Splitting time on BI
 

Planning 9 day/night vacation on BI in January. We've already been to Oahu, Maui, and Kauai and can't wait to experience the BI!

Can't decide if we should split our time between 2 or 3 hotels/locations and how many nights at each. Right now we're thinking about doing 6-7 nights at the Marriott in Waikoloa and 2-3 nights at the Lotus Garden Cottages in Volcano. For those that have been there, would 2 nights in Volcano village be enough, or is there enough to do in that portion of the island to fill 3 full days? We're planning on driving and enjoying the Hamakua coast on the way from Waikoloa to Volcano village.

Thanks for any suggestions!
Michelle

Two nights in Volcano village is plenty of time to tour the park (caldera, Thurston lava tube, etc.). To see lava (if you can right now), you have to drive down to the coast, southwest of Hilo. So, being in the village is a bit isolated from other things to see.

Thanks for the advice Sylvia. We will go with two nights in Volcano. Still trying to decide if we should split the remaining seven nights between two other locations--possibly Kohala and Kailua-Kona (or south of there if there's anything?) to reduce driving time. Would it be worth it?

No, I think 2 locations are enough otherwise you waste time packing up and moving between hotels and you might have that awkward check out by 11am/ check in at 3pm gap.

We've stayed at the Waikoloa Marriott twice and liked it a lot. The beach there (A-bay) is lovely; great sunsets and we found ourselves swimming with turtles just a few yards from the shore.

Waikoloa Marriott is in a good location for day trips to Hawi and Kona etc.

I agree, the Waikoloa area is a good place to be based. It's a short hop to the northern town of Hawi and environs (go all the way to the end of the road to see the fabulous views of the cliffs and valley at the Pololu Valley lookout; the drive is splendid); do the circle back on the Kohala Road through Waimea). Saddle Road is also easily accessible from Waikoloa (through Waikoloa village). Better to go TO Kailua-Kona than to be in all the traffic and crowds, IMO. Be sure to go to Hapuna beach (public parking is limited, so go early)! A-Bay (the Waikoloa area) is just ok for swimming (coarse salt and pepper sand) and snorkeling, but you will enjoy walking, sunbathing, and turtle and sunset watching there (sunset supper at the Marriott is very nice for location and price).
ONe more tip: get the great map Hawaii The Big Island (James Bier), published by University of Hawaii press as soon as you get there (gas stations usually have it).