On Thursday 07 August 2003 07:31 pm, Suzanne Couturiaux wrote:
> My husband and I are beginning to plan an anniversary trip to the
> Big Island (in early March 2004), and I'm looking for
> recommendations on
> places to stay, things to see/do, etc. I'm thinking about staying
> at either the Fairmont Orchid or the Mauna Lani, so I was hoping
> someone who has been to the Big Island might be able to offer
> opinions on these two resorts, in particular. I'm looking for a
> resort with a nice beach; good restaurants; beautiful, lush
> surroundings; good service; and large, clean rooms. A few years ago,
> we stayed at the Mandarin Oriental on Oahu, and absolutely loved it,
> so I'm hoping to stay at a resort of the same caliber.
Can't help you with the hotels. Never stayed at either. The only
"luxury" hotel I'm familiar with on The Big Island is the Hilton
Waikoloa (and I only visited it for a couple of hours and had lunch
at poolside). Too big. Too many people. Just too much hotel for
me. But it was impressive.
> Also, I'm debating whether we should spend a whole week on the Big
> Island, or if we should divide the trip between the Big Island and
> Maui? What are the "must sees" on the Big Island? I'm hoping to see
> the volcano (maybe take a helicopter tour), possibly take a whale
> watching cruise, and go to some of the botanical gardens and
> waterfalls.
If you have two weeks, then visit Maui for a week. If not, you'll
need 5 days just the hit the high points on the Big Island. The last
time I was there, I stayed in Hilo (my girl friend's hometown), but
spent a couple nights in Kailua-Kona to make sightseeing the Kona
side easier. Here are the places I think you should definitely visit:
Queen Lilioukalani's "Summer Palace" and the first church built in
Hawaii, which is across the street from the "Palace." Both in Kailua
on Alii Drive. Just south of both, in easy walking distance, stop
and shop at the little shopping center.
Further south, visit the Painted Church and the Place of Refuge near
Highway 11 and 160.
Play it by ear as far as where to stop as you head south to Green
Sand Beach and South Point, the southern most point in the US.
Hit the Volcanoes Park on the way back, but continue over to the wet
side of the island and the picturesque, little town of Hilo. Visit
the Rain Forest and the Botanical garden, the Macadamia Nut farm (get
a double fudge brownie with fresh macadamia nuts at the snackbar),
and Rainbow Falls. Heading north out of Hilo take the turn for the
Pepe'ekeo Scenic Drive. IIRC, there is a private botanical garden
you can visit, too. Back on the main road visit Akaka Falls on your
way to Waipio Point. (Don't miss the turn off the main road.)
Beautiful view. Take the tour down into Waipio Valley.
(Waipio Valley is a very scared place to native Hawaiians. Be
respectful: Leave only footprints, take only pictures.)
After leaving Waipio, continue to the little town of Waimea. Have
dinner at the Parker Ranch Restaurant. Head back to your hotel.
You should allow at least an overnight to do the above. Stay in the
Hilo area.
A nice day trip from your hotel would be the Kohala area. Go all the
way until the road dead ends at Pololu Valley Lookout. Take the
trail down into the valley and to the beach. Take food and water.
It's a strenuous trek. On the return, take Highway 250 south along
the mountain ridge. Try to time it for sunset. Beautiful vistas.
That should get you started.
--
Stefan Patric
tootek2m 
Hawaii: Big Island Recommendations 
