Expert: Bruce Fisher - 3/11/2009

Question
Hi Bruce, stumbled across your page, wondered if you could help. We are due to come & visit Big Island in May this year, staying at Waikeola Beach - flying in from London and we have to stop over either in LA or San Francisco first before catching flight in to Honolulu before onto Hilo. We didnt know if we should extend our holiday and stay 2 nights in either LA or San Fran if given opportunity to choose, or should we just wait in airport 3 hours and forget seeing those places and get to Hawaii and stay there for longer instead?

We are due to stay at the Volcano House Hotel on B.I for 1 night as well - during our stay at the Marriott at A Bay.
Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Regards Jane London

Answer
Aloha Jane,

Personally I would vote for coming straight to Hawaii, however, San Francisco is a beautiful place and there is a lot to see there. This is really a decision that you and only you can make. It also depends on how long your actual vacation is. As a rule of thumb, I usually recommend people spend at least a week in the Islands but if you have more time you can experience more of what we have two offer here.  Additionally, if you have more time it might make sense to spend a couple of days in San Francisco before you come over to Hawaii.

With regard to the Volcano House be prepared for very rustic, old style accommodations. The property is very basic and it's really just a place to stay while visiting the Volcano and since you're there for only one night that should be ok.  The Marriott Waikoloa is quite nice and I think you will enjoy it there.

We plan on talking about your question on our podcast so look for episode 301 http://www.hawaii-aloha.com/podcast/index.php we also do the show alive every Wednesday (today) and Friday at 3 p.m. Hawaii time feel free to join us http://www.ustream.tv/channel/hawaii-vacation-connection

Mahalo,  Bruce