A 3 hour tour....
Written: Jun 18 '02 (Updated Jun 18 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Excellent place to wind down
Food is excellent for an all inclusive deal
Cons: Lack of air conditioning
There shouldn't be a voucher limit for dinner entrees
The Bottom Line: If you are looking for a hideaway to lose some stress, gain weight and lighten your wallet, then Kona is the place.
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| platipus_'s Full Review: Kona Village |
It's a little more upscale than Gilligan's Isle, but for that lost on an island get away from it all feel, you can't beat it.
My girlfriend and I needed to have a get away from it all vacation. We considered Mexico and the Caribbean, but finally decided Hawaii since I had never been. We looked at several resorts/hotels, but some friends of ours had stayed here and raved about it.
After choking on the per night rate for a few days, we decided this was where we needed to go, so we went ahead and booked. You can get air and car package deals through travel agents here, but there are no discounts that we could find through any of the major travel sites. Rack rates are the only rates.
To start off, I should qualify this review by stating that we flew out on September 15th. When we got there, the place was almost deserted. It was desserted too because their pastry chef was on vacation (sorry bad pun (but true)). There were maybe 20 other couples there when we arrived. Half way through the week there were maybe 40 couples. With around 120 rooms total, you should get the picture as to what it looked like. Unfortunately we were spoiled in a one of a kind situation because of that. We're really not about the kids (less is more for us) or crowds, so from a people stand point, it was incredible. No lines and no screaming little monsters running around.
The Kona side of the Big Island is a strange place. As I stated, I had never been to Hawaii. Stepping off the plane is like walking onto the moon if it were 80 degrees and 80% humidity. Lava lava everywhere. Once you get to the resort though (30 minute shuttle ride), it's like an oasis (look for the wild burros as you pull off the highway and up the drive Very surreal) because all of a sudden there's palm trees and plants.
The check-in process is great. They sit you down with a coordinator, give you a cocktail or two (or fresh juice) and answer all of your questions.
Next it's off to the rooms. They weren't quite what I expected. I saw pictures, so it wasn't a full surprise or anything. They are definitely huts from the outside (which is great atmosphere and sets the mood). Inside it's more like a clean Holiday Inn. Basically a room, a Lanai (balcony) and a bathroom. Nothing special really. Just kind of in the middle. From a 4 star hotel standpoint, the amenities could be nicer. From the "hey I'm on Gilligan's Island" standpoint, they could have been "huttier". Maybe a radio fashioned from coconuts (oops no radios, maybe a clock then) There is also not a full height wall between the bedroom and the bathroom, which I am really not into. It's high enough for visual privacy, but that's it. Did someone step on a duck? Also, don't leave food or soda out. There are little buggies and ants. Rooms come equipped with a can of bug spray (in hindsight I am laughing about that right now... no really, I am) The most awesome thing is waking up at 6am the first morning (really 9am Pacific Time to us) to the sounds up tropical birds. We laid in bed for about 1/2 an hour listening to them before the morning symphony dropped down to daytime levels.
From the room, it's off to the beach. Nice. Clean. A little rocky in some areas at the water, but plenty of room to snorkel and lots of loungers. The fish are amazing as well as the sea turtles that haul out and sun themselves everywhere. At night they shine a bright light on the water and it brings in the bat rays. Very very cool. Just look. Don't touch. No "Bat ray Experiences" or anything. Look for the one with a chunk out of one wing tip. Evidently he's been around for quite a few years. His name is Chip. There are various water activities offered from loaner fins and snorkels to scuba diving. I am certified and went out one day. A little pricey, but worth it. My girlfriend is not certified, but did the instructor led scuba introduction which she was totally into and gave her the final nudge she needed to decide to get certified also later on.
From the beach it's to the food and drinks. Bar drinks can add up (as well as sodas... nickel and dime). It's what you'd expect from any decent hotel. The food was quite good I thought. Lunch is a buffet style. Lot's of good stuff. I mostly had the raw tuna everyday though. Huge plates of it with rice and wasabi mmmmmmm.... They also have hot food via a BBQ, but I thought the fresh fruit, salads and tuna were the best choices. For desert don't forget the cookies... WOW! For anyone wishing to explore the island (as we did) they also offer boxed lunches. They were kind of a let down. Sandwich, potato salad, chips and an apple and orange. Not bad, just a let down compared to the regular food. Drove all the way around the island the long way and then down to the volcano. Very cool. Timed it to arrive just before sunset and stayed until an hour after. Worth the trip once, but the whole ordeal did take about 12 hours. Arranged for another boxed lunch upon our return that night at 11pm. Again, quite disappointing after a long days drive.
There are 2 restaurants for dinner there. One is supposed to be a little more "upscale" than the other. We only ate there because it was quieter and had outside tables looking out to the beach. Very romantic. We also managed to get the same table on the edge of the patio every night except one. Try the cold papaya soup. There is a fixed voucher amount for meals every night included in the price of the room. There are always one or two selections that are an extra $10 or $20 above. Kind of ridiculous IMHO.
At night, there is not a whole lot to do. There is 1 bar open late. But rowdy, dumb drunk people is not what Kona Village is about. Not that I am above that sort of thing. It's just far more laid back there. Friday's is the luau. I had never been to one, so it was interesting. There are ALOT of people that go to this though and it is very structured. Worth it once since I had never been, but I probably wouldn't do it again.
I would definitely go back again. Many people do. On the shuttle ride in, we met an older couple who brought their adult children as a family get together. They had been coming for something like 25 years. They were there when the only way in was to take a boat or sea plane from the airport.
Next time though, I probably wouldn't leave to do any touristy things. We stayed 7 nights, but 5 would have been good to just veg-out. Being my first time to Hawaii, it probably would have been wise to stay at one of the mega hotels, but I am glad we didn't. I hear they have a few rooms equipped with AC also. That would have been nice. I suppose it would detract from the "experience", but we ended up sliding the bed away from the wall so it was directly beneath the ceiling fan to make it bearable a few nights. But all in all, it was a great experience.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
platipus_
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Reviews written: 3
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