Three adults looking to visit the Big Island. Can anyone help me?
Can't decide what side to stay on - the Kona side? Is it hard to get from one side to the other by car, or is it too far? We would be staying at least 8 days in late November. Will the water be too cold? Interested in staying at the Mauna Lanai Bay Hotel (think that's it) but worried it could get boring for 8 days in one location, if we have to drive all day to sites. All suggestions appreciated!Thank You, Thank You!!!
2006-10-04 03:14:43 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Honolulu
It is the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows that you are looking at. This is in the Waikaloa area and it is on a beautiful white sand beach. The hotel itself is very lovely and rated about a 4 - low 5 star hotel I would give it. It has 5 restaurants, 24 hour private dining, Swimming pool/jacuzzi/lap pool, six tennis courts, watersports, 36 holes of golf, Fitness center/jogging trails, Spa and Hawaiian and cultural activities.
If you are worried of getting maybe tired of the same resort then you could always do a split stay. If you do this though it can effect you getting a free night promo this hotel has running.
If you go down by Kailua Bay then some of the beaches are quite rocky. The prices will be more expensive in the Waikoloa area because of the beaches. Finanacially if you can do it, it is very much so worth it. If this is the resortMost definately stay on the Kona side. To get to the Hilo side the mileage anyways is 70 miles, but it will most likely take more time than that. Because 70 miles is from the Kona airport to the Hilo airport.
It is definately recommended to rent a car. Even though with some of the tours they will provide transfers. I would highly recommend doing a helecopter tour.
Are you looking at going this Nov.? If so that is right around the corner and you really should look asap on reservations!
If there is anything further I can help you with. Please don't hesitate to email me and I can send you my contact info.
2006-10-04 06:48:28 · answer #1 · answered by Pam 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Kona side is definately the side to stay on. On the Hilo side, there is not as much to do, and it rains a lot! It takes about 3 hours to drive from one side to the other. Kona has beautiful beaches, and a lot more things to do for tourist. Although Hilo does have The Volcano's National Park, that should take only a day to visit. I would not recommend staying at the Mauna Lanai for the whole 8 days even though it is a beautiful hotel, it is pretty far from town. I would recommend staying at a hotel in the heart of Kailua-Kona, like the King Kamehameha, or the Sheraton Keahou Resort, so you can be close to everything!
2006-10-04 09:07:33 · answer #2 · answered by miss_si6ks 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋