Kailua-Kona Travel Forum

I'll be going to the Big Island in August 2004. I am looking for a travel companion to share expenses.

I was thinking about staying at a coffee plantation and renting a convertible.

I do want to see the lava flow, the stars one night at Mauna Kea and other things.

Any suggestions about inexpensive places to stay, restaurants, rental cars, things to see and do and possible ways to get around without a car ???

I've been to Oahu and Kauai and will be in Oahu again the last week in July on business. Any suggestions, ideas will be greatly appreciated !!! I am a single, 54 year old guy, who is physically active and walks most places here at home in the Washington, DC area, so I am used to getting around without a car.....but I do like convertibles....I'll look forward to hearing from some of you !!!

Please go to 2rs and look at his travel page. He was here recently and may have all the information you need.

for a nice quite place for breakfast try Shaka"s past Captain Cook along the highway. And make sure to get some fresh coffee beans from WernerEstateCoffee.Com grown in the KAU hills of Pahala. Good Stuff The trees are in good production right now.

Hi Bob,

I see that you want to see the stars from Manua Kea.
If you're thinking of renting a convertible, the rental company will tell you that you are not allowed to take it up to Manua Kea. My suggestion is to got with some of the companies that arranges tours to the summit at sunset followed by stargazing.
If you are looking for affordable accomodations you can beat two files at once and stay a night at Arnott's Lodge in Hilo ,http://www.arnottslodge.com, and you will get the Manua Kea Summit tour for $50.
Or you can go with Mauna Kea Summit Adventures, http://www.manuakea.com, from the Kona side for $165.

Hello! Seems that all responses to you are trying to 'sell you something'. Me and my partner just visited the Hilo side of the island for two weeks and could probably be helpful in regard to places to stay, etc. You'd DEFINITELY need a car or spend a fortune on taxis. Feel free to write us at DBRanch@copper.net
~Charles and Larry~

You need to rent an approved vehicle to Mauna Kea - it's well worth it but cold and take your time depending on your fitness as many travel buddies have become light-headed. You will need a car rental for the Big Island - very few buses and taxis are not plentiful nor cheap. Convertables are fun but expensive so you may want to get something more affordable and utilise funds for some nice places to stay. There are some very nice B&B's. IN Feb I stayed at Holmes Sweet Home which is run by a nice retired couple. A better option even still is At The Beach With Friends B&B. I stayed there too on the same trip and this was much more comfortable with nicely appointed rooms. It overlooks a lovely pond with beautiful plantings.

How much does the B&B "AT THE BEACH WITH FRIENDS" on the big island cost for a solo traveler? for two?
Thank you for the info,
Wes