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#40858 - 03/02/10 07:08 PM
Re: Questions and Comments for Kona
[Re: Denbo]
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ronkat
Registered: 03/26/04
Posts: 745
Loc: Yakima, WA
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We loved that resort and the Big Island. If you have time, I would suggest going to the Parker Ranch. The history of that ranch and the just worth the visit. The ranch house is a museum with a history of the island.
We did a lot in the week we were there and had not seen it all. We also went to a Kona coffee farm and brought home some delicious beans.
Enjoy that beautiful island.
_________________________
Kathi
"Always do right. This will gratify some people, and astonish the rest."Mark Twain
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#40859 - 03/02/10 07:10 PM
Re: Questions and Comments for Kona
[Re: ronkat]
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Denbo
Registered: 09/01/06
Posts: 70
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Thanks for the tip, will do.
I would like to point out that the first post I submitted, I mentioned our room faced the road; this was just the front door - w have a great view of the pool.
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#40860 - 03/02/10 07:11 PM
Re: Questions and Comments for Kona
[Re: Denbo]
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Denbo
Registered: 09/01/06
Posts: 70
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We spent the day today as planned on our snorkel trip on the Hula-Kai (the second to two ships operated by Fair-wind). We arrived just after 9:00 and parked on the street in the adjacent neighborhood. Note: there is limited parking at their dock, so pay attention to their web site on where to park and leave extra time to navigate.
We arrived just as the Fair-Wind was leaving, they looked happy as was I for choosing the Hula-Kai. The Fair-Wind holds about 100; whereas the Hula-Kai seats 42. The Fair-Wind is more family orientated and Hula-Kai is 18 and older and geared towards the more advanced snorkeler, per their site uses Hydrofoil Technology allowing for faster speeds and smoother rides than other conventional catamarans. There is a price difference is about $30 pp and in my opinion worth every dollar. The Fair-wind staff were efficient a friendly checking us in. After a short introduction we were on board and on our way.
Side note: We have taken a number of snorkel cruises within the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico and in the Caribbean so and know what to expect as well as how important it is to board early and get a good seat ;-). I’m not saying be pushy, just focused in boarding as early as you can to get the seat you want. We choose the two front seats on the lower level and they were perfect. I will say there wasn’t a bad seat on the boat, unlike other trips we’ve been on. I would say if there are four of you – the best seat is on the lower level middle-back. They are about a foot above all the other seats and offer a first class view.
The boat is incredible – very clean, comfortable and the crew was first class. Our captain Brian gave us a quick overview of the boat and our day as we pulled out of the harbor, while his staff handed out gear. Once we arrived to our first stop, The Historic Capt. Cook Monument Brian went over the safety features and set expectations with us, emphasizing our personal safety and comfort were his top priority.
They offer nice snorkel gear so don’t feel like you need to bring your own, as well as prescription lenses. I liked their masks for they didn’t have the cheesy rubber head straps; they were custom-made with their logo and were a perfect fit. After catered breakfast of cooked eggs, granola with yogurt, croissants and fresh fruit, accompanied by 100% Kona coffee and juice we hit the water. I’m sure most of their selections were from Costco and were high quality, unlike other trips we’ve been on where they serve you day old bagels with jam and Folgers coffee ;-) they also left the breakfast bar open so when you returned from your first dive you could refuel if you wanted.
After over an hour at the site we were on our way to our second location Turtle Rock in remote South Kona. Most boats are not fast enough to get you there and this was another reason we picked the Hula-Kai. Prior to leaving the bay, Brian gave us a great overview of the Monument’s history; nice touch!
The trip to Turtle Rock was breathtaking and I don’t know about others but when we go on a snorkel cruise its 50% snorkel 50% seeing the island from the water; we were not disappointed. We stopped at a couple of sites along the way that we would have never seen otherwise. Unfortunately, the water was not in our favor and when we arrived at our second site it was not safe for snorkeling. No worries, we quickly headed back and enjoyed two additional hours back in a different site within the same bay that offered a completely different experience than the first. They also opened the dive to just about the entire bay so there was more to see than you had time. There were a few scuba divers and by the look on their faces when then got back on board they enjoyed the experience. They have a certified scuba instructor on staff and the divers received official dive time for their day.
After an hour in the bay we took a break and enjoyed a fantastic lunch of fresh ½ lb. Angus burgers (veggie available) with all the fixings – yum! After we ate, we jumped in again for some additional snorkeling. After the all aboard at 2:15 we headed back to the dock. To top off our day, we stopped in for some one-on-one time with a team of a couple hundred spinner dolphins; this made my wife’s day!
Over all I would give them a five star rating and would highly recommend this as a must-do on your trip to the Big Island
Cheers,
-Dennis
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#40996 - 03/14/10 08:21 PM
Re: Questions and Comments for Kona
[Re: Denbo]
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WakeAtTheLake
Registered: 01/20/05
Posts: 3
Loc: Northern California
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Hey, first time blogger… but thought I would share some thoughts and ideas. Some of this stuff probably has been in other blogs…..
If you fly in late at night don’t count on eating out. Most places stop serving food at 9 pm. Except for Dennys.
Some people say I‘m cheap… I call it frugal. We brought a closeable ice chest in our carry on.
So the next morning, we started off our trip by hitting Costco. Even if you are not going to cook, it worth it for drinks (beer, water, soda….). The marlin was great to bbq. Also gas is 50 cents a gallon cheaper there. No kidding 50 cents.
There is a great little farmer’s market downtown (Wed-Sun). At Alii Drive and Hulalalai Road. Great fresh fruit and veggies….
We were told by locals not to be in Lulu’s at closing time. We did go there once in the early evening. It was ok. We found we loved Oceans (right behind Lulu’s), no view but great food, drinks and staff. 20 beers on tap!!! The best was Taco Tuesday (also on Thursdays) Large taco’s $2.50, XX $2.50 and the same for Corona. Margaritas $4…
Kona brewing company was good too. Try the pizza and a strawberry salad. Ok the beer is good too.. Jackie Reyes was good for happy hour and pupus (appetizers).
If you go over to Hilo, Cronie’s is a rip off!
We did the dinner at Kalua Ranch the bus picks you up and drops you off at the resort. I’ve been around ranches before, but this was still fun dinner and a show. The show is actually going the whole time you are there and it is interactive. The food was good and all the wine or beer you can drink.
The Kona Blue Sky Coffee place has a nice free tour.. and when we were there they had some of their Kona Coffee at $14 a pound. That a steal…
We snorkeled from shore at two places (both free). Both places had lots of fish and turtles. Kahaluu beach only 3-4 miles south of resort. Pu’uhonuao Honaaunau National Park (don’t go through gate and pay to park. Turn right on street before gate and park free).
We went whale watching with Sea Quest. Very nice people and fun. Whales are unpredictable but we saw 5 or 6. We also saw dolphins and a “flying?” Fish.
We kayaked to Capt Cook’s monument and snorkeled there. Fun but work! Great fish and this is the same place all the paid snorkel boats take you. You can rent Kayaks on the way……
Akaka fall was nice, but a long drive. We also went to Volcano Winery, all the wines were very sweet…. Too sweet, so you might skip it….
Our friends went on the Helicopter ride out of Hilo but said it was not worth it. They had to work to even see a small spot of hot lava…
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#40997 - 03/14/10 08:27 PM
Re: Questions and Comments for Kona
[Re: WakeAtTheLake]
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Susie
Registered: 03/29/04
Posts: 74
Loc: Northern California
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Great job . Thank you for all the comments. This is a must read for any one planning on visiting this resort.
_________________________
Susie
Resorts Visited 21, trips 48 Most recent Depoe Bay; Favorites- Depoe Bay, Windsor, Anaheim, Victoria, Bass Lake, Seaside. Next trips: Anaheim (again), Oceanside(3X)
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#41003 - 03/15/10 05:20 PM
Re: Questions and Comments for Kona
[Re: Susie]
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WakeAtTheLake
Registered: 01/20/05
Posts: 3
Loc: Northern California
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Three things I forgot…
Don’t shop Safeway try KTA (local chain) cheaper but not as big…
Water shoes work better for snorkeling off shore than fins do…
Wal-Mart sells almost every souvenir that you would want just cheaper….
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