Waikoloa village is a amazing location. Lots of condo rentals available for families and a great base camp for Island 🏝 adventures. 20 min the the airport, 30 min to Kona.
I agree. There are plenty of Airbnb/Vrbo units for rent there. It's about 500 feet above sea level, so it's a little cooler. You can get to the beaches by the resorts within about 30 minutes, and you're close to Mauna Kea (as well as the Saddle road to get over the mountains to Hilo).
We just got back from 8 Days on the Big Island. We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha and loved it there simply because it was so centrally located. Many of the excursions leave from the pier right outside of the courtyard by Marriott. We were able to walk to many of the local restaurants and to the shopping as well. We rented a Jeep for the week and were able to go to the top of MaunaKea and we were able to drive over to volcano national Park in about an hour and 35 minutes and enjoyed the beautiful scenery between Kailua Kona and Hilo❤️❤️❤️
Most rentals are not locally owned and the rise of airbnbs and rentals are one of the contributing factors to the housing problem for natives and locals in Hawaii. While most hotels are also not locally or natively owned they do employ locals
E9, other than experiences(like Molkini Crater on Maui) we don’t typically do guided tours. We do our own research and stick to a loose itinerary, and however the day unfolds that’s what we do!
We just got back from 6 nights in Hilo. No itinerary or plans, just went exploring. My wife downloaded a Shaka app that has GPS guided driving tours. We drove 1100 miles in 6 days. Worth every minute. We like he Hilo side because it's less touristy. Stayed and the Grand Naniloa. Did a luau and dinner boat in Kona. So much to see...
Everything on the Big Island Hawaii is beautiful and good except Mauna Lani Resort so crowded with kids screaming and crying and puking their vomits everywhere so dirty and disgusting 😅
Hey, great video. I am presently planning a vacation for my wife and myself with 10 days on the B I and 10 days in Waikiki. I am not sure if you have any Videos on Waikiki resorts.....I was thinking of the Hilton Embassy Suites. Can I get you thoughts on this or can you please refer me to one of your videos on this. For the B I, we were thinking of Royal Kona as we like to get out each day for shopping, walking etc and Royal Kona seems to be very close to lots of shops, restaurants etc. We will be renting a car. Your review of Kingsland by Hilton is intriguing, is there a lot of shopping and local walkable site seeing very nearby? Your comments will be very valuable to me. I have subscribed now and look forward to more videos. Mahalo
John, We do have some Oahu videos up on our channel but don’t go too deep into Waikiki. In terms of Kona we only stayed one night in the town, at the courtyard by Marriott. You could definitely walk around the town from there. The hotels at Kingsland are set up in a resort area. We can’t advise too much on shopping because we’re not big shoppers. Kingsland is approximately 20 minutes north of Kona so it’s very accessible from that area with a rental car. Best luck with your travels! 👍🏼
That's funny! We are of the same mindset. I worked in Hilo 20 years ago when I was single and went back when married. This year we will be visiting the Big Island for the first time as a family of three and hope it has kept its old-school character.
You 2 are the best. Seem like a lot of fun. Happy I found your videos today. I saw my wife and I hanging with you at the Kona brew pub having a great time, in my mind.lol. Your Big Islands Vids are spot on. I have Birthday trip planned after Thanksgiving for a week..I lived in Honolulu for a year way back when it was cool.Been to the islands 30 times at least since.Been to 5 islands, a few many times. I only do the Big Island anymore.Hilton Waikoloa was very good a few years ago. This time though we are going to hang 1st in Kona town and walk around everywhere from The Royal Kona.I Just wish to chill for a while before heading North to the Westin for a couple of big $$ nights.Funny I also LOVE Hapuna Bay and the waterand sites,views there. Years ago while there , I looked up at the Hotel and I said someday I will stay there so I hope I cross that off my list soon. To end the trip, Paradise sounded great so a VRBO in Kapa'au and a few day in old Hawaii...Hawi and a trip to the end of the HWY. Can't wait to watch some more of your Travels. Thank You !!
Edd, thanks for your kind words! We loved the Big Island too. In fact, when we return to Hawaii in the future we’re going to Kauai to explore first and the Big Island to relax after!
Hilo. I've visited 2x, large family group 6-10. Rented a house, worked great get up early, have a cup of coffee, cold cereal, make a lunch and GO. Everyone at their own pace.
Waimea is unusual. It is beautiful for sure but (IMO) if you aren't an avid hiker, those beautiful places are hard to access. We stayed at a highly-rated B and B in that area but were disappointed. Would love to hear any specific recs for places to stay up North!
Hilo is closest to Volcanoes National Park. There are more limited hotel options in Hilo but a nice Doubletree. Hilo is the wettest place in the United States and it often rains there, although we visited on a very nice day. Hope that helps!
there are also b&b's in the volcano area, and inside the national park is the Volcano House, which is kind of pricy but they have rooms with a direct view of the caldera (the volcano's large summit depression, where the current eruption is located). one possible negative to staying in the area is the the coqui frog (accidentally introduced from Puerto Rico), that makes a loud chirping sound at night. If you stay in any forested area on the island, it may keep you up at night. It's a tiny frog but shockingly loud, and a forest full of them raises a racket, so be forewarned. bring earplugs!
We don’t have good advice on a tour because we had a car and drove ourselves. We would say that when erupting Kilauea is best seen at night, and make sure you see the lava glow from the overlook and the lava lake (assuming it’s still visible) 👍🏻
@Adam and Madalyn if people are coming to visit, I'd always tell them to go to Oahu rather than the big island. There is so much more to do on Oahu compared to here. Living here is a different story.
Thanks for the info. I live in Volcano and am researching places for visiting relatives to stay in Kona (I never get over there! Ha!). Just an FYI...Ka'u is pronounced "Kah oo" and not "cow". Good job on your video!
Thanks Janet! We don't know their budget or what kind of vacation they're looking for but we absolutely loved Kings Land, with the 1 BR suite. We got it for around $300 a night. The Kings Land pool was nice and not too crowded, and you also got access to the other pools on the Hilton Waikola Village. Also only 20 minutes from the airport.
We first visited Big Island in 1996, and stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. We loved it then and loved it when we returned again last year, for our 25th Anniversary.
As a local boy born and raised on the Big Island you did a good job showing the main locations to see. Good job!
Truly beautiful (which doesn’t describe it 100%)
You’re right about that!
Waikoloa village is a amazing location. Lots of condo rentals available for families and a great base camp for Island 🏝 adventures. 20 min the the airport, 30 min to Kona.
Ben you have got that right!
I agree. There are plenty of Airbnb/Vrbo units for rent there. It's about 500 feet above sea level, so it's a little cooler. You can get to the beaches by the resorts within about 30 minutes, and you're close to Mauna Kea (as well as the Saddle road to get over the mountains to Hilo).
Hi guys, nice video....but a couple FYI Mauna Kea is not prounced Mauna Keya...it is Mauna Kaya and Ka'u is not cow, it is Ka oo
Awesome thanks
Thanks guys for sharing! Awesome video! I love the Big island. I don't think I can get tired of it. Absolutely gorgeous place.
We hear that! Can’t wait to go back!
We just got back from 8 Days on the Big Island. We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha and loved it there simply because it was so centrally located. Many of the excursions leave from the pier right outside of the courtyard by Marriott. We were able to walk to many of the local restaurants and to the shopping as well. We rented a Jeep for the week and were able to go to the top of MaunaKea and we were able to drive over to volcano national Park in about an hour and 35 minutes and enjoyed the beautiful scenery between Kailua Kona and Hilo❤️❤️❤️
Great video. I vacationed many times out on the Big Island. I think there is no better place🌞🌺
Ruth you’ve got that right!
@@AdamandMadalyn I wish I was by the beautiful ocean in Hawaii today!!!!!!. Have a beautiful weekend.
We hear that!
Most rentals are not locally owned and the rise of airbnbs and rentals are one of the contributing factors to the housing problem for natives and locals in Hawaii. While most hotels are also not locally or natively owned they do employ locals
Best hotel in Hilo... Dolphin Bay Hotel. Small, family-owned, walking distance to downtown. A great place to stay!
Great advice, thanks for sharing!
You didn't say anything about Pahoa..... That's where I will have my next vacation.....💕👍
I love my Marriott but the drive everyday to the Kona side but killer I would stay in Kona sorry
Aloha~ nice video tour, can you recommend any tour company on big island for grand circle tour for local kamaainas from oahu... mahalo!
E9, other than experiences(like Molkini Crater on Maui) we don’t typically do guided tours. We do our own research and stick to a loose itinerary, and however the day unfolds that’s what we do!
We just got back from 6 nights in Hilo. No itinerary or plans, just went exploring. My wife downloaded a Shaka app that has GPS guided driving tours. We drove 1100 miles in 6 days. Worth every minute. We like he Hilo side because it's less touristy. Stayed and the Grand Naniloa. Did a luau and dinner boat in Kona. So much to see...
Mahalo for the Response🤙
No mention of the Mauna Kea hotel! Way better than Hāpuna Westin
🌺 😎
Everything on the Big Island Hawaii is beautiful and good except Mauna Lani Resort so crowded with kids screaming and crying and puking their vomits everywhere so dirty and disgusting 😅
Hey, great video. I am presently planning a vacation for my wife and myself with 10 days on the B I and 10 days in Waikiki. I am not sure if you have any Videos on Waikiki resorts.....I was thinking of the Hilton Embassy Suites. Can I get you thoughts on this or can you please refer me to one of your videos on this. For the B I, we were thinking of Royal Kona as we like to get out each day for shopping, walking etc and Royal Kona seems to be very close to lots of shops, restaurants etc. We will be renting a car. Your review of Kingsland by Hilton is intriguing, is there a lot of shopping and local walkable site seeing very nearby? Your comments will be very valuable to me. I have subscribed now and look forward to more videos. Mahalo
John,
We do have some Oahu videos up on our channel but don’t go too deep into Waikiki. In terms of Kona we only stayed one night in the town, at the courtyard by Marriott. You could definitely walk around the town from there. The hotels at Kingsland are set up in a resort area. We can’t advise too much on shopping because we’re not big shoppers. Kingsland is approximately 20 minutes north of Kona so it’s very accessible from that area with a rental car.
Best luck with your travels!
👍🏼
We travel to the Big Island a lot. We recommend people go to Maui instead. Wink. Wink.
Frank I see what you did there 😉
I also like to mention the huge number of shark interactions on the BI compared to the islands.
That's funny! We are of the same mindset. I worked in Hilo 20 years ago when I was single and went back when married. This year we will be visiting the Big Island for the first time as a family of three and hope it has kept its old-school character.
I have no interest in Maui
You 2 are the best. Seem like a lot of fun. Happy I found your videos today.
I saw my wife and I hanging with you at the Kona brew pub having a great time, in my mind.lol. Your Big Islands Vids are spot on.
I have Birthday trip planned after Thanksgiving for a week..I lived in Honolulu for a year way back when it was cool.Been to the islands 30 times at least since.Been to 5 islands, a few many times.
I only do the Big Island anymore.Hilton Waikoloa was very good a few years ago. This time though we are going to hang 1st in Kona town and walk around everywhere from The Royal Kona.I Just wish to chill for a while before heading North to the Westin for a couple of big $$ nights.Funny I also LOVE Hapuna Bay and the waterand sites,views there. Years ago while there , I looked up at the Hotel and I said someday I will stay there so I hope I cross that off my list soon.
To end the trip, Paradise sounded great so a VRBO in Kapa'au and a few day in old Hawaii...Hawi and a trip to the end of the HWY. Can't wait to watch some more of your Travels. Thank You !!
Edd, thanks for your kind words! We loved the Big Island too. In fact, when we return to Hawaii in the future we’re going to Kauai to explore first and the Big Island to relax after!
Hilo.
I've visited 2x, large family group 6-10. Rented a house, worked great get up early, have a cup of coffee, cold cereal, make a lunch and GO. Everyone at their own pace.
Depending on what you’re looking for it could be a good option
Waimea is unusual. It is beautiful for sure but (IMO) if you aren't an avid hiker, those beautiful places are hard to access. We stayed at a highly-rated B and B in that area but were disappointed. Would love to hear any specific recs for places to stay up North!
Somewhere between Lahiana and Kapalua
Great content. How is the weather in the month of Feb - March? temp, rain, wind, i.e. - Also from the westin hotel, how far of a drive to see volcanos
Hilo is the largest city.
Correct
Hello Great video, If we are planning to go mainly to Kilauea and national volcanoe park is better to stay in HILO? Which airport is closer? Thanks
Hilo is closest to Volcanoes National Park. There are more limited hotel options in Hilo but a nice Doubletree. Hilo is the wettest place in the United States and it often rains there, although we visited on a very nice day. Hope that helps!
there are also b&b's in the volcano area, and inside the national park is the Volcano House, which is kind of pricy but they have rooms with a direct view of the caldera (the volcano's large summit depression, where the current eruption is located). one possible negative to staying in the area is the the coqui frog (accidentally introduced from Puerto Rico), that makes a loud chirping sound at night. If you stay in any forested area on the island, it may keep you up at night. It's a tiny frog but shockingly loud, and a forest full of them raises a racket, so be forewarned. bring earplugs!
@@AdamandMadalyn Thanks, we decide to stay close to the airport, do you know a good tour to go to kilauea?
We don’t have good advice on a tour because we had a car and drove ourselves. We would say that when erupting Kilauea is best seen at night, and make sure you see the lava glow from the overlook and the lava lake (assuming it’s still visible) 👍🏻
Best place to stay on the big island is Oahu 🤣
Lots of people prefer the big island and tell others to go to another one
@Adam and Madalyn if people are coming to visit, I'd always tell them to go to Oahu rather than the big island. There is so much more to do on Oahu compared to here. Living here is a different story.
Thanks
You got it!
Thanks for the info. I live in Volcano and am researching places for visiting relatives to stay in Kona (I never get over there! Ha!). Just an FYI...Ka'u is pronounced "Kah oo" and not "cow". Good job on your video!
Thanks Janet! We don't know their budget or what kind of vacation they're looking for but we absolutely loved Kings Land, with the 1 BR suite. We got it for around $300 a night. The Kings Land pool was nice and not too crowded, and you also got access to the other pools on the Hilton Waikola Village. Also only 20 minutes from the airport.
We first visited Big Island in 1996, and stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. We loved it then and loved it when we returned again last year, for our 25th Anniversary.
Awesome! We loved the Waikoloa Village. It’s why we’ll go back to the Big Island next time!
Kea ( KAY AH) KA’U ( KA OOH)
Nice presentation!🤩