I am going to Hawaii for the first time at the end of April with a good friend and my 15-year-old son who loves the ocean, but has never experienced anything but the frigid Oregon coast before. I know we'll want to go to snorkeling, and see the volcano and go to a luau -- and??? .... We're staying at the Orchid at Mauni Lani which is supposed to be a very nice resort. Has anyone stayed there? What are the good restaurants (at different price ranges) on the Big Island. The island is so big, I'm afraid we won't be able to enjoy it all and don't want to miss THE best. All suggestions and personal experiences there very much appreciated.
-- Elane

When we went we stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa Village down the street, so to speak. I am not in touch with the Orchid, but need to tell you that certainly our property is worth a visit. This is my children's all time favourite and we have stayed at some pretty nice hotels. What to do? We stayed on our property for the most part as there was an excellent man made beach and snorkelling lagoon, a Dolphinquest program, arcade, restaurants, etc. We drove around the island one day and stopped at the national park. We did not fly over the live volcano. This might be something to do. I may be narrowminded but there is not as much going on here than some of the other islands. Feel free to email me if you have any further questions. Annemarie

Aloha Elane, The BI offers some beautiful properties and you're staying at one of the nicest. We always stay at Mauna Lani. The Canoe House @ Mauna Lani is excellent. The King's Shops at Waikaloa has several different dining options. Don't miss Roy's, there is one on each island and it is consistently outstanding. Also, the ribs at the Big Island steak house are good.
If you haven't done a helicopter tour in Hawaii, take the one over Kileuea, unforgetable site.
The town south of the airport, Kaulia, can be fun. Small typical hawaiian seaside. There are some good local spots . Stay away from Hard rock and the mainland chains.
email if you have any other questions.
Bart

Recommend: Hawaii Volcanoes Nat Park (the long-solidified lava flows alone are worth seeing, even if you see no live lava); the drive north on the Kona Coast (the white rock "grafitti" is often quite creative); snorkeling anywhere.

Just got back from 7 days on the big island. Ride horses in Waipio Valley. Rent a kayak and kayak across to Capt. Cook monument in Kealakekua Bay and snorkel near the monument. (Go midday, between the two big Fair Wind excursions.) The Kohala Ditch kayak was interesting, but too much through tunnels and not enough out in the open. The helicopter tours are expensive, but neat. As for food, Parker Ranch Grill in Waimea had great steak and prime rib (~$20). The Beach Tree at the Four Seasons had good food in a casual, but beautiful beach front setting ($15). Roy's in Waikoloa is a little more pricey, but has a Chocolate Souffle to die for. South of Kona is Keei Cafe, not much ambiance but very good fish dishes ($15). For lunches, we ate at local places. They usually said "Drive In" and had a Coca-cola sign outside. Known as "plate lunches", for $5 you get teriyaki chicken or steak, two scoops of rice, and potato salad.