We visited the Big Island during a very memorable day trip from Maui, flying to Hilo.  There we rented a car, and travelled up over the mountain and back down again to visit the site of the active volcano.  This is very doable, but it whetted our appetite for another trip to this island that remains largely undeveloped.  I have been gathering information from friends, and recording it below.

 

The island does not have natural beaches, as on Maui, so the resorts have carved them out of the volcanic rock.  The developed resorts are reached best by flying to Kona, and then heading north along the coast from there.  The volcanoes are best reached by flying to Hilo (the wetter side of the island).  Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

 

Here is what one family did on a trip during the summer of 2004:

 

Palms Cliff House.  Telephone:  808-963-6076.  This is a beautiful Victorian home, a very high end bed and breakfast, on the ocean north of Hilo.  Highly recommended.  http://www.bootsnall.com/hostels/usa/hi/1157.shtml

 

Carsons' Volcano Cottage.  Telephone:  808-967-7683.  A rather spartan place, recommended only because of the location near the active volcano.  The cabins are not recommended -- reminiscent of the bygone days in the North Woods -- but the lodge is a better bet.  http://www.carsonscottage.com/

 

Mauna Lani Point.  Telephone:  808-885-5022.  Luxury resort on the northwest coast of the Big Island.  Our friends were happy that they rented a condo.  http://www.classicresorts.com/mlp/mlp_index.html