Get there: United flies to Keahole-Kona International Airport (KOA) with one stop and Hilo International Airport (ITO) with one stop, both starting at about $650. Check to see on which side of the island you’ll be spending most of your time, and plan accordingly, because it can be quite a drive to the other side.
Get around: If you’re going to stay at one resort and visit just a small part of the island nearby, there’s usually no need to rent a car, and that can be a money saver. Most of the big resorts offer shuttle service or work with Speedi Shuttle ($52 each way, ) from the airport, which not only is cheaper than renting, but also saves on overnight parking. However, if you plan to check out the volcanoes or explore, a rental car is a must. The island is very easy to navigate by car.
Stay
Hilton Waikoloa Village (69-425 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa, 808-886-1234, hiltonwaikoloavillage ). One-stop shopping in terms of a resort you never have to leave once you get here: pools, a beach-like lagoon, ocean views, a top-notch spa, Dolphin Quest. Sushi and Japanese food fans will appreciate the on-site restaurant Imari, which served superb sashimi and creative rolls and appetizers. Also, if you’ve never been to a luau, this one’s a hoot, filled with scantily clad island men bearing delectable kalua pig ($99 adults, $51 ages 5-12). Summer rates start at $219 for garden-view king bedroom.
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa (78-128 Ehukai St., Kailua-Kona, 808-930-4900, ). Kid-friendly and laid-back, this older property has a relaxed, casual feel. Kids-oriented pools offer sandy bottoms and slides, and tennis, basketball and volleyball are options. Monday night is luau night, and the spa offers outdoor tables with the ocean as backdrop. A resort trolley is available to shuttle guests around the area. Summer rates start at $149 for mountain-view room.
Beaches
Most of the resorts have some beach access, but check to be sure. Some say “oceanfront,” but that doesn’t always mean they have a beach that leads into the water. Some of the hotels are on a bay, and that means lava rocks. To make up for it, some have built lagoons on the property or walkways to beach access elsewhere. We drove to Hapuna Beach State Park one morning as well as Anaeho’omalu Bay, both of which are beautiful public beaches.
Hapuna Beach (Hapuna Beach Road, off Queen Kaahumana Highway, also known as Hawaii 11) on the Kohala Coast is a crescent shape of gold sand, ideal for bodysurfing and swimming. In the winter, it has wicked rip currents, but in summer, the waves are lovely and the beach is wide and soft. Restrooms and showers.
Anaeho’omalu Bay (Waikoloa Beach Drive) in Waikoloa is also known as “A-Bay” by the locals. This public beach has gold sand and is protected by palm trees and long chunks of rock, and it’s popular for snorkeling and kayaking as well as swimming. Restrooms, showers, snack bar and picnic tables.
