I started this on another thread, but maybe the title was inaccurate. We are a family of four active adults who enjoy hiking, snorkeling, moderate (but tasty dining), and "special" places to visit to help cement our trip in our memories. We leave for Oahu next week for 4 days (mostly planned--Diamond Head, Sunken Island kayak trip, Pearl Harbor, Polynesian Cultural Ctr., etc). Then, we continue to Kauai, and BI for 5 days each. I have done some research, and have a tentative activity plan. But, I want to make certain we don't "miss" that one magnificent, hidden place. Fodor's Forum has been such a wealth of valuable info to us in the past. We have wonderful memories of a few spots we would not have found any other way!

Would you once again come through for us and name those special, hidden gems that shouldn't be missed? Activities, restaurants, vistas, hikes, snorkel spots, etc. Thanks immensely, in advance. We are counting down!!!!

Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island is very cool. We were able to hike out at night and see the lava flow when we went. We stayed at the Kilauea Lodge in a little cottage; they have a good restaurant on site. If you're looking for a nice beach on the BI, Hapuna Beach is really beautiful. We did a helicopter tour on Kauai, and it's honestly one of the best things we've ever done; the Na Pali Coast is gorgeous. Ke'e and Tunnels are nice beaches on Kauai. Found some good snorkeling at Poipu too.

I forgot one - we really enjoyed going to Akaka Falls too.

Thanks volcanogirl! Looks like our itinerary matches some of your rec's! We don't know if we will ever get back that way, so we're trying to include as much as possible in our plans.

I agree with the above. Plus ... Waimea Canyon, Koke'e State Park, and the Kalalau Lookout are "musts" on Kauai. (These are the same area.) I love hiking the Canyon Trail at Koke'e State Park. If you're serious hikers -- and the trail is dry -- you could do the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail (from Ke'e Beach). It's a VERY demanding trail and I wouldn't do it when it's slippery. I also love the walk along the path from Kapa'a past Kealia Beach.

Kauai is paradise. Enjoy!

For a fun and tasty food experience, in the Big Island, drive up to the NW end town of Hawi (hah-vee') and go to the Bamboo Restaurant. It's a big funkily decorated place with good food. Try the fish of the day with stir-fried vegs and their coconut sauce. Yumm! We always ask for extra sauce because we like it so much. The staff is very friendly and fun and the owner, Joan, is a character. There's also interesting stuff to buy in the gallery there. Across the street if you aren't stuffed, you can get Tropical Dreams ice cream, which is the best!

If the weather is clear, drive back south on the mountain road that leads to Waimea. It's a lovely drive, and Waimea is the location of the Parker Ranch, a huge operation that produces some excellent beef. That's where the paniolos, Hawaiian cowboys, originated.

Songdoc, yes, we love hiking, and the 2 mile Kalalau Trail from Ke'e beach is at the top of our list. We'll watch the weather, and pray for a nice dry adventure. I did read somewhere of 1/2 mi of ants on the trail which creeps me out (I hate insect bites!), so hoping that was a fluke.

I also read somewhere that Queen's bath was dangerous--any comments?

Charnees: Thanks for the restaurant rec! Sounds fun! The drive sounds nice, too!

BI is our last stop. We want to do a spa there, and kind of use that as an unwinding after having visited Oahu, and Kauai. Any spa rec's? I am leaning toward mauna lani.

Personally, I would skip Queen's Bath. People have drowned there. I also found it difficult to get there safely. It required walked over jagged lava and a steep, slippery path. There are so many incredibly beautiful places to explore safely--I don't see the need to take risks--and I didn't think Queen's Bath was that special.

Jumping in about Kauai...Waimea Canyon is a spectacular canyon. Kokee St. Pk. high in rainforest is lush. Include Kokee Museum also.

On Big Island for sure Volcanoes Nat'l Park and Jaggar Museum. Liked walk through Thurston Lava Tube.

Enjoy your trip.
Bill in Boston

Songdoc: Thanks again for your input. We will definitely consider it. You are right, too many other beautiful places!!!

Ozarksbill: Waimea: on the list! Haven't heard of Thurston Lava Tube. Will look into it! Did hear of Captain Cook's something or other, though, with kayaks.

Countdown: 3 days! WhooHoo!! 25th wedding anniversary. We are getting VERY excited! Still need some quality but budget food rec's.

Thanks to all in advance!
T in FL

There's snorkeling at Kealakekua (sp?) Bay; if you go there, you can see the Cook monument. We loved the Thurston Lava Tube; the hot lava has left a tunnel that you can walk through - pretty cool.

Some restaurant suggestions for the BI

Waimea (Kamuela)

Village Burger http://www.villageburgerwaimea.com/

Pakini Grill http://www.pakinigrill.com/

Redwater Café http://www.redwater-cafe.com/

Kailua Kona

Kona Brewing Company http://konabrewingco.com/

South Kona

Kalama’s on Napoopoo Road on the way down to Kealakekua Bay

Mi’s Italian Bistro http://www.misitalianbistro.com/

Ditto 'docs Q's Bath rec. Went our first time there in '89 and wasn't that impressed. Don't know if it was because it was Nov or????

One short hike we love that provides some very nice views is The Sleeping Giant. Overlooks the whole Coco Coast and has great views of Mt Wally, Wailua River, King Kong, the Homesteads, etc.
If you park behind the Sleeping Giant at the end of Lokelani you go up his backside and it takes about 45mins.
Picnic area on his chest so you can rest up to climb up to his head.

Where you staying on Kauai?

Thanks martym for the BI dining rec's! Much needed.

The Sleeping Giant looks like a manageable hike. I like the picnic lunch option!

We'll be staying at the Marriott in Lihue. So, looking forward to trying that little burger shack that's close to there for breakfast/lunch. Feeding 4 adults, trying not to break the bank!

Thanks, too for the QB alert. I think we'll try Tunnels first, anyhow. Someone had rec'd the QB to my dh at work.

Afraid we'll run out of time before we run out of things to see! Trying to prioritize. Hard to factor in some down time, with all of the activity options!

Thanks for all of the great tips!

martym: THANKS, again! I just looked at the links, and they all look fantastic. I like the local menu items and the emphasis on natural meats, etc. The hard part will be deciding!

You might also check out konaweb for restaurants http://www.konaweb.com/restaurant/index.cgi

the website also has lots of other info about the BI.

Little burger shack is called Kalapaki Beach Hut, open for breakfast and lunch. Also right at the Marriott, Duke's is good, both the barefoot bar for light lunches/dinners as well as sometimes music in the evening. Upstairs is only open for dinner (although awhile back they were serving breakfast, not sure if they still are). Fish, beef and the included salad bar are very good.

In Kona, try Huggo's on the Rocks for lunch or dinner. It's a perfect location on the water, very casual, and the prices are moderate, but not cheap. Also closer to the King Kam hotel is Fishhopper.

For takeout, there is Killer Taco in the industrial area on the north side of town.

I forgot, avoid Drysdale's like the plague. Awful food.