Berkeley Parents Network: Going to The Big Island

Berkeley Parents Network

Going to The Big Island

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Places to Go > Going to Hawaii > The Big Island

Sept. 2004

Re: Small Family Reunion with our Parents
You didn't say if Hawaii was an option, but we just spent 10 days vacationing with 7 families and couples we know (a bunch of them were turning 40 this year) in an area of the Big Island called Kapoho. It's about 30 minutes south of Hilo (there's an international airport there). It's a small, safe, rural, gated community of 40 or so houses, many on the ocean, and many with private, man-made volcanically heated tidepools (''lagoons'') in the back yards.

Our house was $195 a night, because of the immense lagoon and proximity to Champagne Cove, but most of the others were $95 or $100 a night, for a furnished, well-equipped 2 bedroom, 1 bath house. Here is a link to the home and property management company we used: http://www.apoparadise.com/

Our group consisted of 26 people, with 8 kids ranging from 10 months to 10 years. Everyone had a wonderful time. I'd be happy to give you more info on specific homes; some are larger and nicer than others, and we got to visit several... The Jersey shore is a good option too; we have relatives there, and honeymooned in Cape May in '98...but it's more humid and there are more bugs there, than Hawaii...and Hawaii is beautiful year-round! Good luck! Feel free to email me. heidi

May 2004

Re: Trip to Hawaii with a 13 month old
Regarding your message on where to take an 13 month old in Hawaii. I highly recommend the Mauna Lani Terrace condos on the Big Island. We've stayed there three times with our 18 month old. These condos are right across from the golf course and you can walk to two beaches, two pools, several great restaurants, the spa, health club and even a general store. You can rent a car from the concierge if you want to explore for a day too. We stay in a one bedroom and request condo E102 whenever we go. It's situated right in between everything so its a great location and very private. The hotel is great about getting you pak n plays and high chairs too, so you don't have to rent them. You can get more info at maunalani.com or feel free to email me with any other questions llm

Nice lodging in Kona?

We are going to the Big Island in July, and though we are staying with friends at their condo for part of the time, there is about a week in which we need lodging. We have a toddler, and we love being in nature, and avoiding as much of the super- resort scene as possible. We need suggestions for places to stay on or near the dry side of the island, and for that matter, also suggestions for Puna side. Thanks, Allisong Allison

We just returned from a trip to the islands. We stayed at Kanaloa at Kona which is a short drive south of Kona. It's reasonably priced condos right on the ocean in a nice low key quiet setting. They have a couple pools, tennis and a restaurant. It's run by Outrigger resorts however many owners also rent out their condos on their own.

We also stayed on the Puna side in Kapoho. We rented a house in a gated community that had it's own private lagoon. There are several homes in this area for rent with private lagoons. The lagoons are saltwater, clear and warm (volcanically heated) with lots of fish. We also saw turtles in a huge beautiful lagoon in the same community called Champagne Pond which isn't to be missed. One note about the Puna area - it has the highest crime of any county in all of the Hawaiian Islands. Be very careful about leaving valuables in your car, etc.. val

My husband and I stayed at the Dragonfly Ranch on the Big Island one Christmas and loved it. It is a bit south of Kona near the Captain Cook monument. It's basically a guest house type of property (but the rooms are very private) run by a woman named Barbara. It's secluded, a few minutes drive to snorkeling and bit further for real beach. Quiet, they grow their own produce and provide homemade granola in the am . It's very different from the large resort/Hard Rock Cafe scene of Kona and could be considered 'alternative'. We are fans of retreats and a bit on the crunchy side, but not too. The Web site calls it a Healing Arts Center, but it's really more of a B&B with a new agey feel. I booked this place on very little info and my husband and I were very pleased that we didn't end up in an impersonal hotel or condo. We stayed in the Writer's Suite which has 2 large beds and could accomodate a family of 4 if your kids can share a bed. Find them on the web at dragonflyranch.com Have fun

I missed your original post so unfortunately I didn't get the criteria for niceness! But we just got back from Kona where we stayed at King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, and we loved it for the location. The hotel is right in the town, with plenty of restaurants and shopping just outside. It is also right on a little beach that is perfect for small children (our kid is four) -- there's a breakwater so the beach has practically no waves. Outrigger canoes come and go a lot which was fascinating for our kid. She spent hours there and met several other four- year-olds, both visitors and locals. The pool is also right next to the beach. No need to drive anywhere! We rented a car at the airport and left it in the hotel lot the entire four days we were there -- we came at the end of a visit to relatives on Oahu, and boy, what a relief it was to be able to walk to everything!

The downside is that the hotel is pretty run down, so if that will bother you, you shouldn't stay there. We had read about this in advance and were actually surprised by how clean and comfortable it was compared to what we had read -- and the lobby is very cool, very 1960s -- but still the hallways and rooms are quite worn. I'd read that some rooms have been recently renovated, but not the one we stayed in! However, we sprung for an ''ocean front'' room right over the beach, which was definitely worth it -- in addition to the view the room was huge, with a queen bed plus a twin. We'd stay there again for sure. Kona Town fan

April 2004

If you go to Hawaii ever, we recommend Kona Village, on the big Island. It's quieter than Club Med (no TV, radio, and two pay phones), but there is plenty to do and a kids club there, too. They even provide spf30 sunscreen and beach toys. The food is amazing and the setting and the cabins (Tahitian-style bungalos) are quite a bit more upscale than Club Med. I think the prices were similar. Kim

March 2004

We are going to the Big Island of Hawaii in late April for our last vacation as a couple before the arrival of our son this summer! We'd love to stay in a simple cottage/ohana/in-law that's quiet, peaceful, private, on the sunny side of the island, and has kitchen facilities. Beach-front is not necessary, just a beach within a 15 minute drive. We have checked the website already, but have not found what we're looking for. We're not interested in a condo or big resort. Any recommendations? Thanks!!! Rachael

Last summer we stayed in a cottage on the Big Island that I found on the internet, called the Redwood Cottage, located in South Kona (Honaunau). It is a five-minute drive from the Place of Refuge and Two Step, a great snorkeling spot from which I was able to swim with sixteen wild dolphins one morning. The cottage is lovely, cozy, great view. The only drawback is it is behind the owner's house, which was a little junky. The cottage has a lovely bedroom, living room, bathroom, and kitchen. We went all around the island while we were there, and this was our favorite spot by far! Nice weather, but out of the more touristy Kona district. The phone number I have is (808)328- 8608. The last name of the owners was Schwartz. If you contact them, they have a web site address where you can view pictures. I highly recommend this place, and would definitely go back-- just make sure to ask what the situation is with the big front house, as I think they may have been planning a remodel on it, which might change the experience! Good luck.

May 2003

I'm looking for recommendations for self-catering (even just a fridge and hot plate where I could do my 2 year old's meals) accommodations on Hawaii's Big Island. Both the East and West shores. I have checked the archives and found nothing on self-catering, although I enjoyed all the other info. Thank you! CG

Last September we stayed two weeks in a 2-bedroom condo on the Kohala Coast in the Waikoloa resort area. Our place was called Vista Waikoloa and you can find it here: http://www.southkohala.com/vista.htm (this outfit also has other condo properties on the Island). We had 3 adults (husband, me, grandma) and my then 16-month- old. It is right by the most wonderful toddler-friendly beach on the Big Island, A-bay, just across from the Hilton where you can go see dolphin shows and walk around, a shopping area, and not far from groceries. Our unit was ground floor, super clean with maid service, very helpful office staff, full kitchen and 2- 2/12 bathrooms. We had a blast. Don't let the rates on the Web site deter you--we got a substantial discount just by asking. It probably depends on when you go. Laura Turnbull

There are some nice condos and houses available for rent in Hilo. A great place for kids- Richardson's Beach is one of the best places for children to swim and snorkle. Check out www.8surfriders.com, they have some nice deals. Hilo town is also cute and not tourist-y. Kristy

When I was in the Big Island back in 1995, we stayed in two separate places which were both affordable, simple and beautifully located. Each had simple cooking facilities. I don't know if they're still in operation or what their rates are, but you could check: * Waipio Ridge Vacation Rental (off highway 240 overlooking Waipio Valley) - 808-775-0603 * The Guesthouse at Volcano (3 miles from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park) - 808-967-7775 Kate Bartholomew

we just got back from the big island. we stayed at the holua resort in kona. we rented two two-bedroom condos for 13 people. we went to costco the first day and stocked up for the week. we ate most of our meals at the condo. the kitchen was fully stocked with cookware, etc. it was south of the the main strip but still close. you'd need to rent a car if you decided to stay there. have a great time! suzie

April 2003

I have read the postings on what to do on the Big Island, but would like recommendations of where we might stay. We are planning a trip in December with 4 teenagers, and are looking for a condo (we'd like to cook at least some meals at home) with nice amenities and close proximity to the beach. The kids love big waves, so accommodations reasonably close to good body surfing/surfing beaches would be great, although we'll have a car. Any recommendations for great activities for teens would also be appreciated. Thanks! Lori

My husband and I stayed on the Big Island last September. I recommend staying around the Kona area (or just south of there in Keauhou for condos. Kahalu'u beach nearby, has great snorkeling and lots of sea turtles, surfing is also nearby outside of the reef). The beaches are bit smaller on the big island, but there is some great kayaking and snorkeling.

Also kealakekua bay has some great snorkeling and kayaking trips which would be great for teenagers. I saw some great and reasonable vacation rentals when we were looking for lodging as well in this area.

I recommend staying one night in or near Volcano National Park. The lava is currently flowing and can be viewed at night. The crater rim trail is also pretty amazing (hike around the rim and then down into the actual crater, steam vents are littered around the trail). The small town of Volcano offers some reasonable B & B.

Have Fun! elisa

I too recently requested info on Big Island. Several people suggested that I buy the ''Big Island Revealed'' guidebook, which I did. It's great -- has lots of info on condos and an excellent web site where you can check out each complex in detail. Well worth the $$ (at Codys on 4th). Christine

I lived on the Big Island for a year. I just returned home to the Bay Area in November! SO, I think I am a great reference for the Big Island. I would suggest that a lot of time be spent on the Hilo side of the island. More specifically, the Puna district. It is much cheaper than you would think, and a lot of the activites/sights/beaches are FREE. Namely, the Hot Ponds, the nude beach, the steam vents and camping. The little town of Pahoa has a lot of character, great restaurants, a fabulous health food store, and colorful, friendly locals. I will admit that Kona and Hilo are great places with good hotels, but I would equate it to staying at Fisherman's Wharf the entire time. You just would not get the actual flavor of the region if that is where you stayed the entire time. I suggest the ISLE OF YOU farm. It is a 70 acre farm consisting of apple-bananas (can't get these here in Cali), avocados(about 3-4 different kinds), mango, and various flowers. There are trails all over the property you can hike and the best thing about it is it is clothing optional! You have a choice of a cabin or a yurt. Both have views of the ocean and I myself have lived there and watched the moon rise over the Pacific. You can almost touch it! This is a slice of heaven and would suggest you check out the website to see if it fits your needs. Contact Normand or Kelly, the owners. They are two of the most dynamic and peaceful men you have ever met! And they can direct you on where to go on the island to swim with the dolphins for free, or camp, or just hang out!
www.isleofyou-hawaii.com . Good luck! Christine

January 2003

i am looking for more recommendations for things to do and places to go on the big island of hawaii. we have a place to stay in kona. we are going with extended family (ages 10 months to 72 years). we will be there for a week in april. suzie

Whatever you do, please don't miss Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, about a 2-hr drive from the Kona area. I've worked as a biologist in Hawaii and it is mind-boggling to me how many people come to the Big Island and then fail to visit its most wondrous sight. Just driving through the park is fascinating--you can see a lot from the car on the Crater Rim Drive loop, and there are short, easy hikes from the parking lots to see, for example, the smoking, sulfurous crater Halemaumau (current home of Pele, according to legend), a lava tube, steam vents, and lava trees (where flows covered over trees and then cooled in that shape). Also, Kilauea has been erupting continuously for 20 years, and depending on conditions when you are there, you might be able to see hot lava flowing down the hillsides, and even get close enough to toast marshmallows over it. (If you do go to the active flow, please heed the safety warnings...they're not kidding...and realize that some activities in the park on some days may not be good for infants or people with respiratory problems.)

In addition to the geologic wonders, there is also some nice Hawaiian rainforest in the park, and the Volcano area has art galleries, golf, a winery, etc.

I also happen to like Hilo a lot--it's very ''old Hawaii,'' small- town, not inundated by tourism and with a life and rhythm all its own. You won't be accosted by touts and T-shirt shops everywhere you go, and there's a nice waterfront park and a couple of beaches suitable for small children (try Onekahakaha--you'll be there with just native Hawaiians, no tourists to speak of). There's also a fabulous farmer's market on Wednesdays and Saturdays (lesser extent other days) where you can buy exotic fruits, veggies, and incredibly cheap orchids and anthuriums (Big Island's main export) to decorate your Kona place. Hilo is another 40 minutes past the park if you're coming from Kona side, so that would be one very lengthy day trip. (When I work in Hawaii, we live in Volcano and take day trips to Kona!)

Have fun--I think everyone who visits the Big Island ends up loving it. Virginia

How timely! We just returned from a week in Kona with ages 11 months to 75! Here are our recommendations (in no particular order): 1) beaches: there's a little beach with easy surf for little ones to play, along with some easy snorkeling for older kids/adults just south of Kona on Ali'i Drive called Kanapu'u (I think). If you want white sand beaches go up to Kohala coast. Try Hapuna State Park beach, and then walk over to the Hapuna Prince Hotel and get a wonderful Mai Tai or Pina Colada or lunch at the poolside bar! The public beach at Waikoloa is also very nice, it starts with an ''A'' and I can't remember how to spell it. 2) Attractions: it's a bit gross from a conspicuous consumption point of view, but the Hilton Waikoloa Village is a lot of fun for kids. There's a tram that takes you around the grounds that's fun for toddlers. Also try to sign up for the Dolphin Quest experience for older kids/adults. You can see the dolphins for no charge, but they actually let you get in the water with them for a price. Call early to make reservations (like well before you go to Hawaii). Also, the volcanoes are wonderful. You can never predict when there may be surface lava flows that you can see, but there's always something going on there, and there are a range of hikes that everyone could do. The Volcano Art Center also has some beautiful artwork and jewelry. We also loved Hilo. It's a good 3 hour drive from Kona (take the northern route through Waimea) but it gives a good flavor of the ''real'' Hawaii without a lot of tourist influence. It 's pretty rainy over there, but it's also incredibly lush and friendly. There are some great water falls and hikes in the rainforest. 3) Dining: I HIGHLY recommend Cafe Sibu in Kona. Delicious Indonesion food at very reasonable prices. Also we had an amazing meal at Roy's in the King's shops in Waikoloa. You can spend literally hundreds of dollars on dinner at the various resort restaurants (I'm sure the food's great) but we liked the smaller places. Try Huggo's at the Royal Kona Hotel -- it's right on the ocean and the food was pretty good. You also can't visit Hawaii without experiencing ''plate lunch.'' Try any of the places in the shopping centers off Palani Road in Kona. Have fun!! Gretchen

Get the guidebook ''The Big Island Revealed''. This is ABSOLUTELY the best guidebook about the Big Island and has all types of activities/locations to visit. Must sees/dos: the Waimea Valley, the Volcanoe National Park (seeing flowing lava as close as you're willing to get! tip: take the northern route from Kona, its ALOT more interesting), Hapuna State Beach (lifeguards), Captain Cook's Monument (great snorkeling), and everything the book recommends. We visited Greenwell Farms (coffee) and the Farmer's Market in Kona which was fun for the kids in addition to the beach life. Feel free to email for more. We stayed 5 days and could have stayed 2 weeks. Karen

Here is my most unusual recommendation: make sure that you have POLARIZED sun glasses. It will change the way you see Hawaii and make all of the colors and textures, sky and water pop out. It really changed my whole experience of Hawaii. These sunglasses are also dirt cheap. You should only pay about $12 and you can get them there. Rent your flippers and mask at the beginning of your stay and take them with you everywhere. Snorkel at will it’s the way to go at a weekly rate. If you want underwater cameras (which are a lot of fun but won’t give you national geographic quality photos) I suggest getting them here at Walgreen’s or K-mart before you go. There about twice the price in Hawaii. If you are obligated to come home with an armload of souvenirs (or you actually like the tchatchki shopping experience) we recommend a first stop at K-Mart. That’s right, its dashboard hula girl and key chain heaven. And they have some things you may actually need (like Styrofoam coolers, suntan lotion, or flip-flop sandals) at the best prices in town. Costco was O.K. but a bit of a disappointment.

Third and most importantly. As soon as you get to the islands find out if there are any local shows of Hawaiian slack key guitar. These artists are extremely talented and play what amounts to a style of classical folk guitar. This is not the hokey Hawaiian music you might remember from the fifties like ''tiny bubbles'' (yuck). This was one of my favorite things to do - we went to a local concert for $5 per person all day with decent local food (Kailua pig). Names to look for: David Kamakahi, Keola Beamer, George and Keoki Kahumoku, Led Kaapana, Bob Brozeman, Cyril Pahinui, Bla Pahinui.

Kona Side Kona side is where most of the action is. Lots of shopping if you like that sort of thing, lots of sun and lots of lava fields. Don’t plan yourselves to the minute here, you want to leave extra, unplanned days so you can do things again if you enjoyed them or if you hear of extra things that you hadn’t thought of.

Here is my recommendation for a place to stay. This place is truly beautiful. With all teak and wood interior. Great garden, REALLY inexpensive and comes with a fabulous home cooked breakfast. The hosts (if they are still the same owners) are very kind. It was formerly called Merryman's Inn and is now renamed Areca Palms Estate http://www.konabedandbreakfast.com

Also, take some time to visit a coffee plantation. Check for one where they give you a tour of the factory where the sort and bag the coffee to get different qualities. If found it really interesting - but I am also a coffee lover. The painted church is also in this area and is an interesting 20 minute stop but not a big highlight. The priest did all the interior murals with house pain to tell the bible stories to his illiterate congregation.

Things to do: Here are some of our highlights Canoe and snorkel in Kealakekua bay. You will want to canoe from the wharf to Ka'awala Point where Captain Cooks monument is located and then snorkel and dive there. The snorkeling here is the best on the island as far as we could tell and some of the best among all of the islands for amateurs. Although sunscreen is a must for your skins health keep in mind that it is also terrible for the delicate underwater ecosystem so try to find a happy median - like a t-shirt instead of sunscreen all over your arms and back. There are spinner dolphins along the way if you are lucky. The canoe trip looks far, but it is easy to do if you think you feel up to it. http://www.fair-wind.com/history.html http://konacoastdivers.com/kbay.html

You must snorkel with the Manta Rays on a night dive. This is my NUMBER ONE recommendation for an activity. It was breathtaking, the mantas are awesome, beautiful, graceful creatures. The trick to a successful dive is to call as soon as you get to the island and ask how many Manta's have been seen over the last few nights. Keep checking during your stay. You want to hear them say LOTS. We saw 20+ on our dive - but that was a really really good night.

I recommend Jack's Dive locker ( I think that's who we went with). He is ecologically conscientious and has been doing this for 30 years +. He also works with a videographer from whom you can buy a video of you diving with the mantas. We found it worthwhile even though it is overpriced. That way you can show all of your friends and have a great memory too. You’ll be the only one on your block who has done this. http://www.jacksdivinglocker.com/charters2/mantanight.htm

Dinner at Merryman's Restaurant (not to be confused with the B&B)- northern tip of the Island on the Kona side Merriman's Restaurant. This was the only really good, decently priced meal we had on the island but it’s a long drive. Opelo Plaza Kamuela, Hwy 19 and Opelo Rd, Kamuela, HI 96743 808-885-6822 Fresh Big Island products prepared in an exciting, contemporary manner by critically acclaimed chef Peter Merriman. Peter

December 2002

Hi, We're going to the Big Island at the end of January with our 11 year old daughter. We're looking for a place to stay that's near sunny beaches, has access to a pool, etc. We'll be renting a house with another family for a few days, so we're thinking a hotel/resort might be nice for the other days that we're there. Any recommendations? Thanks. Jessica

The Hilton Waikoloa on the Kona coast is really family friendly. Lots of pools with slides etc and a really cool dolphin exhibit. It's more disneyland than traditional hawaii, but a fun place to stay with a youngster for a few days. Nancy D

In August we stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island. The rooms are just okay, but what you pay for are the grounds and the oh so convenient resort activities (not our usual style, but with kids age 7 and 11, the inward looking resort atmosphere was great!). The pools are wonderful and the biggest is no more than 4 ft. deep with waterfalls and slides as well as its own sandy beach ''toddler'' section. There is also a four acre manmade lagoon and a dolphin program and of course golf course, tennis court, full spa, gym, etc. There is a computer/video room, kid's day and evening camp (as well as babysitting, but we felt comfortable on my birthday having a short dinner in the resort, while the kids ate room service and watched a pay movie in our room - tip: room service cheeseburger plate, includes fries and is $12 - about the most reasonable resort meal except for the coffee and pastry stands). The grounds are spectacular- though completely manmade and include museum quality art throughout. A hotel shuttle will take you to a nearby beach and shopping center (Roy's is the best restaurant there - and there is a food court for ''cheap'' kid food)though there are ''resort'' shops and 10 restaurants (the buffet restaurant is the best deal)not including bars and coffee shops as well. We rented a car which is a necessity to travel ''out''. Hapuna Beach is a great beach 10 minutes away. Waimea is a ''local'' town about 20 mins. away with a few good restaurants and the place to get locally priced groceries, etc. (tip: you can rent a refrigerator for $5 a day, great for milk and cereal breakfasts and sandwich lunches). Don't miss at least the lookout to Waikola Valley and the Volcano Park in Hilo is an absolute must (about a 3 hour drive from the Kona side). Also take a coffee plantation tour (we liked Greenwood Farms) and go to the Farmer's Market in Kona. ABSOLUTELY buy the latest edition of The Big Island Revealed - it is the ONLY guidebook you need. Have a great trip - we'll be back. Karen H.

Re: Visiting the Northwest Shore of Maui (September 2002)
I know you settled on Maui, but just wanted to pass on info. from our recent trip to the Big Island. Several airlines offer direct flights from SFO to Kona, right on the Big Island -- no need to change planes in Honolulu.

We stayed on the Kona Coast, the sunny/desert side of the island. We were at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. A gorgeous hotel (not condos) on what's considered the most beautiful beach on the island (Hapuna Beach). It's a big hotel, but quite tasteful, gorgeous grounds, with no other development visible from there. Do a search for the web site. Not a cheap place, but you might find a package deal. They offer kids activities at least 5 days/week. Older kids can spend the morning at these without you. I accompanied my 2-yr-old to a crafts class and we had a lot of fun. Food is definitely expensive at the hotel, but there's a town about 10-15 min. away with reasonable (cheap) restaurants and grocery stores. I stocked up on breakfast & lunch supplies for my hotel room fridge. There may be condos on the property, but they're not on the beachfront.

Also, the Waikoloa resort about 10 miles away (it's like Disneyland) has some condos. not beachfront, but not far. Do a web search for Waikoloa & condo and you'll probably find them. contact me if you want more details. mef

May 2002

We're going to the Big Island in late August for about a week with our 7 and 11 year old (staying at the Hilton Waikoloa Village: Kona side of the island). Looking for recommendations for great beaches, places to visit, etc. but ESPECIALLY reasonably priced restaurants - fresh seafood would be great, but basically would like options to what seems to be extremely high priced resort food. Kids like fish, seafood as well as the usual kid fare (hamburgers, burritos, pizza, etc.). Thanks. Karen

You'll probably get plenty of more expert recommendations, but, as we were just there: our favorite beaches in your vicinity were A-Bay, Hapuna, and (I think) Mauna Kea -- the last is a little tricky to get into. Pick up a copy of Big island Revealed. As I recall, there aren't a lot of unfancy, non- resort restaurants near the Hilton -- that whole stretch of coastline is nothing but resorts (and all the restaurants are relatively expensive.) The B.I. guide does, though, have reliable recommendations for places. Do make a trip to Volcanoes National Park (we stayed at a very nice B & B, Hale Ohia cottages), and stop at the Black Sand Beach. You probably already know about the Hilton dolphin program -- make sure to reserve in advance if you want to do that. anon.

Hopefully you'll have a rental car handy because it's necessary if you want to get off the resort property. Great beach near the Hilton is Hapuna, it can have big waves so be very watchful, but great body surfing and boogie boarding. North of Hapuna there's a small restaurant called the Blue Dolphin that serves delicious lunches (mahi mahi burgers and other island treats) very reasonably priced. They have a dinner menu (little more expensive, but still reasonable and v. good) as well and every friday night they have an awesome 8+ piece jazz ensemble in an outdoor setting with musicians from all over the island. Kid friendy, but be sure to make reservations. There's also great little restaurant (name escapes me) across the street from the King Kamehameha hotel in Kona Village that serves fish and chips it looks like a fisherman's pub from the outside and has some cool fish tanks in the bar, the patio dining is very casual and very reasonably priced. The Hilton is a great resort for kids, you'll love it. ndaetz

Sam Choy's is also a great little tasty ''dive'' which has a great menu and is very reasonably priced and best to try for lunch. I belive the sushi place is called ''Sushi To Go'' and it's located in Kona Village shopping center next to the OLD movie theater (ask a local shopkeeper, they'll direct you to it). If you've never parasailed, it's an amazing experience and can be done right in Kona Village. Also a morning snorkel trip to Captain Cooks Monument is a lot of fun, teriffic snorkeling there and a haven for spinner dolphins, I think the boat we took was a catamaran called something like ''_______ -Winds II'', lunch and breakfast were served. Again, you'll need a car, but it's worth taking a day trip to the volcano national park. Amazing crater w. steam vents and some areas where you can see lava flowing. I've been to Kona about 10 times since I was a teenager and have been to all places at least a few times. You can find info on the parasailing and the snorkel trip at the tourist info booth in Kona Village. ndaetz

I highly reocmmend you get a copy of ''Hawaii-The Big Island Revealed'' by Wizard Publications. I have family and friends on the Big Island and Oahu, and one of them pointed me to this book which is really an insider's approach to the Island.

If you're staying at the Hilton Waikoloa, you're on the Kona side of the island, but strictly speaking you're in South Kohala, about 20 miles north of Kailua-Kona. It's mostly resorts up there, with the exception of the little town of Kawaihae, or the town of Kamuela-Waimea which is north and inland. In Kawaihae Cafe Pesto is kid-friendly. In Waikoloa/Kings Shops, Roy's is a big tourist place but does have a good kids menu. In Captain Coo, the Manago hotel is authentic. Not far from the airport, in the industrial center, Sam Choy's is authentic local style, not expensive. Merriman's in Waimea/Kamuela is our favorite, and prices not too bad at lunch time. We often get food from the farmer's market in Waimea and we're set.

Beaches - Spencer Beach Park is where the local families go. Surf is very mild. For body surfing, the beach at Hapuna is the top. For a nice, uncrowded beach with decent snorkeling, find ''Beach 69'' near Puako/Waialea. ''A'' Beach (Anaehoomalu) is another good one - by the Outrigger Waikoloa.

Very best place to snorkel, or just look down in the water to see the fish if your kids aren't ready to snorkel, is Kahalu'u park, just south of Kona off Ali'i Drive (just past the little blue church), before you get to Keahou. Another great place to snorkel, if your kids are up to it, is just off of Captain Cook monument, Kealekekua bay. Easiest way to get there is by Fairwinds boat which leaves Keahou daily.

Sights -

*City of Refuge (Puuhonua o Honaunau) is a must. Also a nice
little beach/snorkeling nearby.
*The Volcano/Thurston Lava Tube and the Kipuka Bird Sanctuary
*Hulihe'e Palace in Kona
North of the Kohala resorts, on your way to Hawi (which is worth
the drive) is a park, the name of which I forget, which preserves
the remains of an ancient village. Worth checking out. Hawi
itself is cute and has a nice cafe run by happy hippies. Sit out
back in the garden facing the ocean. If you're brave, find the
road to Kamehameha's birthplace, a very very spooky heiau.

If you go to the Hilo side,

*Akaka Falls
*Hawaii Tropical Gardens
*Waipio Valley

And go ahead, take the kids to a lu'au. The one at the ''King Kam'' (King Kamehameha hotel) in Kona is pretty good. Also if you get a chance to take the kids to see a keiki hula (kid's hula), that's pretty cute. Or watch for performances of a halau (hula group) which does hula kahiko, ancient hula. A very different style, with chants, drums, and great parts for men.

If you are into nature walks, contact Hawaii Forest and Trails. They have great guides - botanists, geologists, etc. who can take you places off the beaten track.

Have a great time. Wish I could go! Natasha

2001

From: Gretchen

Regarding ideas for kids in Hawaii, especially Kona Village Resort on the Big Island: My parents and my adopted brother and sister have been going to Kona Village for nearly 10 years (since the kids were 6 and 4 years old). They absolutely love it, and I've had the opportunity to visit them there for a night from Honolulu when I lived there. The place is REALLY (!!!) expensive but if you've got the means (my dad does, but unfortunately not me...) it is absolutely worth it. The whole place is a fixed price deal, so all meals etc. are included in the daily rate. Their enormous buffet lunch, with all kinds of fresh sushi and sashimi, fruits, veggies, make-your-own burgers and many other things, is legendary on the island. All the rooms are in cabanas, either right on the water or "garden" view. There are several pools spread throughout the large compound, it's totally private and a great place for kids. They have an activites staff who arrange all kinds of fun things for kids of all ages: snorkeling, hiking, tennis, basketball, treasure hunts - you name it. My parents see the kids in the morning at breakfast then they disappear with all the other kids and the staff for the day, occasionally running back for a change of t-shirt or whatever, and then appear again in time for dinner. I've never seen so many relaxed parents! If, however, the price is a bit too high, there are literally thousands of other places to stay or camp in on the Big Island alone. Volcanos National Park has a really nice campground and lots of different hikes for various ages and abilities. All the islands of Hawaii have terrific parks with good facilities in most. All the public beaches have freshwater showers and bathrooms and many have calm enough areas that they're safe for toddlers to play inthe water. I could go on and on - I think Hawaii is heaven on earth. Feel free to email me directly for ideas about specific islands, or check out the hundreds of websites that offer air-car-condo or air-car-hotel deals. Anything you choose you'll likely have a great time. Aloha!

November 2001

I am travelling to the Big Island of Hawaii at the end of this month with my 16 month old daughter. I would appreciate any recommendations people have of "fun" things to do/places to see with a toddler. Any feedback regarding babysitting services people have used would also be great. We will be staying in a condo in Kailua-Kona Mary

A while back we went to the Big Island with an almost two year old. Considering the child's age, the hotel we stayed at along the Kohala Coast had a great beach for young kids - very calm and few waves. The hotel, the Royal Waikoloan, has changed names, but it is/was on Anaehoomalu Bay and there was also a state park entrance to the beach for day use. Because of the calm waters, the Hawaiians had built a fish hatchery (or something) that still exists and it is between the hotel and the beach.

Walking through the Lava Tubes at Volcanoes Nat'l Park was fun. But, the biggest hits for our almost 2-year old was the warm pool at the hotel, the safe in our hotel room that she could pretend was her very own refrigerator, and the playground at Waimea (town on the north side), you can't miss it when you drive through town on the main road. This playground is a Robert Leathers playground and was the first of its kind we had ever encountered. It was great fun. Ironically, Waimea is at elevation, about 1000 ft, and the days we were there in December were cool and a little foggy --- alot like the Bay Area! Who knows, the fish pond at the hotel may be the big hit for your child! Lissa

I believe our daughter was about 18 months or so when we went - maybe slightly older. One of the best things was the little beach that is good snorkeling in Kailua-Kona (I can't remember the name). There are often turtles in the little channel, and you can have one person able to snorkel, while the other holds your daughter in the shallow water. If you are watchful, your daughter could play at the water's edge at the beach. There are other beaches up the coast, but we couldn't find anything else that was very sheltered. We did spend a lot of time in the pool. The historical place of refuge (I can't remember the official name) was also very interesting - it had turtles in the boat channel near shore and there were little pools that had fish in them. We missed the time when there was boat carving, etc. going on. I think it would be more interesting if you could figure out a time to go when that was happening. The most fun for her was a night of Hawaiian music and dancing at the resort where we were. We took a boat trip on a big catamaran down the coast (I believe to the Captain Cook monument) to some beautiful snorkeling places. We took our daughter and she had a lot of fun, and we each got to snorkel. There was a lot to eat, and that helped. We did use a babysitter recommended by the resort. She was great, but it was expensive. We kept a lookout for people with children near our daughter's age, and struck up conversations which led to an exchange of babysitting/playdates in the evening so we could go out to dinner. We also went up the coast to some of the fancy resorts, but didn't find them all that great to visit with a small child. Have a great time! Susan

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