My husband has free hotel points for a hotel on the Big Island. I was more interested in returning to Maui or Kauai----------I know
nothing about the Big Island. We have kids (ages 10 & 12), and like pretty beaches, pretty scenery, pretty foliage, waterfalls, snorkeling. Not interested in volcanoes.
How are the beaches? Swimming? Snorkeling?
Natural scenery? Thanks!

I meant in comparison to Maui & Kauai.
Thanks.

It is very very different from both those islands. The Hilo or eastern side of the island is very lush and wet. The western or Kona side a very dry. I've never been to the moon but many people feel the Kona side resembles what the moon must be like. The Hilo / Volcano side is very lush (other than around the volcano) and has little or no beaches. The Kohala Coast (North west side of the island) has a couple of great beaches (rated among the best in all Hawaii)but are only close to the Mauna Kea / Hapuna Prince and Mauna Lani resorts. The big island is my favorite because of the diversity but there will be plenty of others on this line that will disagree. PS: Snorkeling in Keakakaua Bay (where Capt. Cook was killed) is very nice, the swimming is very good in some areas, Akaka Falls is the largest waterfall in Hawaii and it can be seen on the way from Kona to Volcano/Hilo (Northern route). Enjoy!

Thanks for the info. Our hotel is in the Kohala coast area (Hilton Waikoloa Village). Will we have to drive far to
snorkel? Do you know if the Hilton has a nice beach? Thanks.

The Hilton does not have a beach to per say. However, it does have a man made lagoon inwhich you and your kids can snorkel right there on property. Also the Dolphin Quest is at the Hilton as well. They book as far as 90 days in advance (I believe) and would book as early as possible if you're interested. My daughter did the Dolphin Quest and actually enjoyed our snorkel / boat cruise on the fairwinds tour (check them out at www.fairwind or fairwinds.com). They take you down to Keakakua Bay to snorkel and have a boat with a slide and dive platform. Very fun! There are some on these pages that love the Hilton, I am not one of them. While I believe your kids will love it, it's way too much like a Disney resort (if you've ever been to Disney World you'll understand). Even the local refer to it as the "Disneyland hotel." FYI - Hapuna Beach is a public beach and only a 10-15 drive up from your hotel. Aloha!

I so agree - the hilton is fun to visit, but completely over the top as a place to stay. Still, lots of folks must love it, based on its occupancy rates and hefty price.

rebecca, I think you will love the Big Island. It is an awesome experience. When you leave the airport you will think you are on the moon. Black Lava as far as you can see. To me it what Hawaii is about. All Volcanos. I also stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa. There is not a beach but the scenery is awesome.
You can take a shuttle to snorkle over at the Outrigger which has a lovely beach. There is also a trail you can follow which is pretty neat. I personally loved the hotel. The dolphins right on property are fun to watch. If you want your children to swim with them you need to make reservation far in advance. My children did this and loved it. The manmade lagoon has many water rentals which your children will love. The pool is also great for children 10 & 12. I think it is a wonderful place for a family vacation. Have Fun.

The Hilton actually does have a beach. It's located slightly away from the rest of the resort, easily accessible from the parking lot, and there weren't very many people there when we were there last year. It's a very nice beach, actually; we saw turtles swimming near the shore, and whales breaching further out. We were sort of amused at the people snorkeling in the lagoon; we wondered if they put fake fish in there for the tourists (just joking; we know they don't!).