We're planning a trip to the Big Island in July. Our plan is to spend time on both sides of the island. Has anyone stayed at Volcano Village, specifically Kate's cottage? Would it be possible to base here and do day trips into Hilo or would it be better to split it into two stays? What advice do you have for staying in the Kona area? We are traveling on a budget. Also - what about the northern tip - is it worth a stay? We have 7-10 days on the island.

Hi, rabever87. Is this your first trip to any of the Hawaiian islands? You're going to have a blast!

We spent 10 nights on the Big Island a couple of months ago. This was our itinerary:

3 nights in the Kona area - this was close to lots of snorkeling, boat trips (we used Fairwinds - Hula Kai - great trip!!), Place of Refuge. We stayed at the Hale Hualalai B&B and loved it. Would definitely recommend this if you're a couple (not big enough for families). I think it was $135 per night when we were there.

We then drove the southern route around the island. Stopped at Ho'okena Beach Park and drove down the road to the Southern Point. This was a beautiful drive; I'm not sure if we were supposed to take our rental car down that road, however.

I would recommend 2 nights at the Kilauea Lodge (we stayed at a B&B that I wouldn't recommend, but next time we'll stay at the Kilauea Lodge). I think it's about $110-120 per night.

You can use this time to visit Hilo and mainly for exploring the Volcano NP. Definitely drive down the Chain of Craters Road and hike a little ways over the lava; we saw lava flowing into the ocean, and it was great. If you can get there an hour or so before dark, you can get a seat on the rocks and watch it turn dark -- amazing!!

I wasn't as impressed with Hilo as some people are. To me, it just seemed like any town you could find in any state. But some people love it.

We then drove the northern route to the Kohala resort area. We stopped at Akaka Falls and Laupahochoe Point (tsunami of 1946 memorial), and they were both well worth the stop. We also drove to Hawi. The views from this road are outstanding.

We then stayed at the Fairmont Orchid on the Kohala coast for 5 nights. This was the most expensive lodging of our trip ($339 per night, but 5th night free), but there are less expensive places to stay.

I would definitely recommend this itinerary if you have 10 nights. We felt we were able to explore the whole island. We stayed at the most luxurious place last, and for the last few days of our trip we mainly enjoyed the resort, snorkeling with turtles, and lounging.

I hope you have a wonderful time. We can't wait to return.

Yes, this is our first time to Hawaii. We're actually going to be there 3-4 weeks and also going to Maui and Kauai. Any recoommendations there from anyone? We hope to base perhaps in Poipu Beach for a week in Kauai and I"m looking at some condos or bed and breakfasts in Kihei or Lahaina on Maui. Thanks so much for your response - it was very helpful!

rabever87,

3 or 4 weeks! Lucky you. If you want input and advice on the Kauai and Maui portion of your trip, I would do a seperate post for these. Aloha.

-Bill

I don't recommend Ho'okena Beach Park. This last week there was an unprovoked violent incident where some local men attacked a family on the beach, causing injuries. The general feeling is that these bad guys were on drugs, but that park has had problems before. It's remote, and I never felt very comfortable there.

For Kauai on a budget, I've stayed at the following which is 12 to 15 minutes from Poipu Beach in Kalaheo: http://www.southshorevista.com/
I recommend it, a 1 bedroom apt. downstairs from a large house, and it's near a nice park with a low budget 9 hole golf course).

July is a peak season in Hawaii because of summer vacations. If you have some specific places you want to stay, you should make reservations now. With the amount of time you have, I'd recommend a B&B on the Hamakua Coast, after you time in Volcano. Allow enough time to leisurely enjoy the park. The end of the road with the lava viewing is not the only great thing to see there.

That link isn't working anymore. I'll see what I can find out.