My son and I took a kayak/snorkeling tour with a guide in Kona. This was probably the most expensive outing of our trip and the one we least enjoyed. The guide was not bad; I just think that we would have had a better time if we kayaked and snorkeled on our own. The guide knew that we had kayaking experience and seemed to push us faster that we wanted to go. I would much rather just have gone at our own pace and think that I would have enjoyed this more.

We also snorkeled off the the kayaks. I had never done this before and it was new. My son did great, even as this was his first time ever snorkeling. What a place to learn! I, surprisingly, got seasick! This was weird, and at first, I thought that I was just having a bout of food poisoning. The guide told me that this was common and gave me ginger to eat as a local remedy to help counter the effects. It didn't help. I ended up losing my lunch in Kona Bay. I hope Captain Cook doesn't get mad at me.

We did see beautiful coral (don't touch) and a manta ray (one week before Steve Irwin's unfortunate demise), which were incredible. Overall, the experience was fine, but it could have been better. Anyway, my son and I can say we've been snorkeling off the Big Island. I don't recommend this trip if you have never been kayaking or snorkeling, AND if you are not in half-decent shape. It will get your heart pumping.

The pool area at this resort is just lovely. It is not overly large but very adequate, with plenty of room for all at the pool. It is great for adults and kids alike. There is a shuttle to take u to the beach nearby, or to the Hilton Waikoloah hotel down the road. We own at the resort, so we have free use of all the facilities at the hotel. To be very honest, we didn't go there but one day, we liked our place so much. But if you have children, they will love the hotel pools and such. I almost forgot that there is a site right nearby that has a path with ancient hieroglyphics that is very interesting and worth seeing, within walking distance. Right near the resort area are many fine restaurants and a shopping mall, Queens Center, I believe, where you can find relatively cheap food and fun. Excellent shopping too!

The pleasant and entertaining ride from Waikiki to Oahu's sunny west shore is a chance for one of the friendly hosts to greet guests and prepare them for the evening ahead. Guests who board the bus as strangers will feel like members of the Ohana, or extended family, by the time they step off. Upon arrival at at the luau, you are welcomed with a traditional shell lei and greeted by the majestic beauty of a luau on a tropical Pacific Ocean beach.

An impressive ceremonial event at the Luau is the opening of the imu (underground oven). This is the traditional rock-filled oven where the Kalua Pig is placed early in the day and gently roasted to succulent perfection. Gather to watch the pig being removed from the oven while the method and traditions of imu cooking are detailed.

After exploring the beautiful Luau grounds and taking in the many intriguing activities, get set to experience some great food – island style! Help yourself to the multi-course Hawaiian Buffet...a combination of traditional island favorites and continental (traditional American) fare. Tempt your taste buds with such exotic specialties as Lomilomi Salmon and Kalua Pig, Poi (taro) and Mahimahi (fish), and be sure to save room for some tasty dessert items to round out your culinary experience. To quench your thirst, there is everything from fruit punch to the special tropical drinks like the "Mai Tai" and the "Blue Hawaii". Complimentary unlimited soft drinks, hot coffee and hot tea are provided for your refreshment throughout the evening. Every adult receives 3 complimentary alcoholic beverage coupons. A variety of tropical, blended and specialty beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are also available at the cash bar.

The luau boasts an open seating arrangement that allows you to sit where you choose during the dinner and the show. You may enjoy sitting at the traditional low luau tables fronting the stage where you can enjoy your meal on the woven mats, just as the ancient Hawaiians did. It's the perfect place to see both the pre-show entertainment, and later the spectacular Polynesian Revue.

Spectacular entertainment delivered to you at the ocean's edge, under the stars and palm trees.

After dinner guests are treated to a colorful showcase of authentic song and dance from many Pacific Island nations, including Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, Samoa and New Zealand. It provides guests with a cultural tour of the South Pacific, featuring performances ranging from fierce ceremonial war dances to fondly remembered Hawaiian love ballads and a pulse pounding Samoan Fire-Knife Dance.

Our condo was just a short walk down the sidewalk to the beach. The scenery was beautiful and there was a bench to sit on and relax while you watched the turtles in the morning and the sunset at night. Every morning the kids got up and walked along the beach collection seashells, while my husband and I sat on the bench and watched the turtles in the bay.

Hawaii is a place where you can capture the Japanese and American cultures living together in a beachy summer environment. Japanese gastronomy, English language, beach, sun, surf... This is Hawaii, with great beaches and nice food—what else do you expect?