Originally Posted by cblaisd

If you do stay on the east side, other highlights I'd suggest would be: The Tsunami Museum in Hilo, the Lyman Museum in Hilo, Akaka Falls, the 4 mile scenic drive from Papaikou to Peepekeo (on your way to Akaka Falls -- and stop at the What's Shakin' Smoothy Stand ), Laupahoehoe Point (the most dramatic, imo, seaside spot on the Big Island), the Imiloa Astronomy Center and Planetarium (brand new with an incredible display of Hawaii history and culture, and, some say, the most state-of-the art planetarium in the world).