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Hawaii (Big Island)

Paradise Vacation - Hawaii The Big Island

by Bechtols

A May 2003 travel journal

Last Updated: June 12, 2003

Journal Usefulness Rating 2 out of 5
Journal Usefulness Rating
6
Reviews

Our first visit to the Big Island. We found the island to be very different than Maui. Pretty island with lava rocks everywhere. We loved the Kona Beach Club. Places to eat: Roy's,Bubba Gumps, Kona Inn and Biannels. Activities are limited and they charge you more.

Best Things Nearby:
Snorkeling 1/4 mile, grocery and drug store, VIEW is awesome, activities 7 miles away - very convenient

Best Things About the Resort:
Service, room - no bugs, pool is very nice, the shower, the two double beds in the 2nd bedroom.

Resort Experience:
It's a very nice place to stay. I'm not sure if I was in Kona Coast I or II but it was very nice. We had a unit close to the pool but without an ocean view (that is the only thing that would have made it better). They have everything you need (except muffin pans). The activity directors are not very helpful - the one downside to this resort. The security personnel are very nice. We really enjoyed our condo experience. Not a lot of activities for the kids - not as family oriented as others I've stayed in.

  • Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
  • Activities: Fair
  • Amenities: Very Good
  • Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
  • Family Friendliness: Good
  • Service: Excellent
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Bechtols on June 12, 2003

Kona Bali Kai Condo Resort
Ali'i Drive Hawaii, Big Island, Hawaii

Roy's Waikoloa

Restaurant

WOW - what a great place to eat. This would be our first recommendation if visiting the island (any island). Great service and great atmosphere. The food was awesome and worth every penny. Enjoy it all - don't diet that night (it's worth the splurge).
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Bechtols on June 12, 2003

Roy's Waikoloa
250 Waikoloa Beach Drive Hawaii, Big Island, Hawaii
(808) 886-4321

Bubba Gumps

Restaurant

It's a good place for families. The atmosphere is casual and fun. The Forest Gump theme is throughout the restaurant. The food is good and they have a kid's menu - which is hard to find if you have picky kids.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Bechtols on June 12, 2003

Bubba Gumps Shrimp Company
75-5776 Alii Drive Hawaii, Big Island, Hawaii 96740
(808) 331-8442

Biannelles

Restaurant

It's a really good pizza establishment. The lasagna is very good and the salads are big. The service was very good and a great place for families. Enjoy.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Bechtols on June 12, 2003

Biannelles
Downtown Hawaii, Big Island, Hawaii

Tex's

Restaurant

This establishment has great donuts. But remember it's just a donut (you can always get these at home). It's also the only place between Hilo and civilization so the food tasted good because we were very hungry. If you're needing a donut - go to Tex (but skip the rest; skip the Taco Salad). Fries are good - kind of expensive for the quality.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by Bechtols on June 12, 2003

Tex's
On the way back from Hilo Hawaii, Big Island, Hawaii

Jack's Dive Shop

Activity

My husband decided to do his checkout dives for PADI in Kona. He found Jack's to be the most resonable place to do this on the island. The staff was very nice and hooked him up with someone to do that. Additionally he made it available for us to snorkel and be with him one of the two days he checked out. While he did scuba we snorkeled - it was great. The staff was wonderful (we have two young children and they again were very good with them). Use Jack's dive shop if you want to check out in paradise.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Bechtols on June 12, 2003

Jack's Diving Locker
75-5819 Alii Drive Hawaii, Big Island, Hawaii

About the Writer

Bechtols
Bechtols
Florence, Kentucky

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