This is not your ordinary travel guide. Instead, I plan to guide you through the island with photos rather than words to inspire your next exotic getaway.
Destination: Big Island, Hawaii
 |
| cove |
 |
| vegetation |
 |
| cabana at sunset |
 |
| beach at sunset |
 |
| ahi poke in mango bowl. yum. |
 |
| breakfast on the terrace |
 |
| fresh sashimi lunch |
 |
| beach reading |
 |
| shades+hat=sun essentials |
 |
| poolside protection |
 |
| luau |
 |
| lanterns |
 |
| sunsets |
 |
| cruising |
 |
| snorkel/dive trip |
 |
| swim w/ manta rays |
Now I must leave you with a few tips:
1. Hawaii is EXPENSIVE. You could easily spend $30/person each meal, especially if you are munching/drinking poolside. To save money through the day, head to a grocery store to buy snacks, breakfast, and lunches. Most rooms have a little mini-fridge to store goodies, wine, beer, spirits - whatever you prefer.
2. RELAX!!! We usually are running from city to city, monument to monument, activity to activity while on vacation. Hawaii or any exotic locale should be your zen space. We didnt leave our hotel vicinity until the last day to go on the 1 activity we planned for the 6 day stay. Instead of paying for a snorkel trip, rent gear at a local shop for $10 for the week (not $15 for 45 mins at the hotel!) and snorkel off the beaches near the place you are staying.
3. Look at "clubs" the resort offers. Whatever hotel chain, whether it be Fairmont, Westin Resorts, Four Season..they have "clubs" where you can save money, get free miles, and free services while staying..all for ZERO $$. For instance, if you join the Presidents Club at the Fairmont resorts, you save $30 on cabana rental - which can go from poolside to beach and back. $15 daily rental versus $45 without the club.
4. Pick a 1-2 adventures that are life altering. It was a toss up between a helicopter ride to get a birds eye view of the island, a zip-line adventure, and a Night Snorkel with Manta's. DEFINITELY choose the Manta Snorkel. It was a spiritual experience swimming with these gentle 1 ton giants (with an 8 foot wingspan). Add to your "bucket list".
5. Venture off the resort/hotel property if you do chose to splurge for a meal. In the Fairmont in particular, the famous sushi chef - Norio - left the hotel to open his own restaurant just a mile walk away from the hotel - Monstera.
6. Keep your eyes peeled for sea animals and wildlife! If you pay attention you will see mongoose, green sea turtles and beautifully rainbow colored birds.
Enjoy your trip. Please feel free to reach out to me on my comments and research for more tips on the Big Island (also an expert on Maui)
Hi Melissa,
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of going to Kona in the near future. Some friend said they loved the Hapuna Prince do you happen to know of this hotel? They have awesome rates right now starting at 169.00 ~ Wow! http://www.princeresortshawaii.com/hapuna-beach-prince-hotel.php
Looks like an amazing trip! Please, take me with you next time? :)
ReplyDeleteGina - I dont know of the place but if its a friend of yours Im SURE its great. We were at the Fairmont in Kamuela. 1 word of advice - I didnt like Kona proper AT ALL. One restaurant we stopped at, on the way home from our night dive, had roaches running around. I was spolied at our hotel. Little secret is this trip was a work conference and I accompanied Fritz, so we got a little spoiled by the end :) But I was thrifty for breakfast, lunches, and activities!
ReplyDeleteMegs - cant wait to catch up!
Gina! Highly recommend checking Hapuna out it's supposedly the best beach on the island!
ReplyDelete