Originally Posted by HKTraveler

Planning a trip to Honolulu and the Big Island for next Feb and would like to get everyone's help. It will be a family trip with kids and we plan to spend most of the time on the Big Island. Probably fly into Hilo and out from Kona. Any thoughts on hotels for these locations?

Honolulu - two nights stay and a comfortable and convenient hotel preferred. Doesn't have to be super luxurious since I am traveling with another family and not sure they want to spend a lot on hotels

Hilo - am thinking Shipman Inn for 3 nights from the recommendation in another thread. Is this convenient enough to do day trips into Volcano National Park?

Kona - on the other side of Big Island, want to find a nice hotel as a base for 4 nights. FS Hualalai is full and am debating between Mauna Kea Beach Hotel or Fairmont Orchid. Are there others I should consider? How do these two stack up?

Any help is appreciated!