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Post by brookeq on May 1, 2016 21:25:09 GMT
Our friends are using their time share points to go to the Big Island this July. They just invited us to come along. So we have a free place to stay!!!! I have never been to any island of Hawaii. I am a planner so if you have been tell me what your favorite things are. I have a pinterest board already started  |
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keithurbanlovinpea
Pearl Clutcher
Flowing with the go...
Posts: 4,301 
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Post by keithurbanlovinpea on May 1, 2016 21:29:27 GMT
I actually really like the Big Island. West side is drier, sunnier. East side is wetter.
My picks: Volcanoes National Park, the observatory, west side beaches such as Hapuna and ziplining on the northwest side of the island.
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Post by cmpeter on May 1, 2016 21:45:30 GMT
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Post by myshelly on May 1, 2016 22:45:15 GMT
The Big Island is the BEST!
We consider that "the real Hawaii" because it's not as touristy as other islands.
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Post by iteach3rdgrade on May 1, 2016 23:18:48 GMT
We did a 4-wheeler tour. It was so much fun and an interesting way to see some of the island. We had to purchase some clothes to wear because we didn't bring long pants. Swimming in the waterfall was a great experience. We did the Big Island Tour there. That was interesting way to see the island.
Enjoy!
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Belle
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,309
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Post by Belle on May 1, 2016 23:55:37 GMT
The Place of Refuge is amazing and one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited.
Our favorite place to eat is Lava Java in Kona for fish tacos.
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Post by lisae on May 2, 2016 0:17:21 GMT
I've been to 4 of the islands and I think I like the Big Island the best. You can see an active volcano, see beautiful gardens, black sand beaches, ranch country or stay in a resort. Our favorite thing was the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden near Hilo. It is just gorgeous. We actually spent one night in Hilo to see sites there even though we had a condo on the dry side as well. Accommodations near Hilo weren't that expensive and it was worth it not to have to cram so much into one day's driving. We went to a black sand beach on the drive from Hilo back to our condo.
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Post by dazeepetals on May 2, 2016 0:59:07 GMT
I've been to the big island 3 times and it is by far our favorite. A few things: 1. I suggest you get on the Trip Advisor Forums for the Big Island. Island of Hawaii Forum The site experts there are a wealth of information and can give you advice on your itinerary. Use them! 2. I would HIGHLY suggest you get accommodations on the East Side of the island if/when you visit Volcano's National Park. Its a very long drive over there and there is no road lights if you drive back in the dark. Plus, you really need the entire day to see everything there. We stayed at a little cottage right next to the park entrance. It was fantastic and felt very secluded in the tropical rain forest. By doing this, you can then take your time and drive the north route back to the West side which has beautiful views. 3. If you get some time in Hilo (east side) when you go to Volcano Park, check out the farmers market on Wed or Sat in downtown Hilo. Amazing! You will find all kinds of tropical fruits that are so good and cheap. 4. Don't pack to much into your trip. It's a HUGE island, compared to the others, so driving time can be lengthy. Plan a few days to just sit at the beach and enjoy. Our favorite beach is right off the Mauni Lani, but it's a private gate access. You can walk to it from the hotel, but it's easier if you have the gate card |
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Post by sbartist on May 2, 2016 3:28:27 GMT
Village Burger in Waimea, part of Parker Ranch - best damn burger ever. If we could afford to, we would just fly there for an awesome burger and fly back! It was that ono.
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vanessa
Full Member
Posts: 142
Sept 15, 2015 4:25:10 GMT
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Post by vanessa on May 2, 2016 4:48:58 GMT
Alaska airlines flies into every island directly, not through Honolulu. If you can, get their credit card that comes with a severely discounted ticket plus a companion fare. Then just close it. But the companion fare is good yearly. Best deal in America to get to any Hawaiian island
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Post by brookeq on May 2, 2016 12:32:06 GMT
Thanks everyone. I have already started going thru trip advisor forums and keeping track of ideas.
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basketdiva
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,649
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Post by basketdiva on May 2, 2016 13:43:43 GMT
Our favorite place to eat is Lava Java in Kona for fish tacos.
It is actually north of Kona in Waikoloa- great fries too.
We always try to go to Sam Choy's one night for dinner. Get reservations just before sunset- the view is spectacular
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Belle
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,309
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Post by Belle on May 2, 2016 21:19:36 GMT
Our favorite place to eat is Lava Java in Kona for fish tacos. It is actually north of Kona in Waikoloa- great fries too. We always try to go to Sam Choy's one night for dinner. Get reservations just before sunset- the view is spectacular Lava Java has 2 locations - we like the one in Kona on Ali'i drive. Beautiful view of the ocean! |
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basketdiva
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,649
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Post by basketdiva on May 2, 2016 22:22:29 GMT
Our favorite place to eat is Lava Java in Kona for fish tacos. It is actually north of Kona in Waikoloa- great fries too. We always try to go to Sam Choy's one night for dinner. Get reservations just before sunset- the view is spectacular Lava Java has 2 locations - we like the one in Kona on Ali'i drive. Beautiful view of the ocean! I misread-I was refering to Lava Lava Beach Club!!! I wil have to add Lava Java to my list next trip |
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,667
Location: So Cal
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Post by caangel on May 2, 2016 22:35:37 GMT
Marking my spot as we are going to the big Island in Aug. Love any particular ideas for kids (7-9). We will be staying in Kona.
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Post by ladytrisha on May 2, 2016 22:45:18 GMT
Island Lava Java - Alii Drive - is awesome. I found it on Facebook, liked their page and we had a lovely late lunch so we could enjoy sunset there.
Hapuna Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world - but in summer, make sure you go early otherwise parking is nuts. There's a Hilton Village as well - remember all beaches in Hawaii are open so you can go there, park and go to their beach.
There's a really nice Starbucks in Parker Ranch's shopping center - even has a fireplace. That become home base for us since it had wi-fi and our family home doesn't maintain the "must haves" we need!
If you can, see if you can stay at Volcano House. The rooms face the crater and she's been very active at night - that's on our list when we go back. There's also a lava tube you can go thru and lots of photo ops. Remember though - do not take any of the lava rock with you - Madam Pele isn't happy when you do that!
Akaka Falls - that was on our list, but we ran out of time.
On Facebook is Big Island Vistors Bureau with lots of photos.
If you're up north near Honoka'a, there's a place for malasadas that is legend - Tex Drive In - and if you're lucky there's a hot batch waiting. We didn't miss a day!
My hubby and I loved City of Refuge. There's a hono (turtle) beach there - sometimes they are in the area and sometimes not.
BTW, the Hawaiian National Parks makes some gorgeous t-shirts that are great quality and very reasonable. Hubby is a t-shirt hound so that was his thing our last trip.
Have a great time!!!
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valleyview
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,816
Jun 27, 2014 18:41:26 GMT
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Post by valleyview on May 2, 2016 23:50:37 GMT
Gorgeous sunsets at the bar at the Four Seasons resort. It's a drive through lava fields to get in, but so worth it! Dressier clothing is a good idea there.
Farmers' market at Hilo. Macadamia nut packing plant. Buy some fresh flowers your first day and enjoy them.
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Post by lindywholoveskids on May 3, 2016 6:10:41 GMT
Kona coffee purchased at the coffee plantation.
In Waimea, Merriman's is a fabulous place to eat. there are other Merriman's and maybe even one on the Kona side.
Our friends live on the Hilo side 6 months out of the year. Yes the farmers market is wonderful in Hilo. Also, the Tsunami Museum was interesting.
Ask locals for local businesses and restaurants. We always buy locally if possible.
Honoka'a yes! Malasadas at the burger place is an experience.
Let me know if you are interested in Hawaiian music. I will point you in the direction of some great local musicians. Avoid the 'canned' luaus ...they are pretty commercial.
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Post by lesserknownpea on May 3, 2016 8:10:18 GMT
There's also great malasadas in Punalu'u. Yum!!
Lava Java makes a killer Niçoise salad
Try when you're up north to get a beach pass at Mauna Kea, they have a bar in the sand(grandfathered in), and it's lovely to watch the sunset sipping a Mai tai on the beach. If you don't get in at Mauna Kea, you can always go to Hapuna
Kua Bay has the prettiest blue water ever. Nice new road just north of the airport.
Having a Mai Tai at sunset at the Kona Inn is a tradition I never skip.
I second Volcano House. Great place to stay, and wonderful food, too. The volcano is spectacular, especially at night.
Stay 20 ft away from the honus (sea turtles), when they are sunning themselves on the beach. It drives me crazy when tourists get so close. If you want a picture, zoom in!!
Mauna Kea is amazing. The stars at night are so clear. And either a sunset or sunrise from up there is breathtaking. Make sure and follow the "rules" so you adjust to the altitude and dint get sick.
I like to walk around the Waikoloa Hilton and enjoy the scenery walk along their paths, see the Dolphins, get an espresso, maybe ride around in their boats. Very serene there.
Many of the best beaches have a hotel in front of them, so don't be afraid to drive up and ask to go to the beach. They might be out of parking, but often there's plenty of room. Like at the four seasons.
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Post by FLA SummerBaby on May 3, 2016 15:47:02 GMT
marking my spot since this is on my "turning 50" bucket list for the year ahead.
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casii
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,517
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Post by casii on May 3, 2016 15:59:35 GMT
You've gotten some great suggestions! One thing I haven't seen, I think, is the secret lava tube tour hike. You have to call the park service ASAP because they only take 12 hikers down there each week, so it books well in advance. It's free. Not a strenuous hike, but you do need to be able to descend a ladder into the tube. There is a very good reason it's secret and they'll tell you once you're in the tube. It was once of my favorite experiences.
We also hiked way across some lava fields to get to a massive lava tube cave we had fun exploring.
Get the latest version of Big Island Revealed. This will also get you access to their website with current updates on new businesses, restaurants, closed places, reviews, lava reports. Our copy was well used and loved.
ETA: When I think of fish tacos on the Big Island, I loved Killer Tacos in Kona. Especially with their cheesy taco shell, OMG. |
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Post by molove on May 3, 2016 20:30:38 GMT
We went last summer for the first time and loved it. We usually go to Maui, but were also invited as guests and couldn't pass it up!
A few favorites--Hamakua Macadamia Nut, more fun than it seems!
Favorite meal was at Lava Lava Beach Club
Go see lava at Volcano Nat'l Park--go toward sunset so you will be there when it's dark and you can really see the glow.
There's really so much to see and do. You'll have a blast.
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basketdiva
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,649
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Post by basketdiva on May 3, 2016 20:55:28 GMT
We loved this snorkel cruise: www.tombarefoot.com/hawaii-activities/kona-style/morning-style/5154It's a catamaran sail boat and the captain is a native Hawaiian. Such stories of the history of the island people!! Best part is, he goes into the bay early and leaves before the larger snorkel cruises get there. There is also a wide stair case that goes right into the water-no ladder to climb. They serve breakfast and lunch. Your friend's timeshare proably has a concierge that can get discount tickets. |
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,667
Location: So Cal
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Post by caangel on May 3, 2016 23:40:48 GMT
You've gotten some great suggestions! One thing I haven't seen, I think, is the secret lava tube tour hike. You have to call the park service ASAP because they only take 12 hikers down there each week, so it books well in advance. It's free. Not a strenuous hike, but you do need to be able to descend a ladder into the tube. There is a very good reason it's secret and they'll tell you once you're in the tube. It was once of my favorite experiences.
We also hiked way across some lava fields to get to a massive lava tube cave we had fun exploring.
Get the latest version of Big Island Revealed. This will also get you access to their website with current updates on new businesses, restaurants, closed places, reviews, lava reports. Our copy was well used and loved.
ETA: When I think of fish tacos on the Big Island, I loved Killer Tacos in Kona. Especially with their cheesy taco shell, OMG. Would the tube tour be appropriate for kids 7 and up? |
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Post by brookeq on May 4, 2016 0:29:33 GMT
I love getting "first hand" information. Thanks everyone. Writing it all down!
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