My boyfriend and I are going to the Big Island in January. We are flying into Kona and staying at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel, we will be there for a week. I have visited the Big Island a bunch of times when I was younger with my family but haven't been in years. We always had a rental car to go out and go to the town and make our way to other activities on the island. My boyfriend and I are both under 25 but over 21 so we can get a rental car, BUT it is much more expensive due to our being under 25. From people with more experience, is it really important to have a car or are there other ways to get around? Any advice or experience would be appreciated. Also, I've never stayed at this hotel, can anyone tell me about their experiences with it? Thank you!

If you have plans to explore the island, a rental car is pretty much a necessity on the Big Island. There is a bus system that circles the island on the main highway, but almost all of the major tourist attractions are well off this highway. And taking cabs would be outrageously expensive compared to a rental car.

As for the Mauna Lani, it's a wonderful place. You won't be disappointed!

xmelissax, I went to the Mauna Lani's website because, I'm going to the Big Island too. The place looks wonderful but, very expensive. Can you reserve someplace a little less expensive then maybe you would have money left to rent a car? The standard rooms there are $385.00 a night.

We visited the BI last July and I agree you will need a car unless you want to just stay at the resort. Of course with all there is to see that would not be a good idea.

Since you have been to the Big Island several times, why not take your boyfriend to a different island, like Ohau, where the public transit system works great? Also, it might be a more "happening" place for two young adults. Just my opinion.

Trisha: As with most hotels you can't go by the standard rack rates. One can get into the Mauna Lani (or just about anywhere else on the Kohala coast) for much less than $385/night by seeking out specials, package deals etc, or by going through a decent travel agent.