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Kauai vs. Big Island? |
lunavideogames
Grand Member (first year) 
Joined: May 09, 2012
Posts: 356
From: San Diego
|  Posted: 2012-10-02 11:40 am Permalink
Yes, it is difficult to find a nice beach in Kona. There are a few, but the timeshare descriptions do not help. Our first timeshare was supposed to be within walking distance to the beach. Turns out it was over a mile which we walked only once in our 10 day stay. Our second trip we decided to pay a little extra to be in the heart of Kona. So you might want to check out a satellite view to see exactly where you will be.
I feel that a car is a must on the big island, and every other Hawaiian island I have been to. You will definitely want to go out and explore and get to the cool beaches and volcano.
I didn't get any pictures of the green sand beach. Next time.
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VanTiki
Grand Member (5 years) 
Joined: Nov 25, 2005
Posts: 907
From: Hawaii
| Posted: 2012-10-02 11:48 am Permalink
Saddle Road has been greatly improved in the past few years by the military - no problems taking rental cars over it now. I'd totally suggest the Big Island for all the reasons others have mentioned. I love going there!
Henrik "VanTiki"
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christiki295
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Apr 09, 2003
Posts: 3616
From: LA-2547 mls east Hawaii &5500 Easter Is
| Posted: 2012-10-03 9:35 pm Permalink
Quote:
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On 2012-09-18 23:11, spycygrl wrote:
Hello Tiki Friends!
I'm asking the impossible: I need help deciding between Kauai & the Big Island & would love your input. We are planning on going in December.
Here's the background:
2) Husband has NEVER been to Hawaii at all.
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If your husband has never been to Hawaii, I would not subject him to the lunar landscape of the Big Island, where stepping onto the tarmac is arriving on a sea of grey lava land. In contrast, in the glorious green landscape of Kaua'i, the moment one gets off the airport, one is greeted by green mountains and coconut trees, and feels the moisture in the air. This is how one envisions Hawaii.
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spycygrl
Tiki Centralite
Joined: Aug 08, 2005
Posts: 66
From: El Segundo, CA
| Posted: 2012-10-06 01:15 am Permalink
So, we've booked our flights to the Big Island in early December. Husband actually likes the idea that there is something like 13 of the world's 15 climates there & he's super excited about the volcano. Also, we are using mileage awards & we could get better flights to Kona over Kauai, it turns out.
So...We will be spending 8 days on the Big Island in December. I actually have an old friend living over there now (currently, in Volcano, but probably will be in Hilo by Dec). Our plan is to spend only a few nites in Kailua-Kona (probablu just first/last). We will be renting a car & driving around most of the island. Heading over to Lava Beds B&B & trekking around the volcano & the tide pools in Puna, spending a day or two with my friend in Hilo & a few days around the Waipio rim (rental house). There is supposed to be an awesome meteor shower while we are there, so hopefully, we will have clear skies to enjoy it.
We're really just excited about doing some hiking, seeing some waterfalls, snorkeling (possibly) & relaxing with a good book.
We seriously cannot wait.
Thank you for all the input. It really helped!
[ This Message was edited by: spycygrl 2012-10-06 01:16 ]
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christiki295
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Apr 09, 2003
Posts: 3616
From: LA-2547 mls east Hawaii &5500 Easter Is
| Posted: 2012-10-09 07:45 am Permalink
Pele would be pleased.
Dinner at sunset all over the coast. I recommend the "Canoe House" at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel or, for Tiki and sunset, Don the Beachcomber at Royal Kona Hotel.
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lunavideogames
Grand Member (first year)
Joined: May 09, 2012
Posts: 356
From: San Diego
| Posted: 2012-10-16 3:29 pm Permalink
snorkeling is a must. And you can pretty much do it everywhere and anywhere you want. My wife and I just brought our own masks to the beaches we visited. That is really all you need and you will be amazed at what you will see. Hilo is fun and the farmers market is great. There is a place I beleive called Dolly's that we got a HUGE puffer fish light for only $75.
There is a beach in Hilo where the rain water meets the sea water. You can go hang out with the sea turtles there. They will come right up to you. It's pretty cool. It will be helpful to have your friend show you the cool stuff to do. We had friends there and I wish we had more time around Hilo. WE had been there before but it didn't seem like there was much to it, but if you have a local pointing out places to you, you will find lots of cool stuff!
Enjoy your adventure!
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spycygrl
Tiki Centralite
Joined: Aug 08, 2005
Posts: 66
From: El Segundo, CA
| Posted: 2012-12-07 10:00 pm Permalink
We leave tomorrow morning for our Hawaiian adventure! The (slightly) bad news is that weather forecast = rain, rain & more rain. We may only get a few full days of sun. We can have fun anywhere, though, so not too concerned.
We are spending our final night on the island at the Royal Kona for a little tiki time.
Will be sure to post photos.
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zond2
Grand Member (2 years) 
Joined: Jun 30, 2007
Posts: 124
From: Casa Grande
| Posted: 2012-12-08 07:55 am Permalink
If you're eligible this is a great place to stay on the lee side of Kauai.
http://www.cnic.navy.mil/PMRF/FleetAndFamilyReadiness/HousingAndLodging/RecreationalLodging/index.htm
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