7 Big Island Stays That Fit Every Style and Budget

Above, the Waikoloa Beach Hotel and Spa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Nine years ago (has it already been that long ago?), I visited the Big Island of Hawaii. I stayed at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa in Kona. 

While on the Big Island, I took a tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park by helicopter with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. We had to drive about 60 miles from Kona to Hilo to get to the Hilo airport to catch our helicopter flight. 

The Hawaii travel arrangements were provided by the Automobile Club of Southern California. 

AOL has posted an article on "7 Big Island Stays That Fit Every Style and Budget".

They begin it with:

The Big Island of Hawaii, officially named Hawaiʻi Island, is the largest and youngest of the main Hawaiian Islands. Famous for its volcanoes, landscapes, black sand beaches, and its diverse range of accommodations, it’s no surprise many tourists travel here year-round for the experience. Being twice the size of all the other Hawaiian Islands combined, covering 4,028 square miles (10,432 km²), there are quite a few places to stay. Kona or Hilo? Or is Waikoloa a better option? Are you interested in lava fields or waterfalls? This guide breaks down the 7 top places to stay on the Big Island to help you find the best location for your trip., 

To read more, go here.

Motley Fool: 7 Tips For Seeing Hawaii On A Budget

Above, the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Waikoloa Beach, Hawaii. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The state of Hawaii is opening up for tourists from the mainland and foreign countries. But, before going, check for any restrictions and requirements so that one can actually step foot there. I've read of some nightmarish problems of people who had CDC-approved proof of COVID-19 vaccinations who got rejected and had to go back to the mainland to get the "required" documentation and come back.

But, that aside, Motley Fool has an article on seven tips for seeing Hawaii on a budget. One tip is to seek out package deals. I did so five years ago and saved a lot of money through the Automobile Club. The package included round-trip airfare from the mainland, hotels, ground transportation and inter-island airfare.

Motley Fool begins their article with:

It's possible you'll enjoy your vacation more if you don't have to go into debt for it.

Like most vacations, the cost of a trip to the Hawaiian Islands depends on how far in advance you plan. Price is also determined by the steps you take to minimize "big" costs, and what you do once you're on an island. Here, we'll outline some of the easiest ways to visit Hawaii on a budget.

To read more, go here. 

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

Above, a view of the hotel grounds from our lanai. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last year, I spent part of a Hawaiian vacation on the Big Island at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. It was a nice resort and well worth the stay. We got it through an Automobile Club of Southern California package deal.

Seattle PI has an article on the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.

It begins with:

A short drive from KOA airport, along the Big Island’s Kohala Coast, Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa rests on the tranquil shores of Anaehoomalu Bay. The location is ideal for water sports and beach relaxation, with stunning sunsets and amazing ocean views offering a picturesque home away from home for a remarkable vacation getaway. Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is a luxury resort accentuated by breathtaking natural landscapes, so you’ll find yourself surrounded by a perfect blend of awe and amenities. 

A recent multi-million dollar renovation showcases a contemporary ocean decor highlighted by traditional Hawaiian design elements. I loved how even as expansive the property was, I felt welcomed by an intimate environment with attentive hospitality and courteous guest relations. Guest suites are a few steps from the main gathering spaces and all amenities were within quick reach of my room. The beautiful gardens and grounds are great for exploring, and I loved seeing coffee and fruit trees throughout the property.

Above, a view of the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa from the beach. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

The Big Island Travel Guide

Above, a luau at the Waikoloa Marriott Hotel and Resort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

People who are contemplating a vacation to Hawaii should also include the state's Big Island in their itineraries. Many don't have a clue on what the Big Island has to offer.

Fortunately, Coastal Living has an article what will enlighten them.

It begins with:

The largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago offers a stunning array of beaches and activities, not to mention food, drink, and resorts. Get your bearings in paradise with this list of bests. 

Larger than all of the other islands combined, Hawai’i Island has earned the fitting nickname of “Big Island.” Its diverse geography and history means you can stargaze at Maunakea, explore historic Kona coffee country, and encounter endangered sea creatures at Kaloko-Honokohau National Park in a single vacation. 

To read more, go here. 

Two Months Ago Today

Above, the boarding gate for our flight to Maui. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is hard to believe that it's been two months ago today that we departed from Hawaii. Time just zipped by.

We had to fly from Waikoloa to Maui to catch our flight to Los Angeles. We arrived at LAX around 11:00 PM.

While the trip had its fun times, it could have been a lot better had Denise Santos and I had resolved some issues (no need to go into that) before we even arrived in Honolulu. But, it is over and done with and nobody has the power to change the past, just learn from it.

Knowing what I know now, it was probably a foregone conclusion that this trip would end up being our "last hurrah" anyway. Too bad.

Above, a coconut palm at the Waikoloa Airport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When we arrived at the airport in Maui, it was pouring rain outside, but since we were in a sub-tropical climate, it was still warm and humid out.

The best times in Hawaii were the Pearl Harbor tour, the Big Kahuna Luau, the drive to Hilo (it was interesting to drive through terrain that had volcanic cinder cones) and the helicopter tour. While the Sheraton Waikiki was nice, I preferred the Waikoloa Marriott Hotel and Resort on the Big Island.

Would I go back? Certainly. I promised my former roomie Jes years ago that after she recovers from a (hopefully soon) liver transplant, I'll take her there. I know that, with her, I would have a much better trip there the next time around.

Some Hawaii Highlights

Above, an evening view of Diamond Head. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Our week-long vacation to Hawaii this past week was a fun-filled and educational trip.

We managed to enjoy the party atmosphere of Honolulu and Waikiki Beach as well as the wide open and relaxed spaces of the Big Island of Hawaii. We visited Pearl Harbor, the perfect place for people interested in World War II history and we also flew by helicopter over the Kilauea volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and were treated to views of lava.

We went to a great luau and we also drove across the Big Island to reach the Blue Hawaiian Helicopters terminal at Hilo International Airport from Waikoloa. We swam in Waikiki and Waikoloa, and we also swam in the pools of two hotels, the Sheraton Waikiki and the Marriott Waikoloa Beach Resort. 

The girls parasailed in Waikiki and one and her son were able to have an encounter with a dolphin.

The trip had something for each of us. I wouldn't mind going back.

Some highlight photos:

Above, a Honolulu sunset. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Arizona Memorial. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a hilltop view of Honolulu. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a fire dancer at the luau. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, what would a Hawaiian visit be without a hula girl? Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, approaching a volcanic vent during the helicopter tour. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, inside the helicopter during the tour. Photo from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters tour video.

Above, a palm at Kona Airport with coconuts. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Denise at Waikoloa Beach on the Big Island. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the view from our Marriott lanai. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last Night In Hawaii

Above, a crescent moon over Waikoloa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The last night in Hawaii didn't go off as planned.

I was to take a date on a sunset dinner cruise, but due to high winds and choppy seas, the cruise was canceled. That was disappointing.

We did manage to salvage the evening. We all went to Romano's Macaroni Grill a couple of blocks away from our hotel. There, we enjoyed some fine Italian food and the restaurant's staff gave one of our party a little celebration of her birthday.

After dinner, we prepared for tomorrow's departure. I decided to wander around the hotel's grounds where a luau was being held. At the time I observed (and photographed) the luau, they were having their "audience participation" portion of the show.

Above, audience participation at the Marriott's luau. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was a good trip and we marveled at how fast the week went by. And, it was under budget. We even got ourselves some good tans. But, it will be good to get back home.

Fun In Waikoloa

Above, the airport terminal. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We went from Honolulu on Oahu to Waikoloa on the Big Island of Hawaii today. It was a 45 minute trip to the island and the arrangements (pick-up from our hotel, the plane check-in, pick-up at the Kona International Airport and the room at the Marriott Hotel and Spa) went perfect like clockwork.

The airport was interesting, we did not leave the plane in a terminal, but rather by a winding ramp onto the tarmac. The terminal area was also something we weren't used to. The terminal gates were bungalows and the baggage claim area was an open bungalow. My suitcase was waiting at the baggage area, Apparently, it arrived before we did from another flight that left just before us. After my experience in Japan with my delayed suitcase, this was a welcome change.

Above, the view from our room. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following check-in at the Marriott, we changed and headed to the beach, where we lounged around, had mai tais and swam.

After a while on the beach, we headed to the Marriott's pools where we enjoyed the facilities. Then we decided to try kayaking for a half hour.

Above, on the beach in Waikoloa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We then returned to the pools and swam there for several hours until nightfall. After this we went out for dinner.