Most of the landscape of Big Island's west side does little for me; nothing really exotic or tropical about stark lava flows from mountain top to ocean. From what I've seen of the parts of the four main islands I've been to, the north shore of Kaua'i probably best fits your mind's eye view of a South Pacific island paradise. Plus, great hiking, decent snorkeling, and, because of it's smaller population, better opportunity for cultural experiences.

The Volcano is definitely worth a couple of days IMO - together with exploring the lush green area around and north of Hilo.

You could even just fly in early one morning to Hilo - drive up to Akaka falls - and the botanical garden there,http://tinyurl.com/7e9w9wj and possible take the old/lower road and see another botanical garden or two - perhps have a late lunch or early dinner in Hilo and head up to the Volcano Village area - within 45 minutes of Hilo town. (Note -The Volcano House right at the visitor's center was closed - but maybe it has opened up again?)

And yes - the Kona side is drier - but great for hanging out at the beach - and if you get up above (mauka) from Kona - it gets greener, and it's fun to drive north of Kona and see the lava flows.

If you have time to get off the beach - drive all the way up to Haiwa at the North end - and also to Waimea town, maybe even along the mid-mountain road connecting the two. http://www.gohawaii.com/big-island/r...-kohala/waimea

Again, Kauai - the North Shore/Princeville/Hanalei area is our favorite - and Big Island is a close second, but we also love the other four inhabited islands - and each has something special to explore, or just hang loose.

Here is a better page that shows the Kohola Mountain Road (250) - and other scenic drives on Big Island.

The Big Island really is meant for exploring.

http://www.hale-hoola.com/Big-Island-Scenic-Drives.htm

Any luck on locking up a 2nd timeshare week?

As it turns out, dh, can't be gone for the 17 days we had hoped for. We actually had a timeshare week on hold, but then a new work project came up and dh will be project manager (He's in IT). The timing is bad!

We've opted to stay in Oahu for the long weekend after our week in Kauai. We'll likely use Starwood points for that to stay at one of the Sheraton hotels.

Thanks for checking back, Tomsd.

Hey...is there a way for Fodors to send an email notification you when someone has responded to a post?

To your last question, unfortunately, no.