I just started mountain biking last summer and I currently have a Giant Boulder Se. It's a good bike but I'm ready to upgrade.

What do you guys think about Kona as compared to Giant?

This is what I'm considering.

http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=kahuna

How does that compare to a similar priced hardtail Giant 29er? I'm pretty new to the scene so it's kind of hard for me to compare components.

Thanks for any advice