mmkmmk

We are thinking about a trip to the Big Island as we are in receipt of some airplace mile credits. We would be interested in staying in a smaller low key resort - preferably with beach access and a nice pool and facilities that would offer some fun options for our 6 year old. We would prefer a condo or similar so that we could have a kitchen. This might be too much of a wish list.

We would also appreciate input on good adventurous excursions to get us off the beaten path.

Many thanks, Molly

Tabernash2

Hi, Molly. No, that's not too much of a wishlist.

I always recommend Sea Village condos, just south of Kona. It's not too large, buildings are 3-story. It is well-manicured and managed, small pool, BBQ grills to use, free tennis courts, free parking, manager's reception weekly. It is above a rocky beach, which you cannot access from the property.

https://www.google.com/search?q=sea+...w=1175&bih=757

Just a few blocks south is the public Disappearing Sands Beach. There's a Sheraton by the beach where you can buy smoothies, snacks, etc. http://www.sheratonkona.com/dining/r...-the-bay-kona/

Sea Village condos are individually owned, so search for it on VRBO, and some management companies will come up, too. Each is decorated differently, so select accordingly.

There are no elevators, but being on the third floor has always been our preference. There are condos which look directly over the ocean.

sylvia3

I usually recommend Waikoloa Beach Resort condos (check vrbo). Easy access to a nice beach, Kings and Queens show (including shopping, restaurants, grocery, and food court). Very family friendly and affordable (colony and fairway villas are nice). From there, short drives to the best beaches on the B.I.

sf7307

Just a few blocks south is the public Disappearing Sands Beach.

We loved that beach (it was November, and it hadn't "disappeared"). The sand was soft and the water was lovely.

Tabernash2

We liked it, too, for snorkeling, sf. It's a nice protected cove, where our kids felt safe giving it a try. DH swam out past the cove and liked it, too. Lots of fish and turtles.

(So, one turtle chased me, but don't tell that to your kids. I was snorkeling, and had to 'swim' backwards as fast as I could. I had come face-to-face with the turtle, and he came towards me. It freaked me out. But he was probably just used to people and wanted me out of his way.)

jamie99

I'd stay a night or two in Hilo or Volcano to visit sights on that coast rather than make the long drive back to the Kohala Coast. This presumes you want to see stuff on the east coast like Volcano National Park, Akaka Falls, the National Tropical Botanical Garden, etc.