Hawaii Review in Kona and Maui- Lodging, Dining and Activity/Tour Recommendations for this Family Feature December 2010
KONA (Big Island) – Lodging
Aston Kona by the Sea Condos– Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, this condo is a great vacation “getaway” spot. We stayed in an enormous 2-bedroom overlooking the pool and the ocean waves crashing right below. The condo is great for a family or 4-6 friends. There is a nice pool and hot tub and a sandy beach area that overlooks the ocean crashing against rugged black rocks. There is an activity center in the lobby to help plan your daily excursions. Kona by the Sea is an ideal location as a home base for exploring the island. On your first day there, enjoy a continental breakfast orientation with fruit, pastries and coffee while you listen to some of the tips by their activity consultant. She will help you book your excursions on the spot. The Aston Kona by the Sea is an intimate, relaxed condominium resort featuring the simplicity and comfort of “home away from home.” Fronting a magnificent rocky shoreline, the resort features a sandy lounging area where guests can bathe in the sun or unwind under the shade of trees.
The Aston Kona by the Sea recently completed a $1.4 million property improvement project creating a new oceanfront function & meeting space. All suites offer outstanding ocean views and the “at home” comfort of fully equipped kitchens. Units have been recently redecorated and reflect a casual Hawaiian style. Fully furnished and generously sized lanais offer a perfect spot to watch spectacular sunsets.
The large beachfront swimming pool and jet spa are ideal for relaxing. Features:
Private lanai, Daily maid service, Central air conditioning, Cable TV, VCR, Full kitchen, Washer and dryer in each unit, High speed in-room Internet access (fee), Pool, jet spa, Barbecue grills, Activities desk, Free parking, Free WIFI access by lobby, Public computer terminals (fee). Guests will also find easy access to nearby attractions, such as championship golf, public tennis, and the many charming boutiques and restaurants of historic Kailua-Kona town. Swimming beaches are within a 5-minute drive. We found the only downside to staying her was that there was no immediate beach access. You have to drive about 10 minutes south for great snorkeling and swimming. We slept with our lanai door open to hear the waves crashing right below, which was spectacular! This is the spot if you want a quiet place to “get away”.
www.AstonKonaByTheSeaResort.com
Kona Village Resort– This fabulous resort has it all. You don’t have to leave the resort to experience everything. There are private bungalow style rooms called “Hales” right on the beach over-looking the ocean. There are hammocks everywhere.
Our favorite suggestions: The Best snorkeling around right at the resort with beautiful fish and coral, plenty of water activities (Kayaks are included with your stay while other rentals have a charge), Free Tennis clinics (racket, balls and even shoes provided). The courts have extra padding so it is easier on your joints, adjacent fitness room, spa. & free do-it-yourself laundry. Don’t miss incredible hot stone massage from therapist Laura or any of their other incredible treatments..
Choose a package from just accommodations to bed and breakfast to all-inclusive with all meals included. The food was very good and we also experienced the fun luau with their buffet. The only downside was the woman who checked us in. She was unorganized and our reservation had a few mistakes. The staff could use a little improvement for the price you are paying, as we had to ask multiple times for simple requests to get taken care of. Bring good shoes to walk around as the place is huge and you only get around by foot or if a golf cart driver is available.
Overall, it was a great time and only 10 minute drive from the airport. Free computer use in the concierge office. We met several families who have been returning to Kona Village for years and years, which is another positive. One family said they have come every year for 8 years with their children and suggested to come back during February “Winter Break” when children over-run the resort and have the best time! www.konavillage.com
MAUI: Lodging
The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach– You cannot get a better location. The Whaler (part of the Aston Hotel Group) is located right next to Whalers Village (Kaanapali). It has incredible ocean view rooms, which are very spacious. There is a heated pool (unusual in Hawaii, but oh so nice!) if you decide to pass on the warm ocean water. You are just steps from the incredible Kaanapali beach. The service, front desk and staff were the most friendly and accommodating that we found during our stay. The units were equipped with a full kitchen Hi-Def TV, huge patio and free WiFi in the room. They have a tour desk in the lobby to help with any excursions.
If you are looking to stay on the beach, this is our top choice for condos as the property has a lush grass area with a pond, fitness center, spa, and treatment center for massages if interested. Pool towels are provided as you just trade one of the towel cards when picking up and swap it out when you give you’re your towels. You can rent chairs, cabanas and swimming boogie boards at their beach tour desk. The rooms seem very affordable for what you are receiving and comparably to some of the other properties and condos around. I highly recommend the Aston Whaler and you cannot go wrong with any Aston property as they are all well managed and have a great reputation. They have a variety of sized rooms depending on your needs and budget.
Maui Eldorado Outrigger Condos– This is our sleeper choice. Most people want a place right on the beach and the Eldorado is set back with a golf course between the condos and the ocean. However we found that a short golf cart ride (provided by the staff anytime) or a 7 minute walk to the beach was worth it considering you were not staying in a high rise and your were away from all the crowds. The Eldorado has their own cabana with a full kitchen equipped with chairs, towels and more at the beach. The Fairmont shops are a very close walk or visit Whalers Village by foot also about a 10-15 minute walk. The rooms are clean and very spacious. Units come with full kitchens, washers and dryers, HD TVs, Central air conditioning; Complimentary wired high-speed Internet access and wireless access in the lobby and pool deck, guest privileges at five resort golf courses and beautiful décor with patios. Plenty of room and great area for kids as you can walk down to the beach.
Orbitz Best in Stay Awards™ winner for best for leisure.You’ll feel at home at Outrigger® Maui EldoradoSM where the surroundings are neighborly and informal. Daily activities are relaxed — a morning stroll along the beach or a leisurely afternoon of golf. Comfortably furnished condo accommodations provide sanctuary with garden and ocean views framed by flowering plumeria trees. Outrigger Maui Eldorado’s location along the fairways of Kaanapali Beach Resort is a short stroll to Whalers Village shops, restaurants, and nightlife. It’s an easy five-minute walk, or they’ll take you on a quick golf cart ride down to north Kaanapali Beach where guests enjoy the privacy of an exclusive beach cabana. Outrigger Maui Eldorado is a TAG Approved® (Travel Alternatives Group) accommodation.Located on a hillside along the 4th and 6th fairways of theKaanapali North Golf Course
www.outrigger.com/hotels-resorts/hawaiian-islands/maui/outrigger-maui-eldorado
Island Air-
The best airline to get from island to island. We looked at other options including Hawaiian Airlines but they were more expensive and not as welcoming. So our flight from the Big Island to Maui was stress-free, inexpensive and easy on Island Air, which we highly recommend. www.islandair.com
Speedi Shuttle– They are located on multiple islands but our experience was from the airport in Maui to Kaanapali. Unless you want to drive around the island and rent a car, this is the way to go as there is public transportation once in Kaanapali and Lahaina from one to the other. If you are staying at the Westin Resort, Villas or Sheraton, they have a free shuttle that goes around Kaanapali and another one that goes to Lahaina. Our tip is to take speedi-shuttle and then rent a car locally if you want to take a drive one day.
They currently are the largest operator of passenger Mercedes Sprinter in all of North American located on all islands. They have over 400 staff and live local friendly operators available 24 hours a day. They offer complimentary child car and booster seats and children under the age of two are free. The vehicles are all GPS tracked and our Oahu Fleet offer free Wi-Fi.
More at www.speedishuttle.com
Restaurants-
Roys in Kona-
In a league of it’s own. Roy’s has the finest fresh fish and superb service. Your napkin is folded whenever you get up and leave your seat. Our server Vela was very attentive and the Manager Arnie was most hospitable. We started with the tempura soft shell crab, blue crab cakes, garlic Ahi spicy tuna roll and/or Ahi poke. For entrees, don’t miss the crusted sesame soy Ono. Roy’s is one of the few places that serve butterfish (misoyaki style) so I recommend trying some as it melts in your mouth. Roy’s is very family friendly. It offers child sized portions of “real adult food” (not just hotdogs and chicken strips like many restaurants). Upon arriving the server immediately brings out a healthy complimentary “kiddie appetizer” to help impatient young ones make it through until the main course arrives. Roy’s overlooks a beautiful man-made lake. You really cannot go wrong with anything you order but I suggest sticking to seafood items and do not miss the chocolate soufflé. To find out more about the big island Roy’s or any of their other locations, please visit www.roysrestaurant.com
Beach Tree restaurant at the Four Seasons This is a great spot for lunch on the beach- great burgers, pizza and fish specials. Fine dining during the day and open at night as well. Beach Tree has fantastic atmosphere and is located at a beautiful resort to visit or stay. More info/menu at www.fourseasons.com/hualalai/dining/beach_tree
Leilanis on the beach in Whalers Village (Kaanapali)-
Leilanis has incredible food, a great location on the beach and exquisite service. For appetizers, we highly recommend the spicy Tuna tower with crab, shrimp and avocado, which is out of this world. The jumbo shrimp & scallop sauté was very tasty and the sautéed (not deep fried) blue crab cakes were delicious. The caprice salad with olowalu nui tomatoes, golden beats and fresh mozzarella was a perfect in between before our main course.
For entrees, we had the seared sesame crusted Ahi and pan-seared opakapaka which were two of the best fish dishes we have ever had anywhere. James the manager was very helpful and told us that the opakapaka just came back on the menu after being over-fished for quite some time. Try one of their specialty cocktails or some wine to compliment your meal. Save room for the signature Hula Pie dessert. This place is a Must and has been around forever. One of our top choices and so convenient to walk to get to in Kaanapali. I can see why. For reservations or more information, visit www.leilanis.com
Hula Grill–
This is the Sister restaurant of Leilanis and is located right nearby in Whalers Village (Kaanapali). They have a casual bar area/menu or fine dining selection with tables outside looking at the ocean. The Ahi poki tacos and tomato/Maui onion salad with goat cheese are not to miss. Other appetizers are dim sum, soups/noodles and greens. They have a nice selection of fresh Hawaiian fish with choices how you want them prepared.
Our top choice was the Macadamia Nut crusted Opah but Mahi Mahi also goes well with this preparation. The service was great and you are right on the beach overlooking the ocean. Hula dancing & live music that you can hear from the bar make this comfortable setting which compliments the terrific food. Our top two desserts were the ice cream sandwich and coffee-macadamia nut cheesecake accompanied by a chocolate martini to end your fantastic dining experience. www.hulagrillkaanapali.com
Lahaina Prime Rib & Fish Company- Start with one of their sushi rolls (spicy ahi or California) and the seafood/clam chowder was about the best we had on the island. With so many places and fish to eat on the island, I actually recommend ordering the prime rib here since it is one of their specialties and rare to find anywhere else. The award winning slow roasted prime rib was so tender and delicious. It has gotten so popular that they actually changed the name of their restaurant to include Prime Rib. Their “TuTu’s Teriyaki Chicken Breast” was so delicious and tender. The feeling of the restaurant is like you are on an old wooden boat during your dining experience right on the water. The manager Monty welcomes you in to a nice night out. More at www.lahainafishcompany.com
Pacificos- Located at 505 Front Street in Lahaina, which is off the beaten path from downtown. A good 5-10 minute walk past downtown and the wharf as you pass a residential area, this cute shopping/dining location is a secret hot spot trying to get more noticed. Executive chef James McDonald (voted best Maui Chef by the Maui News) has brought three fine dining venues within this location including the Feast of Lele Luau, IO’s and Pacificos (pictured below). Our dining experience overlooking the ocean started with the fresh sashimi flatbread, blackened Ahi tower with avocado and wasabi aioli and roasted Maui onion & herb goat cheese salad with tomatoes and greens. They use fresh greens, fruits, herbs, and vegetables, from their upcountry organic plantation, known as O’o farm. All the fish is incredibly fresh with a choice of four preparations you cannot go wrong with. Don’t miss their signature banana/pineapple lumpia dessert in a flaky pastry with banana ice cream. www.pacificomaui.com
Mala
Located in Lahaina right on the water across the street from the Cannery Mall. The intimate setting and delectable dishes from renowned chef, Mark Ellman (pictured below) make this one of our top choices for fine dining when in Maui. Start with one of their Flatbread Pizzas, tasty fresh Ahi Bruchetta and the not to miss tomato and burata cheese salad that melts in your mouth. They have the cheese flown in a few times per week. For entrees, make sure to get the opakapaka if it is in season as it was right up there witrh the best fish I have ever had. Mark’s dishes are the most creative as he serves top of the line cuisine from the land or sea.
All the seafood is of the highest quality and Mala is one of our top restaurant choices. The caramel Miranda signature dessert is so unique combining fresh fruit with chocolate and raspberry sauce topped with macadamia nut ice cream. This is not to miss and Mark has been serving it since the restaurant opened. We also recommend picking up Marks Cookbooks including his popular, Practicing Aloha, a collection of recipes and stories from people who live in Maui.
David Pauls
Well know owner/chef David Pall brings his creative ingenious cooking to his newer restaurant serving up the freshest fish and dishes around. The seared Ahi Sashimi was the best we had in Hawaii. Try the re-constructed Californaia Blue Crab roll or one of their nice salads to start. The two entrees we highly suggest are the butternut squash ravioli with poached lobster and the 2009 award wining Opakapaka with Maui Onions over delicious polenta. The Diver Scallops and Tequilla Shrimp and any of the local fish were also highly suggested. You cannot go wrong whatever you order from the land or sea as David Paul is one of Maui’s most renown Chefs. This is his new restaurant right on Front Street and one of our other top choices to dine. The staff and service were fantastic and you have a great ocean view while you eat. Save room for David’s 3 berry pie or Chocolate Macadamia Nut Tart.
Here are our top recommendations for Tours/Activities–
By Air- Paradise Helicopters in Kona. What a great friendly and personable staff. The only Heli company to take off from the Kona Airport. They also leave out of Hilo and have a variety of tours all including seeing the volcano. I loved seeing the beautiful Kona Coast and Waterfalls that I would never see from the car. I got a Birdseye view of the active volcano seeing some lava inside a cavity hole. This incredible tour also included a landing in one of the valleys for about 30 minutes to walk around and explore before flying off to return on this once in a lifetime excursion. Book early as they are popular and you will not want to miss it. Other tours include a BBQ stop, private charters and a variety of times. This is a once in a lifetime experience and not to miss.
Why Paradise Helicopters?
• Most Air Adventure Options – You can choose from a
wide variety including our exclusive landings at
significant Hawaiian landmarks. You have your choice of
island discovering journeys that pass over all 5 volcanoes
and combination excursions that have you hiking,
swimming, barbequing, zip lining , exploring a self
sustaining eco-farm and more!
• 2 way communication – You can talk with your pilot and
fellow guests throughout the entire flight. Get all your
questions answered.
• Personalized Tours –With our knowledgeable pilots, No
two tours are the same!
• Japanese Language Tours – Japanese speaking pilot on
staff. Other language translations available by request.
• Custom Tours – If you can dream it, We can do it! Let us
make your vacation/special event a memory that will last
a lifetime. We’ve already done hunting, bungee jumping
and a flight over a marriage proposal written in a field.
(she said yes!)
• Choice of Professionals – Paradise Helicopters is the
choice for Law Enforcement, Film Crews (SAG pilot on
staff), Construction Companies, Government Agencies,
Fire and Rescue Organizations and so many more.
Airports
Kona
• Longer Flights- If you want to see the most of the island,
Kona is the airport for you.
• Proximity – Kona Airport is approx . 15 minutes from
downtown Kona/ 20 minutes from Waikoloa .
• Air Adventure Options – Our base at Kona airport is the
departure point for the majority of our tours. Most of our
landing adventures (zip line, hiking, waterfall swim)
originate there. Some events can last up to 8 hrs.
Hilo
• Shorter Flights –Whether you are staying on the east side
of the island or visiting for the day, convenient tours that
are less than 1 hour in duration are available throughout
the day.
• Budget Flights- Paradise Helicopters at Hilo Airport offers
our lowest cost tours.
• Doors Off Tours – Hilo is where our Hughes 500 Helicopters
are available for the Extreme Doors Off Experience.
Here are the 2 tours from Kona.
Kona- Hawaii Experience
See all 5 Volcanoes. Observe current
activity at Kilauea. North to Hilo and Kohala Coast. 100’s of waterfalls. 2000′ valley walls. Best way to see the most. 1.5-2 hours 6 Passenger Bell 407
Volcano and Valley Landing
Same Air Tour as Hawaii Experiencewith
the addition of a stop on the majestic
Kohala Coast to fly deep into a valley
where Kamehameha played as child. Land
in a pristine, unspoiled wilderness. Get
out of the Helicopter and explore your
surroundings. Approx 1 hr on ground.
Approx 3 hours 6 Passenger Bell 407
The other island they are on is Oahu at the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore
For Reservations Call 866-876-7422 or visit www.paradisecopters.com
Land Activities:
Sugar Cane Train in Maui-
The fantastic Sugar Cane Train goes between Lahaina and Kaanapali. You can catch it in either location and choose your times to leave and come back. See and experience this steam train while getting narration from a fabulously friendly Hawaiian during this approx. 75-minute tour roundtrip. Many people do not realize that you can catch the train from nearby Whalers Village. The Sugar Can Train is great for kids and a fresh, unique mode of transportation that you should enjoy at least once during your visit. www.sugarcanetrain.com
Warren and Annabelle’s
This magic show is a unique combination of comedy and magic that is absolutely top notch. Whether you see owner/creator Warren Gibson’s 2-hour show or some of his other performers, you are in for a treat with this most intimate audience participation show. I saw Dana Daniels and John Shryock who had me laughing and mesmerized throughout. You can come just for the show and order anything ala carte or reserve a 4 hour full package night including drinks, appetizers and dessert before the main show listening to the magical invisible piano playing of Annabelle who takes requests and doesn’t disappoint. Sleight-of-hand, also known as “close-up” magic, is very different… especially the show here at Warren & Annabelle’s.
Warren Gibson, highly acclaimed showman and one of the country’s premier sleight-of-hand magicians, treats you to the best “close-up” magic, hilarious comedy and southern hospitality in this beautiful million-dollar 78-seat Hawaii venue!
The magician often does magic right in the audience members’ hands, using their own possessions. Dialogue between the performer and audience is common throughout the show. It is this unique infusion of the audience that makes each and every show different. That’s why our show guests return year after year. This show plays Monday-Friday and some Saturdays. Make your reservations early as this intimate show does sell out. Tickets/info at www.warrenandannabelles.com
Water Activities:
Lahaina Divers Scuba Tour-
If you are certified, they go out on a 2-dive excursion to either Lanai or Molakini every morning. The staff is very knowledgeable and personable. You can also do an introductory dive if you are not certified or have never gone scuba diving before. The dive trip leaves in the early afternoon each day while you learn the basics and go under water to some of the best places around. We went out near Kaanapali the first dive which was neat but the second dive at the Mala pier was terrific as we saw some eels, frog fish, lobster and a turtle. This tour is very convenient as you meet at the divers store and walk to the boat at the harbor. Fruit snacks, cookies and water are provided. More at www.lahainadivers.com
Gemini Snorkel Cruise-
Leaving outside the Westin, this is a great trip. Gemini provides a welcoming staff, a Westin catered buffet lunch of teriyaki chicken and grilled Mahi Mahi with fried rice and some awesome snorkeling. You cannot get snorkeling like this unless you have a boat. I checked out some of the other options and this was the best overall tour. I had contacted the Hula Girl Cruise but their cockiness and attitude that they didn’t need my business turned me off. I heard this from others also, which made my choice easy to sign up with Gemini. Gemini’s beautiful wooden boat left at 11am and headed out to Honolua Bay for a great day of snorkeling. After the boat anchored, we had a good 90 minutes to swim and check out the sea-life in what many people consider the best place in Maui for snorkeling. We were the only yacht to sail on the way back, which made it so relaxing. The crew is top notch and professional. I would like to commend the staff of my cruise, which was led by Captain Marty, Linda, Andrew, Nicole and Jennifer.