Big Island travel planner - Hawaii - Brief Article

For island resort, hotel, and general travel information, contact the Big Island Visitors Bureau at (800) 648-2441 or www.bigisland.org. Hawaii's Best Bed & Breakfasts (800/262-9912) handles reservations for the state's top B&Bs. Always check restaurant hours; make reservations where accepted. Area code is 808 unless noted.

* Kona coffee country

Kona Coffee Living History Farm. Two-hour living-history tours. 8:30 Tue, Thu; reservations required. $20, $15 ages 5-11; 323-2006.

Sea Quest Rafting and Snorkeling Adventures. Morning (best time) four-hour snorkel trips. From $65; 329-7238 or www.seaquesthawaii.com.

NoeLani Farms. Order Noelani Whittington's custom-roasted Kona coffee ($23.59 per pound). (877) 322-3579 or www.noelanifarms.com.

Lodging and dining

With its killer views, pool, and six comfortable rooms with private bath, Holualoa Inn (from $150; 800/392-1812 or www.konaweb.com/HINN) is a value. The recently renovated Aston Keauhou Beach Resort (from $115; discounts available; 800/922-7866 or www.astonhotels.com) edges one of Kona's rare sandy beaches. Teshima Restaurant (322-9140) in Honalo, near Kealakekua, is where locals gather for Japanese-American food. For perfect pasta and creative noodle dishes, head to unassuming Oodles of Noodles (329-9222) in the Crossroads Shopping Center in Kailua-Kona.

* Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visitor center open 7:45-5 daily; $10 for seven-day pass. Information and eruption updates; 985-6000.

Hawaii Volcano GeoVentures. Tours with Janet Babb are designed to match your interests. From $125 a day for two persons; 985-9901.

Lodging and dining

Chalet Kilauea Collection (800/937-7786 or www.volcano-hawaii.com) offers a full range of inns and vacation home rental choices in Volcano Village (from $45). Make reservations for dinners in the historic dining room at Kilauea Lodge (967-7366) in the village.

* Hilo and Waipio Valley

Hilo Farmers' Market. On the corner of Mamo St. and Kamehameha Ave. in historic downtown Hilo, it runs dawn-4 P.M. Wed, Sat. Destination Hilo; 935-5294. Hilo Farmers' Market; 933-1000.

Waipio Valley Rim Hikes. Guided 3 1/2-mile hike that Hugh Montgomery rates as moderate. $75 per person. Hawaiian Walkways; (800) 457-7759.

Lodging and dining

In Hilo, try the historic Shipman House Bed & Breakfast Inn (five rooms with private bath from $140; 800/627-8447 or www.hilo-hawaii.com). Cozy and quiet, Waipio Wayside (five rooms, from $95; 800/833-8849 or www.waipiowayside. com) is on the road to Waipio Valley. Island Grinds (Bayfront Beach, Hilo; 895-0625) fires up the lunch wagon 10-2 Men, Wed-Fri. For good Japanese dishes, try Honu's Nest (270 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo; 935-9321).

* Kaloko-Honokohau

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. It should be officially open to visitors by early summer. Call the office for details about interim coast access via the small boat harbor. 329-6881.

Lodging and dining

The Kohala Coast is where you'll find the island's best - and priciest - resorts, including the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (from $450; 800/332-3442), the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (from $325; 800/882-6060), and the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows (from $325; 800/367-2323).

For heaping helpings of local fish and Hawaiian favorites, wait for a table at Sam Choy's Restaurant (in the Kaloko Industrial Park near the national park; 326-1545).