Stories and photos by Joeann Fossland (unless otherwise indicated)
Mauna Kea Resort
This is a little slice of heaven on the Hawaii coast about 27 north of the Kona airport. When Laurence Rockefeller conceived and built this hotel in 1965, at $15 Million, it was the most expensive hotel ever built. Since then, in spite of earthquakes and tsunamis, it is still considered one of the best hotels in the world.
The crescent shaped white sand beach below the hotel wraps around a bay that is usually calm with water that is warm enough to swim year-round. A tennis club and golf course provide additional recreation.
The food is sublime and the friendliness of staff is exceptional.
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dive, Kohala Coast
Hale ‘Ohu Bed and Breakfast
Amidst 5 acres of lush rainforest and manicured gardens with flowers everywhere is a historic home that was built in 1886. Now, a boutique Bed and Breakfast retreat with three adults-only units, it is luxurious and relaxing. Just five minutes from the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, this is an ideal location to use as base exploring the sites on this side of the island. The breakfast is prepared the day before and left in the refrigerator so you can enjoy at your convenience.
19-3896 Old Volcano Road., Volcano
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
Adjacent to acres of park land with huge Banyan Trees, this eight story hotel faces Hilo Bay with balconies you’ll want to sit on all day. Sip your Hawaiian coffee as the sun rises, seeing the peaks of both Mauna Kea and Mauna Lani in the distance. Beautiful large rooms include refrigerators and coffee service. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and extensive buffets.
71 Banyan Drive, Hilo, HI, 96720, US
Inn at Kulaniapa
Just ten minutes away from Hilo at the Inn at Kulaniapia Falls, you’ll feel as if you have been transported to a remote paradise. On 22 acres, 100% off the grid, four asian inspired buildings overlook the largest private waterfall in Hawaii. At the base of the waterfall is a large pool if you want to swim or just sit and listen to the splashing of the water. Bamboo of all kinds is planted beside pathways through the property.
Breakfast is included: a gourmet, organic meal that will fill you as you sip the island’s best coffee and soak in the beauty and serenity of the surroundings.
While it is off the grid, the hotel has solar panels and energy from the waterfalls to provide plenty of power and there is high speed internet. But, perhaps, being unplugged for a few days might be even more enjoyable than being tethered to your computer.
100 Kulaniapia Drive, Hilo
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Across from the swanky stores at the Kings Shops and right up the street from the Queen’s Marketplace, the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa offers direct access to “A” (Anaeho’omalu) Bay, petroglyphs, ancient anchialine fish ponds and all the amenities you may want.
From your balcony overlooking the beach and the sea, you can sit and relax. We even saw the green flash at sunset on one visit from here. Three sparkling pools, a water slide down a rock waterfall, several whirlpool spas, and a waitress to bring you pool snacks or lunch—-what more could you need? Maybe a cabana for privacy and luxury.
Weekly, at sunset, there is a luau on the grassy area and stage near the pools. Even if you don’t splurge to attend, the show and the music can be watched from the hotel patio or on the grass nearby.
69-275 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa Beach
TimeShares on Waikoloa Beach
Waikoloa Beach is home to timeshares owned by Hilton, Marriott and others. When not fully booked, these are offered on the major travel sites. One, two and three bedroom units come with complete kitchens, laundries and lanais to relax on. Units are 900-1300 square feet. Most resorts are gated with private pools, restaurants and all the amenities.
Affordably priced, you’ll save on food and enjoy the extra space.
Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa Beach
Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
For the best location of any hotel in downtown Kailua-Kona, the Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel is your answer. You’ll have tennis courts, direct access to the ocean and docks, and a beautiful, lake outdoor pool. There is also an on-site spa for pampering. It’s an easy walk to all of downtown’s shops and restaurants. Three nights a week, Island Breeze Luau showcases the culture of the Big Island with a show and Hawaiian foods.
75-5660 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona
