@Accidental Southerner, thanks for the book recommendations

@Robert, OH NO!!! That is great information, thank you. Yes, it looks like I will have to check out the big island some more. We didn't get my daughter to the botanical gardens on the Hilo side, and she would love it. Our frustration with the big island was that its so big! ;) We liked snorkeling at 2 steps, but its really not close to much else. I'd like to snorkel at Captain Cook, but I think that hike is too much. Would love to go back to Volcano and see Kilauea if it is erupting, it quit the day we arrived a couple years ago! We loved the Hilo side, but wouldn't want to commit for an extended time because we would want to ensure some sun for part of the time. I'll check out "your" area a bit. Last time we were at Waikola, and it was not really our type of place. We also stayed in Hilo for a few days. Loved it there, but, would worry about weather. When we were there it was sunny every day, but we were told that was unusual.

We may want to go back to Kauai again sometime, but only to the area by Hanalei. We didn't get to go into Na Pali, last time. Would love to hike there.

@Tammy, thanks for your comments. We are not beach people other than snorkeling or doing a bit of wading. We never sit on the sand. Would you go to Molokai even if Kalaupapa area is closed to visitors?