THE BEST WAY TO THE BIG ISLAND From LAX, nonstop service is offered on Delta, United and American, and connecting service (change of planes) on Hawaiian, United, Continental and Northwest. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $364. WHERE TO STAY Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, 62-100 Mauna Kea...
THE BEST WAY TO THE BIG ISLAND
From LAX, nonstop service is offered on Delta, United and American, and connecting service (change of planes) on Hawaiian, United, Continental and Northwest. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $364.
WHERE TO STAY
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive, Kohala Coast; (808) 882-7222 or (866) 977-4589; www.maunakeabeachhotel.com. Eight stories, 258 rooms, four restaurants, pool, spa, beachfront setting with 36 neighboring golf holes. Brochure rates $450 to $1,000 nightly. Special offers through Sept. 30 include free children's meals, and travelers booking a $700 room can have a second room free.
Volcano House,
Rustic cabins also available three miles away at $55 per night.
WHERE TO EAT
Kilauea Lodge, Volcano Village; 19-3948 Old Volcano Road, Volcano Village; (808) 967-7366, www.kilauealodge.com. Breakfast and dinner in a refurbished old lodge. Dinner entrees $19.50 to $45.
Lava Rock Cafe, 19-3972 Old Volcano Highway, Volcano Village; (808) 967-8526. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Prices up to $9.95.
Daniel Thiebaut, 65-1259 Kawaihae Road, Kamuela (Waimea); (808) 887-2200, www.danielthiebaut.com. French meets Hawaiian, with lots of local ingredients. Dinner entrees about $20 to $39.
Pau, 65-1227 Opelo Road, Kamuela (Waimea); (808) 885-6325, www.paupizza.com. Casual soups, salads, pizzas and snacks. Sandwiches $9 to $12. Entrees $15 to $20. Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.
TO LEARN MORE
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, www.nps.gov/havo.
Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau,www.gohawaii.com.
Big Island Visitors Bureau, www.bigisland.org.