Kona Village Resort-Big Island
 

Has anyone stayed at the Kona Village Resort lately? How are the restaurants? I was thinking about doing an "all inclusive" like this since it seems like we spent so much time trying to decide where to eat on our last vacation. Is it worth the splurge? (it would be a splurge for us). How is their stretch of beach? Have you seen good deals anywhere for this resort?

The last time we stayed there was two years ago. If a nice beach is a priority then definitely opt for another resort. I love a lot of things about Kona Village (its two restaurants are wonderful, its novel, away-from-it-all accomodations, no phones or TVs in the rooms, no cell phones allowed in common areas etc), however their beach is rocky and very narrow, even moreso than the beach at Four Seasons Hualalai.

But Kona Village is one of the few all-inclusives on the Big Island, and as this type of accomodation goes it's not bad. It's certainly better than most all-inclusives one finds in the Bahamas or in Mexico. You'll just need to factor in some driving time (about 45-60 minutes round trip) when you want access to a nice white sand beach.

There is NO reason to do an AI in Hawaii. If you go to the Big Island and just stay at your resort the whole time (since you have paid for all those meals there), you'll miss seeing the volcanoes and the wonderful climatic diversity of the island. The osland is amazing! Don't tie yourself down to one resort and miss it!

We got married at Kona Village and it is the most romantic place on earth. Went back again a second time. They pack a lunch for you so you can eat lunch out if you want to tour. They have travel deals that include a car. It is worth the splurge to us as it is a high price to be in paradise.

Thanks for all the helpful info. Since we have a toddler, a "all inclusive" resort sounded good. We would actually get to spend some time in our hotel! But if the Kona Village Resort does not have a wonderful swimming beach, than it is not for us. We would have to drive to the beach, so what would be the point? ChristieP, I know it sounds like we would be missing the island, but of course we would make sure we took a few drives and we certainly wouldn't miss the volcano. Pre child trips were romantic and adventurous, post child trips are a whole other thing.

You know, there are beaches that are prettier than the Big Island in Mexico. It would be a much shorter flight with your toddler, and they also have the AI resorts there that specialize in children's activities. I just can't see flying all the way from the mainland of the US (esp. with a small child) to stay in an AI resort and not see the sights!!

I could not agree more with Christie , Example Akumal beach resort in Mexico AI, has a beautifull, calm sandy white beach ( surrounded by a reef ),feels like a fishing village ,and great snorkeling from the beach and $70.00 a day per. person, a 3 star, but clean and just a real treat. Not to put down Hawaii at all ,i love it there very much. Just that i second Christies thought. nick

Well, we really love Hawaii. We have taken three trips to Mexico and they just didn't compare to our Hawaii trips. I am not saying that we are going to sit at our resort all day and miss all the sights, really. I merely wanted an all inclusive on a beautiful beach in a lovely locale( Hawaii!). I was thinking of the Big Island this time because the snorkeling is supposed to be the best of all the Hawaiian islands. I guess it is back to the drawing board.

Did not mean to confuse the issue. Snorkeling and beaches are paramont to me, when i consider a hotel or resort. And while i love Hawaii, the hotel beaches that have good snorkeling, and sandy beaches are very limited , add A.I. and i can see your delima. Re-reading your comments i think your need for a nice beach is paramont. Good luck. nick

Sail10: I think I am going to just forget the "all inclusive" thing entirely. The snorkeling thing is more important. How great would it be though to find a resort that you could snorkel right out your door and be steps away from great food? Ahh. I think I will start a new post. It has to exist.

It does exist - on Maui at the Fairmont Kea Lani. We have stayed there the past 4 years for spring break with our 2 school age kids. The beautiful Polo Beach is right there, along with great pools and fun slide. The snorkeling is great right off this beach!

There are 3 wonderful restaurants right on the premises AND a wonderful deli/charcuterie. Many more great restaurants a short drive away in Wailea or Kihei.

They do have a keiki (kids) club so you can have sometime alone.

It is a very family oriented resort, but beautiful and romantic too.

I realize this is not on the Big Island and you may have done Maui already, but we have definitely found this to be paradise!!

Thanks jgg. I will look into the Fairmont. We just got back from Maui two weeks ago, so if we go back I won't feel as guilty spending more time at the resort, and less time sightseeing. We stayed at the Westin, which was very nice, but we hardly spent any time there. I have heard that the area around the Fairmont is better than the Kaanapali area for snorkeling.

It sounds like you have decided against Kona Village anyway, but I wanted to add that I ate there at the luau this summer and was unimpressed by the food. Admittedly, it's not fair to judge a hotel's food by its luau, nor are luaus known for being gourmet experiences. Still, the food was disappointing, especially given how expensive it was.

1tiredmama, i would also like to know of hotels with the good snorkeling beaches. Also if there are any that are less expensive, i have never stayed at the fairmont but understand it is $$$$$ resort , but many thanks jgg it sounds very nice. nick