Paradise Revisited
Submitted: March 24, 2013
Stayed: January 2013
After after last year’s memorable visit, we returned again this year for a full 3 weeks.
First the negatives, none of which were related to the unit! The Trade Winds were blowing this year. This was our 7th Hawaiian vacation, and we had never experienced the wind to such an extent. The Economy is recovering (good for Roger & Kay though), locals were telling us that this was the busiest it has been since 2008. Tourists everywhere and traffic on the QKW was crazy at times! Finally, my wife lost a crown on the 5th day, which could have been a vacation killer, but she was able to find a dentist in Waimea who helped her the very next morning.
And now to the positives!
The property description and pictures do not do the unit justice. The location is perfect because it is so central to everything, yet far enough from Kona to be laid back. Being surrounded by the golf course and tucked in behind the King’s Shops meant that it was isolated from the resort traffic as well. With the grounds and amenities shared by about 170 units, you have the quiet, easy feeling of a small village where everyone says “Good morning!”
Breakfast at the King’s Grille was a great way to occasionally start the day. A-Bay is always a blast, and now with the Lava Lava Club open, you never have to leave the beach. And this year the whales were easily visible from the beach! The boogie boarding at Hapuna was excellent as well. Golfing was good no matter where we went, the King’s Course, Waikoloa, or Makalei. Days trips were made to Hawi and the north coast, Hilo, and of course Kilauea. Evenings on the lanai were picture perfect. It was sheltered from the wind, and on the plus side, the wind kept the evening clouds away. We saw some of the best sunsets ever this year. Not to be outdone was looking the other way at Mauna Kea. The wind kept the clouds away during the day so that the observatory was almost always visible, including snow on the summit one morning!
As we were leaving, my wife expressed the opinion that 3 weeks may have a bit too long to be in Hawaii. We have been home for a month and have had a late, cold, snowy spring. She has changed her mind.
Bottom line, great unit, great location, you’ll never want to leave! But book early to get the best days.
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Girls Getaway,
Sightseeing,
Romantic Getaway
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