Hawaii Big Island Vacation

Question: Going to Hawaii on vacation--the big island. What are the best things to do for non-golfers, non-beach folks? We enjoy walking, bicycling, reading, the arts, nature and animals.

Answer: Do you really want to go to an island if you are not a beach person? The big island has the fewest and least unteresting attractions, the Volcano being the major one. I suggest Maui instead and if you do you MUST take the downhill bike ride, it is fabulous. If you go to Maui, you gotta do the downhill bike ride. I don't recommend the sunrise one because you have to get up at 3:00 AM to get started up the mountain and its cold up there that early. If you are a romantic do it, but otherwise no. There are different bike companies and some don't take you all the way to the top, and some don't guide you back down. You can come down by yourself, there's only one road with just a little traffic, but if you are squimish about riding in the street, a company that accompanys you down will help watch the traffic for you. I have been twice and prefer Maui Downhill to the others. These companies have web sites They will pick you up at your hotel, take you to their shop to pick out a wet-suit (for the cold and mist/rain shower maybe) and gloves and helmet; then take you up the mountain; then follow your group down so they can block traffic for your ride; then afterwards take you back to your hotel. Expect this activity to take 75-80% or more of the day. Check out the following links also.

Question: If anyone has visited the Big Island in Hawaii, I would like some tips.? My husband and 7 year old daughter are planning a vacation to Hawaii's "Big Island" this August, and from what I can tell, it is a very big island. If you've visited, I love to hear what towns you stayed in and what your opinions are of them. Which is nicer, Kona or Hilo? What natural wonders are a must see! And anything else you found really memerable. Just keep in mind we will have a little girl with us, so nude beaches and such are out. Thanks for any input.

Answer: I have been to The Big Island Many times. I love Kona side best as it has more sun. You should visit Hilo as they have at least 3 big waterfalls that are easy to get to and see. Rent a car. You must go see the volcano's. There is the City of refuge and the painted church. Also the captain cook monument. As you have a 7 year old you need to space out your trips. It is a 8 -10 hour day to do the Hilo side and see the volcanos. You may even consider spending one night there. There is a large macadamian nut farm you can tour. One big waterfall is only about 1 mile from the center of town. Shopping is better as it is less expensive. Stay near a beach in kona and do not stay at the King Kamahmea hotel it has bugs. My nephew was bitten several times ugh!! If you can afford a resort hotel like the Hilton or raddison they are at the other end of the same side of the island as Kona . Waimea is a lovely mountain town and it is cool with nice restaurants and good shopping. It can rain there and be sunny in Kona. You can go to the top of Kilauea and drive there yourself even though the signs say you cannot. Remember it is 13000+ fet so if you have breathing problems the air is thin. Can have snow up there in December while summer on the ground below. Enjoy

Question: Big Island Hawaii Horseback Riding - Waipio? I'm planning to go on a vacation to Big Island, Hawaii. I'm planning to take a horseback ride on Waipio. I had checked with various sites on internet and the price is $85. Is there a chance for me to get a better deal and also do I need to book the tickets in advance for this ride. Can anyone also suggest me on helicopter tours.

Answer: when i visited last year i remembered seeing alot of discount coupons for horseback rides..bucking in advance probably isnt neccesary as i dont think they get that busy

Question: What's the best place on the big island of Hawaii for a family vacation?

Answer: If you are looking for lodgings, a particularly good place, with an authentic Luau, a nice beach, nice pools (including an infinity pool), a concierge, Hawaiian activities (such as Ukulele lessons), shopping centers, etc., you should definitely go to the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Information at: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ko... You can also rent snorkeling equipment for the whole family, or boats, and you can do many other fun activities at the beach. You also are in a convenient spot on the west coast of the island so you can easily get to other nice beaches, go to mountains such as Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, or drive to the tropical side of the island (Hilo) or to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Question: where should we stay for our vacation on the big island of hawaii?

Answer: A) If you're not on a budget, you like high fashion, lots of tourist type venues, fast pace, golf courses, beauty spas, nightclubs, dinner cruises, Kona coffee, Kona beer - then you ought to try the Waikoloa Beach Resort, or Ha'puna Beach Hotel north of Kona. B) If you wish a slower pace, country style, local venues, peaceful scenic drives, macademia nut center, outdoor markets, volcanoes, Parker Ranch, local hula and luau entertainment - then you might try for a stay in Hilo. Snorkeling, tours and activities are available in both towns.

Question: I am vacationing on the Big Island (Hawaii). What can I do for fun? I like to snorkal, beaches, and volcanoes but I don't know what the best places to visit are.

Answer: you can sell peanuts in the beach , swim or snorkel in the volcano larva for fun

Question: What to see on the Big Island in Hawaii? I'm going on vacation to Hawaii and staying in Kona. I'm planning to rent a car and see all the beautiful sights there, however I don't know what those sights are. Do you know what the 'must-see' sights on the big island are? Any other tips would be greatly appreciated as well. I would prefer cheaper solutions and maybe some hints on cheap car rental and cheap dining. Thanks in advance.

Answer: I'm going to Kona too this Sat for a week. Some of the places I've visited on previous trips are White sands beach south of Kona village, Kekaha Kai State park which has a really nice, large beach, Volcanoe national park, Akaka Falls on the Hilo side of the island, ect... Volcanoes National Park is really cool and you can walk through volcano craters and there is a spot you can drive to where you can watch lava flow into the ocean, going around sunset is best. Also going to some of the really big resorts is fun, especially the Waikaloa resort, it's huge and there is plenty to see and do there. Go snorkeling, scuba diving, or fishing on a boat. There are shops and resturants in downtown Kona. Take a drive to the other side of the island to Hilo or the northern section and check out all of the sites there. If you want to do cheap dining the best way is to rent a condo/vacation rental and just make food there. My dad has a condo there and that is usually what we do instead of eating out every night.

Question: Big Island, Hawaii - best places to stay??? I plan my vacation on Big Island next March. Want to spend about 10 day there: 2-3 days in Hilo, 1 night in Volcano park, then - the rest of vacation in Kailua-Kona. Any recomendations for good, budget condos in Hilo and Kona??? Thanx!!!

Answer: I returned from my first trip to The Big Island not even a month ago. Hawaii.com was very helpful!, also, konafriends.com <--Joe is a great connection. I used my computer extensively for research on my trip,VERY HELPFUL!, trip advisor was helpful also.

Question: Going to Hawaii (the big Island) next year for the first time any suggestions? Do you like Frommer's or Fodor's for Hawaiian vacation guide? Any suggestions from families that have been to the Big Island would be helpful. We're taking our 10y/o too. Thanks.

Answer: I have not used either but had guides and help from the hotel I stayed with so did not miss to much. If you are staying on big island then write the chamber of commerce there for maps and related sights, recreations and feasts. The island has free market places with Hawaiian dancing andEntertainmentt that your child will like. Make an adventure and go places everyday. A motor trip around the island has many things to see. Have a good time. Spartawo...

Question: What is there fun to do or visit on the Big Island in Hawaii? I am going for vaction!? I need to find some good places to visit and have a good time while I am in Hawaii! I am going to be on the big Island. What would you recommend to do or see while Im there on vacation?

Answer: Go to the volcano -- the lava has been flowing since 1983 and it's really incredible to walk right out to it and see it right in front of you! Punalu'u Black Sand beach is amazing too. Lots of turtles. Pu'uhonua O Honaunau (otherwise known as the Place of Refuge) - historical and interesting. Very pretty place for sunset. Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls - on Hilo side. Mauna Kea and/or Hapuna Beach - awesome beaches! Very clean and the water is gorgeous. Ahalanui hot springs - also on Hilo side of the island. Really, really neat place! Heated by underground lava tubes. Pacific Tsunami Museum - in Hilo. Really interesting and informative. Have fun!