My husband and I are going to be in Oahu for most of our vacation and planning a short trip to the Big Island. We are going to be reaching Hilo on Dec 27th morning and going to leave from Kona on Dec 30th evening. Our main reason to go to the Big Island, is to see the flowing lava from the volcano. So we're planning to stay in Hilo on the 27th and 28th and then drive to Kona on the 29th morning. I was wondering what else we could do other than see the volcano for the two days that we are going to be staying near VNP. What would be a good route to take when we drive to Kona? Since we are planning to drive to Kona on 29th morning we will just be having half day of the 29th and half day of the 30th (our flight back is at 7pm) to look around, so what are the recommended places to see? Are there any places that are good to see on our drive to Kona? Could you also recommend a place to stay at Kona for one night that is nice but not that expensive and is close to most of the 'must to see' places so we won't be spending time driving. Thanks!

You could always use some of your time on the Hilo side to explore Puna. They describe this drive in the "destinations" section of this website. Take the northern route to the Kona side to enjoy Akaka State Falls, the Waipio Valley lookout, Waimea, etc.etc. You might look at staying one night at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort - affordable and unique location over tidepools and next to great snorkeling. You need to pick up a guidebook - like Big Island Revealed. There's a TON to see and do on this island. I'm planning a six day trip and have had to really pick and choose...

I'm visting the BI at the end of this month and I posted a few questions myself. Someone gave me a tip to purchase a book titled "Hawaii The Big Island Revealed" -- maybe it will help you with your visit too.

Thanks for the book recommendation and information about the other places to visit. I tried to book a room at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort but they don't have any rooms available. I was wondering whether you could recommend a few other accomodations. Thanks.

Sheraton Keauhou or one of the Kohala resorts? Hapuna Beach Prince Resort is on a nice beach and has rooms at about $200. per night.

prism, since you're arriving in Hilo in the morning, I would do one night at Volcanoes National Park (Kilauea Lodge or one of the B&B's), especially since your main object there is to see the lava flow, then drive the beautiful Northern route to the other side, and stay on the Kona/Kohala Coast for two nights. I would not stay in Hilo ... I've never been there that it wasn't rainy and gray. If that doesn't bother you, you'll be fine though. I would stay at Marriott Waikoloa Beach, Kohala Coast, or a hotel in Kona, maybe the Sheraton Keauhou, for my two nights on the Kona side. Wherever you stay, have a great trip.

prism200k, thats a coincidence, we are going to be there the exact same dates except that our flight out on the 30th is in the morning. Since we are flying into Kona, we will be staying at the Hilton Waikoloa on the 27th and the 28th & will move to the Country Goose in Volcano on the 29th so we can see the volcano at sunset & nightfall. If we were flying into Hilo,which on second thought would have been the better option, I would spend the first night at Volcano Village or maybe 2 if thats what you are most interested in & then stay the last night in Kona or Kohala depending on where you can find a hotel. Are you planning on doing a helicopter tour? Just trying to decide on that myself.

I've only been on the Hilo side.

Besides Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, there is:

Hilo: Rainbow Falls, Boiling Pots, Lili'uokalani Gardens, Banyon Drive.

North of Hilo: Akaka Falls State Park. Do the short loop trail that includes Kahuna Falls. 4 mile scenic drive.

www.bigisland.org

This thread has lots to do on Oahu. Many of the websites are good for all islands:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34696831