Posts: 132
From: Yorba Linda, CA, USA Owner: Peacock Suites (Anaheim, CA), floating
Registered: Jan 2001

posted 10-28-2004 12:34               

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I put in an ongoing request for Hawaii, and got the Paniolo Greens - I don't know much about the Big Island, we've never been there, but it sounds like this resort is far away from things. However, it does sound green and lush.

I just put in the ongoing request last night - should I wait or take this? Sounds like Kona Coast is pretty nice...

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Susan C.
Proud owner at the "Wish I had known about TUG before I bought" Resort

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Posts: 1920
From: San Ramon, CA, USA Owner: Maui Lea at Maui Hill, San Diego Country Estates
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 10-28-2004 12:57               

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We stayed at Paniolo Greens a few summers ago and we'll be staying there again next summer. When I asked Steve if we should take it or wait he told me to take it. Yes, Paniolo Greens is not on, or near, the beach. But the units are nice, roomy, and the location is good for getting to many places. It's not far to get to the beaches at Hapuna or Mauna Kea (in my opinion two of the beautiful beaches on the islands), it's more convenient to get to all the locations at the north end of the island (Hawi, Waimea for example).

That said, I also like staying in the Kona area. Several summers we've spent a week in Kona and a week in the Waikoloa area (either Paniolo Greens or the Bay Club).

I think you'll find that no matter where you stay on the big island you'll end up in your car and driving quite a bit. It is the "big island" and in order to see everything you do need to drive.

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Luanne

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Posts: 132
From: Yorba Linda, CA, USA Owner: Peacock Suites (Anaheim, CA), floating
Registered: Jan 2001

posted 10-28-2004 13:06               

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Thanks Luann - I think we might take this. It is a 2 BR 4th of July week (same as what we deposited, but in Sou Cal). I appreciate your input.

Susan

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Susan C.
Proud owner at the "Wish I had known about TUG before I bought" Resort

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Posts: 1920
From: San Ramon, CA, USA Owner: Maui Lea at Maui Hill, San Diego Country Estates
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 10-28-2004 13:20               

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We'll just miss you. We're there June 18 - 25. Then on to Molokai for a week, and then back to the big island for 3 nights at the Kilaeua Lodge in Volcano.

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Luanne

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Posts: 10
From: N.C. Owner: Sheraton Broadway Plantation, Myrtle Beach
Registered: Jan 2001

posted 10-28-2004 13:21               

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We stayed at Kona Coast I in July. I agree, you will drive a lot if you want to see the island but it is well worth it! Volcano National Park and driving to the top of Mauna Kea are two of my favorite memories. Only downside I see to Paniolo Greens is that it is a bit distant from everything - grocery stores, shopping, restaurants, beach, etc. Just be aware that you'll be doing a lot of driving and gas is very expensive on the Big Island. If you're interested in a helicopter tour, Blue Hawaiian flies out of Waikoloa so you'd be close to that.

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Posts: 132
From: Yorba Linda, CA, USA Owner: Peacock Suites (Anaheim, CA), floating
Registered: Jan 2001

posted 10-28-2004 13:35               

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We'll be there with our two boys ages 11 and 8, so will probably do lots of beach and pool stuff during the day. Is there a sunny part and rainy part of the island? I know they will also want to see the volcanos!!!

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Susan C.
Proud owner at the "Wish I had known about TUG before I bought" Resort

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Posts: 1920
From: San Ramon, CA, USA Owner: Maui Lea at Maui Hill, San Diego Country Estates
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 10-28-2004 14:08               

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Actually there is a grocery store right next to Paniolo Greens. We shopped there when staying at the Bay Club as well as when we stayed at Paniolo Greens. There are no restaurants close by though.

The side of the island you'll be staying on is the "sunny" side. The Kohala Coast, where Hapuna and the beach at Mauna Kea are, is generally gorgeous. The Hilo side is where there is more rain. Volcano, and the Volcano National Park, get cooler at night, but it's still usually clear during the day. That said we've gotten rain a few times when we were at the volcano.

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Luanne

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Posts: 132
From: Yorba Linda, CA, USA Owner: Peacock Suites (Anaheim, CA), floating
Registered: Jan 2001

posted 10-28-2004 14:22               

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Sounds great! I noticed some reference to turkeys and wind in the reviews - any input on that? Thanks so much for helping me!

Susan

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Susan C.
Proud owner at the "Wish I had known about TUG before I bought" Resort

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Posts: 1920
From: San Ramon, CA, USA Owner: Maui Lea at Maui Hill, San Diego Country Estates
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 10-28-2004 14:51               

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quote:

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Originally posted by SusanC:
Sounds great! I noticed some reference to turkeys and wind in the reviews - any input on that? Thanks so much for helping me!

Susan

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Turkey, I don't remember any. But wind, yes, there was lots. We had the option of buying air conditioning (they only charged you if you used it) and we opted not to. We never needed it. The wind was so bad one day that the lamp in the master bedroom got knocked over and the screen door in the other bedroom got blown of it's track. That said, remember we are going back next summer.

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Luanne

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Posts: 2558
From: Idaho-God's Country.
Registered: Oct 2001

posted 10-28-2004 18:07               

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quote:

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Originally posted by Luanne:
Turkey, I don't remember any. But wind, yes, there was lots. We had the option of buying air conditioning (they only charged you if you used it) and we opted not to. We never needed it. The wind was so bad one day that the lamp in the master bedroom got knocked over and the screen door in the other bedroom got blown of it's track. That said, remember we are going back next summer.

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That's why the area is known a Wai-ko-blow-ah instead of Waikoloa. Hold on to your hats. I would rather stay near Kona town.

Phil

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Posts: 2011
From: Wrightwood, CA, USA
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 10-28-2004 18:30               

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Hi Susan, Is that this July? Maybe we can meet up and say hi, we'll be there that week at Bay Club, which I think is pretty close.
Liz

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Posts: 1920
From: San Ramon, CA, USA Owner: Maui Lea at Maui Hill, San Diego Country Estates
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 10-28-2004 18:41               

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quote:

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Originally posted by philemer:
I would rather stay near Kona town.

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I'm happy with anyplace on the big island.

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Luanne

[This message has been edited by Luanne (edited 10-28-2004).]

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Posts: 3835
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 10-28-2004 18:43               

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And I would rather be anywhere on the island except Kona. To each his own. We liked Paniolo Greens a lot.

quote:

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Originally posted by philemer:
I would rather stay near Kona town.

Phil

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All my postings, except those showing changes in the reviews on the Western US section are my personal views and have nothing to do with my volunteer efforts. The latest reviews can always be found at the Western U.S. Review Index Page.

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Posts: 3103
From: B.C. Canada
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 10-28-2004 23:33               

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As for the wind, I think I wrote in my review that when we checked in, we noticed those flip-down door stops on all the doors, and couldn't figure out why. Well, soon enough. The wind slammed those doors so that you thought they would come off the hinges!!

We really enjoyed our stay there, but are opting for in Kona for our next visit. While we don't mind driving, we found the drive back to the resort after an evening in Kona a bit taxing, and there really are no restaurants within walking or taxi distance.

Bev

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Posts: 1920
From: San Ramon, CA, USA Owner: Maui Lea at Maui Hill, San Diego Country Estates
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 10-29-2004 09:35               

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My personal opinion is that wherever you stay for your first visit on the big island will be great. You'll end up in your car a lot (and since you're from southern California you'll be used to that, lol) and can explore the island and figure out where you'd like to stay "next time".

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Luanne

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Posts: 132
From: Yorba Linda, CA, USA Owner: Peacock Suites (Anaheim, CA), floating
Registered: Jan 2001

posted 10-29-2004 17:20               

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Thanks everyone - I did confirm the PG. I feel pretty glad to get a 2 BR July 4 week in Hawaii! Also have nearly enough airline miles for all four of us - will need to pay about $500 to purchase 20K in miles to balance it out, but $500 for four people to fly to Hawaii is pretty good, I think!

Luanne, you are right about us being used to being in our cars and driving anywhere. And I think we will enjoy being away from everything some days, just hanging at the pool. We'll see what we want to do on our second trip! ;-)

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Susan C.
Proud owner at the "Wish I had known about TUG before I bought" Resort

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Posts: 3835
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 10-29-2004 17:42               

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Don't miss the malasadas at Tex Drive in in Honokaa, worth the drive. Also Kama'aina Woods showroom in the same town has some great stuff. If you want an inexpensive place to eat in Waimea, try Yong's Kalbi, very good food. It is in the strip center across from the Parker Ranch mall.

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All my postings, except those showing changes in the reviews on the Western US section are my personal views and have nothing to do with my volunteer efforts. The latest reviews can always be found at the Western U.S. Review Index Page.

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Posts: 2558
From: Idaho-God's Country.
Registered: Oct 2001

posted 10-29-2004 21:38               

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quote:

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Originally posted by SusanC:
Thanks everyone - I did confirm the PG. I feel pretty glad to get a 2 BR July 4 week in Hawaii! Also have nearly enough airline miles for all four of us - will need to pay about $500 to purchase 20K in miles to balance it out, but $500 for four people to fly to Hawaii is pretty good, I think!

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Susan,
Which airline are you flying? You can get 10,000 to 20,000 FF miles with some airlines by getting an affinity credit card. AA gives 8K to 10K and UA 15K or 20K. Most airlines also restrict the # of miles you can buy. Some only allow you to purchase 5,000. Check it out.

Phil

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Posts: 132
From: Yorba Linda, CA, USA Owner: Peacock Suites (Anaheim, CA), floating
Registered: Jan 2001

posted 10-30-2004 17:19               

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We will be on American. I already have an AA credit card, that is how we got as many miles as we have! The AAdvantage counselor I talked to told me how to purchase the 20K miles we need, said it would take about 72 hours to post to our account, and our reservations would be held for 2 weeks.

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Susan C.
Proud owner at the "Wish I had known about TUG before I bought" Resort

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