Flight
Kona International Airport (KOA) is the closest major airport and has direct flights from many West Coast cities. KOA is 13 miles from the wedding venue, 23 miles from the Fairmont Orchid (5-star hotel we are staying at with a generous rate for guests), and 9 miles from other hotels in the city of Kona. For those flying Alaskan Airlines, enter the discount code "ECMC470" for 5% off the lowest price flight you find. Southwest recently started offering flights to the Hawaiian Islands as well. Hilo also has an airport, but it is not recommended. Hilo is on the rainy side of the island and is 1.5 hours away by car.
Hotel
We've obtained a very discounted rate at the Fairmont Orchid, the Big Island's top-rated resort. This is where we will be staying for most of the week and encourage our friends and family to join us. We have a room block from Wed (9/4) through Sunday (9/8), but the Fairmont will honor our negotiated rate starting Sunday (9/1) - Wed (9/11). The rate is valid for garden, partial ocean, and full ocean view rooms, and provides a discount on the resort fee as well. For more information and to book, visit visiting https://book.passkey.com/go/DuimovichManley or call the Fairmont at (808) 885-2000 and make sure you ask for our rate to receive the discount. Note, we will provide transportation to/from the ceremony for those staying at the Fairmont. There are a variety of other hotels or Air BnB options around Kona and up the coast as well if you prefer to stay with a different hotel chain. Again, visit https://book.passkey.com/go/DuimovichManley to book a room.
Travel Note
You will want a rental car for your trip. The Fairmont Orchid and other major resorts are on the dry side of the island, about 30 minutes north of the town of Kona and KOA airport; the location of the ceremony/reception is 25 minutes up the hill from Kona. We have a rate from Hertz: use CV Code 01PW0022. We (Sam & Michael) will be staying at the Fairmont until Friday night, at which time we will relocate to the bed and breakfast overlooking Kona that also serves as the location of the ceremony and reception. Kona has a small town, local feel, and is famous for its coffee. It is also known among triathletes as the start and finish of the Ironman World Championship triathlon. The hotels in Kona range up to 3-stars and have more of a "sea-cliff" vibe versus a "beach-sand-resort" vibe. We wanted a beach vibe so we went up to the resort area. Even if you stay in Kona, you will want a car to explore the island's beautiful landscape, including the volcano and multi-colored sand beaches.