I'm taking the hubby and teenage son+friend to the Big Island in mid-July. We'll be there for 9 days and plan to do a 2-day trip to Volcanos Nat'l Park (we're staying on the Kona side), do some snorkeling, and go to a luau. My son's friend and my husband are surfers - my son and I are beginner surfers. I'd like some pointers from people who have been there, or those who live there, about good places to go - for sightseeing, eating, good easy surfing beaches, good snorkeling spots, or good fishing trips.

Any suggestions? I am also going to post this in the Hawaiian owners forum.

 

I think all of the owners live on Oahu. If you want some info from some locals, I can probably get some info for you. As you know, I'm heading off to Maui in Aug. and I got a lot of help from the USC Trojan boards. My fellow Trojans have hooked me up with great deals and discounts on activities. I'll post a message over there to see if anyone can do anything for you. Of course, you'll have to pretend to be a Trojan

 

Red-

Do the helicopter ride over Kilauea Crater -- awesome.

Mark-

There are only two types of people in this world. True Cardinal and Gold Trojan faithful and everyone else.

 

Well, OK. I'll do my best!

 

Helicopter tour - take Blue Hawaiian, absolutely the best company, more expensive then the others but there is a reason for it. Very hot in July so be prepared. I believe the best surf spots on the Big Island is on the Kona side. Parker Ranch for some horse back riding or ATV travels. Kahalu'u Beach has probably the best snorkeling that you will find. Not much else to do on the Big Island especially in terms of nightlife. Kauna'oa is usually recognized as one of the best beaches in the world. Kalapana is the famous Black Sand Beach

 

We have a condo in Waikoloa which is 20 min from Kailua-Kona.. it's beautiful there. Like was previously posted take Blue Hawaiian for the helicopter tour, they give you a video tape at the end of the ride (it costs like $20 I think). Take a day to drive around the island, it's the most beautiful island I have seen with so many different climates. Also, the main highway (I forgot the number) but you will cross it after coming out of the airport (you will turn right to go to Kona) people have put white stones on the black lava rock to spell things. Man, I miss it.. I want to go back. The beaches are great too. Also if you are a dolphin lover the Hilton in Waikoloa (where Baywatch was shot) have programs where you can swim with the dolphins, I did it and loved it!

 

i've been to oahu and I thought it was sooooo beautiful! One of my or my most fav place that I've been to in my life! When we were pulling in to pearl harbor(i'm in navy) the mountains had clouds covering it and I thought it was paradise.... Can't wait till we go back next cruise!!! Y do people have fast cars there? To me the fastest speed on highway was like 40-50mph...

 

I live in Kona!! Like previously mentioned, the helicopter tour is a must. Especially the views of Waipio Valley, and it's the best way to see the island, even Kilauea Volcano erupting. A drive around the island is an awesome experience that takes roughly an entire day with all the stops. Check out Rainbow Falls or Akaka Falls while doing so. It's on the other side of the island, towards Hilo. A beautiful Look-out point is at the very North of the Island in Hawi (Kohala).

For Dining, The Hualalai Club Grille at Four Seasons has excellent Pacific Rim/asian cuisine. For Chinese Food, definately Royal Jade Garden, and for Korean BBQ: Kona Mix Plate is the best.

There are a bunch of beaches that are a blast to go to. Hapuna Beach is awesome, a popular surf spot is Banyans and Pine Trees. Magic Sands is great for body boarding, and there's Kahaluu, which is a nice beach great for snorkeling and Black Sands is beautiful! There are a bunch of other beaches too.

There are so much other things to do on this Island, I'm available on the weekends, so if you need anything, or any questions, PM me and I'll give you my number and possibly meet up.

If you are still here on July 21st, we're doing a cruise with a bunch of sports cars including 2- Honda s2000's, 5-Porsches, 1-Ferrari 348ts, 1-Mercedes C32 AMG, 1- 2002 BMW M3 conv. and some other sports cars. We'll be meeting in the Lanihau Shopping Center @ 8:00am. Come by and check us out.

BTW, where will you be staying at?
Have Fun!! there's lot's to do here!

 

Here's the response I got back from the Trojan board.

http://pub104.ezboard.com/ftrojanfootballo...icID=2765.topic

I'll send you the e-mail for Spud, when he gets it to me.

Also, Pookela was the one that got me all the discounts on Maui. He's a concierge at one of the condos. He might be able to get you some deals, but I'm not sure. I can ask him for you if you'd like. Funny thing is, he's actually from the LA area, and went to high school with my sister. What a small world.

 

Mark and Spanky, thanks for the tips! Spanky, you have PM. Mark, PM me with Spud's email if you don't mind.