The Big Island In Hawaii
 

Hello everyone. We are planning a trip to the big island in Hawaii in December. Any advice you can provide regarding where to stay, where to eat, what to see & do, etc. would be greatly appreciated. <BR> <BR>Joy

Joy, <BR> <BR>It's been several years, but we stayed at the Disneylike Waikoloia (sp?) on the Big Island. I must say, my most memorable sights on the island were ont he other side, going down the coast toward Hilo to the volcano. You MUST see the volcano at dusk when the lava flow going into the ocean looks like nature's fireworks. <BR> <BR>Sorry I can't recall more specifics, but I do recall a gorgeous drive from the north (I think) down to Hilo.

don't miss Volcano's National Park near Hilo. A spiritual experience.

Joy: <BR> <BR>I LOVE the Big Island!!! I think it's the best island in the state. There is so much to see and do. You can ski (I haven't done this, but read in Fodor's that there is some skiing on Mauna Loa), visit an active volcano, and snorkel, all in one day! <BR> <BR>As far as lodging, I would highly recommend that you consider renting a house. My family has done this twice, and has found it to be far more economical than staying in a hotel. You also have the benefit of being able to cook your own meals, if you choose. I don't know offhand of any rental agencies, but you might try contacting one of the realty offices on the island, and I am sure that they will have info. on rental agencies. <BR> <BR>Daniel is right -- the drive from the north of the island down to Hilo is spectacular! This brings up another point -- I think that having a rental car is essential. The Big Island truly is big, and there doesn't seem to be as much public transportation and tour buses, as there are on some of the other islands. <BR> <BR>Betsy is also right -- the volcano is a must-see! You'll remember it forever! I would also recommend the following: <BR> <BR>- visiting one of the many macadamia nut plantations <BR>- driving from Kona to Waikoloa on a moonlight night (you'll think you're driving on the moon!) <BR>- Driving to Hilo. Some people don't care for Hilo, but I think it's much more "Hawaiian" than most of the other cities in Hawaii <BR>- Visiting some of the waterfalls north of Hilo <BR>- Kailua and Waikoloa have some really good restaurants. I don't remember any names (sorry!), except for the Chart House in Kailua, which I highly recommend! <BR> <BR>Hope you have a really nice time!

We just returned from the Big island last week and would definitely recommed the Outrigger Waikoloa. The hotel just went under a major renovation and we were more than satisfied with our stay. The property is absolutely lovely with a beautiful white sand beach. The rooms were nice and you could just tell most everything at the hotel was somewhat brand new. We walked over to the Hilton and felt it was too disney like for our taste. Everyone at the Outrigger was great. I would definitely recommend Roy's, Cafe Pesto, Huggos in Kona and the restaurant at the Outrigger. Make sure to drive to the Volcano. We did a helicopter tour with Sunshine Helicopters and it was really exciting. We felt 5 days was not enough for our stay so we will definitely head back to this beautiful island soon. <BR>