Any Big Island accommodation advice?

[Arugula Latte]

Aloha,

I've been to Kauai, Oahu, and Maui but never the Big Island. I think I will get a chance to see it later this year with our family group (consisting of one senior, four middle-aged people, and four teens). Any "inside baseball" advice for places to stay?

Ideally the rooms/condos/whatever would be on a beach (with sand, if possible, not just lava rocks) and have kitchens. Also, there would be activities for the teens to do.

I know the most likely places are in the Kona area, but Hilo also appeals for me for the Old Hawaii vibe and the green lushness.

Mahalo!

[pkdu]

1. Can't advise on the accommodations , but we loved our honeymoon on Big Island..especially

Helicopter flight over volcanoes..awesome.
Tropical garden ,started by Raymond Burr
Macadamia Nut plantation
Seafood, Seafood,Seafood

Oh , and rent a vehicle of course.

[Arugula Latte]

2. Thanks!

My #1 goal for the trip is to see lava hitting ocean water. Can't wait!

[salimbag]

3. Depends on how long you stay

For Hilo side, your best bet would be a B&B. Close to the volcano, and the windward side is lush and beautiful. Lots of nice places available. For Kona side, the condos around the Hilton are nice. Sandy beaches and desert, plenty of fresh lava. Lots of things to do that are free or really inexpensive. Have fun! Aloha!

[Arugula Latte]

4. Thank you!

I mean, Mahalo!

[mahina]

5. A local fave hands down is the Manago Inn.

If you get a third floor or even second floor room, you'll have an awesome view.
No wifi, no phones in the rooms, I don't think there are TVs either, and no room service.

From here you can go down to Kealakekua and paddle across to the Captain Cook monument. There's no beach handy but you can definitely get in the cleanest bluest water imaginable with a quick ride.

There's a restaraunt that is famous here for the pork chops.

In Captain Cook there's a great little cafe with an old movie house, or at least there still was last time I went. It's been a few years since Ive been to that side.

Classic old Hawaii, and very affordable. Don't tell anybody.

[Arugula Latte]

6. Thanks! I will check it out!

[salimbag]

8. Seeing your latest post

You are not here yet. Still time to think about what to do/see. On the windward side, Hilo is still a nice place to hang out. You can also go to Kalapana, Kapoho, Pahoa, Keaau, Mountain View, and Volcano. All south of Hlio. Active lava flow, the "glow" inside the park, hot pond, steam vents, black sand beaches. Going north, Akaka falls, botanical gardens, Laupahoehoe, Honokaa, Waipio valley, and on up the mountain to Waimea. Plenty of hiking and swimming opportunities. If you have enough time, I can give you some ideas about the leeward/Kona side. Aloha