Recommend you check out the Four Seasons at Hualalai -- lots for everyone to do regardless of age: safe snorkling in a faux 'lagoon,' feeding the eagle rays, pools for kids, pools for adults, basketball, sophisticated workout facilities, programs and activities. And, there's a kids program as well.
Check out Mauna Lani Resort, it is a spectacular property. They also have condos on the property. You may also want to check out the Waikaloa Hilton. Al kinds of activities. Last year friends went and stayed at Waikaloa and enjoyed it. We are going back to Mauna Lani in Feb 99. My wife now measures all hotels against Mauna Lani. Aloha
Without a doubt, the place to stay is a private resort called Kona Village. It's consistently rated as one of the best resorts in the world and for an upscale resort of it's caliber has a surprisingly good kids program (many of the other resorts of it's class cater to upper class couples and forget about the kids). You get your own thatch roofed hut (that sleeps anywhere from 3-8 people), right on the beach (if you choose). It's an all inclusive place (3 meals a day, tons of water sports, tennis, and other activities). Great programs for the kids (Hawaiian cultural activities, explorations, etc). The food is top notch (the weekly luau is suprisingly good as well). There's even a heliport on the premises for tours of the volcano. The only drawback for kids is no TV in the room (the hotel really does focus on relaxation!). Do the research if you'd like, but don't stay anywhere else!! P.S. - Adult drawback is that there's no golf course on property. Mauna Kea and Mauna Lani are short (15-25 minutes away) and are PGA caliber.
Four Seasons was not built when we were there 2 years ago, but I would imagine it would be great. We did stay at the Hilton Waikoloa for 5 nights and loved it. My kids remember it as the greatest and we have managed to stay at some pretty nice places. A faux beach and snorkelling lagoon, 3 other pools, arcade, monorail system, boat system, the list goes on. My son did the Swimming with dolphins program they have there. My husband says the snorkelling was actually better than in a lot of other places in Hawaii. Ask for their bounce back package which included breakfast buffet. Feel free to write for any more questions to be answered.
Four Seasons was not built when we were there 2 years ago, but I would imagine it would be great. We did stay at the Hilton Waikoloa for 5 nights and loved it. My kids remember it as the greatest and we have managed to stay at some pretty nice places. A faux beach and snorkelling lagoon, 3 other pools, arcade, monorail system, boat system, the list goes on. My son did the Swimming with dolphins program they have there. My husband says the snorkelling was actually better than in a lot of other places in Hawaii. Ask for their bounce back package which included breakfast buffet. Feel free to write for any more questions to be answered.
IMHO, the top-notch BI place to stay is the Orchid at Mauna Lani. Formerly a Ritz-Carlton and now a Sheraton for 2 1/2 years, it is the ultimate on the Kohala coast. no doubt about it, and as a memorable last spot to stay at, yet!? I am jealous!!!!
