First, why buy a package?

You've described wanting a trip around the Big Island, and Big Island is a pretty easy do it yourselfer.

The high end resorts and beaches are north of KOA on the west(leeward) coast. They are pretty much completely man made on a lava flow(think moonscape). It is hot and dry, very hot in summer.

The north is highland, cool, and cattle country.

Above Hilo on the east is the waterfall, and tropical forest. Rains a lot, and not many beaches due to high surf. Below Hilo on the east is Volcano, and the lava flows. Lava does not flow continously, and is usually observed after dark. I think the black sand beaches and a green beach are in the south(did not go), which is not very heavily populated.

The Dolphin deal is about 20 miles south of KOA, and only reached by boat(or a very long swim).

In addition to the Luxury Hotel complexes above kona, there are a large number of older hotels, particularly in and around Kona. We stayed one night at the Kona xxxxxx, and it was just fine. Cross between Motel6 & Howard Johnson's.

There is a large network of better B&B's throughout the island. We stayed at two, and thought they were great. Search Google for big island B&B. There is an association, and a list of 50 or so.

There is very good food on the island outside the Lux resorts all the way around the Island. A lot of tourist trap food, also.

Kona is very touristy, and the Luxury resorts are completely tourist. Avoid Kona when the cruise boat comes in.

You have to rent a car to get around.


[This message has been edited by slawecki (edited 05-18-2003).]