Aloha,

Sorry for the Asia labeling, but I thought I would be more likely to find you here than in the U.S. forum. We could very much use some Hawaii advice. Serious health problems and concomitant $$$ issues just caused us to cancel a two week dream trip (7 nights on the Paul Gaughin followed by 3 at La Taha'aa Private Island Resort and Spa) for the second year in a row. It looks like we will be taking a one week trip to Hawaii instead with a $5000 budget (after airfare). We have been to Kuaii and loved it, had an OK time on Maui, are currently thinking of the Big Island where we have never been (maybe near Hilo) but are open.

Can you help with suggestions--you were wonderful with suggestions for our autumn trip to Japan three years ago? We are exhausted after various health crises and want to stay only in one place (with perhaps a night at the volcano place in addition) where peace and beauty will come our way. The feng shui of where we stay matters a lot to me although it doesn't need to be 5 star. We could be happy in a small b and b, elegant resort, small house or apartment (though would probably eat out much of the time) We like nature, gardens, snorkeling, are somewhat restricted in diet (need lowfat) but don't care a lot about food when we are on vacation (we live in SF Bay area). Any thoughts would be very welcome.
I'll try posting this in U.S. forum as well.

Domo arigato--our thoughts have been much with Japan in this difficult time.

So sorry to read about your recent setbacks. Hope all is well now. How are things in the Bay Area? We should be back there in early June just in time for the strawberries.

The Hilo side of the island has not had any major hotel development since the 1960's so all of the bigger hotels on Banyan Drive are in need of renovation. The Naniloa has recently but not all finished yet as the slow economy is dictating slow work. I rate them all a 2.5 to 3 star range. That said I do stay overnight sometimes on business in Hilo when not staying at some of my family residences. Out of the big three on Banyan Dr I like the Hilo Hawaiian followed by the Naniloa then Uncle Billy's. The Hilo Seaside is a step below but still comfortable. Breakfast at Uncle Billys is the best of the three imho. I do love the scenery and sights on East Hawaii but if I were you I would head over to the Kona side of the island and spend your hotel nights there. In your budget range the Hilton Waikoloa would fit the bill for lux at a reasonable price. You can use it as your base for drives during the day and relaxing to a beautiful Kona sunset dinner. The resort is very large with lots to do including scuba classes and dive opportunities along with snorkeling adventures.

Of course there is the Four Seasons Hualalai which is heaven on earth and one of our favorites but the cost of heaven comes at a steep price these days......

I am not quite as familiar on the B&B's on the Big Island as I have said earlier that when we stay for and expended period we usually stay with my brother who lives 17 miles out of Hilo towards Volcano or in Waimea with our Aunt. I do know that a few of the B&B's in Hilo have been having problems and complaints about the noise from the coqui frogs at night. I rarely stay at my brothers anymore because of the noise. In one word ANNOYING. Lot of beautiful Hilo B&B's are spraying coffee grind solutions on their properties to get rid of the pest so just be aware of it if you make a res at a Hilo side B&B.
Can't help with the low fat diet but bet a lot of other fodorites here will weigh in with their suggestions as well.

Aloha!

HawaiianTraveler mentioned the Four Seasons Hualalai and it does sound like a place you would really enjoy. Peaceful, tranquil, with everything you need right there.

We also spent one night near Volcano and choose Cottage 44 at Hale Ohia. To be honest, I was intrigued with spending the night in a water tank
http://www.haleohia.com/44.htm
The cottage was lovely and the tub was perfect for soaking after an afternoon of touring the national park. The grounds of Hale Ohia were lovely and peaceful.

We also spent a week at the Hilton and it's the plar oppostie of what you are looking for. We enjoyed it, but it is very busy.

One of our favorite meals of the trip was at the little family run Thai restaurant in Volcano.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/thai-thai-restaurant-volcano

I'd look at the Mauna Kea Resort. It essentialy has it's own quiet very nice beach and the relative seclusion makes it very relaxing.

I would avoid the Waikoloa area hotels- they are just all busy, to me.

Thank you all, especially Hawaiian Traveller. HW--when you are in Bay Area, I would highly recommend a SF restaurant called Millenium, if you haven't tried it.

Aloha and more suggestions from others welcome.