Just a taste

[moonpod]

The Big Island of Hawaii.

[Detritivore]

hey, all those YT's look like they could fit in a 3 foot cube...i know what im stocking my new tank with! :p

[moonpod]

http://homepage.mac.com/moonpod/iMovieTheater33.html

[VegasMike]

Chuck,

I am picking up my pics this afternoon from the Big Island. Those pics gave me Deja Vu. The Four Seasons has a little protected area off one of the beaches that I was snorkelling in and came up on a turtle like that and was focused someplace else, turned my head and he was about 2' directly under my face. There are quite a few turtles that hang out in this protected area, come to find out, One day we saw three at one time while we were laying on our chairs on the beach enjoying our skewered fruit, evian spritzes nad pampering service. I went out later in the trip and had one actually approach me and suface less than 2' away. I hope that pic comes out as my wife took it.

I am guessing the Yellow Tangs were out at Captain Cook? That was a great snorkel trip and the outfit that ran it did a great job.

After many, many trips to Maui and Kauai, this was out first trip to the Big Island and definitely not our last.

Mike

[moonpod]

The tangs? Prolly honaunau. Last time I swam the bay to captain cook and got just chowed by the jellies. Hualali (4 seasons) is nice. I like the orchid and mauna lani bay more. Less isolated. If you really want to "get away" try the kona resort next to the 4 seasons.

[VegasMike]

We ate at the Orchid, Brown's Beach House. One of the best restaraunts we went to, IMO. The Orchis "felt" just like the Kea Lani to both my wife and I. We wanted the added seclusion the Four Seasons offered along with the service and did not want to stay in a hut. I'm sure the Kona Resort is really nice, but one of my partners recommended the Four Seasons. We were sans kids for the first time in nine years and I can honestly say it was very nice.

We want to go back to the Big Island next year with the kids and either stay at The Orchis or The Mauna Lani Bay and Bungalows. Heck, we even discussed going back late August, but don't have the time between Oregon and "back to school".

I really enjoyed the Big Island as it seemed to be somewhere between the slow paced Kauai and the tourist trap that Maui is becoming.

Mike

[moonpod]

Exactly why I love the Big Island and I keep coming back. Absolutely the Hualalai is a really, really nice place.

It's funny you mention the Kea Lani, b/c I really like that place too. I HATE the Grand Wailea.

[VegasMike]

We have stayed at The Grand Wailea a few times, each time it was more crowded than the last. The only reason we like it is that our two older boys can find plenty to do with the pools and just check in as they make their rounds. The Kea Lani is definitely more relaxed, but we found the in-room decor to be a little worn. I think they have been redoing it since we were there last, three years ago, so we might have to give it a try the next trip to Maui. I don't know when that will be now that we have tried the Big Island....I have stayed at the Mariott in Lihue and the Princeville (Sheraton I think) on Kauai. The Mariott was just OK (Beach in a bay so not real scenic) and Princevill is just too rainy. We may have to try either the Hyatt or the Sharaton (or a Condo) down in Poipu.

I am still looking forward to going back to the Big Island though over any of the islands.

[moonpod]

Hanalei rains a lot but the surf rocks.

In Poipu there's a new Marriott right on the beach. They've got ocean front suites/condos that are very reasonably priced. However, IMO Kauai's got nothin' on the Big Island.

Kea Lani is undergoing some renovations.

[moonpod]

http://homepage.mac.com/moonpod/PhotoAlbum32.html

some more pix are up