Travel Answers

One review says its a 5 mile hike while another says a local will drive ... is there alwasy someone who will drive you there without making you broke?

Is it cheaper to rent a car from the airport or in a downtown location in Kona? Also, has anyone used costco to rent a car and how does it compare to the other agencies. Thank you

Planning a family reunion in Kona next Christmas. Stayed at the water's edge in June and found it very hot. Is it hot and hardly any trades in winter as well? Should we plan on going up the hill for the trades?

I need a place for one night for me my wife, son and his girlfriend. Just need it nice and large enough for a night. Thanks for the help.

Hi folks, I'll be visiting Kailua, Big Island over the next 2 weeks and would love to continue playing pick-up soccer on my trips to the Hawaiian Islands. Do you know of any pick-up games occurring on the West side of Big Island? Thanks!

I heard the Hard Rock Cafe has been closed down due to the economy, is this true? Donna

We'll be in Kailua-Kona the day Obama is inaugurated. I know that Hilo has a party going on but what's happening in Kailua-Kona and is it opened to some mainlanders joining in?

I'll be staying in Kailua-Kona Feb. 7-12, 2009 and am looking for an oceanfront condo with either 2 or 3 bedrooms. It will be me, my husband, my mother and my 2 year old son. So, either a 2 bedroom with a pull out or spare bed, or a 3 bedroom. I've received quotes from the following properties that have availability. Have you stayed in any of these or can you recommend one? Alii Villas White Sands Village Kona Bali Kai Keauhou-Kona Surf and Racquet (Townhouse) I am also looking for availability at Sea Village or Banyan Tree, however the above properties are the ones who have already gotten back to me so far. We are not looking for anything fancy, something clean, with 1000 square feet or more, and close enough to the ocean that we can hear the waves. Plus, something where our two year old will feel free to run around. Mahalo!

Hello! I'll have a rental car at Kona as of 9 am and need to return it around 5pm the same day. Is there any WAY I can see live lava flow? I need to see it and want to see it in person. Help - I'm willing to drive a great distance to experience this once in a lifetime phenomena. Please help me - local advice needed. Aloha. . . Allison

I’m planning to go to Kona, HI Jan 31 – Feb 7, 2009 and was wondering what the weather will be like. Will it be sunny/rainy/stormy? What is the temperature like? Thinking of staying at the Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort. What is there to do around there? Is this a good area to stay in? Thanks!

Has anyone stayed at the Black Sands Beach House? What do you think of it? Also, I am in the Air Force but cant find anything on the Marine Corps Base and what it has to offer and if it has a hotel at the base - does anyone know? Where is the best place to go Scuba diving? Thank you for you help - cant wait to go in Jan.

Hoping some fine VT'er can help me out in getting a Kona Hard Rock Cafe City-T. Especially somebody who could accept a paypal payment (although, I can mail you a money order also) Have started collecting these for the past few years and am trying to 'retrofit' my collection. Either post here, or just email mail me directly. Thanx in advance. Dan

How much should I expect to pay for a round of golf (and I need to rent clubs) in Kona near the Marriot resort in Waikoloa? Also, what is the best area to go scuba diving in?

I will be arriving on the Carnival Spirit on April 24. I will be traveling with 6 people. We want to rent a car, I would like to know, what would be the best rent a car compamy to use. we need a mini van. Thank you

Our family will be visiting Hawaii On March 13-March 23. We have two children 4.5 and 2.5. We will need periodic babysitting services to help the grandparents wiht taking care of kids. You will not be alone wiht the kids we just need a female babysitter ages20-30 who is energetic and fun and responsible to help with entertaining kids, food prep when husband and I want some time to get away for afew hours. Can someone please advise me or even get me numbers of people with references? Thanks!!!!

We will be staying at a time share(Kona Coast Resort) we will only be there for a week in October. Is it possible to use public transit for getting around and to and from groceries, etc.? Thanks

We are heading to the BIg Island for a wedding later this year and our 6 year old son will be joining us. We plan to rent a house near the Waikola Hilton where the wedding will be taking place. I'd like to stay within walking distance of a beach perhaps has a protected lagoon or is considered a children's beach. Any suggestions?

there will be 6 of us going on a sunset cruise, is it only on Sat. eve and do we need to make reservations ( Jan 20) before we arrive? Any discounts on internet? We are interested in the 50' Hokuhele

Any suggestions as to who to get as your captain? Will be there for only a ady

Breakfast recommendations in Waikoloa and Kona areas?

My niece is competing in the Ironman this October. She is staying @ a resort condo in Keauhou. She suggests I look for a hotel Btween Palani Dr and the end of Alii Drive as they will be running in that area. Has anyone attended the event as a spectator that can recommend a hotel or condo that would be along this route?

My wife & I will be going on our honeymoon to Kona in late August. We're staying at the "Fairfield Hawaii at Kona Hawaiian Resort". Does anyone know if that resort offers free Wireless Internet access? If not, where's the cloest WiFi hot spot near Kona? My reasoning is that I'm in a MBA program and will need to access my work while honeymooning (tragic, I know!) Thanks!

My husband and I are traveling to Hawaii in January, and we are debating between going to Kailua Kona or to Waikiki Beach. Any suggestions on which one we should go to and why you suggest that it. Thanks...

Hi I was wondering if you might be able to help me out. My partner and I are going on a belated honey moon (got married July 2nd 2005) to Kailua-Kona from May 20-27. I wanted to surprise her with a romantic sunset dinner cruise and I don't know how to arrange that or who has the best price. Do I book it before we go there? I also wanted to reserve a table at some romantic place for lunch or dinner one day. It could even be a little bit secluded/remote. Is there some place a little bit outside that I could take her to as a surprice. I really appreciate your help as I am trying to see what I can do to make our vacation special. Thank you M

Since big resorts are not my thing, would anyone be able to recommend a bed and breakfast in Kailua-Kona area? Tks,

Which would you choose if you had the choice between the Hilton Waikola or Marriott Wailoka? Thanks for your help and suggestions.

We are arriving on 9/14 and staying at the Fairmont Orchid Hotel and would like some info on the area. What is there to do? Is the hotel a good one? Thanks in advance for your tips!!!!!

My fiancé and I will be spending our honeymoon in Kailua-Kona.. we will be traveling from Denver, CO to Kailu-Kona, and checking in at the Sheraton Bay and Resort. What's the best way to get around? Does anyone know if this resort has a shuttle service to the city? Is there a local willing to rent us their vehicle for a couple of days? Thanks for all of your replies

Aloha, I'm seriously thinking of moving to Kona. Right now I live in New York. It's exciting--most of the time; diverse and lots of things to do-if you want to. It's a beautiful state. But living here is very stressful. Traffic, overcrowded subways-you name it. I'm ready for a change. It's not all bad though: shopping is great, you can ride the subway anywhere for2. Still, I think the living would be better in Kona. I have a friend there who loves it. I'd like to hear what others have to say regarding work, salaries, and quality of life. I went to Oahu a couple of weeks ago. Will visit Kona very, very soon. Mahalo. p.s: I'm originally from a small town in N.C.

We will be traveling to Oaha on March 25-29 and then to Kona. Which would be the best for taking the Atlantis submarine and a whale watching excursion. I understand you can get either or both on both islands. Thank you!