did not begin my relationship with her until age 6 in 1994. I stood by my husband thru his 3 year divorce process (WWIII)and he fought tooth and nail to keep his child out of the fight. We also counseled extensively for 4 years as we worked thru this mayhem. Ken has been faithful about not saying anything harmful about Mommy in front of Tara when she is with us. I understand the self-image issue very well and also refrained from saying anything negative about her Mom in front of her, but I admit to having slipped up once or twice on rare occasion when I saw her mother hurting Tara by repeatedly using her as a wedge to spite her father. Over the years, her mother's illness has gotten worse, not better -and when she goes off her meds, she does have a tendency toward delusional violent behavior. Ken and I were just awarded temporary custody because her mother is currently unstable and capable of ANYTHING! The reason why I said anything in the first place about this was to try and engage discussion on some really good activities for Tara to enjoy during our stay on the Big Island, especially a young, sweet, precious girl in her situation. This trip is all about giving her a positive experience she can tuck inside her memory banks to help balance out all the negativity going on in her life right now. I never intended for it to become a dialog on blended family issues. I would appreciate all future input to be centered on ideas regarding the Big Island and what activities would most benefit a 12-year-old girl. I just want to be able to give her the best 9 days possible while we're there. Several things we're considering at this time is horseback riding in Waipio Valley, an excursion to the top of Mauna Kea, visiting Hapuna Beach, the Village of Refuge, a really native-oriented luah and a chopper ride over the volcano. I welcome your input on these activities and more. Has anyone stayed at the King Kamehameha Kona hotel? Thanks again, folks!

Lorie - thanks for sharing. I didn't think about the boat ride up the coast. It's a good suggestion. She LOVES the water! That reminds me. Ken heard something about being taken to a cove where you can swim with the dolphins and sea turtles. Anyone hear of anything like this? I am aware of the dolphin encounter on the grounds of the Hilton Waikola. I am NOT referring to this as I have already been there/done that. Thanks.

I'm not the best person for Hawaii info, but here I go.<BR><BR>Is your step-daughter excited about the trip or is she in a "whatever . . ." mood? Get her involved in planning activities. Take her to the library and pick out Hawaii travel books and maybe some fiction books set in Hawaii. And even though it's summer break, add a Hawaii history book (geared to her grade level). The teens I know want to be treated as a adult even though some can't handle it yet. Maybe have a Tara Day where she can do what she wants to do whenever she wants to. Or maybe say, I love horseback riding so I would love to make it a family activity and Dad loves to kayak, yet another family activity, what would you like the family to do.<BR><BR>This might be a time where you really have to stress togetherness and that you will always be there for her.

Thanks Emmy for you suggestions! You have some great ideas there! Tara is extremely excited about going. Her mother tried to block her from vacationing with us, but she made it very clear that she really REALLY wants to go. I like your idea about Tara day and giving her some options as long as she can stay within our budget. LOL! We are in the process of reviewing some of the travel books such as "The Big Island Revealed and "Hawaii - Doing it Smart." Both books are extremely informative and are inspiring us with new ideas to toss around.

This is a great site for hiking trails all over the island and you can email respective centers to find out more specifically about weather or not your group can manage the hike www.hawaiitrails.org . The center listed for Kauai even gave us the name of a private guide. You can find hidden water falls, hot springs and other stuff here. I would check out both the green and black sand beaches (Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park for the later). The Hawaii Visitors Bureau also has a calendar that lists cultural and local events that are aimed at the residents as well as tourist of Hawaii. This pulls you a bit more into the life of Hawaii. The volcano at night if you are going to travel to Hilo area is spectacular. Lived on Oahu for some years and visited Big Island frequently but as you know it’s a big island and there is always tons to discover. A good friend of mine grew up near Waipio Valley you can find pictures on the internet if you have not already seen. This friend said as a teenager she saw sea turtles as large as Woltzwagens, jogging above the cliffs edge near Waipio. I find eco travel books helpful when we had teens with us they still enjoyed identifying stuff we found. If you have time a historical book can provide richer meaning for places like the city of refuge. The Ecotravellers guide to Hawaii by les Beletsky not only helps you to identify birds, animals plant and flowers he tells you where the best place to the them. "The Shoal of Time" by Gavin Daws is a good historical reference for all of the islands. I am planning a trip to Big Island this summer also and I will post what I find here.

Ross - thank you VERY much for your last response. Great food for thought! <BR>I will check out all of your ideas. They sound wonderful and educational also. I was a conservation major in college more than 20 years ago. I know I'll enjoy these ideas as well. Thanks again!

Hi, Shelley - I stayed at the King Kam a few years ago, and recently had lunch there when I was staying at a B&B outside of Kona. The hotel is not super-luxurious but is perfectly fine, and it's extremely well-located. They have a small beach right next to the public beach - actually all the beaches in Hawaii are public but this one is right in the centre of town, next to the pier. I really like the area. Snorkelling is easy and fun, and there is a shop in the King Kam where you can buy snorkel gear, as well as lots of rental shops if you don't want the expense of buying it. One thing Tara might LOVE is parasailing, which is very safe and you do it right from the pier next to the hotel. There is a small group of shops across the road from the hotel, and there you'll find UFO Parasail. It's just unbelievably fun and I found it soothing as well - it's not a scary thrill ride, just a beautiful, gentle trip. The guys who operate the boat are skillful and gentle with people who are nervous. I went 3 times and would have spent the whole day up there if I could have afforded it! Horseback riding at Waipio Valley is another not-to-be-missed experience. Have a wonderful trip.

Hi Cindy! <BR> <BR>Thanks so much for your input! I would definitely consider para-sailing. I know Tara would love it, but can you tell me how much it runs? Isn't it pretty pricey to do? She's fearless when it comes to heights and loves tall roller coasters. She's the kind of kid who can sit in the front of the ride and raise her arms the whole way through. I envy her courage. LOL!

Hi Shelley, my husband and I just returned from the Big Island last week. We spent 10 days. We stayed at the Royal Kona(we didn't have any kids with us) but many families were also staying there. We liked the place, quiet, with the sound of the waves.Food excellent and the luau was superb..3 nights a week.We did go down to the King Kam. Looks ok to me, they do have a small beach. Lots of activity in that section of town, parasailing, outrigger canoe rides,snorkeling tours. Lots of shops, we even went to the local walmart and k-martand costco. We rented a mustang convertible, what a thrill..Another couple had their grandchildren and they also rented one, the kids were thrilled to ride around with the top down. We took the circle island tour, we loved it, but I think the young girls on the bus with us were a little bored! Get a grass skirt and coconut bra to bring home..your stepdaughter will love it.About 15.00 in any ABC store..great iea for halloween! We went to Hapuna beach, it was wonderful.Best beach I have even been to. There is a snack bar there and showers and bathrooms and pavilions in the shade. You can stay all day..or pack a picnic lunch, then get shaved ice from the snack bar. There are also movie theatres in Kona, not within walking distance of the King Kam. Hope this helps. We also went to Hilo to see the waterfalls-Akaka and Rainbow and Kahuna. <BR>Have a great trip, I know we did..Dona

Hi, Shelley - I'm glad you liked my parasailing suggestion! I'm trying to remember exactly how much it cost. I think it was $37 for the 400-feet-high ride and then $10 extra for 800-feet. I'll tell you, actually - once she's at 400 feet she'll want to go higher, so I'd plan on the 800-foot one. They don't advertise this, but they do have a 1200-foot rope which you can have if you ask for it - I did and it was amazing. It's another $10 on top of that. The ride lasts about 15 minutes. You can also ride tandem, in case you want to go up with her. Non-riders can go out in the boat; I think that costs $20. Have a wonderful time. I wish I were back there right now!

Hi Cindy and Dona! Thanks so much for your replies. I am quite surprised the parasailing cost isn't more. I thought it would be a good 75-100 dollars per person. If my husband and Tara could fly tandem together, I think that would be awesome. It would be a tremendous activity for them to share as father and daughter. Dona, I really like your thoughts on Hapuna Beach. Those 2 activities sound like winners to me. I think I'll also see what I can come up with regarding www.hawaiitrails.com. I am a recent breast cancer survivor and I'm not as physically fit as I once was, so I'm hoping for a not too difficult hike into some gorgeous "hidden secrets" we can all cherish together. I am really thrilled at all the responses I'm receiving on this.

Hi, Shelley - I'm still sitting here wishing I was back on the BI - and I wanted to throw in some words of encouragement about your plans. A trip up to the summit of Mauna Kea will be unforgettable. Just be aware that the high altitude might make everybody feel a little odd at first, but that's part of the fun. Also, when you go to the Volcano park, be sure to walk through the Thurston lava tube. It's delightful and definitely worth seeing. Have you been to South Point? The hike down to the green sand beach is extremely strenuous and not recommended, but the drive out to where they fish off the cliffs is lovely. You can look down from the top of the cliff (I don't know how many feet up you are, but it's quite a distance) and the water is so clear you can see the colourful fish down below. Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls are gorgeous. (There's also a place called Peepee Falls; we drove there just to take a picture of the sign!) Enjoy.

Hi Cindy! Your input has been fabulous and very helpful. Thank you so very much. My husband and I did visit South Point, but very briefly. Where is the green sand beach you speak of and where di you overlook the cliffs to see the fish? As I remember, it was toward the later part of the day as we were driving around the island. We didn't have much daylight time left as I recall, which is why we couldn't stay too long. I'm glad you mentioned something about Mauna Kea summit. That is something we've not yet done and I've been wanting to do that since I first visited the island in 1996. Please remember that our funds are limited, but I would appreciate your opinion of perhaps the 3 or 4 best activities for us to focus on during our stay. I'm thinking along the lines of Parasailing, the summit at Mauna Kea, the horseback ride in Waipio Valley, a day at Hapuna Beach and, if we can still aford it, a helicopter ride over the volcano. Also, can you recommend a really native luau for us to share with Tara? Do you know if the one at the King Kam is decent?

Hi, Shelley - When you drive towards South Point, you come to a place (just past those surreal-looking windmills) where there's a sign saying "information" and pointing off towards the left. If you go there, you'll find a small tourist info booth; that's the head of the trail down to the green sand beach. My daughter and her husband considered doing the hike, but even they felt it was too strenuous for them (and they're very healthy, active people in their mid-30's!)at that particular time. They might do it this year. If, when you see that "info" sign, you go right instead, you'll end up right by the cliffs. It's very windy and there's no shade, but it's beautiful and you can park very close to the cliffs. There are odd-looking structures that look like shacks, right at the edge of the cliffs; that's where people fish from (the shacks protect them from the wind). The rest of your plans sound great - definitely do the Mauna Kea trip. We went up just before sunset, and the guide brought his telescope; after dark, we drove back down to the Visitors Centre and he set the telescope up in the parking lot; we star-gazed while he got us a snack of hot chocolate and cookies! It's very cold up there; they have parkas in the van, but take an extra sweater along too. We were shivering! In terms of a helicopter ride - I was advised a long time ago that the ones that fly over the volcano are dangerous, because the volcanic fumes can interfere with the internal combustion engine on the copter. Later posts on this site indicated that this wasn't really true, and that the copters fly high enough that this isn't a problem; however, I've heard evidence on both sides. My own choice was not to do the helicopter trip. I haven't been to a luau, but from what I could see and what I've read, the one at the King Kam is considered one of the best. So the activities I'd pick - and in fact did pick when I was there this past March - would be: parasailing, Mauna Kea, Waipio Valley, Place of Refuge (that won't cost you anything),and Hapuna Beach. If you want suggestions about restaurants, let me know! <BR>

Hey Cindy! If you are still on-line and you get this message, my handle is bubblypuppy on AOL instant mesenger if you also have AOL. I'm already signed on. In the meantime, I'll post another reply just after this responding to your last message. Please note my e-mail address at the top nex to my name on the initial posting and I'd be happy to communicate with you via e-mail. Ok?

Thanks, Cindy, for your feedback on South Point and Mauna Kea. So you went up just before sunset? We were thinking of going just before sunrise to catch the sun coming up over the horizon. By the way, how much did you spend on this activity? The City of refuge was definitely on the list as well. It would be a great educational opportunity for Tara to see it. Our goal is to make the trip lots of fun and interesting, also. As for restaurants, we've really enjoyed going to Hugo's. It's a place a lot of the locals like to go to. The food is great and the view is awesome if you get a table right over the water. For a really special meal, we also love the Canoe House at Mana Lani. In 1996, Ken and I went to Jameson's, but have not been back there on our honeymoon trip. Ken and I are adventerous eaters, but Tara does not like Chinese food. But she will eat a good steak and fresh fish and she is a HUGE cheese and bread fan. Ken and I enjoy eating healthy and hearty.....hehehehehehe. I'd be open to other restaurant suggestions if you have any. There was only one bad experience we encountered in a restaurant over there - it was the Mexican one in Kona located on the second floor amidst all the shops. The service was not good and the food wasn't anything special either. There was another smaller Mexican restaurant down on the street level, but the service and food was much better. Can't remember the name though. Personally, Mexican and tropical cousines are my favorite.

Just a note on the Mauna Kea summit. My family will be on the BI in Sept and I want to do this also. The tours seem to run about $150 a person - way too much for a family of 4 so we plan to rent a 4x4 for that one day and go it alone. There is one place Harper's car rental that rents for the trip. It is about $110 for the day but better than $600 for 4 of us. Also children under 16 are not permitted past the visitors center from what I have read. But even the visitors center sounds like it is worth the trip. We are all over that age so hope to go all the way - if I don't chicken out! <BR>Have a good trip I plan to. This is our second trip there and it is one of my favorite places on earth because it is so different.

Thanks, BI, for your input on Mauna Kea. I'll be sure to check out these details when we inquire about the best way to tour it once we've arrived on the island. Feel free to keep up the feedback, folks!

Aloha! <BR> <BR> I'd be happy to look after your little girl while you are in Hawaii for you! <BR> Can't we all just get along?

Hi Paula! Thanks for your offer, but this trip we're doing is all for her! She is the reason why we are going - to give her some positive memories during an emotionally trying time in her young life. Appreciate the thought though.....

Shelly..Do you think you cut the drama and live your life in private.

Hi, Shelley! <BR>These days the Royal Kona Resort is in better condition than the King Kam Hotel...check out konaweb.com for info on the Big Island. <BR>Have a great trip!

I think Shelley missed the point of the "Paula Poundstone" post. But it was certainly really funny.

Hi Shirley! Thanks for introducing me to Konaweb.com. I paid a brief visit to the site and I very much enjoyed what I saw. Unfortunately, I cannot change my lodging arrangements at this point, but I'm certain we'll be just fine at King Kam. I look forward to returning to konaweb.com to see what else I can learn. Thanks again. <BR> <BR>I guess I missed the humor intended by Paula. Oh well.......

Last call for any other ideas not yet discussed. My sincerest thanks to Cindy and others who contributed some wonderful thoughts and ideas for us to consider in our planning. Aloha!

Have a great trip!!!