Need Travel Tips :) (Hilo, Volcano, Kilauea: rentals, condos, hotels)

[Angel Bear]

Hi,

Hubby and I are flying into Kona next fall (early November). We've never been to Hawaii before. And, well, I've never been off the mainland

I was wondering if you have any travel tips for us. We're thinking of starting in Kona so we can fly into there (we are from the Midwest right now). I'd like to spend 2 weeks there so we can see things and relax, enjoy, etc.

Hubby is a big-time surfer so he has some spots in mind. I like shopping, hiking, exploring, spa stuff, and wow, it's been a long time since I relaxed on a real beach

I've been pricing flights and it seems cheaper to fly into a CA airport and then, to Kona. Maybe it's just me though?

We're not luxury-oriented people, but want to have fun and enjoy ourselves. I'd like to go to all the islands, but don't know if that is possible in 2 weeks.

I need to get a travel book--I have AAA, but maybe I need to get one from Borders or Barnes and Noble LOL...I feel so ignorant about all of this...hee hee!

Thanks and hugs in advance!

-AB

[Sweetbeet]

I recommend "The Big Island Revealed", you can get it from Amazon or probably a lot of other places. Very good guidebook (there's a whole series, if you will be visiting other islands).

Also, since you will be staying a while, you might want to find one or two vacation rentals (houses or condos) instead of paying big bucks for hotels or resorts. You can get some nice houses and condos at weekly rates, which are much less than the nightly rates of hotels - and you have more space, a kitchen (most come with all dishes, pots/pans, utensils, everything you need; even if you only cook breakfasts, and/or a few lunches/dinners, you can save a LOT over two weeks - not to mention the convenience of having fridge and microwave for restaurant leftovers), and maybe even boogie boards to use, or stuff like that. Checkout ..VRBO® is Vacation Rentals by Owner® Vacation Homes Rentals by Owner. I recommend Kapoho, if you plan on staying on the east (Hilo) side for a while - it's sunnier than other spots on that side of the island, and the tidepools are great for snorkeling. There are lots of rentals within walking distance of the tidepools.

Have fun, and don't miss checking out the volcano-related sights! I'm not sure if you can still approach the flowing lava; it's technically off-limits since it's flowing through vegetation, which can be dangerous, and outside of the park. But there are still some great things to see - the park itself, Kilauea crater, the lava tube. We took a helicopter flight with the doors off, that's a real blast!

[cynmkolohe]

VRBO is a great resource...my one suggestion for folks making this trip is that you consider staying near Volcano National Park for a couple of nights during the part of the trip when you are planning to spend time at the Park. The drive from Kona is long--and knowing that you have a place to stay nearby will make your time at the park more enjoyable. You will likely want to be in the park until well after sunset (trying to spot lava flow then driving out of the park) and you will then be facing a few hours on the road if you are driving back to Kona. That makes for a long day. Volcano Village is a peaceful, lush and chilly area--bring a jacket or sweater for your time at those elevations!

[Granny Sue]

I loved the Big Island!!
We only had two days there and we missed out on so much.
The "Revealed" books are a great source on information.
Also go to TripAdvisor dot com. You will be able to talk to people who live there and vacation there on a regular basis.
When going to Volcano Nat'l park give yourself no less than 5 hrs. We had lunch in the town of Volcano.
Heed the advice of wearing good walking shoes. Take water to drink. Trust me on this one.
Akaka Falls is wonderful.
Inter Island flights are not expensive so plan a day to go to one or two of the other island. Ohau can be seen in a day. I haven't been to Maui so I can't comment on it.

Great I'm sooooo jealous now!! I hope you have a wonderful time!

[Angel Bear]

Thanks and hugs for the suggestions and help.

I really need to get a book on Hawaii travel.

I want to see as much of the islands as possible...I wear myself out when I travel seeing everything But, we'll plan some beach time too

The vacation rental idea makes sense theoretically, but we'll be hopping around probably not staying much in one place...so, hotels it will be, but we've budgeted for that

I'm sure as the trip approaches, I'll be inundating the boards here with questions...hee hee! And, probably won't want to come home, so maybe there will be some relocation ones too? Do they hire engineers in Hawaii?

Bear Hugs,
AB