Big Island Guide

Kilauea Lodge

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:44 +0000

This crowded and popular roadside lodge, built in 1938 as a YMCA camp, sits on 10 wooded and landscaped acres. Its rooms offer heating systems and hot-towel warmers, beautiful art on the walls, fresh flowers, and, in some, fireplaces. There’s also a 1929 two-bedroom cottage with a fireplace and a full kitchen, just a couple of blocks down the street. A full gourmet breakfast is served to guests at the restaurant, which is open to the public for dinner.

Carson’s Volcano Cottage

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:43 +0000

Recently Jeanne and Bill Winslow took over this well-known B&B from Tom and Brenda Carson, who owned the property for a decade and a half. The property has three guest rooms and two suites with private entrances and private bathrooms, done in Asian, 1940s, and 1950s Hawaiiana themes. They also rent three cottages and another three houses in the neighborhood. Several of the deluxe cottages even have their own hot tubs and free-standing fireplaces.

The property also has a hot tub tucked under the ferns for guests’ use. The Winslows are continuing the tradition of serving a hearty breakfast in the dining room. Some of the units were showing their age and the Winslows are repainting, renovating, and replacing things as quickly as they can to bring the property back up to its usual tip-top shape. Note that the three cottages do not have private phones and TV, so if that’s important to you, book one of the houses.

Volcano Bed & Breakfast

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:42 +0000

If you are on a tight-tight budget, check into this charming restored 1912 historic home offering comfortable, clean, quiet rooms, all with shared bathrooms. The restored house sits on beautifully landscaped grounds and has new carpeting throughout, new furnishings in the common area, and other recent upgrades.

The rooms are tiny but clean and inviting. The common rooms include a living room with TV, VCR, and piano; a reading room; and a sunroom.

The Palms Cliff House Inn

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:41 +0000

This inn is a 15-minute drive north of Hilo town, at Honomu (where Akaka Falls is located). Perched on the side of a cliff, this grand old Victorian-style inn is surrounded by manicured lawns and macadamia-nut, lemon, banana, lime, orange, avocado, papaya, star-fruit, breadfruit, grapefruit, and mango trees.

Eight oversize suites, filled with antiques, DVD players, fireplaces, and private lanais, all overlook the ocean. Four rooms have private Jacuzzis; other extras include custom-made Italian lace sheets, cooking classes, yoga classes, and private massage and other spa treatments.

A gourmet hot breakfast (fresh fruit, home-baked bread, and entrees ranging from banana-mac-nut pancakes to asparagus-sweet potato quiche) is served on the wraparound lanai overlooking the rolling surf. This magnificent getaway is not to be missed.

The Inn at Volcano

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:41 +0000

Formerly called Chalet Kilauea, this is the most expensive B&B in Volcano, and although it does have a storybook, enchanting quality to it with several amenities like a full gourmet breakfast, afternoon tea, hot tub, and more, I feel that the majority of rooms are not very practical and it is way overpriced.

Here’s an example: The Owner’s Suite, the least expensive suite at $179, is positioned next to the kitchen and has an entrance through the bathroom (where there is scant room to store your toiletries). There is no closet in the bedroom; instead you have to walk down a hallway to a second room (with twin bed) where you hang your clothes on a free-standing bar.

With the number of other attractive, friendly, and lower-priced options in Volcano, I can’t wholeheartedly recommend the Inn at Volcano (I only include it because it is so well known). For the amount of money these rooms cost, you can rent an entire house, go out to breakfast, and still have several bucks left over.

Cook’s Discoveries Waimea Suite

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:40 +0000

Not exactly a bed-and-breakfast, this bottom-floor apartment in a large, two-story, 40-year-old gracious upcountry home, is more of an intimate, romantic hideaway. The two-bedroom, 1,100-square-foot unit has a huge, full kitchen (with everything a gourmet cook could want), living room with fireplace, and an outdoor lanai surrounded by giant ohia, koa, jacaranda, magnolia, and avocado trees. There’s even oatmeal-coconut-macadamia-nut cookies from the Cook’s Discoveries Store for a bedtime snack.

Breakfast fixings (from eggs, sausage, breads, fruit, and cereals to half a dozen different teas) are stocked in the kitchen when you arrive. Hostess Patti Cook is the owner and inspiration behind Cook’s Discoveries, one of the best boutique shops on the island (if you book this property direct, she gives you a $20 gift certificate to her wonderful shop). She has decorated this suite with her favorite antique and island paraphernalia. It’s so cozy here, you’ll find it hard to leave.

The Old Hawaiian B&B

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:40 +0000

Bargain hunters take note: This old plantation house from the 1930s has been renovated and upgraded and offers great room rates that include breakfast. Located on the Wailuku River, the house features a large lanai, where guests have use of a phone, refrigerator, and microwave.

The rooms are tiny but have their own private entrances and private bathrooms. Hosts Stewart and Lory Hunter prepare a beautiful breakfast of fruit cup, fruit smoothie, juice, coffee/tea, and two types of homemade bread (you’ll want seconds of Lory’s mac-nut scones). The Hunters happily help guests with sightseeing plans.

Silver Oaks Guest Ranch

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:39 +0000

Book this place! Not a bed-and-breakfast or a condo, this is a true “guest ranch,” consisting of two cottages spread over a 10-acre working ranch (with friendly horses — no horseback riding, just petting — and wild turkeys that come to get fed once a day). Located at 1,300 feet, where the temperatures are in the 70s (low to mid-20s Celsius) year-round, the ranch has units ranging from one bedroom to family-size units.

The views are spectacular, some 40 miles of coastline from the ocean to Mauna Loa, yet it’s just 5 miles from the airport and 5 miles from downtown Kailua-Kona. Hosts Amy and Rick Decker have impeccable taste and every unit is uniquely decorated. All the units have a private bathroom and a complete kitchen, and are stocked with breakfast items (cereals, milk, yogurt, coffee, fruit basket, and bread) for your first day.

The Inn at Kulaniapia

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:39 +0000

The view from this off-the-beaten-track inn is worth the price alone: the 120-foot Kulaniapia Waterfall in one direction and the entire town of Hilo sprawled out 850 feet below in another direction. This is the place for a romantic getaway. Not only are you nestled in luxury accommodations, but you are given a royal breakfast with egg dishes, fresh fruit grown on the 22-acre property, and just-baked breads.

Wander along the 2-mile pathways that follow the Waiau River (check out the exotic bamboo garden) or swim at the base of the waterfall in the 300-foot pond. The rooms are well appointed with private bathrooms (marble) and balconies (to enjoy those views). It’s just 15 minutes from Hilo, but feels a zillion miles away from everything in the peaceful surroundings of a 2,000-acre macadamia-nut grove.

The Cliff House

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:38 +0000

Perched on the cliffs above the ocean is this romantic two-bedroom getaway, surrounded by horse pastures and million-dollar views. A large deck takes in that ocean vista, where whales frolic offshore in winter. Impeccably decorated (the owner also owns Waipio Valley Artworks), the unit features a full kitchen (stocked with everything you could possibly want — even a salad spinner), two large bedrooms, and a full bathroom.

Lots of little touches make this property stand out from the others: an answering machine for the phone, a pair of binoculars, a chess set, and even an umbrella for the rain squalls. Four people could comfortably share this unit.

Luana Ola B&B Cottages

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:38 +0000

These off-the-beaten-path, plantation-style, open-room cottages hark back to the romantic 1940s. Furnished in rattan and wicker, each features a kitchenette and sleeps up to four. One unit has a spectacular ocean view, the other an ocean view that’s not as panoramic, but hostess Marsha Tokareff has made up for it with a satellite TV.

She leaves all the fixings for breakfast in your kitchen so you can get up at your leisure. The cottages are within walking distance to Honokaa town, yet far enough away to feel the peace and quiet of this bucolic area. Use of laundry facilities available.

Aaah the Views Bed & Breakfast

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:37 +0000

At this quiet B&B, just 15 minutes from the fabulous beaches of the Kohala Coast and 5 minutes from the cowboy town of Waimea, you have the choice of a two-bedroom apartment (with private entrance), a separate new garden cottage, or a room in the main house. The apartment can be rented as two separate rooms, but I don’t recommend it — it’s a little too crowded. Continental breakfast is served next door at Erika and Derek’s house.

Aloha Vacation Cottages

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:37 +0000

Hostess Heidi Staab cannot do enough for her guests. She makes sure she has every kind of beach toy you can think of, and if you have children, she’ll loan you a playpen, high chair, or whatever else you need. Staying with her is like having your own private concierge to make sure that your vacation is everything you want it to be.

Heidi has two units available. The small, intimate guesthouse has a full kitchen, a separate bedroom, washer/dryer, high-speed Internet, and all the comforts of home, including a selection of pillows and a mattress with an adjustable “comfort level” on each side. The larger stand-alone cottage has all the same amenities, plus more space.

Guests are greeted with a fruit basket. Heidi provides daily maid service (she’s also a massage therapist — don’t miss one of her massages). The cottages are on the “dry” or “sunny” side of Waimea, just about a 10- to 15-minute drive to the beach and just a few minutes to the restaurants of Waimea.

Areca Palms Estate Bed & Breakfast

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:36 +0000

Everything about this upcountry B&B is impeccable: the landscaping, the furnishings, the fresh flowers in every room — even breakfast is served with attention to every detail. This charming cedar home, surrounded by immaculate parklike landscaping, sits above the Captain Cook-Kealakekua area, close to beaches, shopping, and restaurants.

Guests enjoy watching the sun sink into the ocean from the large lanai or gazing at the starry sky as they soak in the hot tub. Hosts Janice and Steve Glass serve memorable breakfasts (orange-oatmeal quiche, tropical stuffed French toast, tree-ripened banana cakes), offer daily maid service, provide guests with beach equipment, and gladly help with reservations for activities and dinner.

Boynton’s B&B

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:36 +0000

Just 3 miles from Kailua-Kona, but up in the cooler, rolling hills, is this quaint two-bedroom B&B, perfect for a family vacation. The house is perched at 1,000 feet in a quiet country neighborhood; guests can enjoy views of the coastline from the lanai. A private entrance leads you into the complete kitchen, which is stocked with breakfast fixings (including eggs, cereals, muffins, and juice).

One bedroom looks out on tropical greenery, the other has an ocean view. Hosts Peter and Tracy Boyton have lovingly created a little bit of heaven here, complete with a hot tub on the deck outside. The beach is just a 5-minute drive away.

South Point Banyan Tree House

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:35 +0000

Couples looking for an exotic place to nest should try this treehouse nestled inside a huge Chinese banyan tree. The cottage comes complete with see-through roof that lets the outside in, plus a comfy, just-for-two hot tub on the wraparound deck.

Inside, there’s a queen bed and a kitchen with microwave and two-burner stove. The scent of ginger brings you sweet dreams at night, and the twitter of birds greets you in the morning.

Volcano Inn

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:35 +0000

Located in the rainforest, this AAA-rated property is a combination of two inns, one with four rooms and one with three, plus a separate cabin with kitchenette, all in the heart of Volcano Village. The rooms at the inn are quite luxurious for the price; each comes with a fireplace, daily maid service, and comfy robes for the cool mornings. The cabin is best for families.

Macadamia Meadows Bed & Breakfast

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:34 +0000

Near the southernmost point in the United States and just 45 minutes from Volcanoes National Park lies one of the Big Island’s most welcoming B&Bs. It’s located on an 8-acre working macadamia-nut farm, in a great place for stargazing. The warmth and hospitality of hosts Charlene and Cortney Cowan are unsurpassed: Each guest is treated like a favorite relative.

This is an excellent place for children; because the owner has children herself, the entire property is very kid-friendly. In addition to exploring the groves of mac-nut trees, kids can swim in the pool or play tennis. Owner Charlene also has puzzles, games, and other “rainy day” items to entertain children.

Accommodations include a two-bedroom suite, a private room, and a honeymoon suite, which has an antique claw-foot tub on a private lanai. All rooms have private entrances and are immaculately clean.

Volcano House

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:34 +0000

Volcano House has a great location — inside the boundaries of the national park — and that’s about all. This mountain lodge, which evolved out of a grass lean-to in 1865, is Hawaii’s oldest visitor accommodation. It stands on the edge of Halemaumau’s bubbling crater, and while its edgy view of the crater is still an awesome sight, don’t expect the Ritz here.

The rooms are very plain, but who cares with that fabulous view. Rooms are heated with volcanic steam. Tip: Book only if you can get a room facing the volcano; if they are filled, don’t bother — you can do better elsewhere.

Bougainvillea Bed & Breakfast

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:33 +0000

Don and Martie Jean Nitsche bought this 3-acre property in the Hawaiian Rancho subdivision of Ocean View and had a Field of Dreams experience: They decided that if they built a bed-and-breakfast, people would come. Where some people just saw lava, the Nitsches saw the ancient Hawaiian path that went from the mountain to the sea. So they built. And out of the lava came gardens — first colorful bougainvillea, then flowers and a pineapple patch, then a fish pond to add to the pool and hot tub, and finally a barbecue area and satellite for TV reception. Word got out. Martie’s breakfast — her secret-recipe banana-nut pancakes, plus sausage, fruit, and coffee — drew people from all over.

Things got so good, they had to add more rooms (all with their own private entrances) and expand the living room (complete with TV, VCR, and video library) and dining room. Guests usually take their breakfast plates out to the lanai, which boasts ocean views.

Hale Ohia Cottages

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:33 +0000

Take a step back in time to the 1930s. Here you’ll have a choice of suites, each with private entrance, located in the main residence or a cottage. There are also four guest cottages, ranging from one bedroom to three.

The surrounding botanical gardens contribute to the overall tranquil ambience of the estate. They were groomed in the 1930s by a resident Japanese gardener, who worked with the natural volcanic terrain but gently tamed the flora into soothing shapes and designs. The lush grounds are just a mile from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The latest addition is a romantic, cozy cottage with fireplace, hot tub, and bedroom made from a round, redwood water tank.

Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay Hotel

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:32 +0000

Uncle Billy’s is the least expensive place to stay along Hilo’s hotel row, Banyan Drive. This oceanfront budget hotel boasts a dynamite location, and the car/room package offers an extra incentive to stay here. You enter via a tiny lobby, gussied up Polynesian style; it’s slightly overdone, with sagging fishnets and tapa (bark cloth) on the walls.

The guest rooms are simple: bed, TV, phone, closet, and bathroom — that’s about it. The walls seem paper thin, and it can get very noisy at night (you may want to bring ear plugs), but at these rates, you’re still getting your money’s worth.

Shipman House Bed & Breakfast

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:31 +0000

Built in 1900, the Shipman House is on both the national and state registers of historic places. This Victorian mansion has been totally restored by Barbara Andersen, the great-granddaughter of the original owner, and her husband, Gary. Despite the home’s historic appearance, Barbara has made sure that its conveniences are strictly 21st century, including full bathrooms with all the amenities.

All five guest bedrooms are large, with 10- to 12-foot ceilings and extras like cotton kimonos, heirloom furnishings, hand-woven lauhala mats, ceiling fans, and fresh flowers. In addition to a large continental breakfast buffet, Tip: For a real Hawaiian experience, stay on a Wednesday, when guests can join in with the hula class practicing on the lanai.

Hawaii Naniloa Resort

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:30 +0000

Hilo’s biggest hotel offers nice rooms with lanais and enjoys a quiet, leafy Banyan Drive setting on the ocean. The hotel is a little old and tired, but so are all the other hotels on Banyan Drive; in terms of comfort and amenities, this is one of the best that Hilo has to offer.

Although it needs work (new carpet, a paint job, and overall remodeling), the rooms are clean and the oceanfront views are spectacular. Not only can you see the ocean, but on a cloudless day, you can see to the top of Mauna Kea. The rack rates are on the high side, but it’s usually pretty easy to secure one of the cheapest rooms (which have only partial ocean views and no balconies).

Hale Kai Hawaii

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:29 +0000

Breakfast is a treat: homemade macadamia-nut waffles, a double cheese soufflé, or banana pancakes. Landscape designer Maria Macias and photographer Ricardo Zepeda recently bought this B&B and have breathed new life into it: The rooms are now all painted in vibrant tropical colors, Maria has improved the landscaping, they’ve installed privacy barriers between each room, and in the future they plan to move the hot tub to a more private location and expand the pool deck.

Dolphin Bay Hotel

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:28 +0000

An eye-popping view of the ocean runs the entire length of this house; you can sit on the wide deck and watch the surfers slide down the waves. All rooms have that fabulous ocean view through sliding-glass doors. There's one suite, with a living room, kitchenette, and separate bedroom. Guests have access to a pool, hot tub, and small guest area with fridge, telephone, and library. Breakfast is a treat: homemade macadamia-nut waffles, a double cheese soufflé, or banana pancakes. Landscape designer Maria Macias and photographer Ricardo Zepeda recently bought this B&B and have breathed new life into it: The rooms are now all painted in vibrant tropical colors, Maria has improved the landscaping, they've installed privacy barriers between each room, and in the future they plan to move the hot tub to a more private location and expand the pool deck.

The Bay House

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:27 +0000

Overlooking Hilo Bay, this B&B offers immaculate rooms (each with oak-wood floors, king-size bed, sofa, private bathroom, and oceanview lanai) at reasonable prices. A full breakfast (fruit, yogurt, eggs, granola, muffins) is set out in a common area every morning (which also has a refrigerator, coffeemaker, toaster, and microwave for common use); you can take all you want to eat back to your lanai and watch the sun rise over Hilo Bay. In the evening, relax in the cliff-side Jacuzzi as the stars come out.

The only minus is the lack of laundry facilities, but there are plenty in nearby Hilo.

Waipio Wayside B&B Inn

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:26 +0000

Jackie Horne’s restored Hamakua Sugar supervisor’s home, built in 1938, sits nestled among fruit trees and surrounded by sweet-smelling ginger, fragile orchids, and blooming birds-of-paradise. The comfortable house, done in old Hawaii style, abounds with thoughtful touches, such as the help-yourself tea-and-cookies bar with 26 different kinds of tea. A sunny lanai with hammocks overlooks a yard lush with five kinds of banana trees, plus lemon, lime, tangerine, and avocado trees; the cliff-side gazebo has views of the ocean 600 feet below.

There are five vintage rooms to choose from: My favorite is the master bedroom suite (dubbed the “bird’s-eye” room), with double doors that open onto the deck; I also love the Library Room, which has an ocean view, hundreds of books, and a skylight in the shower. Jackie’s friendly hospitality and excellent breakfasts (such as pesto scrambled eggs with blueberry muffins) round out the experience.

Waimea Garden Cottages

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:25 +0000

Imagine rolling hills on pastoral ranch land. Then add a babbling stream and two cozy Hawaiian cottages. Complete the picture with mountain views, and you have Waimea Garden Cottages. One unit has the feel of an old English country cottage, with oak floors, a fireplace, and French doors opening onto a spacious brick patio. The other is a remodeled century-old Hawaiian wash house, filled with antiques, eucalyptus-wood floors, and a full kitchen.

Extra touches keep guests returning again and again: plush English robes, sandalwood soaps in the bathroom, mints next to the bed, and fresh flower arrangements throughout. Hosts Barbara and Charlie Campbell live on the spacious property.

Belle Vue

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:24 +0000

This two-story vacation rental has a truly beautiful view. Sitting in the hills overlooking Waimea and surrounded by manicured gardens, the charming home is just 15 minutes from the Kohala Coast beaches. The penthouse unit is a large, cathedral-ceilinged studio apartment with a small kitchen, huge bedroom, luxurious bathroom, and view of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea mountains down to the Pacific Ocean.

The one-bedroom apartment has a full kitchen, fireplace, and sofa bed. Each unit has a separate entrance. The rates include breakfast fixings (toast, juice, fruit, cereal, coffee) inside the kitchenettes.

Outrigger Waikoloa Beach Resort

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:23 +0000

This resort has always had one outstanding attribute: an excellent location on Anaehoomalu Bay (or A-Bay, as the locals call it), one of the best ocean sports bays on the Kohala Coast. The gentle sloping beach has everything: swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, windsurfing, and even old royal fish ponds. In 1999 Outrigger purchased the property and spent $23 million and 5 months redesigning and rebuilding it into one of the premier full-service resorts of the Kohala Coast. The Outrigger still isn’t as posh as other luxury hotels along the Kohala Coast, but it also isn’t nearly as expensive. The size and layout of the guest rooms remain the same — perfectly nice, but not in the luxurious category of some of the other Kohala hotels. The guest rooms have all-new rattan furniture, carpeting, and bathroom fixtures.

The excellent Hawaii Calls restaurant serves Pacific Regional cuisine in a dining room with decor that harks back to the days of the 1940s radio show. Guests may use the two championship golf courses at the adjacent Hilton Waikoloa Village.

Facilities: 2 restaurants; bar with nightly live entertainment; 2 outdoor pools (a huge pool with water slide and separate children’s pool); 6 tennis courts; small fitness center and spa; Jacuzzi; watersports equipment rentals; year-round children’s program; game room; concierge; activities desk; small shopping arcade; salon; limited room service; massage; babysitting; coin-op washer/dryers; laundry/dry cleaning; concierge-level rooms.

Hilton Waikoloa Village

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:22 +0000

This is not just another beach hotel (it actually has no real beach) — it’s a fantasy world all its own, perfect for those who love Vegas and Disneyland. Its high-rise towers are connected by silver-bullet trams, boats, and museum-like walkways lined with $7 million in Asian/Pacific reproductions. The kids will love it, but Mom and Dad may get a little weary waiting for the tram or boat to take them to breakfast (sometimes a 20-min. ordeal or a mile-long walk). The 62 acres feature tropical gardens, cascading waterfalls, exotic wildlife, exaggerated architecture, a 175-foot water slide twisting into a 1-acre pool, hidden grottos, and man-made lagoons. The biggest hit of all (for some) is the dolphin lagoon, where you can pay to swim with real dolphins.

The contemporary guest rooms are spacious and luxurious, with built-in platform beds, lanais, and loads of amenities, from spacious dressing areas with comfy bathrobes to a second phone and second line in all units. With nine restaurants to choose from (everything from Japanese to family-style buffets), you’ll never lack for culinary choices. Recently added is the Malolo Lounge, serving coffee and pastries in the morning, gourmet sandwiches at lunch, and Hawaii Regional Cuisine pupu (appetizers) in the evening with live entertainment of Hawaiian music (5-8pm) and jazz (9pm-midnight).

Golfers can choose from one of the two championship golf courses, one designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and the other by Tom Weiskopf.

Facilities: 9 restaurants; 8 bars, many with entertainment; 3 huge outdoor pools (with waterfalls, slides, and an adults-only pool); 2 18-hole golf courses; 8 tennis courts; 25,000-sq.-ft. spa with cardio machines, weights, and a multitude of services; Jacuzzi; watersports equipment rentals; bike rentals; fabulous children’s program; game room; concierge; activities desk; car-rental desk; business center; shopping arcade; salon; room service; in-room massage; babysitting; coin-op washer/dryers; same-day laundry/dry cleaning; concierge-level rooms.

The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:21 +0000

Located on 32 acres of oceanfront property, the Orchid is the place for watersports nuts, cultural explorers, families with children, or those who just want to lie back and soak up the sun. This elegant beach resort takes full advantage of the spectacular ocean views and historical sites on its grounds. The sports facilities here are extensive, and there’s an excellent Hawaiiana program: The “beach boys” demonstrate how to do everything from creating drums from the trunks of coconut trees to paddling a Hawaiian canoe or strumming a ukulele.

I recommend spending a few dollars more to book a room on the Fairmont’s Gold Floor, a “hotel within a hotel,” with personalized service, a lounge (serving complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, finger sandwiches in the afternoon, and appetizers in the evening), as well as other amenities. All the rooms have an exquisite ocean view, so you can watch that magnificent aqua-blue surf roll onto the white-sand beach. Any room in this luxury hotel features big lanais, sitting areas, and marble bathrooms, each with a double vanity and separate shower. The Spa Without Walls allows you to book a massage just about anywhere on the property — overlooking the ocean, nestled deep in the lush vegetation, or simply in your room. The Orchid’s four restaurants — The Grill, the Orchid Court, Norio’s Sushi Bar & Restaurant, and the fabulous Brown’s Beach House — are all wonderful, with a casual, relaxed, necktie-free atmosphere.

The Keiki Aloha program, for kids 5 to 12, features supervised activities like watersports and Hawaiian cultural activities. Some special money-saving family packages are also available.

Facilities: 4 restaurants; 5 bars (with evening entertainment in the Paniolo Lounge); large outdoor pool; 2 championship golf courses; award-winning tennis with 10 tennis (Plexipave) courts (7 lit for night play); well-equipped fitness center; outstanding spa; 2 lava rock whirlpools; watersports equipment rentals; bike rentals; year-round children’s program ($40 for a half-day and $60 for a full day, which includes lunch); concierge; activities desk; car-rental desk; business center; shopping arcade; salon; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; same-day laundry/dry cleaning.

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:20 +0000

Burned out? In need of tranquillity and gorgeous surroundings? Look no further. Sandy beaches and lava tide pools are the focus of this serene seaside resort, where gracious hospitality is dispensed in a setting that’s exceptional for its historic features. From the lounge chairs on the pristine beach to the turndown service at night, everything here is done impeccably.

Louvered doors open onto the plush guest rooms, which are outfitted in natural tones with teak accents, each with a lanai. They’re arranged to capture maximum ocean views, and they surround interior atrium gardens and pools in which endangered baby sea turtles are raised for a Fourth of July “Independence Day” release to the sea. A shoreline trail leads across the whole 3,200-acre resort, giving you an intimate glimpse into the ancient past, when people lived in lava caves and tended the large complex of spring-fed and tidal fish ponds.

In addition to their very complete children’s programs, plus “kid-friendly” restaurants, this is a great place for kids to explore. The saltwater stream that meanders through the hotel and out onto the property outside is filled with reef fish and even a shark. The fish ponds on the property are a great educational experience for keiki, and the beach has plenty of room for the youngsters to run and play. Next door to the resort are ancient Hawaiian petroglyph fields, where older kids can learn about Hawaii’s past.

The hotel’s CanoeHouse restaurant, featuring Pacific Rim, pan-Asian cuisine, is one of the most visually appealing beachside restaurants on the coast. You can also nibble on appetizers and dessert items at the bar while you listen to live music nightly.

Facilities: 5 excellent restaurants; bar; large outdoor pool; 2 celebrated 18-hole championship golf courses; 10 Plexipave tennis courts; full-service fitness facility; range of massage treatment at the spa; Jacuzzi; watersports equipment rentals; bike rentals; year-round children’s program; game room; concierge; activities desk; car-rental desk; business center; shopping arcade; salon; room service; massage; babysitting; coin-op washer/dryers; laundry/dry cleaning.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:19 +0000

Laurance S. Rockefeller was sailing around Hawaii (”looking for a place to swim,” as he tells it) when he spotted a perfect crescent of gold sand and dropped anchor. In 1965 he built the Mauna Kea on the spot. Over the years, all the new luxury hotels have eclipsed this grande dame in architectural style and amenities. Still, the beach out front is divine, and the landscaped grounds have a maturity seen nowhere else on this coast. Also, no other hotel has been able to claim the loyalty of its old-money guests, who keep returning to savor the relaxed clubby ambience, remote setting, world-class golf course, and old Hawaii ways. The next generation is welcome to find themselves a new and better beach hotel somewhere else.

The formal atmosphere extends to the Provençal-inspired restaurant Batik, where collared shirts for men are required for dinner. The two championship golf courses — Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s famous Mauna Kea course and the Arnold Palmer-designed Hapuna course — are both award winners.

The rooms are huge by today’s standards. The hotel is positioned to catch the cooling trade winds, and the views from the large lanais are breathtaking. I do like this place but have a few reservations: After years, they finally put TVs in every room, but the TVs are so tiny you need a pair of binoculars to watch from bed; the staff did not display the usual aloha spirit during my last visit; and access to ocean activities (such as scuba diving, sailing, and so on) was not from the beautiful beach outside the hotel — instead, I was bused down the road to another hotel. At these prices, I expect more.

Facilities: 6 restaurants; 3 bars with live music; large outdoor pool; 2 championship golf courses; 13-court ocean-side tennis complex; excellent fitness center; Jacuzzi; watersports equipment rentals; children’s program; concierge; activities desk; car-rental desk; shopping arcade; salon; room service; massage; babysitting; coin-op washer/dryers; laundry/dry cleaning.

Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:18 +0000

This hotel enjoys one of the best locations on the Kohala Coast, adjacent to the magnificent white sands of Hapuna Beach. The Hapuna Beach Prince is a bit more formal than other hotels on the Kohala Coast; guests, many from Japan, dress up here, some in the latest Tokyo fashions. You won’t feel comfortable parading around the lobby and public areas in your T-shirt and flip-flops.

The rooms are comfortable, all attuned to the fabulous ocean view and the sea breezes. Although the rooms are small for a luxury hotel, the sprawling grounds make up for it (some guests, however, complain about the long walk from the lobby to their rooms). Service is friendly and caring.

There is also a wealth of activities on the property, from the 18-hole championship links-style golf course (designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, and reserved for guests and residents) to the state-of-the-art fitness center and world-class Paul Brown Salon and Spa. Paul Brown is one of Hawaii’s top hair dressers and is rapidly making a name for himself in the international spa scene. Big Island residents gladly drive 1 to 2 hours to be pampered here at one of the state’s top salons.

Facilities: 5 restaurants ; 2 bars (with live evening entertainment in the open-air, beachfront Reef Lounge); huge outdoor pool; golf course; 13 tennis courts; fitness center; salon and spa; Jacuzzi; watersports equipment rentals; year-round Keiki Kamp children’s program; concierge; activities desk; car-rental desk; business center; shopping arcade; 24-hr. room service; massage; babysitting; same-day laundry/dry cleaning.

Manago Hotel

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:17 +0000

If you want to experience the history and culture of the 50th state, the Manago Hotel may be the place for you. This living relic is still operated by the third generation of the same Japanese family that opened it in 1917. It offers clean accommodations, tasty home cooking, and generous helpings of aloha, all at budget prices. The older rooms (with community bathrooms) are ultraspartan — strictly for desperate budget travelers.

The rooms with private bathrooms in the new wing are still pretty sparse (freshly painted walls with no decoration and no TV), but they’re spotlessly clean and surrounded by Japanese gardens with a koi pond. The room prices increase as you go up; the third-floor units have the most spectacular views of the Kona coastline. Adventuresome travelers might want to try the Japanese rooms with tatami mats to sleep on and furo (deep hot tubs) in each room to soak in. By the end of your stay, you may leave with new friends (the Manago family is very friendly).

Dragonfly Ranch: Healing Arts Retreat

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:16 +0000

Some may find the Dragonfly Ranch too rustic. But if you want to enjoy Hawaii’s tropical outdoors and you’re thrilled by the island’s most unique architecture — structures that bring the outdoors inside — this may be the place for you. Cabins range from one room (with screens only, no windows or drapes) to suites; you might describe the style as “early hippie.”

The location is ideal, with Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park just down the road and five bays offering great swimming and diving just minutes away. The place itself, with freestanding cabins tucked away on 2 acres of fruit trees and exotic flowers, truly is a tropical fantasy.

Affordable Hawaii at Pomaikai (Lucky) Farm Bed & Breakfast

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:15 +0000

True to its name, Affordable Hawaii offers an inexpensive perch from which to explore the South Kona Coast. Come share ex-Californian Nita Isherwood’s century-old 4-acre farm, which is overflowing with macadamia-nut trees, coffee, tropical fruits, avocados as big as footballs, and even jaboticaba, an exotic fruit that makes a zingy jam and local wine.

The least expensive room is inside the old farmhouse with private bathroom (hey, at $60 a night, this is a deal!). The Greenhouse wing has two rooms with wooden floors, big windows with screens, full private bathrooms, and private entrances. The most unique accommodation is the old coffee barn, updated into a rustic room for two with a raised queen bed, a fabulous view of the coastline, a private bathroom (with toilet and sink only), and an outdoor shower. Guests can use a common kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave, hot plate, and barbecue grill.

Horizon Guest House

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:14 +0000

Host Clem Classen spent 2 years researching the elements of a perfect bed-and-breakfast. The Horizon Guest House is the result. Its 40 acres of pastureland are located at an altitude of 1,100 feet. You can see 25 miles of coastline from Kealakekua to just about South Point, yet you cannot see another structure or hear any sounds of civilization. The carefully thought-out individual units (all under one roof but positioned at an angle to one another so you don’t see any other units) are filled with some $16,000 worth of Hawaiian furnishings, including hand-quilted Hawaiian bedspreads and writing desks.

Units also include private lanais with coastline views. The property features a spectacular ocean view, barbecue facilities, gardens everywhere, outdoor shower, and all the ocean and beach toys you can think of. Clem whips up a gourmet breakfast in the kitchen in the main house, which also features a media room with library, video collection, TV (which you can take to your room if you promise to use the headphones so you won’t disturb other guests), DVD, VCR, and cordless phone. At first glance, the rate may seem high, but once you’re ensconced on the unique property, I think you’ll agree it’s worth every penny.

Kona Seaspray

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:13 +0000

The Kona Seaspray has a couple of great things going for it: location and price. It’s just across from the Kahaluu Beach Park, possibly the best snorkeling area in Kona. The rates are a great deal when you consider that the one-bedroom apartments easily sleep four and the two-bedroom (one-bathroom) unit can sleep six. It’s under new ownership, and all the units are undergoing renovation with upgraded furniture, new carpets, and a whole new look.

All apartments have a full kitchen, complete with all the amenities of home. Plus every unit has a lanai and fabulous ocean view. Golf and tennis are nearby. This is the place to book if you are going to spend a lot of time lounging around or if you need the extra space.

Kanaloa at Kona

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:12 +0000

These big, comfortable, well-managed, and spacious vacation condos border the rocky coast beside Keauhou Bay, 6 miles south of Kailua-Kona. They’re exceptional units, ideal for families, with comforts such as huge bathrooms with whirlpool bathtubs, dressing rooms, and bidets. In addition, the spacious lanais, tropical decor, and many appliances make for free and easy living.

It’s easy to stock up on supplies at the supermarket at the new mall just up the hill, but the oceanfront restaurant offers an alternative to your own cooking. Guests receive discounted rates at the two 18-hole golf courses at a nearby country club.

Holualoa Inn

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:11 +0000

The quiet, secluded setting of this B&B — 40 pastoral acres just off the main drag of the artsy village of Holualoa, 1,350 feet above Kailua-Kona — provides stunning panoramic views of the entire coast. Owned by a kamaaina (old-line) family, this contemporary 7,000-square-foot Hawaiian home built of golden woods has six private suites and window-walls that roll back to embrace the gardens and views.

Cows graze on the bucolic pastures below the garden Jacuzzi and pool, and the coffee plantation on the property is the source of the morning brew. The inn offers several nice features, such as a gas grill for a romantic dinner beside the pool, a telescope for stargazing, and a billiard table. It’s a 15-minute drive down the hill to busy Kailua-Kona and about 20 minutes to the beach, but the pool has a stunning view of Kailua-Kona and the sparkling Pacific below.

Uncle Billy’s Kona Bay Hotel

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:10 +0000

An institution in Kona, Uncle Billy’s is where visitors from the other islands stay when they come to this coast. A thatched roof hangs over the lobby area, and a Polynesian longhouse restaurant is next door. The rooms are old but comfortable and come with large lanais; most also have minifridges (request one at booking if you want one), and 16 are condo-style units with kitchens.

This budget hotel is a good place to sleep, but don’t expect new furniture or carpets, or fancy soap in the bathroom. It can be noisy at night when big groups book in; avoid Labor Day weekend, when all the canoe paddlers in the state want to stay here and rehash the race into the wee morning hours.

Kona Tiki Hotel

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:09 +0000

It’s hard to believe that places like this still exist. The Kona Tiki, located right on the ocean, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Kailua-Kona, is one of the best budget deals in Hawaii. All of the rooms are tastefully decorated and feature queen beds, ceiling fans, minifridges, and private lanais overlooking the ocean.

Although it’s called a hotel, this small, family-run operation is more like a large B&B, with lots of aloha and plenty of friendly conversation at the morning breakfast buffet around the pool. The staff is helpful in planning activities. There are no TVs or phones in the rooms, but there’s a pay phone in the lobby. If a double with a kitchenette is available, grab it — the few bucks will save you a bundle in food costs. Book way, way, way in advance.

Kona Seaside Hotel

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:08 +0000

The package deal here is great: For just a few dollars more than the regular room rate, you can have a rental car thrown in, too. This budget hotel, located in the heart of Kailua-Kona, is just steps away from Kailua Bay and Kailua-Kona’s shopping, restaurants, and historic sites.

The rooms are large and comfy (even if they don’t have fancy soaps and extra amenities), but they can be noisy (ask for one away from the road). You may want to splurge on one of the 14 rooms with kitchenettes.

Kona Magic Sands

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:07 +0000

If you want to stay right on the ocean without spending a fortune, this is the place to do it — it’s one of the best oceanfront deals you’ll find on a Kona condo, and the only one with a beach for swimming and snorkeling right next door. Every unit in this older complex has a lanai that steps out over the ocean and sunset views that you’ll dream about long after you return home.

These studio units aren’t luxurious; they’re small (two people max) and cozy, great for people who want to be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. Each consists of one long, narrow room with a small kitchen at one end and the lanai at the other, with a living room/dining room/bedroom combo in between.

Kona Islander Inn

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:06 +0000

This is the most affordable place to stay in Kailua-Kona. These plantation-style, three-story buildings are surrounded by lush, palm tree-lined gardens with torch-lit pathways that make it hard to believe you’re smack-dab in the middle of downtown. The central location — across the street from the historic Kona Inn Shops — is convenient but can be noisy.

Built in 1962, the complex is showing some signs of age, but the units were recently outfitted with new appliances, new bedspreads and curtains, and a fresh coat of paint. The studios are small, but extras like lanais and kitchenettes outfitted with microwaves, minifridges, and coffeemakers make up for the lack of space.

Kona Billfisher

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:05 +0000

This is my favorite of all the affordable condos on this coast. It’s within walking distance of downtown Kailua-Kona, and the big, blue Pacific is just across the street. (Unfortunately, the ocean here is not good for swimming or snorkeling, but there’s a pool on-site, and the Kailua Pier, just a mile away, has a good swimming area.) The property is very well maintained (the interiors were last renovated in 1998). Each unit comes with a full kitchen and a balcony and features new furnishings and king-size beds.

The one-bedroom units have sliding-glass doors that allow you to close off the living room and make it into another private bedroom, so for the price of a one-bedroom unit, you can have a two-bedroom — a real deal. Other on-site facilities include a barbecue area. Book well in advance.

King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:04 +0000

The best deal at this convenient downtown Kailua-Kona hotel is the Package of Aloha, which comes with a double room, a compact car, and breakfast for two, starting at just $165 — a price that makes the “King Kam” (as locals call it) attractive to travelers on a budget. This place isn’t anything fancy — just a standard hotel in need of a little TLC — but it’s well located, right in the heart of town, across the street from the pier, where record Pacific blue marlin are weighed in every afternoon.

Rooms are showing their age, but they are clean and can have views of an ancient banyan tree, the Kona Pier, or sparkling Kailua Bay. The hotel’s own small, gold-sand beach is right out the front door. All three of the hotel’s restaurants are forgettable, but you’re within walking distance of dozens of other options.

Outrigger Royal Sea Cliff Resort

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:03 +0000

Families will love these luxuriously appointed apartments and their affordable rates. The architecturally striking, five-story white buildings that make up this resort/condo complex, 2 miles from Kailua-Kona, are stepped back from the ocean for maximum views and privacy. (The downside is that there’s no ocean swimming here, but the waves are near enough to lull you to sleep, and if you really want to take a dip, there’s a decent swimming beach about a mile away.)

Atrium gardens and hanging bougainvillea soften the look. Spacious units are furnished in tropical rattan with a large, sunny lanai, a full kitchen, and a washer/dryer. All units have voice mail, and the property also has several barbecue and picnic facilities for oceanfront dining.

Kona Village Resort

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:02 +0000

For more than 30 years, those seeking the great escape have crossed the black-lava fields to find refuge at this exclusive, one-of-a-kind haven by the sea with its wonderful dark-sand beach. A blissful languor settles in as you surrender to the gentle staff and peaceful, low-key atmosphere. Maybe it’s the spirit of the ancients who once lived here. Maybe it’s the deluxe summer-camp setup: thatched-roof, island-style bungalows with no air-conditioning and no TVs, a central dining house, and phones only at the office.

The resort resembles an eclectic Polynesian village, with proudly tended palms, historic sites, and beaches on a secluded cove. Its magic frees children of all ages (except during May and Sept, when the resort is reserved for couples only) to relax and play on 82 acres by the sea, behind a lava barrier that keeps the world at bay. The bungalows, renovated in 1998, each have a bedroom, bathroom, and lanai, and the maids replenish the fridge daily with free sodas and bottled water. Some units have an outdoor hot tub and an extra anteroom with a single bed.

The room rate includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner — the Friday-night luau here is fabulous — plus all snorkeling equipment and other beach toys. It also includes scheduled activities throughout the day for kids and teens.

Facilities: 2 restaurants; 2 bars (with live entertainment most nights); 2 outdoor pools; tennis courts; fitness room; 2 Jacuzzis; complimentary watersports; extensive children’s program (especially during the summer, when it extends past dinner); concierge; activities desk; a Polynesian general store; babysitting; complimentary washer/dryers; laundry/dry cleaning.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Kaupulehu

Administrator — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:00:01 +0000

This is a great place to relax in the lap of luxury. You’re guaranteed to experience Polynesian paralysis after a few days of lying in a hammock and watching the clouds waft across the sky, though there are plenty of diversions available as well. Low-rise clusters of oceanfront villas nestle between the sea and the greens of a new golf course. The Four Seasons has no concrete corridors, and no massive central building — it looks like a two-story town-house project, clustered around three seaside swimming pools. The rooms are furnished in Pacific tropical style: beige walls, raffia rugs over clay-colored slate, and Madge Tennent etchings over rattan and bamboo settees. The ground-level rooms have bathrooms with private outdoor gardens (surrounded by black-lava rock), so you can shower naked under the tropical sun or nighttime stars.

This Four Seasons is very different from its cousin on Maui. The low-rise bungalows create an entirely different effect than Maui’s palatial mansion by the sea. In fact, the staff calls the Maui property “the palace” and the Big Island property “the village.”

If you can afford it, this is the place to go to be pampered (the pool attendants will make sure that you have plenty of ice-cold water to drink and a chilled towel for your brow). Other pluses include: a Hawaiian history and cultural interpretive center, complimentary scuba lessons, complimentary valet, 1-hour pressing, twice-daily maid service, multilingual concierge, free shoeshine and sandal repair, and early/late arrival facilities. The spa here was selected by Condé Nast Traveller magazine as the world’s best resort spa. One of the five pools is a saltwater pond carved out of black-lava rock with reef fish swimming about.

Your kids will be pampered, too — the complimentary Kids for All Seasons program features plenty of activities to keep the little ones busy. The resort also offers children’s menus in all restaurants, a game room, videos, and more.

Facilities: 3 restaurants; 3 bars (nightly entertainment ranging from Hawaiian to jazz); 5 exquisite outdoor pools (including a giant infinite pool and a gorgeous lap pool); 18-hole Jack Nicklaus signature golf course exclusively for guests and residents; 8 tennis courts (4 lit for night play); complete fitness center; award-winning spa; 6 Jacuzzis; watersports equipment rentals; bike rentals; complimentary year-round children’s program; game room; attentive concierge; activities desk; car-rental desk; business center; top-drawer shopping arcade; salon; 24-hr. room service; both in-room and spa massage; babysitting; complimentary washer/dryers; same-day laundry/dry cleaning.