After reading everyone's comments on my previous posts, I'm beginning to think I'd be crazy not to plan on spending at least a portion of our two week vacation on the BI. I am amazed at how many of you pick it as your favorite. I guess you tend to hear so much about Maui and Kauai that I never gave the BI much thought. Somehow after reading several of these posts, I think I would be missing out big time if I skipped the island of Hawaii.

That being said, I know everyone suggests spending a little time on both sides of the island to cut down on travel time, but where is the best location along the west coast side to stay?? Travelling with older kids makes a condo a MUST as opposed to a hotel, but which area---Kohala, Kailua-Kona, Keauhou?? Not being sure how long we can devote to the BI, we would want to stay in as central a location as we can on the western side and still be close to whatever action there is to be had (which from what I gather, is not much).

Any thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to all who thoughtfully responded to my last several posts. It really helps when choosing an itinerary to have as much info as possible! Mahalo!

Not much? It depends on your definition of action. Except for Oahu's nightlife, the range and number of activities (and scenery) on the BI are a superset of any other Hawaiian island.

The BI is divided into two distinct zones: the west/Kona side which is almost all lava flows and barren, and the north/east/Hilo sides which are lush and wet.

Also, as I'm sure you already know, the BI is big. Pick up a copy of Hawaii Revealed to help sort out what you want to see and do. We've been going there every year for the past 22 years and we *still* haven't seen and done everything.

As for accomodations, condos in Kohala are concentrated in the Waikoloa resort area. Outside of Waikoloa it's mainly high-end hotels and resorts.

Kailua and Keauhou are much more affordable areas, and have far more condo choices. However, few white sand beaches exist on that part of the island, and the ones that do exist are either small, rocky or both. It's also a relatively crowded area. But the trade-off is being able to rent very nice, direct oceanfront condos for ~$125-250/night. You can get an overview of these condos here:

http://www.wizardpub.com/bigisland/bigresort.html

Before designating a "central location" for the BI you first need to decide what you want to see and do. If proximity to white sand beaches and good weather are priorities, Kohala is the best choice.

We just got back from a week in Kona. Had a great time. The Big Island is our favorite. If traveling with kids or young adults just keep is simple and stay in the Kailua-Kona area. Anywhere on Alii Drive (Ocean side)will be fine.


The Kohola Coast area is too far away from all the action.

Go to www.VRBO.com (Vacation Rental by Owner) to rent a great condo direct from the owner.

I guess that did sound pretty lame to say "not much", but nightlife was really want I was referring to. My husband and I think the idea of the perfect day would be exploring the beauty of the island during the day, returning in the evening for a nice relaxing dinner and walk on the beach before retiring for the night. My children (who will be 24, 22 and 16 next summer) want the promise of something to do in the evenings, even if it's only a game of miniature golf!! Two of the three voted for Disney World next summer, but we've been there so many times since we live on the east coast, that I wanted to give them the vacation of a "lifetime". As they get older and more involved in their own personal lives and careers, we know we will not get to enjoy this time together for much longer.

That being said, I wondered what options are available such as movies, golf, shopping, etc. on the BI and in what area are we more likely to find them?

I'm going out today to get the BI reveal book, as the Maui and Kauai ones were a huge help planning our previous trip two years ago.

Thanks again for the input!

You need to understand the Big Island is very laid back. There are golf courses and a couple of movie theaters. The old town of Kona is pretty funky and simple. It's right on the water and many open air restaurant's. But nothing super fancy.

I might suggest you re-think going to the BI and consider Maui if you have not been. It is also a great spot and might fit all your needs better than the BI

If you're going to see Volcano National Park, be advised it is a 2-3 hour drive from Kona. Most people stay near the park (in Volcano Village) at least one night to avoid such a long day. Country Goose B&B rents several houses and cottages in the area. www.countrygoose.com

I have to second JPJH's advice. The BI is (or at least can be) about Hawaiian history, culture etc, an experience which has nothing to do with miniature golf courses and extensive nightlife. Both Kailua-Kona and Hilo fold up their sidewalks precisely at ten (well, nine actually) and people who live there are not seen again. Only exceptions to this rule are a few rather salty bars in Kailua and Hilo.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I guess I should have been clearer about our plans on this first post. Initially we planned on spending our entire two week vacation on Maui. My husband and I have been to Maui and Kauai on a previous trip to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. Our kids have not been to Hawaii before and we wanted to share with them the highlights of our first trip.

We chose Maui and not Kauai because we knew from experience that it would offer more nightlife. They are very interested in seeing Pearl Harbor, which we would like to offer them, but to be honest, we weren't crazy about Oahu the last time we visited. So we thought we might do a day trip over and back, or start the vacation there and spend maybe two nights, then move on to the next destination--say Maui or the BI.

I seem to go back and forth about spending the whole time in Maui and splitting our time between the west coast and the south coast or to spend a week in one of those locations and the remainder on the BI, with a flyover to Oahu for a day.

Since we didn't get to experience the BI the first time around, I thought it might be fun to see it this trip. Especially since many of you seem to like it best!!! I would have guessed Maui would be everyone's favorite, or possibly Kauai, but I am curious what exactly it is about the BI that rates first place in so many people's opinions?? I mean that sincerely. Not having been there myself, what makes it different from Maui or Kauai (besides the obvious, an active volcano)? Should it be a definite stop since we have two weeks to spend?

Again thanks to all for the help and advice.

Having this new information. I would say go ahead and spend a week on the BI. There is really a lot to do there and is a good contrast to doing your week in Maui.

I will refer to my first post and redcommend you rent a condo on Alii Dr. / Ocean side. There are plenty available.

Aloha

If you want to experience sandy beaches and safer waters for the kids to swim in, then the Kona area is a good choice. We rented a small house on Alii drive just south of Kona proper, and it was very convenient.
We also rented a lovely house right across the road from the ocean in Hilo. We loved Hilo side for its lush tropical beauty and real Hawaiin feeling.
P.S.Just a couple of safety notes I thought I should share:
Swimming in Hawaii is different than the mainland.The currents are very strong so be careful with the kids. I was snorkeling at a beach designated as safe swimming one day and went out a little too far. I almost got swept out to sea in a rip-tide, and I'm a pretty good swimmer.
Also, wearing water shoes is a MUST when swimming. You can easily cut your feet on either coral or lava. We were there for 2 weeks, and by the end of our stay our water shoes were in shreds.
Bring a first-aid kit wherever you go. Cuts on coral or lava can become infected very fast. Also carry water with you both to drink and for washing out cuts. We used our first aid kit a lot, we even patched up a few other tourists we met in our travels.