Hawaii is the largest of the island chain and the youngest (hence the nickname), and comes with some very powerful history. This is where King Kamehameha the Great was born in 1758. He was raised in the northwest area, or Kohala Coast of Hawaii. One of my favorite towns in the area is Hawi, and is also home to the original statue of Kamehameha I.
On this visit I stayed in the Waikoloa resort area, at an all new resort for me, the Kings Land Grand Vacation Club by Hilton. I was truly pleased, and impressed with the service levels I encountered at this very large resort. They have 25 buildings, and it's a bit over-whelming at first! There are no ocean views. But the mountain and golf views are stunning! For me what makes up for any short comings is always the service! I received daily housekeeping, and this staff was exceptional! My one bedroom unit was beautifully equipped, and I entered from a bright, wide interior hallway (One of my hot buttons!) In the lobby there were always at least one (often two) concierge staff to great me, and it made me feel very welcomed and safe!
I visited several resorts on this trip in the Kohala and Kona areas, as well as, over on the east coast in Hilo Town. As someone who returns to this island every year (at least once), I was most impressed and surprised by the changes in Hilo!
On my day on the east side, I visited the Hilo Hawaiian and the all new Grand Naniloa a Doubletree Hotel. The Hilo Hawaiian still looks great after a very thorough renovation a few years ago, and they have plans to completely renovate the lobby, including floors! It's a very pleasant hotel, with wonderful staff, and spectacular views of Hilo Bay!
But the big surprise was the Grand Naniloa Hotel, a Doubletree by Hilton! This hotel has amazing history, as it's been in place since it's original grand opening in 1939! The hotel has undergone a 30-million dollar transformation! Everyone connected to the resort is so very proud, and with high hopes for the future! I spent a good amount of time here, and enjoyed lunch at the newly opened "Hula Hulas" restaurant. The food was excellent, and the views were stunning! This place makes a few days stay in Hilo Town well worth it!
Back on the Kohala Coast, I made a visit to Mauna Kea Resort, which is perfection. I stopped by the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows. Big news here they will be doing a complete remodel and renovation starting in October 2018! I could not leave the island with out a visit at the Fairmont Orchid. Which is truly one of my favorites; in particular they offer the "Fairmont Gold Floor". An exclusive concierge floor with amazing lounge, food offerings through out the day, and the most attentive five star concierge services any where!
I did want to give special attention to the current goings on at the Hapuna Prince Resort though! This is a great resort, on a spectacular beach, with stunning views! However right now and for a few months to come, it's a hot mess! Some companies will try and tell you the resort is being "renovated". Wow, I think that is the understatement of the year! This resort is being "transformed", and when it reopens (tentative dates are the end of February) it will be the Westin Hapuna, and it will be amazing! When I was there in November; only one wing was open, the lobby was gutted and blocked off. The pool is not swim-able, as they are adding another just above it. Also there are no restaurants or food outlets, and you need travel some to eat. As a Certified Master Hawaii Specialist; I would not offer this resort to anyone right now. But come March, a totally perfect choice!
Hawaii Island ~ The Big Island; what ever you call it, you need to visit this place soon! From the birth place of a king, to dining experiences extraordinaire! There is much more to explore and do then most people have time for in one visit. But it's one of the reasons I adore this destination... it will call you back many times! It sure does that for me!
P.S. Many of you know this place as the home of Madame Pele~ and the Kilauea Volcano! As of late November (and the publishing of this blog), it seems Madame Pele decided to take a break! After years of endless, constant, often very heavy lava flow, it has stopped. The very popular flow into the ocean has halted. Although the upper fields and lava lake are still active. So the very fun and exciting "lava boats", are currently not available for you to enjoy. (Hopefully one day again soon!)
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