Waipio Valley or Hilo?
Jun 6th, 2001 | 01:04 PM
#21
Guest
Posts: n/a
I highly recommend a helicopter ride--you'll see plenty of waterfalls and won't get muddy...I have also flown over whales, too! I have been on one 3-4 times not too far from the Mauna Lani Bay. The Kona Coast is volcanic and dry, where the Hilo side is very green and wet. I think Hilo has a little park with 'Rainbow Falls', but not sure about the name. Fun shopping in Kona-touristy, like Maui. Maui is smaller, but for me, seems to have more commercialization. The 4-S is nice, but if you have the chance, go to the Mauna Lani Bay (5 Star hotel, have stayed there 3 times, gorgeous place--snorkel with sea turtles), for a sunset dinner at the open-air Canoe House. Lots of cattle on Hawaii. Anywhere near the Warner(I think that's the name), Ranch will be cold at night--NOT KIDDING! Government-protected great snorkel area off the coast, but you have to take a zodiac boat to get to it...takes you by lava tubes, etc...pretty interesting.
The Mauna Loa macadamia nut orchard is not too far from Hilo. If you do go to the volcano, you will see red lava, but it won't be spurting out at you...but very interesting, all the same. But the volcano trip from the Kona coast takes pretty much all day.
BTW: You will have plenty of time to rest on Lanai. There is just one tiny town (no stop lights or sidewalks--Lanai City), and there are just two hotels, (except for a very old, tiny place in town where the Dole pineapple execs used to stay). They are totally different. The Lodge at Koele is inland, near horses, much cooler, (wear a sweater at night), has a pretty greenhouse, gorgeous grounds, and is right by town.. Manele Bay is on the water, more sun-tan type of weather. You will want for nothing at either place. The Lodge is not a typical Hawaiian hotel. Georgeous carved woods, VERY quiet, VERY classy. A free shuttle (20 minute ride) takes you from one to the other...being a guest at one entitles you to use both facilities. You can rent a little jeep type-of-car and go towards the coast and see a sunken ship.
The Mauna Loa macadamia nut orchard is not too far from Hilo. If you do go to the volcano, you will see red lava, but it won't be spurting out at you...but very interesting, all the same. But the volcano trip from the Kona coast takes pretty much all day.
BTW: You will have plenty of time to rest on Lanai. There is just one tiny town (no stop lights or sidewalks--Lanai City), and there are just two hotels, (except for a very old, tiny place in town where the Dole pineapple execs used to stay). They are totally different. The Lodge at Koele is inland, near horses, much cooler, (wear a sweater at night), has a pretty greenhouse, gorgeous grounds, and is right by town.. Manele Bay is on the water, more sun-tan type of weather. You will want for nothing at either place. The Lodge is not a typical Hawaiian hotel. Georgeous carved woods, VERY quiet, VERY classy. A free shuttle (20 minute ride) takes you from one to the other...being a guest at one entitles you to use both facilities. You can rent a little jeep type-of-car and go towards the coast and see a sunken ship.
