Post #327503 by Tiki Kaimuki on Wed, Aug 22, 2007 5:54 PM

Just got back from the Big Island. So many things to do! I highly recommend doing a night dive/snorkel with the manta rays. It will blow your mind. We went with a company called Honu Divers(?)... Honu something- they seemed to be the best there was. We snorkled and the giant mantas came within a foot or two of us.
Also stop by Don the Beachcomber's in Kailua-Kona. We just went to the bar. Skip the crappy pizzas or salads and just stick to the fresh ahi sashimi(do this everywhere you go on the island). The "Don in the Coconut" drink was very refreshing. Look in the tourist books for coupons for "buy one, get one for a penny" mai tais( after 2:30). Also check out Lulu's bar- good drinks and some Elviki tikis.
If you go to the volcano park, bring a jacket. In some places it was cold(even rained) and others it was warm.
Rent snorkels and masks from Snorkel Bob's and snorkel as much as humanly possible.
Also eat as much local ahi, pineapple(esp. white), local mango, papaya, chocolate mochi(from KTA in Kailua), poi, and Kailua Wheat Beer by Kona Brewing. Buns in the Sun had some tasty kalua pork sandwiches.
The luau at Kona Village Resort is expensive, but worth it for its authentic buffet. They even had things that I haven't had in years. Get there EARLY though or you will be sitting in a seriously crappy seat in the back.
Have fun. I wish I was back there right now!