The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows has a beachfront setting enhanced by lagoons and lush greenery. Rooms are comfortably furnished in a cool beige and white motif and fully equipped with top-quality amenities. Only a portion of the 350 rooms have complete ocean views, but all are provided with comfortable lanais. Doubles from about $37.
Fairmont Orchid at Mauna Lani is one of the Big Island's most luxurious resorts. It offers more than 500 rooms, as well as a full slate of recreational activities. Try the remarkably refreshing waterfall massage at the spa. Deluxe ocean-view rooms with private lanais are the preferred accommodation. Service throughout the property is first-rate. Doubles from about $300.
800-257-7544
The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, with 310 guest rooms, still looks and feels the same as it did when Laurence Rockefeller built it on a field of black lava in 1965. Accommodations are light and airy, all well furnished and beautifully maintained. Overall, this is a lower-key property than many of the islands' large resorts, yet all activities and services are provided. Doubles, from $275.
866-774-6236
Dining
The restaurant of the Kilauea Lodge, located just outside Volcanoes National Park, is an attractive spot with koa wood tables, locally produce art and lots of fresh flowers. Try the brie coated in an herb batter and coconut and lightly sautéed, and then the duck or any of the seafood dishes. A particular favorite is the Mauna Kea platter with a variety of seafood, sautéed and topped with a sauce of crème frâiche, shallots, sweet peppers and shiitake mushrooms. Dinner for two, without beverage, about $80.
808-967-7366
If you're interested in participating in a luau, one of the best is held several times weekly at the Royal Kona hotel. You'll have your fill of Kalua pig, Kalua turkey, fresh fish, chicken, lomi lomi salmon, sweet potatoes, fried rice, corn, salads, poi, taro, Hawaiian pudding and more, as well as a selection of beverages. About $60 per person.
808-661-6655 (reserve well in advance)
Merrimans has been one of the islands' most popular restaurants for many years. It specializes in what the chef calls "Hawaiian regional cooking," which means lots of fish, seafood and locally grown produce. The signature dish, wok charred, marinated Ahi lives up to its reputation. Dinner for two, without beverage, about $100.
808-885-6822
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