Trip Report 5/24-6/1

First off I want to think Hawaiidan and Mauna Kea Lady for all of their advice!

Details-

Family of four- Girls ages 8 and 10.

Car- 4x4 Trailblazer from Hertz

Hotel- Sheraton Keahou Bay Resort and Volcano House Hotel

Arrived at Kona airport around 3, we were extremely lucky and bags were one of the first off. Got on Hertz shuttle (which was packed!), I am Hertz Gold (highly recommended), so truck was waiting with keys in it. I had originally had Alamo reservations which was cheaper- but after reading the forums did not want to mess with.

Drove to Sheraton Keahou Bay- traffic was heavy. Resort was GREAT! The lobby is gorgeous, really nice views. Check-in was extremely efficient, we were upgraded to an Ocean View Deluxe room. The room was nice sized- everything was new due to the remodel. Had a good-sized fridge with a nice patio. Views were incredible- unobstructed view of the ocean. The pool(s) were great for the girls. They really liked the 200ft slide. for the first few days we basically had the pool to ourselves when we went- maybe 15-20 people around. It did get full for Sunday and Monday (Memorial Day weekend). Food was good- expensive but good-sized quantities that were enough to share. Also kids eat free with an adult meal- so it was advantageous for us. Breakfast Buffet was allright- not worth the money in my opinion. All in all we were extremely pleased with the Sheraton, especially considering the price and the lack of crowds until this place is ';discovered';.

The girls did the DolphinQuest at the Hilton. My thoughts on the Hilton was that if you want to goto a place that has everything and don%26#39;t really care about leaving then this is the place. Huge complex- which was packed the day we were there. I highly recommended the DolphinQuest for your kids- mine loved it and was well worth the money.

Went on a ';Valley Waterfall Adventure'; hike with Hawaii Forest %26amp; Trail. This was an excellent hike. The views were incredible and the guide was top notch (a professor from U of H). I highly recommend this company also- I would have done more if I knew how well run they were.

We went to several beaches that were 4x4 accessible only- although we did not have any problems, heed the warnings, going offroad over lava flows is a rough experience. But the views, and having an entire beach to yourself is worth it to me. The girls enjoyed the since of adventure- and the payoff. If u want more details just ask.

Went to the Hilo side for a couple of days. Did helicopter tour through Blue Hawaiian. Expensive yes, but to get views of the lava flows it is the best way. I thought it was worth the money and we got to see alot and take some fabulous pictures. This company was also very well run and the staff was very accommodating and friendly. We stayed at the Volcano House Hotel on the crater in Volcano National Park. We had a crater view room. Although I loved the hotel, I don%26#39;t think the wife or girls were terribly impressed. The breakfast buffet is worth the money- nice variety and all good quality. The park itself is real nice, excellent facilities all around. We also drove up to Mauna Kea, not to the summit due to the girls ages (ok- my wife would not let me). But we did goto the ranger station where they had all the displays and then waited for darkness to look at the sky. The staff up there (college students) were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. They had plenty of telescopes setup and helped set them up to look at whatever you wanted. My eldest daughter is a budding astronomer and was thrilled to be able to see Saturn and Jupiter (including moons), it was one of her favorite things of the trip. The southern cross was also visible- something I have only seen in pictures. Being above the clouds just added to the fantastic views. Have not seen anything like it. BTW- we brought coats with us- you will need them. I know there is alot of debate about the drive- we came from Hilo- the road was brand new almost the entire way. The road is very curvy, and hilly, with many blind curves but easily drivable. Same with the mountain. This is worth the trip- really.

Best restaurant was Kona Brewpub- great pizza, cold beer and the best service we got on the island. We did not have one unpleasant encounter with anyone we met. Everyone was laid back and very helpful. All in all this was incredible trip. The girls really enjoyed themselves. To any Big Islanders who read this forum- thanks for your hospitality and letting us visit your gorgeous island.

Trip Report 5/24-6/1

Nice trip report. Sounds like you all had a great time! Thanks for posting.

Trip Report 5/24-6/1

Nice detailed report. Enjoyed reading it.

We are going to the BI with my daughters, 7 and 10, this August and are staying at the Sheraton for two nights. Did you see any manta rays there? Was the pool heated? Are there screens on the sliding glass doors leading to the lanais?

Also, how long was the drive to the visitor%26#39;s center on Mauna Kea?

we were on the BI nearing the end of our trip and the beginning of your trip. read our brief report on ';i miss the big island'; post on the kailua-kona forum. sounds like you guys had a lot of fun! makes me wanna go back!!

There were no screens, just sliding glass doors. Bugs were not much of an issue though.

The pool is heated and there are 2 hot tubs, as well as waterfall, kiddie/rock pool, other fun pool features.

Can see the Manta Rays on the closed circuit tv%26#39;s- we did not see them in person. But you can pay to take a tour.

We went to Mauna Kea from the Hilo side- not from the Sheraton. I think it took us about 45minutes-1hour. Might want to have some locals give you a time frame- I would think it would be double having to come from the Shearton.

Have a wonderful trip!

We will be visiting Mauna Kea from Volcano Village; we are spending two days on both sides of the island. Thanks for the info!

aloha Ferris,

glad you %26amp; the family had a great trip!