Just got back from the Big Island and it was great - nothing like what I was expecting having been to Oahu.
It's got something for everyone: mountains, beaches, jungle, etc. Lots of adventure if you want it or you can just kick back on a beach with a Mai Tai. I'm definitely planning to go back and it beats every tropical place I've been. Some of the downsides: 1.) It's expensive. Hotels are spendy and gas is $3.60/gallon. 2.) It's a long flight for everyone except west coasters. 3.) There's almost too much to do. Plan well! The positives: 1.) It's the most varied landscape I've ever seen. 11 of the Earth's 13 climatic zones are right there. 2.) Lot's to do for everyone. Great for families or groups and romantic for couples. 3.) Feels way exotic - much more so than the Caribbean but that could just be me. We stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa which was an awesome property, although a bit more for families. It's a super large resort which would not be my speed except that we got a free stay, but I was quite surprised. It had a train and boat system to ride around the property in and was big enough that you could find your own spot. If I had kids, this would be my only choice, but even without it was great. Like I said, I was surprised. We checked out the other properties and if I had to go back I'd stay at the Hapuna Beach - awesome beach and great property. Unless I was with kids or a group and then it'd be the Hilton. Activities: ------------- * I took the Blue Hawaiian Helicopter tour - it was awesome and very worth it. If I only did one activity, it'd be this. I saw a lot of lava. * Beaches. There are tons of deserted beautiful black, white, and green sand beaches. Many however need a 4wd to get there or be prepared to hike. * Hiking. Some of the best hiking I've ever seen. Have you ever wondered what Mordor might look like? You can hike to something like it there. * 4WD. There are unlimited opportunities to explore on any vehicle you want from bikes to hummers. * Astronomy. The world's best telescopes are at the top of Mauna Kea and therefore the star gazing is awesome there. If you don't have the guts to drive up the mountain yourself you can take a tour. And then a ton of other stuff: boating, fishing, ultralights, botanical gardens, volcanos, etc. Pictures here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/grussgott/sets/72157594154459248/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~| Message: http://www.houseoffusion.com/lists.cfm/link=i:5:208069 Archives: http://www.houseoffusion.com/cf_lists/threads.cfm/5 Subscription: http://www.houseoffusion.com/lists.cfm/link=s:5 Unsubscribe: http://www.houseoffusion.com/cf_lists/unsubscribe.cfm?user=89.70.5 Donations & Support: http://www.houseoffusion.com/tiny.cfm/54
