We're planning a week long trip to The Big Island the last week of October. We've never been to Hawaii before. It will be my husband, myself, our 13 year old son and my active mother-in-law.

We want to hike, relax and explore the island on our own. I've scoured the Hawaii websites and really don't know where to begin.

I'm hoping to find a house or a very nice 2-bedroom condo for us to stay at. Budget for lodging is $2500.

Can anyone give me some direction? I'm out of my element on this one, as we usually go to Europe.

Thanks,

Diane

Do you want to split your trip, by staying a few nights Hilo-side and a few nights Kona-side? Or do you want to just stay one place?

You might like a condo in Waikoloa. See overview at: http://www.waikoloabeachresort.com

On the Hilo side, we enjoyed the Kilauea Lodge for accommodations near the Volcano: www.kilauealodge.com

If you want to see most everything, I'd split it up and stay 4 days on the Kona side and 3 days in Hilo/Volcano or Kapoho. For activities with your son I'd get a condo in Kailua-Kona as opposed to Waikoloa as the beaches in Kailua are better for snorkeling, and the organized activities leave from the Kona pier. (submarine, kayak, zodiac boats etc.) Waikoloa does have sailboards for rent and a few sailboat activities but not much fish in the water to see when snorkeling.

From Hilo you could see the botanical gardens, waterfalls, farmers market, museum and do some hiking around there.

another suggestion--stay in south Kona on Kealakakua Bay for four days. There are nice houses there to rent. This house is only one example--www.alohahouse.net. Good snorkeling, kayaking, some nice local (uncrowded beaches near).
Stay in Puna on Kapoho Bay for three days. Lagoon House is wonderful with its own snorkeling lagoon. It is about 20 minutes from Hilo and about 45 minutes from Volcano. It tends to be sunnier than either Hilo or Volcano. www.lagoonhouse.com

Splitting sounds good. I will review all your suggestions. Thanks for the help.

If you split your time between Hilo and Kona area, be sure to book your flights so you fly into one and out of the other, if possible. Will save you some drive time.

Deb

Do people actually like Kona? I didn't. Hilo area was more what I expected Hawaii to be.

I don't like Kailua-Kona much either--it's ok if you want a t shirt and it does have some nice restaurants. The south Kona distict is different, kinda laid back, has Kealakakua Bay, some great snorkeling areas and some more local type beaches. It also get more sun than the east side of the island (though I enjoy Hilo esp. on market day.