Visiting the Big Island of Hawaii: Our Itinerary

My husband and I are heading back to the beautiful state of Hawaii next week, this time to the Big Island, primarily the Kona distric!  So far, everyone we talk to has informed us that Hawaii island is not like any of the others.  We welcome that idea and look forward to exploring an amazing landscape that only an island with live volcanoes can provide.

Flying in on the wonderful Hawaiian Airlines, once we reach the airport in Kona we’ll be teaming up with Discount Hawaii Car Rental to have some freedom on the island.  I don’t know about you, but a week on an island with so much to see, I prefer relying on our own transportation as much as possible.

Where We’re Staying
We will enjoy some of the best lodging in the Kona-Kailua area at the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa, Outrigger Royal Sea Cliff, and the Outrigger Kanaloa at Kona.  After a day of exploring all of our lodging looks to provide us with great views, lovely accommodations, and aloha! I love the opportunity to check out 3 different locations plus when my reviews come out, you have a great idea of the options when you visit the island!

What We’re Doing
It’s more like what aren’t we doing!  We’ve booked an afternoon with Fair Wind Cruises and we’re snorkeling in the Kealakekua Bay!  This will be my second time and I’m hoping to be less anxious and that I can really enjoy the sights below!  Also  we’ll be mouths agape on a Volcano Tour and taking a Big Island Sightseeing Tour with KapohoKine Adventures.  My husband can’t contain his excitement.

How romantic does a historic sunset cruise sound? Body Glove Hawaii will give us a wonderful view of the Kona Coast while we dine on traditional Hawaiian fare.  How about putting a kayak in Kailua Bay?  We will kayak, stand up paddle board and snorkel with Kona Boys and their Day at the Beach adventure and I’m hoping to look more of a natural than a beginner while doing it!

Other options…my husband may take an adventure with Bike Volcano , we may stand beneath the Kohala Waterfalls, or we may take a tour on a submarine…I know, the possibilities are magically endless!

What we’ll be eating
Rays on the Bay for sure, that’s booked and here’s what I know about it…

Rays on the Bay is the only Hawaii Island restaurant built on lava cliffs so close to the ocean it offers a perfect view to Keauhou’s resident giant manta rays every evening.

We’re going to play the rest by ear, but I have received some suggestions:

• Upscale
  • Merriman’s
  • CanoeHouse at Mauna Lani
  • Pahu ia at the Four Seasons Hualalai
  • Hualalai Grille at Four Seasons Hualalai
  • Manta Pavillion and Wine Bar at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

• Middle
  • Holuakoa Cafe
  • Sam Choy’s Kai Lanai
  • Roy’s Waikoloa
  • Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar
  • Eddie Aikau Restaurant and Surf Museum

• Casual
  • Pinetree Cafe
  • Manago Hotel in Captain Cook
  • Ultimate Burger
  • Teshima’s
  • Waimea Brewhaus
  • Solimene’s in Waimea
  • Village Burger in Waimea
  • Tex Drive In
  • CC Jon’s Snack ‘n Shoppe

Follow Along
I’ve created the hashtag #BigIsle2012 for our travels and will use it on Twitter (@themomjen) and on Instagram (themomjen), check it out to see photos and read updates on the best of our island adventure!  Then in the weeks following our return, I’ll be posting full reviews of our adventures and tons of photos, stay tuned!

I want to know, have you been to the Big Island of Hawaii?  I’d love to hear your suggestions on excursions, food, and fun!  We just can’t wait!