Need helping planning trip to Hilo side of Big Island!
Apr 20th, 2005, 11:43 AM
#1
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Need helping planning trip to Hilo side of Big Island!
Hello everyone!
My husband and I will be visiting the Big Island for 9 days in August and we can't wait! We need some advice on part of our itinerary, however. Our original plan was to stay part of our trip in Kona and part in Hilo. However, due the the very high airfare prices from Colorado to Hawaii in August, we ended up booking a package (which was cheaper overall) that includes 8 nights stay at the Outrigger Keauhou in Kona. We know that we want to spent time at the volcano and and also at the waterfalls and attractions around Hilo, so we are considering just eating the room cost one night in Kona and booking a one night stay at somewhere affordable in Hilo. Any recommendations for somewhere convenient, clean, and safe? If we do this, we were thinking of leaving Kona early one day, seeing the waterfalls and sites of Hilo during the day, and going to VNP for a night hike. Then staying the night in Hilo, getting up early the next day and spending it at VNP, then driving back to Kona in the later afternoon/early evening. Does that sound reasonable? Anything you would do differently? I realize it will be a bit rushed, but I think I would rather do that than drive back and forth for a few days. And I feel like I could only pay for a place to stay for one night over in Hilo. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
My husband and I will be visiting the Big Island for 9 days in August and we can't wait! We need some advice on part of our itinerary, however. Our original plan was to stay part of our trip in Kona and part in Hilo. However, due the the very high airfare prices from Colorado to Hawaii in August, we ended up booking a package (which was cheaper overall) that includes 8 nights stay at the Outrigger Keauhou in Kona. We know that we want to spent time at the volcano and and also at the waterfalls and attractions around Hilo, so we are considering just eating the room cost one night in Kona and booking a one night stay at somewhere affordable in Hilo. Any recommendations for somewhere convenient, clean, and safe? If we do this, we were thinking of leaving Kona early one day, seeing the waterfalls and sites of Hilo during the day, and going to VNP for a night hike. Then staying the night in Hilo, getting up early the next day and spending it at VNP, then driving back to Kona in the later afternoon/early evening. Does that sound reasonable? Anything you would do differently? I realize it will be a bit rushed, but I think I would rather do that than drive back and forth for a few days. And I feel like I could only pay for a place to stay for one night over in Hilo. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Apr 21st, 2005, 08:28 AM
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Try the Dolphin Bay Hotel or the Hilo Hawaiian if you want to stay in Hilo for a resonable price. The Dohphin Bay is a small hotel, but clean and the owners are very nice. Fresh fruit in the morning from their garden and if you are there on Saturday or Wednesday, it's within walking distance to the Hilo outdoor market. The Hilo Hawaiian has a nice view of the bay and Coconut Island. I've also heard the Country Goose Bed & Breakfast in the Volcano area is nice and I think the rooms are about $90 a a night. Have a great time. The Big Island is wonderful!
Apr 21st, 2005, 03:22 PM
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Country Goose is very nice! www.countrygoose.com
In addition to the regular B&B rooms, they also have a few small houses for rent, too. It is a really great base for exploring VNP. Joan provides flashlights, rain ponchos, etc.
Another alternative is the Wild Ginger Inn in Hilo. www.wildgingerinn.com It is an old sugar plantation workers' quarters, so it is not fancy, but the beds are REALLY comfortable. Each room has a refrigerator, too.
In addition to the regular B&B rooms, they also have a few small houses for rent, too. It is a really great base for exploring VNP. Joan provides flashlights, rain ponchos, etc.
Another alternative is the Wild Ginger Inn in Hilo. www.wildgingerinn.com It is an old sugar plantation workers' quarters, so it is not fancy, but the beds are REALLY comfortable. Each room has a refrigerator, too.
Apr 21st, 2005, 09:24 PM
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Your idea of "eating" a night's cost is excellent; you are wise to not attempt a day trip out to Hilo!!!
I stayed at Kilauea Lodge but don't recall it being too reasonably priced, but it is lovely and breakfast is included. Other writers' suggested hotels will give you a lower price, and you won't be much in the room as you as you'll bechecking out the next morning. My friends, former Hawaii residents, stayed at Uncle Billy's and loved its real "old Hawaii" feel, tho it doesnt get particularly good reviews.
BTW, GREAT choice of Outrigger Keauhou. Right next to snorkeling beach, gorgeous grounds on the property. Don't miss eating at the open-air snack bar between the hotel and the beach. YUMMY sandwiches, etc. I envy you that first sight of the hotel grounds. Feeling that lush tropical breeze now. Ahhh.....
When you head south to Place of Refuge, suggest stop for breakfast at the old theater in the first town you come to--Aloha Theater Cafe. Was for sale back in November, hope it's still open. have breakfast on the sifde poorch with its distant view of ocean, and many friendly geckos wanting to share your conrbread.
I stayed at Kilauea Lodge but don't recall it being too reasonably priced, but it is lovely and breakfast is included. Other writers' suggested hotels will give you a lower price, and you won't be much in the room as you as you'll bechecking out the next morning. My friends, former Hawaii residents, stayed at Uncle Billy's and loved its real "old Hawaii" feel, tho it doesnt get particularly good reviews.
BTW, GREAT choice of Outrigger Keauhou. Right next to snorkeling beach, gorgeous grounds on the property. Don't miss eating at the open-air snack bar between the hotel and the beach. YUMMY sandwiches, etc. I envy you that first sight of the hotel grounds. Feeling that lush tropical breeze now. Ahhh.....
When you head south to Place of Refuge, suggest stop for breakfast at the old theater in the first town you come to--Aloha Theater Cafe. Was for sale back in November, hope it's still open. have breakfast on the sifde poorch with its distant view of ocean, and many friendly geckos wanting to share your conrbread.
