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| The Mauna Kea Resort is surrounded by greenery and greens. |
Better than a “home away from home”, Hawaii is a paradise away from home. Choosing where to stay is an important decision—as diverse as the island is in terrain and wildlife, so too is it diverse in hospitality offerings. No matter your personal preference, there is a resort in Hawaii just waiting to say E komo mai (welcome)!
Big Island, Big Resort
To call the Hilton Waikoloa Village a mere resort is an understatement—it’s a true village, and then some! Guests have two very unique options after checking in: they can ride a train to their building and rooms or they can take a boat ride! Yes, the Hilton is big, but it’s packed with activities including restaurants, art galleries, swimming pools, a large luau theater and warm welcoming beaches. Nestled on Hawaii’s west coast, the Hilton Waikoloa Village is a lush paradise surrounded by the black volcanic wasteland.
Luxury that’s Up to Par
A little farther north on the west coast is the Mauna Kea Resort. Modeled after traditional Polynesian architecture, the Mauna Kea Resort is a large resort with a very relaxed attitude. Open breezeways lead to gift shops and restaurants overlooking the aptly named Pacific. The luau at the Mauna Kea sits at a corner of the property with ocean views on two sides—waves break in the background while Hawaiian song and dance take center stage. The Mauna Kea features a large tennis center and arguably one of the most picturesque golf courses on the island. Even non-players should take the opportunity for a brisk walk along the fairway paths.
Where the Locals Play
On the north end of the Big Island is the small town of Hawi. And while the bigger resorts do have a “touristy” feel, in Hawi you’re sure to feel like one of the locals. Slow paced and relaxed, visitors to this part of the island almost instinctively seek out spas and areas of meditation. At Hawaii Islands Retreat, you get both. A quaint boutique hotel with only 8 guest suites, Hawaii Island Retreat rests just a short stroll from cliff-side views of the Pacific Ocean. The strong ocean breezes set the stage for a relaxing massage or spa treatment. King Kamehameha I grew up near here, and on the property are the remains of what is to believed to be one of the kings’ stone councils: great stones arranged in a circle so the king could hold court. But the large heavy stones aren’t local—they had to be carried by hand from another part of the island.
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| The Falls at Reeds Island. |
Be at Home in Hawaii
Hilo, on the east coast, is the largest city on the Big Island and is home to a quaint downtown that’s perfect for strolling, shopping, dining, visiting art galleries and museums and even boasts a weekend farmer’s market. This older part of downtown is almost perfectly centered between the Wailoa and Wailuku rivers. The Wailoa flows through Wailoa River State Park, one of many parks and walking areas that grace Hilo. The Wailuku River is famous for Rainbow Falls, then flows through a residential area before reaching Hilo Bay. The Falls at Reeds Island is a guest home that overlooks a lower section of Rainbow Falls. Though situated on the edge of downtown, The Falls at Reeds Island feels happily isolated—a retreat surrounded by dense, lush foliage and the river and falls. The architecture of the home resembles turn-of-the-century Hawaiian design, yet is modern and new in every way. Featuring three bedrooms, a large kitchen, cool and hot tubs, and generous green spaces, the home can comfortably accommodate 6 or more adults. As a “home base”, The Falls at Reeds Island is close to downtown Hilo, parks and recreation areas, beach and watersports, nearby botanical gardens, and is about 2 hours away from Volcanoes National Park.