I'm a single mom of a 13 yo son traveling with another single mom with a 20 yo son to the Big Island. We are interested in a hotel with a beautiful ocean view, convenient surf lessons, scuba diving and spa facilities. We also want to see by helicopter and trek around Volcano National Park. Any specific recommendations or insights would be great - including nightlife for the moms. Thanks!
When I went to The Big Island summer of 2006, I stayed at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort. It's not that far from Kona and yet you experience privacy. You have access to the beach behind the hotel which you can snorkel or just sunbathing. The nightlife in Big Island is very, very different than Honolulu in Oahu. Usually people stay in their hotels for happy hour or go to Ali'i Drive in Kona where there are some bars. For scuba diving, go to Jack's Diving Locker in Kona. For sightseeing, drive to Kohana District and absorb the beauty, sign up for volcano tours.
FYI if you watch "Hawaii Do's and Dont's" in Kohala, the "Flumin' Da Ditch" activity is closed since the earthquake on 10/15/06. The HMV tour (in the hummer) is operational, but under a different name now. The new name is Hummer Safari Tours and their website is bigislandhummertours.com Just wanted to pass along in case you were looking for these activities after watching the show.
The Marriott has just been remodeled and has a very nice beach and new pool. The Hilton is within walking distance, but has a small beach. Hilton has a free tram and boats to get you around the complex. A short drive to Blue Hawaiian Helicopters on highway 19, which is the main highway to Kona and the airport.The King's Shops have several stores across the local road from the Marriott. Volcano is about 3 hour drive South, but worth the drive if you really like the "feel" of the volcano. Chain of Craters road takes you down to the ocean near where the lava flows into the ocean. Park along the ocean and look down from the cliffs and relax. This road runs into the lava flow which covers the road and you must walk to the lava outlet. Helicopter ride is by far the best way to get an overview of the lava flow though. The lava overran a rest area and historic sight that I liked to visit. You can get lot's of information at various websites and after you arrive here. I believe you said you are arriving in September so you may see people training for the Ironman Triathlon in Octobeer. Go north to Hawi (Ha-vee) town for a quiet local visit and take the upper road from Hawi to Waimea for a great view of the island, the ocean, and several ranches.
I have learned from todays paper and TV that a series of earthquakes rattled the volcano area and rangers closed the Chain of Craters Road and other points until things settle down. We didn't notice it in Kona.
For Military Families!!! Try the military resort on Volcanoes National Park. My husband proposed to me in Sept 2005...we stayed in a 2 bedroom cabin, and shared a livingroom and bathroom. It was $70/night. Can't beat that in Hawaii! It wasn't on the beach, but the park is at least a full day of interesting things to see and do...he proposed after a hike on 2yr old lava, a sunset and a rainbow, and then we sat in view of the lava streaming into the ocean under a full moon. Talk about a neat place to see, proposal or not!
If you are looking for daytime adventures and nightlife action (clubs etc) I would recommend Waikiki Beach. The Marriott Resort and Spa is agreat Hotel to stay at while visiting there.
I agree, Blue Hawaiin Helicopters is the best way to see any Island and well worth the price not to mention they video/dvd your entire flight including Audio.
Travel Channel Discussions 