What do you recomend we see, do, eat and experence in this area. We hope to snorkel, dine and photograph. Is Parker Ranch open to the public? Thanks for any and all guidance to make the most of our limited time to visit.

We stayed there over Christmas several years ago and loved it. It is a golfers paradise. You are right on the Golf Course. We drank coffee each morning and watched the golfers go by.
The location is good for seeing the Northern part of the big island. You will need a car and drive a lot.
The beaches are good nearby (we rented chairs and umbrella for the week) and there is a good luau at the hotels.
We drove by Parker Ranch but did not visit.
There is an activities desk at Paniolo and they will arrange/suggest things to do. (there is a welcome reception/breakfast early in the week to give you ideas). Visit the Volcanoes Nat Park (we did an arouond the island tour so as not to have to drive), do a Helicopter trip (only way to see lava flowing), explore Kailua Kona for shopping restaurants--45 min away. Hilo is on the other side and too for for "quick" trips.(recommend Bubba Gumps in Kona, great sunset views).We did a boat/snorkle trip out of Kona that was good. A must see place (besides the Volcanoe) is the Place of Refuge. Very pretty and mystical.
Go to www.tug2.net for reviews (you may have to pay $10 to join, well worth it) and other ideas.
Several great restaurants are Canoe House (nearby on water, spectacualr views at sunset) and Harrimans (in Waikoloa).
The resort itself is only "ok", not the greatest facilities (for Gold Crown Resorts) but certainly adequate for pools, tennis, etc.
We did not go up to the top of the volcano but that can be a great trip too.
Have a good trip.

Mr. Cuttino, thank you for such an excellent reply! You have been most helpful and we appreciate your details!
Thanks very much! bodi

You can watch a video about the historical Parker Ranch in Waimea which is kind of interesting and then tour the original homes located just outside of Waimea. Make sure you take the drive that is North of Waimea through the upland cattle ranch area which is unbelievably beautiful and then come down along the coast.

Also enjoy the spur road from Hawi toward this incredible lookout along the Northern Coast. Polulo Lookout I think it is. You can hike down to the beach from the lookout and up again. Sort of strenous but not impossible. I have also heard about an unbelievably beautiful hike that originates just outside of Waimea toward Honokaa that approaches the Waipio Valley from the back.

I have heard that snorkelling near Place of Refuge is fabulous as well as the Captian Cook Memorial which you can get to via either kayak, VERY STRENOUS SUNNY 2 MILE HIKE or a snorkel boat.

Maria

Maria

Greetings from Paniolo Greens! We are delighted! Not fancy, but everything we need. The washer/dryer is a huge plus after a day in the ocean. We realy loved the www.topofwaipio.com Horsebackride and picnic and our Paniolo guide that entertained and care for us all day. And I loved my horse, retired from the Parker Ranch. Not anything like "rental horses" I felt privlaged to ride the original line breed here. I'm off for more fun!

Dinner at Roys was fabulous, so good we ordered extra, to take with us. The room is very crowed and loud but the food and service were excellent. After snorkling in Kona, LuLu was perfect for ohi and drinks. The Parker Ranch Grill was a wonderful surprise. Fascinating decor and historic photos, beautiful, great food and service. In Honokaa,the little cafe next to the Pacific Coast Real Estate office has fabulous food, the best fried platter ever! and Waipio Valley Artworks had the best Kona Coffee ice cream on earth. I love Hawaii!

You can drive and park right next to where you jump into the water at Captain Cook's. We also went to Parker Ranch last month. The shop was fun, the town was quaint, I liked the Giggles kid store close by too. We were surprised that there wasn't more to do besides the carriage tour. We did buy my daughter a pink cowboy hat and a riding horse that made horse noises.

do you mean the snorkeling area in Kona is Captain Cooks? We did park right there and rented. At Parker Ranch plaza, the team pulling the wagon ride had us in tears. As equestrians, it broke our hearts to see how poorly they are treated and not cared for.Lunch at the Grill, couldn't have been better. Our biggest appreciation of the ranch was Waipio Ridge Stables. Those horses are beautiful trained and cared for and seem very happy. I felt privelaged to ride this amazing line of strong mountain horses. I'm confused about the community names. Do you know the Waipio Valley Artworks, goverment main road, Kukuihaele? Is Honokaa right there too? The charge hasn't appeared on my card yet to know the name but Antie Lucy's dinner was fabulous! Do you know the name of where I mean, next to Pacific Coast real estate office? I was ready to move to Waimea, til the airport departure. What a lovely community!

Islandmom

you are welcome to view my photos.

http://community.webshots.com/user/mrskbg

Correction; Lisa, not Lucy, I'm still exhausted! Sorry

Beautiful! Many spots I've never seen.