Recent Vacation Review
"UNIT 13H IS WONDERFUL!! We just loved this unit. It is the closest building to the pool, but faces the opposite direction. There is no direct access to ocean water, so this unit is great for those with kids. The lanai on the back overlooking the ocean is heavenly. The black lava shoreline against the pristine manicured landscape is just breathtaking, and then the palms blowing in the wind is great. This unit has the largest "backyard" of all the units in 13, so kids can play freely. It is a bit windy at times on the porch, so bring a windbreaker.
Furnishings are wonderfully elegant. Bedding is great too. We got wireless internet from the neighbors I think, and a DSL cable is provided for direct hookup. It was great to be able to wash clothes regularly, and the kitchen has brand new appliances. The pans are nice looking, but meals were very slow cooking in them. But you were able to enjoy the views while cooking. The community pool overlooks the ocean and golf corse. It has about 7 different pools and one is 18" deep for the bitty kids. They serve light meals and drinks from the clubhouse. You can walk to the Hilton on the smooth pebble path alongside the gold course. The path is more rocky if you choose to walk west in front of the unit The hilton is amazing, so plan to spend a few hours there on the 62 acres. The Marriott nearby has a great book of all the restaurants in the area (concierge).
Big Island gets tons of rain on the other side. Though this side is dry due to the drought (2007), Id definately stay here again. Definately a resort feeling for a couple of miles around this unit. Manicured landscaping with the finest of plants, golf courses on both sides, and greener grass then Ive ever seen anywhere. We chose this area so we would not have the experience the 280 inches of rain per year the other side of the island gets. It rains almost every day over there. Kona and Hilo are older and not as fresh and clean as the new resort areas, so Id choose this area again over those areas. It took approx 1.5-2 hours to get to Hilo if you go the waterfall route. Probably 2.5 hours to get to the volcano by the same waterfall route.
Best beach is about 7 minutes away by car, and there are 4 beaches to choose from side by side. We chose the first one (Waikaloa beach?) off Puako road (I think) and sat under trees right on the beach and made sandcastles while avoiding sunburn. One of the other beaches there is the top rated beach in the world right now. We did some cute pics of the kids at that beach too.
Overall, I could not imagine a better place to stay. We left the video camera on for about an hour so we can relax to the views anytime we like. We did the plane tour for 2.5 hours, and suggest doing that late in your trip if you are planning it. It was much nicer to be able to recognize things from the air. And we would have been clueless if we did that early in the trip. Stay here, and get lots of video of the views!!!!!! You'll remember it for a lifetime!!!!"
