Aloha! The East side of the Big Island has rain forest, waterfalls, spectacular coastal cliffs and valleys, several funky "old Hawaii" villages, and the utterly amazing Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Many visitors make the mistake of staying at the posh Kona side resorts the whole time they are here, or making a rushed day-trip drive over to see the volcano. I suggest that you spend those days you can't get into the FS Hualalai at a vacation rental home near Hilo. There are some very nice properties available with ocean views, pools, and plenty of comfort. You won't find luxury resorts in East Hawaii, but you will find plenty of aloha, drop dead georgeous scenery, and a real feel for the culture and history of Hawaii.