Time on Hilo or Kona side
 

We will be going to Hawaii in March with our two teenagers. We plan to spend two nights on Oahu (Pearl Harbor, Cultural Center etc.) and 6 nights on the Big Island. I have reserved two nights at the Kileaua Lodge at Volcano National Park and was planning to reserve 4 nights on the Kona Side. Is this the best split of our time on the Big Island. I know there is alot to do on the Hilo side. What should we not miss on either side of the island and what kind of weather can we expect in March? Thanks!

Take the route to Kona that will take you north from Hilo, and stop at Akaka Falls, and Waipi'o Valley for sure. Maybe take a rest break at Hapuna beach-just gorgeous. While you are staying at Volcano NP, take a short drive south to Punalu'u(black sand)beach.

Your teenagers will love Kona. There's lots to do there. We just went in July and took our 17-year-old niece. Her favorite outing was the snorkel cruise with Body Glove. <BR>The Hilo area was beautiful, but rainy and not much to do for teenagers. A one-day car trip there was enough for us, stopping at Akaka and Kahuna Falls. <BR>You must visit the Hilton Waikoloa Village. It's about a 40-minute drive from Kona. It is awesome and they have a dolphin program called Dolphinquest. <BR>Have a great time!

when you say at Kilauea Lodge, request (asap--it books fast)Tutu's cottage. It is a cozy two bedroom home and is FANTASTIC. iI's a 10 minute walk from there to the main lodge for breakfast, or you can drive. Trust me on this one--it is <BR> worth the few extra dollars, and will be one of your greatest trip memories. PS I'd spend at least nemore night in oahu if you can.

sorry about typos--meant, stay one more night--at least 3 totoal--on oahu if you can.

Rebecca, <BR> <BR>Thanks for your post - I had read your previous ones and went ahead and booked Tutu's cottage already based upon your comments and the Lodge's internet site - sounds terrific!! Do you think two nights there will be enough? From your post it sounds like you would add another night to Oahu instead of at the Kiluea lodge. <BR> <BR>On the Hilo side we plan to spend one day at the NP, and on our way to Kona visit the Waipiti (spelling sorry) canyon and do the horseback ride; go to the top of Mauna Kea (we will rent a 4x4 that lets us go up there). <BR> <BR>What all did you do in Oahu to require another night/day? We hope to arrive around noon in Honululu and head straight to the windward side supposedly one hour from the Airport. (can't spell the name of the little town-starts with a K). We have a small cottage rented right on the beach there. The next day we plan to relax abit - maybe visit Waimea (SP again) park and then go the the Polynesian Center. Early our last morning we plan to go to Pearl Harbor and Punch bowl cemetary and then fly to Hilo early afternoon. <BR> <BR>What else would you recommend? Our families sound about the same size and ages -so I really appreciate your input! <BR>Thanks!

Just like to give a recommendation to anyone visiting the Hawaii Vocanoes National Park to stay at My Island Bed and Breakfast in Volcano. <BR> <BR>It's a beautiful old house in stunning surroundings + it's right on the edge of the National Park. The hosts were charming + they serve great breakfasts there too!