We’re in Hawaii, the big island this time. Had a little lodging snafu right at the beginning but everything is peachy now.
Pass. We cancelled our reservation after one day and moved down the street to the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort. Ahhhh. Much more our speed. Ok, let the good times roll.
The Petroglyph Trail near the Mauna Launi was a nice surprise. A friendly truckload of locals stopped us in the parking lot (to say how cute the girls were) then told us to ditch the flip flops and wear sturdy shoes. Bless them, they were SO right. They also told us the funky little animals running all over the place were mongoose. Huh, wouldn’t have guessed that one.
We reserved a cabana and spent yesterday at the pool (with a quick detour to the spa for me, naturally) and today is exploration day. Who knows where we’ll end up. Has anyone been to the big island? Any fave spots or sights?
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Why didn't you stay in the same hotel as last year?
ReplyDeleteWe've never been to this island.
DeleteMy friends were just there for two weeks and stayed at the Mariott Waikoloa Beach Resort and LOVED it!!! They had some killer deal with a $42 a night suite!!!! Have fun!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is my favorite island. We loved exploring Waimea where the Parker Ranch is. Went from there to Hilo, then over the middle of the island. That road was a lot of fun. Felt like you were on a ride at Disneyland.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for changing hotels! I'm with you in that it is better to remedy the situation right away instead of sticking it out in a place you dislike for your whole trip!
ReplyDeleteOnce we drove 10 hours to a beach on the east coast. We were not happy with our hotel. No biggie. We tried to switch hotels. Every hotel in 100 miles was FULL! I was in tears. The hubby said, "We are taking back our vacation! Do you want to do something crazy?" Booted up the lap top & 3 clicks later we were on a 10 hour drive in the opposite direction. Headed down to Disney World. :) We had left our son at home (anniversary trip), but we had a blast!
I can't wait to hear about your Big Island trip! Doing a new island sounds fun!
"Taking back our vacation" LOVE that!!!
DeleteDon't blame you for changing up hotels. I know you will have fun pictures to share. Hope you guys are having a blast.. Poor sweet doggy mommy and daddy better bring you a great gift when they return!! I know your sisters will spoil you again when they get home!!!! ;)
ReplyDeleteERIKA
Mongoose good...equals no snakes!!
ReplyDeleteInteresting Hawaii fact - there are no snakes on the islands. We were told they brought in the Mongoose to fight off rats, but it didn't work so well because Mongoose are diurnal and rats are nocturnal. Go figure.
DeleteBlack sand beach had many turtles to view plus black sand which was cool. The lava fields were amazing! Saw the lava flowing into the ocean. There was an amazing beach just north of Kona (can't recall name - but maybe Bob does). Beautiful! There is also green sand beach and The Lava Java place to get morning coffee.
ReplyDeleteWe took a guided tour which was fabulous......the driver was one of the locals & took us to places they don't normally take the tourists. Also went "creeping the ooze".....walking on the live volcano at night! Scary but really cool! We also drove around the entire island exploring all the different beaches. Amazing how the climate changes so much from one side to the other!
ReplyDeleteBlack sand beach is something to see; 7 sacred pools, but sometimes it depends on the time of the year (not very exciting if there's a drought; volcano national park. Be sure to visit Donna's cookies if you can. They have a variety of yummy cookies.
ReplyDeleteVolcano National Park was interesting but hot! The girls might enjoy seeing where the lava slowly oozing out over roads and things. You and TubaDad might enjoy that Parker Ranch -- the main house has a wonderful collection of impressionist paintings! It's a big cattle ranch in the middle of the island. I think I had read about the art collection in a book so we went to see if and were impressed. And it's bizarre to see cattle out grazing on the island. Susan
ReplyDeleteTake the girls horseback riding at Dahana Ranch. Amazing! http://dahanaranch.com/
ReplyDeleteCant wait to follow along....we have been contemplating a Big Island trip for a few years now and always choose something else instead. Some fun kid-friendly things I had found in my research....some sort of science museum (google can help!)....the summit for star gazing....turtles.....and Volcanoes National Park for sure. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteWow, the girls looks so tall. I suspect the growth spurt fairy has visited your home!
ReplyDeleteSnorkeling at place of refuge (turtles). Punalu'u sweet bread. Coffee plantation tour. Huggo's on the Rocks bar and live music (no floor only sand). Volcanoes natl park (don't miss hiking thru Thurston lava tube). Stargazing and telescope tour at Mauna Kea (check 4wd reqts). King Kamehameha statue on North side (towards Hawi). Tex drive Inn for malasadas. Akaka falls (hilo). Farmer's Market Hilo. Ken's house of pancakes. Hilo bay cafe.
ReplyDeleteYou are staying at A' Bay which has the best sunsents! However, since the tsunami, the beach is now way too rocky for my tastes. There are so many awesome beaches on the Big Island, like the one at Mauna Kea or my favorite and more secluded, Beach 69. I loved the Place of Refuge, Poloku lookout trail and you must "Flume da ditch"-- a true Hawaii experience: http://adventureinhawaii.com/bigisland_kohala_ditch_adventures.htm
ReplyDeleteMy favorite hotel on my favorite island! Best part is that the pool is open all day and night. Important for us east coasters who are getting up at 2am for the first few days.
ReplyDeleteIf the girlies are up for a hike, my two favorite places are the green sand beach (only 1 of 2 in the world!) and Polulu Valley. Green sand beach is an amazing and remote spot, but a very tough hike unless you rent a 4x4.
Finding the lava flow at night is a must-do. We watched it take down a building one night. Couldn’t believe how fast it was moving.
Tex’s for malasadas. What’s Shakin’ for smoothies. Roy’s across the street from the hotel for dinner. I know that it is a chain, but each location has its own delicious menu.
Have a great time!
What everyone else said, plus Sam Choy's at Keauhou, Kua Bay and Kukio Beach (not sure if it has a real name but access is through Kukio resort, you have to get a beach pass and its the one to the south, nice sandy shallow sheltered lagoon where the kids can play and you don't have to be too concerned about big waves). Hike into the crater at Volcanoes National Park, rainforest on the way down and like the surface of the moon one floor of the crater. Hike into Pololu Valley and I'd recommend the White Road hike but there are signs about crossing private property. 4WD into Waipio Valley. Kayak Kealakekua Bay - you have to take a guided tour now, but my kids had the greatest times kayaking across the bay and jumping in for a swim or snorkel by the monument before the moratorium. We live on the Big Island so if there is anything specific you want to know, ask away.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree! Stayed there several years ago and would never return.
ReplyDeleteNanette
we were so there!!! 11 years ago on our honey moon-- stayed at condos right by there-- LOVE the kona coast-- lots of good snorkeling there-- you HAVE to go to the black sand beach, the volcano natl park (steal a tiny piece of lava rock), we did horseback riding at some falls there-- it's been 11 years and 6 kids later- so i'm rusty-- but oh i loved it there-- it's so mellow, low key-- not too touristy-- :)
ReplyDeleteI thought of more restaurants you might like - Café Pesto at Kawaihae or Hilo, Holuakoa Café at Holualoa, Middle Keei Café down south.
ReplyDeleteThanks! What part of the island are you on?
DeleteOh, and if you don't want it publicized feel free to email me thanks
DeleteEmailing you.
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