SHERATON KONA RESORT & SPA at KEAUHOU BAY
The Sheraton Kona is a 4 star hotel in the Kona area providing gorgeous views of the Kona coast of the island. Located right next to the marina, it is within walking distance to snorkelling adventures and night time manta ray feeding excursions as well as close to Kona Village if you wanted to explore the area.
This hotel is ideal for families and honeymooners in Kona. It is known for the iconic lava rocks that surround the property and the opportunity to view the manta ray feedings from the shore. The Rays on the Bay Restaurant is themed around the manta ray fish with the option to watch night feedings from the balcony overlooking the water.
It holds the Haleo Luau at the resort, which we were able to enjoy during our trip. The gorgeous sunset setting is the perfect place to enjoy the luau.
VOLCANO HOUSE
If you are visiting the Hawaii National Volanoes Park area, I would highly recommend moving to a location in the Hilo area for a couple of nights to explore the area and visit the park. The Hawaii National Volcanoes Park is the number #1 tourist attraction on the island, so it is definitely worth spending a few days in this area to explore the natural beauty of the Island of Hawaii.
We were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to stay at Volcano House, right in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, overlooking Kilauea Caldera, with clear views of Halemaumau Crater.
Hapuna Beach is rated one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii and the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort is beautiful beachfront resort in agreat location in the Waikoloa area.
MAUNA KEA BEACH HOTEL
For families requiring more space or those looking for an upscale experience with culture and history, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel can meet those requirements!
Unique to Mauna Kea is the Moonlight Manta Ray Tours, where you can enjoy a moonlight swim with the manta rays experience from the shores at the Mauna Kea! This activity is unique from other manta ray experiences is that you walk into the water from the shore, so it's safe and easy for those who are concerned about being in the water at night and easier for younger kids who want the experience!
(We were supposed to have enjoyed this tour but the waters were too rough during our trip and our tour was cancelled. We were still able to learn all about the manta rays from our guide and it was a very educational and informative experience learning about these gentle giants!)
Condo rentals are very popular in Hawaii and Waikoloa is a great area for guests with a lot of amenities and accommodations options to suit a variety of travellers. Hali'i Kai offers great villa and condo options for families wanting extra space, without the hotel amenities with a large choice of one- to three-bedroom condos.
You can never go wrong with a stay at any Four Seasons hotel! And the Four Seasons Hualalai is no different. Being the only five star, five diamond resort on the island, guests return time and time again for the intimate guest experience. Originally a village, the area was abandoned when the volcano erupted and the story and history of the place is embedded everywhere you go.
Peace. The intimacy of the community feel and the customized guest experience is unparalleled. The amenities and activities available here are plentiful and unique, ranging from cooking and mixology classes, wellness experiences with a personal reflexology river journey, cultural activities and onsite marine experiences.
We ended our trip with a stay at the Fairmont Orchid, the perfect place to relax and end our adventurous week! Another beautiful resort, perfect for couples, honeymoons and weddings, the scenery is breathtakingly calm and serene, surrounded by lush greenery and the sound of trickling waterfalls.
The Island of Hawaii is unique all to itself, continuing to evolve and grow. Make sure you take the time to explore all that the island offers on all corners to get the full island experience! Need ideas?? Make sure you check out my other Hawaii posts, "Bucket List Adventures on the Island of Hawaii" and "Hidden Gems on the Island of Hawaii".
Let me know how I can help you plan your trip to the island!