Some of our recommended properties in ...

Hawaii's Big Island

Note: daily resort fees and/or parking charges apply at many Hawaiian properties. These range from around $20 - $30 per day and are payable locally. Click for information about grades of accommodation in Hawaii.

3* Royal Kona Resort
This hotel is located right on the shore in the heart of the lively town of Kona. That means it is within easy walking distance of plenty of bars and restaurants, however the beach is a bit 'compact' so a hire car is a good idea for your stay in order to get to some of the island's great sand and snorkelling spots. The Royal Kona Resort is a good, solid 3* property with pool (including a children's pool), tennis courts, bar and restaurant. The generous sized rooms are spread over 3 towers: the Bay, the Lagoon and the Ali'i. The latter 2 were most recently done up (in 2006) and it is well worth upgrading to either of these and also to at least a Partial Ocean View or Ocean View room.

3* Aston Kona by the Sea
There is not much accommodation in the mid-range category on Hawaii's Big Island but these apartments are a find. Situated just south of Kona, most of these spacious suits have good ocean views, include full kitchens, washer/dryers and private lanais (balconies). There is a swimming pool close to the small stretch of sandy shore, hydro spa and outdoor BBQ area for guests as well as free parking. With a hire car these condos offer some of the best value in Kona.

3.5* Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort Hotel
This is officially rated a 4* hotel - the only one on the island - and the public areas of the lobby, large bar and restaurant area, swimming pool, tennis courts and landscaped gardens certainly meet the standard. However we have marked it down to only 3.5* because, in our opinion, some of the guestrooms and hallways are currently in need of re-decoration. If the room decor isn't your highest priority then this hotel could be for you. The service is good and there is a complimentary trolley bus to bring guests to the Keauhou Shopping Village and the 27-hole Kona Country Club golf course.

5* Sheraton Keahou Bay Resort & Spa
This luxury resort is situated several miles from Kona right on Keauhou Bay. From the moment you drive up to the large, airy reception area the standards are set for your stay. The guestrooms are the same size (big!) throughout the property but the views differ from ocean expanse to lush gardens and mountains. There is a Hertz hire car outlet on the property and an excellent spa plus several restaurant choices. This is a superb honeymoon spot but if you are bringing the kids they are going to love the massive, landscaped pools, water slide, whirlpool spas, waterfalls and artificial beach complex.

5* Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
The deluxe property is situated north of Kona airport on the Kohala Coast. Driving there you will pass through some of the most unusual landscape you are likely to experience anywhere ... black lava fields clearly defining the route the ancient lava took when flowing from the central mountains over the flat plain and into the ocean. Then a turn to the left, head straight for the coast and you come upon the popular resort area of Waikoloa. The Marriott is situated on a half-mile sandy beach suitable for swimming and the property features an ancient fish-pond, infinity swimming pool and great sports facilities. The rooms vary in size but all are well equipped and of a high standard.

Photo Credits: HTA / Tor Johnson, Aloha Holidays, Marriott