Hey

Thanks for helping me narrow my elderly mom's and my itinierary down to two islands: BI - almost solely because she wants to see the volcano - and Kauai - because she wants to do a helicopter ride and see the scenery.

Due to the scenery aspects, I would like to take the majority of our 8 days at Kauai. That being said, I'm wondering how to best divide the time and how to approach the BI. Since we'd be going in just under a month, not a lot's available, so I think the Sheraton Keauhou might suit her reqs the most: closer to the volcano, on the beach, ocean view within our budget. (Not surprisingly, it looks like the majority of the 'good' condos have already been taken.)

Another option is flying in to Hilo, but I'm not seeing many people too kean on the lodgings over there (she wants ocean view and I want under/at $300).

Could we get by with just three nights in the BI - literally fly in one night, go over to the volcano one day, and do something else (i.e. a boat ride) the other? I REALIZE that it's not doing the BI justice, but I think she might get a bigger bang for the buck at Kauai, i.e. drives, short walks, etc. since she's not really 'active' anymore......

Any input on whether it's possible, and if so, how to structure our brief time in the BI, would be MUCH appreciated.

Many thanks!

Cheryl

We visited the BI last year and flew into Hilo and out of Kona. We stayed two nights at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. While the hotel is basic, the views were gorgeous. Because of the frequent showers, everything in Hilo is lush and green. It was an easy drive to the volcano and also to Akaha falls.

I second the suggestion re: Akaka Falls. It's a beautiful, easy walk to the falls.

Also ... if you and your mother enjoy flowers, be sure to stop at Akasuka's orchid nursery, which is quite close to VNP. The displays were spectacular ... and I bought lots of orchids that were shipped (amazingly) with no damage.

It's so nice that you're giving your mother an opportunity to do this. I'm sure you'll have a memorable, wonderful trip.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll take a look at the Hawaiian Hotel. This actually would add another dimension as I couldn't figure out how to see the eastern shore if we were based in the west...

Luvtravel, did you then stay somewhere else on the west coast before you flew out?

Songdoc, I really like the idea of fitting in those falls, and since it would be the end of the trip, the flowers would be a nice reminder to arrive AFTER we get back.

Thanks!

CC

CherylC, We stayed at Hilo Hawaiian for a couple of nights and then spent a week at the Marriott Waikoloa (we used Marriott points). We loved the Marriott. It's on gorgeous A-bay fronted by ancient fishponds. The sunsets were unbelievable.