I've been trying to reach the Big Island Visitor Bureau and the Kona Kohala Coast Resort Assocation to get updates on the hotels. Have not been able to get calls through. Apparently, all flights are on schedule. But am starting to hear reports of major damage at some of the big hotels. From the Honolulu Advertiser.

"The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel closed the eighth floor of the structure and portions of the ocean wing because of structural damage. The hotel was not full, and guests were moved to other parts of the facility.Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows reported damage after "the structure shifted slightly". Some guests were relocated as a precaution, and a major structural assessment is planned for today.And Four Seasons Hualalai reported minor damage to 30 to 40 rooms."

So that Big Island vacation? Better check your hotel is running before you get on the plane. This could not have come at a worse time with the Ironman Triathlon scheduled next week and most hotels expected to run flat-out full. I would expect, however, if you are traveling to Kona some inconveniences over the next few days, at a minimum -- such as inability to make cell phone calls out when you want (the switches appear overwhelmed). Some places you may want to visit on the Big Island also may be unstable and not adviseable -- Kealakekua Bay had a number of boulders roll down the hills, according to news reports. Tragically, Hulihee Palace, the summer palace of Hawaiian royalty in Kailua-Kona, has suffered major structural damage. It's the kind of history you just can't rebuild.

—Alex, 10/16/06