I'm in love with this place!Visited: September 2007
Posted by mumpsimus
I’ve been in love with Kona Village from the first time I set foot here, up to my 21st trip last September.
First of all, it’s utterly different from the usual resort. It’s a quiet, serene, beautiful model of a Polynesian village. There are separate cottages for all, spread out over 82 acres, with no TV, no phones, no room service, or even A/C--just a ceiling fan, which is fine—trust me! (I consider those to be really nice features, not negatives.)
They don’t even issue room keys, but the sense of security and trust is such that a safe in the room serves adequately for valuables, and you can lock yourself in at night if you feel the need.
The staff and other guests are all part of a family atmosphere—laid back, friendly, and comfortable. Newcomers to the village are easily swept into the family atmosphere (unless they prefer not to be, in which case privacy is scrupulously respected).
The food is abundant—boy, is it ever-- and excellent, and it’s all included in the price, as are all the beach amenities from snorkel gear to sailboats and kayaks. (Your drinks are on you, though.)
A huge percentage of guests are returnees like me, and most of us don’t rent a car because we don’t see a need to leave the village.
KVR is not a place to use as a base of operations if you’re going to do a lot of island sightseeing, and it would be a disappointment if your goal is to cruise for chicks. However, it can’t be beat as a place to unwind and de-stress. Bring a partner, and you might just fall in love with life again.
As for me - I’ll be back in February!
5 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
The Ocean Resort was in a great location for an excellent price!Visited: October 2006
Posted by mainetraveler
We stayed here for a night before we headed home. The staff was nice and very friendly.
Our room was good and clean. It didn't offer a great view, but it wasn't too bad. We weren't in the room much anyway! It was nice having fridge in room.
We were only one block away from Waikiki Beach. We loved being so close. It made it very convenient to go back and forth if need be.
The rooms were quiet. The parking staff was very friendly and helpful, and the parking rates were reasonable.
It was also easy walk to restaurants. The restaurant here was pricy, though!
We were also within walking distance to International Marketplace. It was fun!
The pool was nice and clean, too. It was pretty bare bones, as far as comfort. It was just a good place to take a dip and relax a bit.
We got more than our money's worth, as it was well under $100!
We would stay here again!
2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Turtle Bay is a laid back and comfortable resort.Visited: January 2006
Posted by jonsiecat
This was our honeymoon resort and first trip to Hawaii. Not knowing anything differently (even now), we were very satisfied with the property.
However, it was an hour or so drive from Waikiki, and there was not much else around except for major surfing beaches (which was why we stayed on the northshore).
The weather was damp and very chilly at times, and the water was not an option. It was too cold for my southern bones!
The scenery was beautiful, and we got to see more local living.
The room was average, and the breakfast buffet was very expensive. However, it was the prettiest breakfast buffet I have ever seen - and it tasted pretty good as well.
If you just want to stay for low-key peace, quiet and relaxing time, this is the place. But remember, there is not as much sun in the winter months.
2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Kaanapali Alii has fabulous decor and exceptional staff!Visited: December 2006
Posted by jonsiecat
We (three adults) stayed right after Christmas, and had a flawless stay. We visit an island every year, and found a gem with this property.
Each unit is decorated differently, but ours was top of the line with style. The concierge desk was awesome to the very end. The location was great, too.
We will stay here again, and maybe one day get to own our own unit!
2 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful.
This is a beautiful hotel on the best part of Waikiki Beach.Visited: February 2006
Posted by skeyton
We stayed at the Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa in February 2006 for ten days and just loved it.
The location was awesome. It was on the best part of Waikiki Beach. I suggest you get a Deluxe Ocean View if you can, the view was worth the extra money.
There were two pools, with a pool bar, which overlooked Kalakaua and the beach. Also, the hotel was very clean and safe.
There was a great restaurant next door - Tiki's Bar and Grill, with the best nachos I have ever had in my life - and a wonderful view to boot!
0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
The grounds were beautiful, but overall - it was just okay.Visited: September 2006
Posted by holly_ekstrom
I spent just one night at this hotel with my mom and two-year-old son. I wanted to start our vacation with the best.
The rooms were beautiful, spacious, and very clean! The grounds were perfectly groomed, refreshing, and inviting. The staff was nice to work with, and catered to our needs.
My family does not normally stay at this kind of hotel, or pay this much for a room night. We had decided to splurge for this hotel. The atmosphere of the hotel was very rich. Coming from farm country, we did not feel like we fit in at this property. However, we did have fun during our short stay.
1 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
The beach across the street was so convient. It was so beautiful at night. The kids loved the pool. The decor was excellent! It made my time in Hawaii a vacation I'll never forget!
3 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
Resortquest Mahana is small, quiet, and just steps from the beach.Visited: November 2006
Posted by carolbre
I stayed here in a studio unit. The view was awesome, with a lanai on the second floor. The condo was a little outdated and small, but it was very clean. I felt safe here.
There were other units that were more updated and gorgeous. I would definitely stay here again, but would make arrangements to have a more updated bigger condo.
Also, the activities director was top notch.
We had to walk or drive to nearby resturants. Also, we ate on the lanai and watched the sun set every night. It isn't among the fanciest hotels, but we like to be a little bit away from the crowd.
0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
We stayed here three nights. The Miramar was just a basic hotel with little frills. It was clean and close to everything. Everyone was nice, and I felt safe here.
We didn't need to spend a lot of money on a room when we were sightseeing and touring every day. We could walk to the beach, dinner and international Market Place. Also, it was just two blocks from the the Hyatt where the tour buses picked us up.
The money you save by staying here would be better spent on Maui and Kuai, where you will have more time to relax and enjoy your surroundings.
A small clean pool was on the rooftop. Denny's was in the lobby, and there was a Chili's across the street. The other islands were not so chaotic. You will spend more money there.
0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
There were lots of things to do.Visited: October 2006
Posted by davidevans
We really enjoyed this resort as there were a lot of things to do right on the property. The lagoon and all the pools/slides gave lots of variety. The dolphin encounter was amazing.
We enjoyed the supper meals - especially KPC, but also enjoyed the lauau and Donatonis. We found the lunches a little expensive.
Also, the people who booked the tours and things were very helpful.
4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Turtle Bay Development will Destroy the North ShoreVisited: June 2006
Posted by figureitout
Developers are planning on building 5 more hotels on the pristine North Shore of Oahu.
Before you decide to stay at Turtle Bay visit these links.
http://keepthenorthshorecountry.org/
http://defendoahucoalition.org
0 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful.
Hale Pau Hana (Unit #28) could be better.Visited: May 2006
Posted by clark
The resort overall is fantastic. It is clean, well maintained, and they have a very helpful staff.
However, it's best to book through the front desk and receive the well equipped units and the cleanliness. We opted for the private owner route, and were disappointed. The other units were clean and well equipped as we observed during our stay.
0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
This was a wonderful value for the money.Visited: February 2005
Posted by hollyken
This was our first trip to Hawaii. The hotel was wonderful, and we had a nice room. It was the most comfortable bed I ever slept in. We had a room with the kitchen. That was very helpful with the ABC store right across the street.
The view could have been a little better. But, it was still a nice view. The staff was great, too. Outside of the hotel, it was not so great, but the inside was a nice surprise.
It was in a nice location to food and to the bus stop. We plan to stay here again.
1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
It was nice, but had very limited access to the ocean.Visited: April 2006
Posted by haffwit
Pictures advertised being right on the ocean, but beware. Our gorgeous hut was separated from the sea by impassible, black lava. It was a quarter-mile walk to the main area and to the only very small beach.
The staff was great - friendly. The kids loved it, and had the run of the place. There was no TV, which was really wonderful.
They had an unrealistic tipping system, though. You serve yourself, but are expected to pay 15% tips on highly priced buffets. Kona Village is not for everyone.
1 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful.
This lodging has lost its luster. This was my fifth time staying here, and the service has progressively worsened. This property is on the market, so little capital is being expended on the rooms or amenties. I was very disappointed and have closed the chapter on the Prince hotel properties.
0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
Kaanapali Beach was clean, friendly, with helpful staff in all aspects.Visited: February 2006
Posted by kesgolf
My wife and I stayed here for four nights.
They provided clean rooms, good beds, good shower, and quiet facilities. There was music every night in the courtyard, and they served good food in the restaurants.
The only thing I wished for was wireless internet access in the rooms (it was available in the courtyard and lobby). However, that did not distract from an enjoyable stay.
1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
I have actually stayed here two out of three times that I have been to Hawaii. My parents have stayed here probably seven or eight times.
The staff here was very friendly and helpful. They gave us a room upgrade with a better view, and were always willing to help if needed.
The hotel could use some fixing up, though. I really noticed that had gotten a little worn from the first time I was here. But with that being said, the rooms were always neat and clean, and stocked up. And when you think about it, how much time are you spending in the room to begin with...right?
The 7-11 was very convienient, too - especially when the 2:00 am muchies happen.
Overall, I didn't mind this hotel. It was cheap, friendly and rather clean. It just could use some renovations.
0 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
I'm in love with this place! 
The Ocean Resort was in a great location for an excellent price! 
The grounds were beautiful, but overall - it was just okay. 
Hale Pau Hana (Unit #28) could be better. 
