Just booked a trip to Hawaii

[SmokinDVM]

Going in September, 25th wedding anniversary.

Staying on the Kohala Coast on the Big Island.

Never been to Hawaii before. Anyone have any suggestions on a real nice place to do dinner? You know, extra special. Cost is not a concern, but looking for quiet, romantic location.

Also, will be renting a car, so does anyone know of any places that need to be seen that are off the beaten path?

[mauied1101]

Four Seasons Hualalai... everything there is excellent...

there's a place not too far from the area called the "kona brewing company" ... brew pub for everyday fare, and a couple diners with local favorite called the "loco-moco" (hamburger patty with a fried egg on top served on rice with gravy).

lots of coffee plantations if you like it... heart of kona coffee country... check out greenwell farms.

off the beaten path... get the book "hawaii the big island revealed"...

gotta check out the black sand beaches, green sand beaches, and the red sand beaches...

we went to a couple and it was cool because there would be signs that said "turtle resting area - do not disturb" and you'd see them sleeping there on the beach. just make sure you read the auto rental contracts - there are some "off the beaten track" places that can only be reached via unpaved roads and the rental companies forbid those - and will never let you rent from them again if they find out (or if they have a GPS attached to the car). and watch out for bugs in your car which only come out at night - we had an SUV that had soooo many that we had to trade it in. seems like a not-so-infrequent happening.

you'll see lots of fliers for helicopter tours of the volcano - make sure it's actively running - when we went, it was little more than a nose bleed. and make sure you ride in a larger 6 seater chopper if you do go on the ride.

oh yeah - the Hilton Waikaloa Village up the street from the Four Seasons has something called Dolphin Quest where you can touch, kiss, swim with (but not on) dolphins... a little expensive, but how many people can say they've done that?

that's all i can think about for now, but that'll get you going. check out the book!

and congratulations on your 25th anniversary!!!

[SmokinDVM]

We're staying at the Hapuna Prince, looks like a nice place with good recommendations. Will look into the Four Seasons for dining, and where it's at.

Planning on taking a guided, all day volcano tour. Unlikely we'll take any heli tours though.

Mmmm, coffee, the drink of the gods. Will definitely be visiting a couple of plantations. Will check out Greenwell.

Looking forward to seeing the beaches, heard they were very cool.

Will look into the Dolphin Quest also, sometimes I can get "special tours" being a Vet. and all.

Gotta buy the book. Thanks for these ideas, keep 'em coming.

[Lopaka]

Are you going to stay on the Big Island or go over to Oahu?

[SmokinDVM]

Are you going to stay on the Big Island or go over to Oahu?

Probably just staying on the Big Island. We don't want to waste time in airports, at least as much as we can avoid it.

[Lopaka]

I lived on Oahu. Never been to the Big Island or Maui and they are the only "true" Hawaiian Islands. Kilauea volcano is the big attraction on the Big Island.

[guado]

When in september? I'll be island hopping starting 09-11 for a week.

[SmokinDVM]

When in september? I'll be island hopping starting 09-11 for a week.

We'll be flying home on the 10th.

[guado]

We'll be flying home on the 10th.

Oh well. Would have been neat meeting a CS member half way across the world for a smoke!

Hope you have a GREAT time. You'll be going for 25 and I will be going for my one day anniversary.

[SmokinDVM]

Oh well. Would have been neat meeting a CS member half way across the world for a smoke!

Hope you have a GREAT time. You'll be going for 25 and I will be going for my one day anniversary.

Congratulations!

That reminds me, I'll need to get a bigger travel humidor. My existing one won't hold enough to last 10 days.

[Bassfever]

Congrats to both of you. A very beautiful place for sure. Been to Maui and Kauai for our honeymoon. The road to hana is incredible. the Maui Mountain Riders, Inc. is also really good, There is a smith luau on one of those islands we did and MMMMMMMMMMM if you like to eat. I am sure I will think of more.