, you'll be ideally located to enjoy a myriad of activities in this island paradise.

Hawaii Big Island helicopter rides allow visitors to soar over waterfalls and dramatic coastlines and get a birds-eye view of an active volcano. Other activities for guests of include water sports on Keauhou Bay, hiking and horseback riding in the nearby mountains, touring Kona coffee farms, exploring the Keauhou Garden of the Kamehamas, and visiting Hawaiian cultural sites like Pu'uhonua o Honaunau, the ancient City of Refuge. After a day of fun in the sun, relax and enjoy a spectacular Big Island sunset.

The magnificent Hawaii Volcanoes National Park makes a great day trip for guests of . Kilauea, the world's most active volcano, has been erupting since 1983. Even if you aren't lucky enough to see lava flowing on the day of your visit, the park offers a fascinating look at recent flows and you can even walk through a 400-foot-long lava tube. Drive time from Keauhou to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is less than 3 hours. The park is open 24 hours a day year-round. Kilauea Visitor Center is open daily from 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the Jaggar Museum is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $10 per vehicle.

Vacationers staying in can play golf on two fabulous public championship courses at the Kona Country Club. The Ocean Course, designed by William Bell, features breathtaking ocean and mountain views, jagged lava outcroppings, wide fairways, and numerous sand bunkers. Humpback whales can be seen off the coast from November through March. This 6,748-yard, par 72 course has been rated as one of the top 100 courses by Golf Digest and Golf for Women magazines.

The terrain on the Mountain Course is a bit more challenging with dramatic elevation changes, numerous bunkers, and three lakes. The signature 14th hole, on the course's highest point, features a waterfall surrounded by red bougainvillea, black lava rock, a scenic lake, and breathtaking ocean views. On the back nine, guests of will find wild goats roaming the course. This 6,634-yard, par 72 masterpiece has been rated 4 stars by Golf Digest and recognized by ESPN and Zagat Guide as one of the top courses in America.

The Kona Country Club pro shop offers right- and left-handed rental clubs for men and women, as well as golf attire and equipment. The club also features a driving range, chipping and putting practice greens, clinics and lessons. Call 888-707-4533 up to 14 days in advance for tee times.

Guests of will find a variety of specialty shops and restaurants at the Keauhou Shopping Center (78-6831 Alii Drive, 808-322-3000), as well as a seven- screen movie theater. A Polynesian Show is held in the evenings, and "Aloha Friday" features Hawaiian music, lei making, and free ukulele lessons. The shops at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort offer jewelry, resort fashions, and Aloha wear.

The weather in Keauhou, Hawaii is always gorgeous with daytime highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s and 70s. With just 11 inches of rain a year on the Kona Coast, vacationers who stay in a are practically guaranteed beautiful, sunny weather.

Hawaiian make the perfect home base for enjoying a vacation in paradise. Other nearby accommodations include , , and .