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hapakid
Luna Ho`omalu
USA
1533 Posts |
 Posted - 02/04/2010 : 09:19:14 AM
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I'm taking my family to the Big Island this June and looking for recommendations for where to stay. I'm learning that it's a really BIG island, so I'm looking to stay on the west side Kailua-Kona area, but wondering about where would be a central place for a base between day trips, good for kids and reasonably priced. We will probably rent a one bedroom condo for the two adults/two kids in our little family. Favorite lodgings? Favorite non-musical adventures on the BI?
Mahalo for the kokua.
Jesse
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Lawrence
Ha`aha`a
USA
1597 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2010 : 09:31:22 AM
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Jesse,
I have always used the Frommer's guide. They have pretty good budget ratings. In these days of web-based ratings things have changed, but I would usually start with Frommer's anyway. There were some pretty good condos that were pretty large for the buck and very near Dan's Dive Locker (we were diving after Aloha Music camp).
It was this Place: Kona Billfisher
However they have added some strange extra charges (as Frommer's points out):
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/hawaiithebigisland/H26908.html
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Mahope Kākou...
...El Lorenzo de Ondas Sonoras |
Edited by - Lawrence on 02/04/2010 09:43:25 AM |
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hapakid
Luna Ho`omalu
USA
1533 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2010 : 10:07:18 AM
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Thanks, Lawrence. We're pretty savvy about finding and booking online. The Billfisher looks very nice. Heck, they all look pretty nice in the photos! I am especially interested in warnings about notorious roach motels or finding lodgings near swimming beaches or other kid-friendly attractions. We are also using the book "Big Island Revealed", which has an online lodging review site at wizardpub.com We've visited Oahu, Kaua'i and Maui in the past, and even if the lodgings have been kind of grubby, we always had a great time. We're not too picky or germ-ophobic. Tiny lizards are always welcome in our condo.
Jesse |
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da_joka
Lokahi
361 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2010 : 10:46:24 AM
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I always wonda how come people like stay Kona side ... maybe cuz I stay from Hilo, but fo see da whole island, I tink you bettah plan on staying litto bit Konaside den litto bit on da Hilo side. Get so much waterfalls and stuff ova onda betaah - i mean - wettah side of da island ;-P Hope you plan on staying long enuff fo get all da local grindz! Email me an I can send you one list if you like.
Have fun on da trip! |
If can, can. If no can, no can. |
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Lawrence
Ha`aha`a
USA
1597 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2010 : 10:50:05 AM
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Da_Joka is right about Hilo-side, much prettier place. The best place for home-base to see all of the island is probably Waimea/Kamuela, but I got the idea you wanted to be near beaches for the kids.
If you do go to the Billfisher, get a Unit as far away from Ali'i drive as possible. This place is also near Huggo's and the evening music can drift Up-Mauka. We were half-way back and the noise was tolerable. Of course, most of the Music at Huggo's was Hawaiian and in 3 minutes you could walk down and watch the band.
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Mahope Kākou...
...El Lorenzo de Ondas Sonoras |
Edited by - Lawrence on 02/04/2010 11:00:29 AM |
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salmonella
Lokahi
240 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2010 : 11:21:07 AM
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if you want a guide, even if you dont, you should get Hawaii - The Big Island Revealed.
I prefer the Keauhou area. Lots of condos of varying prices and locations. Some have pools, some are oceanside etc etc.
There is a shopping center there with everything you need including a weekly kanikapila (check with Konabob Stoffer).
Speaking of konabob... make sure you check his website konaweb.com
If you have never been to Hilo side, I agree you should try it for a couple days just so when you come back to the big island you will concentrate your search for lodging on the less rainy side.
Dave
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Mark
Ha`aha`a
USA
1628 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2010 : 12:03:02 PM
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Hey, here's a wild idea-- why not come to the Aloha Camp??
No worries, just a joke. I'm sure you'd come if ya could, but.... 
I will put in a huge plug for the Keaouhou Beach Resort. I'd say it would fit most of your criteria: good location, decent prices, right next to a keiki friendly beach that happens to be a marine resort w/ great snokeling; terrific Hawaiian entertainment.
But maybe the best thing is the daily cultural activities under the direction of Kumu Keala Ching, including FREE classes in hula, language, ukulele, etc etc.
http://www.outrigger.com/documents/brochures/kbr_cultural_program_011110.pdf br /
The hotel is owned by Kamehameha Schools & run for cultural tourism. They are in the process of restoring two heiau--so even if you don't stay there be sure to drop by.
I'd also second the notion to be sure to spend some time in Hilo.
And don't forget the volcano!
Have a great vacation.
Have a great trip.
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hapakid
Luna Ho`omalu
USA
1533 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2010 : 3:42:14 PM
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I really wish I could visit AMC. We'll be leaving about the time it starts. There are lots of options for family activities and I will take to heart the idea of splitting time on the Hilo side as well. I have lots of research left to do. Thanks to all for suggestions.
Joka: I will be looking for local foods when we're there. I need to lose some weight now so I can enjoy it there!
Jesse |
Edited by - hapakid on 02/05/2010 06:13:36 AM |
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Bwop
Lokahi
USA
244 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2010 : 07:11:35 AM
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Aloha e Jesse,
If you must needs stay in Kona, thereʻs a hole-in-the-wall called "Kona Tiki" that serves the purpose. Puako up in Kohalā used to be a good deal for condos, but theyʻve probably caught up to the rest by now. You definitely should circumnavigate Mokupuni Nui: find some of the local beaches in Kohalā (Makalawena, 69, etc.), eat big hunks of meat in Waimea, absolutely spend time in Waipio, spend all the time you can in Hilo and explore the lava fields, flows and beauty from there down through Pahala (#1 reason to visit Ka Moku O Keawe: say Aloha to Pele at Halemaumau). Also, do hike out at South Point to Green Sands.
Next question: you stay mad at Maui, or wot?? Weʻd really love to see you again some time! |
Bwop |
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hapakid
Luna Ho`omalu
USA
1533 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2010 : 08:05:34 AM
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Hi Bwop!
We will make it back to Maui eventually, but we've never been to the Big Island. Your list of things to do is very similar to mine. I definitely want my boys to see some lava, see some cattle and paniolos, and see the valley at Waipi'o. But I'm pretty sure their favorite thing to do will be boogie boarding wherever there's a wave. They spent most of our Kaua'i vacation playing in the shore break at Brennecke beach in Poipu.
Jesse |
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Konabob
`Olu`olu
USA
928 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2010 : 10:11:31 AM
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Jesse,
If you get a chance, bring an ukulele and join Mele Ohana at Keauhou Shopping Center on a Wednesday evening from 6 to 8. Plenty of Hawaiian music, and we have an L&L Drive In right next to us for all you Hawaiian Food Favorites.
If you are going to be on the Hilo side, you might look up Keoki Kahumoku.
On the north end of the island, you might catch John Keawe or the Lim Ohana.
South end of the island, you might meet Buddy Fo who plays in Naalehu from time to time.
Here in Kona, you have Chris Yeaton, Don Kaulia, and if you like steel guitar, ya got me.
Aloha,
-Konabob |
Konabob's Walkingbass - http://www.konawalkingbass.com
Taropatch Steel - http://www.konaweb.com/konabob/
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=Konabob2+Walkingbass |
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hapakid
Luna Ho`omalu
USA
1533 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2010 : 12:40:03 PM
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I don't think I'll bring a guitar because of the cost, hassle and peril, but I'll have an uke and will be looking for a jam anywhere I can on Moku o Keawe. Thanks for the musical tips, K-bob. I'll see you at Keauhou in June.
Jesse |
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chunky monkey
Ha`aha`a
USA
1023 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2010 : 1:59:53 PM
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Jesse,
I sent you an email with info |
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Mika ele
Ha`aha`a
USA
1493 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2010 : 5:11:35 PM
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Here is something new and fun. Try geocaching. You can use your iPhone or a handheld GPS. Go to the http://www.geocaching.com
web site and do a search for the Big Island. As shown below, it will show you where lots of chaches are hidden. There is a really neat one at a Green Sand Beach at South Point. Then, as an excuse for visiting an area, also have a chache to find. Lots are hidden ammo boxes stuffed with SWAG for kids, GeoCoins, and Travel Bugs. They also learn a little navigation using latitude and longitude!
 The geoaching web site will give you the coordinates which you can upload into your GPS enabled device. Then the specific cache web site will give you hints on what you are looking for and what is in the cache. It is very surprising what is "hidden" in plain sight! |
E nana, e ho'olohe. E pa'a ka waha, e hana ka lima. |
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alika207
Ha`aha`a
USA
1260 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2010 : 12:44:25 PM
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Noooooooooo! Why weren't you there when I was there? :( Nah, just kidding. Haha!
I stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa, and... what can I say? It was one of the most amazing hotels I've ever been to. You walk out of your room in the morning and everything is totally open, as if you're outside. Nani! One thing to be aware of, however. The birds can be obnoxiously loud at night and might wake you up. Be prepared!
The hotel is so nui that you have to take the tram to the lobby and each of the towers unless you want to walk. If you eat breakfast in the main lobby, be sure to order their Kona coffee. It's the most 'ono stuff in the whole world.
There you have it! Have fun and tell everybody that 'Alika says aloha if you happen to see anyone I might have seen. Give me the full report! Lots of people at Jack's and Willie's kanikapilas will probably remember me.
'Alika |
He kehau ho'oma'ema'e ke aloha.
'Alika / Polinahe |
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bubba
Akahai
72 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2010 : 3:54:05 PM
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I love the Kona Tiki mentioned earlier but its not for everyone - no TV, no AC, no telephone, small rooms - but right on the ocean and with a swimming pool and a wonderful little breakfast. And reasonably priced. Reserve early if you decide on this place. Puako is quite expensive.
I also highly recommend konaweb.com as they always seem to be conversing about condos, and other stuff, in and about Kona. |
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Topic |
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Heading to the Big Island
