Where to Stay with Tweens - Kailua-Kona or Kohala Coast
 

We are going to the Big Island in early August, and trying to figure out best place to stay. We have a 9- and 11-year-old, and the younger is not such a strong swimmer. He can't tread water yet.

I've found a condo on VRBO at Vista Waikoloa that is within walking distance of A Bay, which sounds like a nice beach for swimming and snorkeling. Our neighbor, who goes to the Big Island every Christmas, always stays at Sea Village, and thinks we should stay there because of the views and proximity to the water. The beach off the property is rocky, so not sure how my son would do there, though my neighbor says the snorkeling is absolutely awesome.

Thoughts about Vista Waikoloa vs. Sea Village as a base? We will check out other beaches, so perhaps what the closest beach is like is not that important.

Being close to a swimming beach is always a big factor for me in determining where I stay in Hawaii, so I would suggest the condo in Waikoloa. Being within walking distance to a swimming beach means you wont have to load up the car every time you want to go to the beach, which seems to make more logistical sense to me.

The Kohala Coast. You have many great sandy beaches within a short drive. There are really no good beaches in Kailua-Kona although there is more affordable waterfront condos there. That is your real trade-off. Ocean front or close to good beaches? With kids, I would pick close to good beaches so I would go with the Kohala area. Also, look at the condos within the Mauna Lani area. They come with access to the beach club at the Mauna Lani that might be a perk your family would enjoy.

Hands down Waikoloa!

Waikoloa gets my vote too. Vista has spacious condos units and a nice pool.

<<With kids, I would pick close to good beaches so I would go with the Kohala area.>>

Yes, me, too. It's easier to get to the beach when you stay in the Kohala area.

It has been years since we stayed at the Marriott Waikoloa and we enjoyed the beaches but the snorkeling at A Bay was not very good. We took a snorkel trip to Kealakekua Bay and made a day trip to Kahalu'u Beach Park in Kona.

My kids were about 10 and 7 back then and strong swimmers, but I rented life vests for them because it was easier to keep track of them in the ocean.

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Vista Waikoloa it is!

For a kid who's not a strong swimmer but still wants to snorkel, I don't think you can beat Makaiwa Bay where the Beach Club taitai referred to is located.

We stayed in Kona and loved it as we were oceanfront with a great pool but the shoreline was rocky. With a child I would chose Waikoloa! We loved A Beach and went there often to the restaurant next to it, Lava Lava club! One of our favorites! It is right on the beach with comfy chairs! http://lavalavabeachclub.com/tag/wai...t-restaurants/ You will have a great time!

love Waikoloa area but there are more fun things to do in Kailua Kona. Guess it depends on what your kids like to do. Beahes are awesome in the Kohala area. Hapuna beach and the beach at the Mona Kea are fabulous.....