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Cooled by tradewinds—in other words, no A/C—and with no televisions, radios, or telephones, Kona Village tries to honor the tradition of Ka’upulehu, the old Hawaiian fishing village that once thrived here. It’s not a place for those who crave high-rise, five-star luxury, instead offering simply furnished rooms in individual thatch-roofed “hales,” or cottages. This resort works for those who prefer plain rooms and a laid-back setting that emphasizes Hawaiian culture and activities in its adults’ and kids’ programs.

Kona’s all-inclusive price includes snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, as well as catch-and-release fishing in the lagoons. For an additional fee, you can go on glass-bottom boat tours, outrigger canoe rides, fishing expeditions, as well as a two-and-a-half-mile ocean kayak adventure, which includes breakfast and snorkeling on Kua Bay. A marine sanctuary lies off Kona’s crescent-shaped beach in Kahuwai Bay, where turtles and manta rays are frequent visitors and migrating humpback whales can be seen December through April.

Why Families Love It:
To preserve and promote Hawaiian culture, Kona features lei-making and hula lessons, authentic meals featuring local fish and produce, as well as a luau in which children from the kids’ program perform the hula. Stargazing sessions mix island legends with astrology. There are also two outdoor pools with whirlpool spas, and jogging trails throughout the 82-acre property.

At the complimentary kids’ program (available every month except May and September), for ages six to 12, locally flavored activities such as fishing contests, coconut painting, net throwing, and Hawaiian crafts mix it up with pool visits and ball games. Adults are expected to stay on site or arrange for babysitting, as children don’t sign up for the program—they come and go as activities appeal to them during three separate sessions, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., a timeframe that includes a keiki (kids’) dinner. Younger children may participate with an adult. Upon request, teen activities may include snorkeling tours, sunfish sailing lessons, kayaking, softball, baseball, and volleyball. Babysitting can be arranged for $15 per hour per child.

Special Events & Activities:
Kona Village was once an ancient fishing settlement, and its ancestors literally left their mark in primitive drawings in its smooth, volcanic rock. Tours take you to view the petroglyphs.