alanna

My husband and I are going on a much needed vacation to the Four Seasons at Hualalai, Big Island in April. We're staying seven nites, and were thinking about renting a jeep for the whole week. How reachable are the main attractions on the BI? We don't want to drive long distances. We've been to Hawaii once before, never to the BI, so I'm pretty torn between wanting to just have a little R&R and doing some major site seeing. Also, for those of you who've stayed at the Four Seasons, BI, would you recommend not renting a car, and just do small trips from the resort? (sorry so long!) Thanks for any info you have!

jayinla

Lucky you! The Four Seasons is a gorgeous property. If you're going to see Volcano National Park and/or any of the sights in and around Hilo, it's a very long drive from Hualalai. (There are many interesting things to see along the way, too.) If you want to see some of the major sights to be seen on the BI, I would recommend you spend a couple of nights on the Hilo side. There certainly are things to see/do on the Kona side beyond R&R (which you will do in spades at your resort), but attempting to make the 4S your base while seeing those windward side of the island sights will leave you exhausted, not R&Red.

Miranda

The big island is BIG. It takes a full day to drive around it in a full circle and you can take tours that do exactly that. If you want to spend any time at the volcano park, it's worth booking at least a night at that side of the island, maybe at the Volcano House. We did the whole volcano experience as a one day trip out of our hotel (the Mauna Lani) and didn't have time to explore the volcano area in any depth. To really see the lava flow would have been another four hours of driving for us, out of the question after spending so much time in the car in one day! Most of the time, though, we were happy to hang out in the Mauna Lani area (we were there eight nights) and I bet you'll be just as happy at the Four Seasons. Do be alerted, though, that the Four Seasons doesn't have much of a beach, or so I've heard. But otherwise it's supposed to be fabulous.

BartH

We usually stay at Mauna Lani and always rent a car. On our next trip, we are planning our last night on BI at the volcano. We will check out of the hotel pack up the car and drive around to the volcano and spend the night there as well. Next day get up, do a bit more siteseeing and then head to MAui from the Hilo airport. It will save the drive back to Kona. Kiluaea Lodge looks real nice.

nyc

Alanna:

I'm sure you'll have a great time. When I stayed at the FS in January, I didn't rent a car, but took a guided tour of the Volcanoes National Park with Hawaii Forest and Trail, an excellent outfit. It was a day long trip but the advantage was that the guide knew what areas of the park would be most active and interesting. A stunning trip. That being said, you might want a car to make the ten minute drive to Kona for shopping and dining.

You and your husband will find the FS to be very relaxing. I would recommend a second floor room overlooking King's Pond (the snorkeling pool). You get a great view and the area is very quiet. Many recommend first floor rooms because of the outdoor showers but with a second floor room you can see the Hualalai volcanoe from the bathroom window.

DawnCt

We have been to the Big Island twice and both times rented a car. On the first trip we stayed in Volcano National Park one night. It wasn't enough. On our last trip, we made it two nights. It is beautiful, during the day and at night. I would certainly include a stay on the Hilo side for at least one or two nights. When we left Hilo the first time, we stopped at Akaka Falls, enjoyed the hills and the shore line en route to Waikaloa on the Kona side. This last trip, we spent the afternoon at the Tsunami Museum. If you haven't seen it, I would definately include it. We traveled to Kailua Kona on the southern route. More dry but still, interesting scenery just the same. I would also include some time at the Place of Refuse. Try kayaking to Captain Cooks Monument and hunt down some of the ancient heiues (sp) that are on the Big Island. It has been said that some are haunted.