Hawaii - Big island (1 Viewer)

[Chaos Commish]

My friend that lives there has decided to stay in Washington instead of going home.  He said you need to stay indoors and have a/c at this point.  Air is unhealthy.

My friends with a coffee farm are staying inside with air conditioning discouraging their employees from working, but they're not leaving. Waikoloa residents claim clear skies and better air quality than Maui today. Hilo is clear with no issues, according to residents. There's people on Trip Advisor saying they just had great vacations there. So from Kilauea to the airport is dodgy and no place to vacation. The rest of the island is fine... as of today. 

 

[ex-ghost]

My friends with a coffee farm are staying inside with air conditioning discouraging their employees from working, but they're not leaving. Waikoloa residents claim clear skies and better air quality than Maui today. Hilo is clear with no issues, according to residents. There's people on Trip Advisor saying they just had great vacations there. So from Kilauea to the airport is dodgy and no place to vacation. The rest of the island is fine... as of today. 

Thanks. We will be in Waikoloa in about 10 days, for 5 days - then heading to Kauai.

 

[Osaurus]

Avis Rentals is the crap.  Didn't have our car, nor the 4 people behind us (4 door jeep), even though we all had reservations.  They ran out of cars, as we ran into many people that did not get a car all the time that we were there.  Gave us a Malibu and tried to charge us the same.  Spent 45 minutes on phone the next day while driving getting a credit.

My experience with Budget at Kona airport was similar.  Turrible.

 

[Short Corner]

Ran the air quality concern by my wife and she said "#### it" so we're still going.  Booked flights for the five of us from SJC for under 600 using miles and vouchers.  Will be staying at this place 8/23-30.

That sucks about the car rental.  Our go to move was always to land late with the mid-size reservation in hand, get offered an upgrade special, decline, then get it for free (convertible) because they ran out of mid-sizes.  Can you book thru Costco on the Big Island?

 

[Tick]

Can you book thru Costco on the Big Island?

What's this?

 

[Short Corner]

What's this?

For rental cars.  

 

[Tick]

I'm headed to Kona in February for the first time in 11 years. If I just see/do the things I've done before, that will be great, but is there anything new I shouldn't miss?

 

[Osaurus]

If you like mongoose, head north up the road to Mahai'ula beach. There’s sea glass there too.

 

[Navin Johnson]

Been going to Kauai tha last few years but looks like Alaska doesn't fly there any more. May need to switch it back up to Kona.

 

[Phil Elliott]

Been going to Kauai tha last few years but looks like Alaska doesn't fly there any more. May need to switch it back up to Kona.

Where are flying from? Alaska does fly into Kauai, maybe not from your city? It would be worth it to switch airlines in Honolulu to get to Kauai instead of going to Big Island.

 

[Phil Elliott]

I'm headed to Kona in February for the first time in 11 years. If I just see/do the things I've done before, that will be great, but is there anything new I shouldn't miss?

Not sure what you did last time. Helicopter ride?

 

[Navin Johnson]

Been going to Kauai tha last few years but looks like Alaska doesn't fly there any more. May need to switch it back up to Kona.

Where are flying from? Alaska does fly into Kauai, maybe not from your city? It would be worth it to switch airlines in Honolulu to get to Kauai instead of going to Big Island.

Will be flying out of the bay area. Trying to use our companion tickets so another airline isn't an option yet

 

[Phil Elliott]

Been going to Kauai tha last few years but looks like Alaska doesn't fly there any more. May need to switch it back up to Kona.

Where are flying from? Alaska does fly into Kauai, maybe not from your city? It would be worth it to switch airlines in Honolulu to get to Kauai instead of going to Big Island.

Will be flying out of the bay area. Trying to use our companion tickets so another airline isn't an option yet

I see many flights out of all the Bay Area airports.
ETA: maybe companion tickets are all full?

 

[Tick]

I'm headed to Kona in February for the first time in 11 years. If I just see/do the things I've done before, that will be great, but is there anything new I shouldn't miss?

Not sure what you did last time. Helicopter ride?

Post in thread 'Hawaii - Big island'
https://forums.footballguys.com/threads/hawaii-big-island.587986/post-13027378

 

[Brunell4MVP]

Been in Kona for a week and have another week to go.

- Waipio Valley is closed to tourists. Locals only. I'm told Pololu Valley is great but I don't plan to go this time
- The lava at Kilewaea is worth the trip while flowing
- Everything is like double the cost is was last year. Eggs in Costco are $12 for 18. $20 chicken tender meals are now $40. It's really insane. Even at roadside stands or local towns like Waimea
- Whales everywhere
- Hapuna beach still great for boogie board
- Kua Bay great for snorkeling
- Not much vog. I was expecting more.
- Don't waste time w Hilo. Hop a plane for like $80 and go to Maui or Kauai to see more spectacular waterfalls and plants

I think the Big Island is great for a vacation at one of the tourist resorts, like the Four Seasons or Mauna Lani. It will be sunny and gorgeous 363 days a year. But if I want the true Hawaii, I'm probably going to a different island with more rainfall throughout the island