Big Island (Hawaii) Recommendations

We are spending 9 days there next month...7 days near Kona at the Hilton Waikoloa Village (timeshare part) and 2 days in Hilo to see Volcano National Park.

Any recommendations of beaches/sights to see?

Any restaurant recommendations?

Thanks!

Re: Big Island (Hawaii) Recommendations

There is a cute and small winery near the volcano. They have really unique wines. You can just stop in for a tasting and to get some souvenirs.

We were only there a short time a long time ago so don't remember actual restaurants.

We also went to Kona brewery for lunch for DH.

I forget what it's called but there is a place filled with real tiki statues, it is next to a popular snorkel spot "two step". It was an outdoor museum type place and really neat to check out - it only takes an hour or two.

We had breakfast at this place called Coffee Shack - it was really good food and Unbelievable views - it hangs off a cliff, amazing.

Re: Big Island (Hawaii) Recommendations

I feel like there's a ton to do on the big island, and that I barely got to scratch the surface when I was there.

Volcano national park was gorgeous...just make sure you bring a cheap poncho in case it rains. You can also hike down into some of the craters, which I would have loved doing, but we were on a tour.

Kona brewing company was great, and really the only thing that I did in Kona.

you're going to have a great time!!

and just for shameless self promotion if you wanna look again here's my review

hawaii review

Re: Big Island (Hawaii) Recommendations

Big Island was my FAVORITE!!! Actually I sent my recs to a friend just last month - see copy/paste below.

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(ETA our pics from the trip. We stayed at the Hilton too, went to Big Island first so those will be all of the first pictures.)

Big Island:
#1 #1 #1 - if you guys are into hiking you MUST do the hike at Waipio Valley. It was unbelievable!!! The descent is at a 25% grade and goes 1000 feet down in just 1 mile so it's a pretty hefty hike - both up and down. But when you get there... sooooo worth it. There were wild horses, the most beautiful beach, a river - just incredible.
Kona side -
swimming with the dolphins: Hilton Waikoloa (we actually never did this - it was at our hotel though)
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park: amazing lava rock beach (walking, not swimming) with awesome turtles
Hilo side -
volcanos, of course
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
Adorable gallery owned by a Jewish guy from Brooklyn (changed his last name - he's now Ira Ono lol!) - Volcano Garden Arts on Old Volcano Road.
Amazing Thai food at Thai Thai just down the road from Volcano Garden Arts (also on Old Volcano Road)

Message edited 7/26/2011 7:34:48 AM.

Re: Big Island (Hawaii) Recommendations

I took the Grand Circle Island tour. It was a great way to see the whole island in one day. (since that was all I had...I was there for work). But the guide said that a lot of people take this tour in the beginning of their trip and then go back to places they'd loved to spend more time at. They spend a lot of time at Volcano National Park...you have lunch at the top of Mt. Kileua. So amazing!!