Susan

Just wanted to say "Thank you" for everyones help with our 17 day trip to the Big Island. We had a fantastic time. For all those who just go to a resort and do not explore the island you are missing out on alot. So, once again - thank you.

Tara

Susan,

Good grief! Tell us more, where you ate, where you stayed, your favorite experiences, etc., please! We're dying for more details.

It is very nice of you to come back and thank us. We appreciate that, and wish everybody would come back and tell us what was good AND bad. So glad your trip was wonderful - now please, more details!

Aloha, Tara

Susan

We did so much and enjoyed everything we did. Delighted to report that
nothing was bad. And that it did not rain while we were there. The
following is just a brief summary of the things we did. I wish I could
put into words what we saw and how it felt. I don't know of any other
place where you can see and experience the effects of the volcanoes as
it is here.

We live in NYS and if you go to a state park here there is a fee for
parking, in HI there were no fees at any of the state parks!

We spent three days in Hilo. At the farmers market in Hilo the prices
were about 50% less than on the Kona side.

We went to Lava State Park, I don't have the descriptive vocabulary to
describe what we saw. Basically the lava created molds around the trees.
The moisture in the trees cooled down the lava which created this mold.
We rode through a tropical rain tree forest to get to it, and that in
itself was an experience. Next we went swimming in the thermal pools
that are near by.

Prior to doing that we walked around Puhao and had lunch there. Everyone
was extremely friendly and it was fascinating to listen to the stories
locals told us re: why they settled in HI and their adventures here.

We also went to the Hawaiian Botanical Gardens which is on the scenic
route north of Hilo. Went to Akaaka Falls and had lunch in Honomoo. A
charming town. Had lunch in the shop that says "Locals eat here." Ate
there three times.

Also went to the Zoo, parks off of Banyan Drive, walked all around
Banyan Drive. Went to Richardson's Beach and looked at a couple of
beaches prior to getting there. Had dinner at Queen's Buffet, well worth
the money. And yes, we made reservations for sunset, but there was no
sunset that night.

We were in Volcano for 6 days. Walked through the volcano, saw the cone,
did the steam and sulphur walks, Devastation trail, Crater Rim trail and
I think every trail there was. Also visited the visitors center, Jaggar
Museum, Volcano Art Center and their new home. At their new site is a
wonderful tropical rain tree forest in the making. Walked down to the
lava flow at night.

Spent about a week on the Kona side. Went to all the historical sites
in Kona and both south and north of Kona including the churches.
Snorkeled right in Kona and then a few miles south of Kona. Visited a
major resort, saw the petroglyphs, went to a ethnobotanic site, learnt
how to Hula and how to pronounce words phonetically in Hawiian.

We had many lectures and saw the Fantastiks, went to two out door
concerts. Went on Saddle Road, and do not understand what all the hype
is, about that road. There was one or two places where there were
telephones and at the state park there were bathrooms. Perhaps if you
did not spend time in Volcano and walk on and through a volcano it would
have more meaning.

I was sorry I did not make the time to go on the submarine the Atlantis
or take the snorkeling trip.

Travelled to Waimea and that area north of Kona, took one route going
and another coming back.

I do not know if we would have done some of the above, if it wasn't for
the responses to my post. So, once again Thank you.

Steve

Thanks, Susan! WHEW! I am EXHAUSTED just from reading the post!!

Sandy

Hi Susan,
I'm so glad you had a great time and that we could be of help. Don't give away all of our secret places. It would be to bad if the rest of the world found out about the place and it got cluttered up with all of us tourists. It really is an amazing place isn't it? Which resturant did you eat at in Pahoa? Our favorite was the Thi, as much for the atmosphere as the great food. I can't wait to go to the B.I. again!

Vicki

Our family just returned from the Big Island last week; we loved it. So much to see, you definitely need the time to do it, and we unfortunately didn't much. But we did get over to the Hilo side and the scenery is breathtaking. I just wanted to post that we had a great Mexican meal at the only Mexican restaurant in Pahoa.... where they apparently are doing a good business because they are expanding. Service was good, the food was good, the atmosphere was interesting, like Paia on Maui actually. The Lava Trees Park is awesome and really quite peaceful. Very few people and a nice leisurely walk.

Rich

Susan:

I'm so glad you had a nice time! Reading your post took me back....

I think that the Big Island is the best one in the state...although there really isn't a "bad" island!

I was especially interested by your comments about Saddle Road....if you rent a car on the island, the rental car people act like you'll be flogged if you take your car on this road...

Hope you got some coconut candy-glazed macadamias! They're awsome!

- Rich

Susan

Hi, we ate in the Mexican restaurant in Pahoa, I don't think the Thi restaurant was open. We went around the corner of the the Mexican restaurant and checked out the hotel and antique shop. The hotel had no vacancies, I think they didn't anticipate an opening for a couple of months.

Also went into the other other shops along the main street.

Found out about rentals, if next winter is going to be bitterly cold with a lot of snow and ice, I think I am ready to rent an apartment on the island. The prices were a lot less than here on the east coast if you go to a resort area.

Susan