Pele's Fury & Rainforest Cool

Pele's fury in the evening is the most memorable moment for our family. Pele was mad as heck and flowing her anger clear into the ocean while we were there. It was magical at night. There is such a uniqueness here that it is hard to say which is the best thing to do. We did so many things that one week was not enough. We flumin'da ditch (great family adventure), went on Atlantis submarine, and on a Fairwinds Catamaran afternoon ride. One thing you shouldn't miss is the Evening at Kahua Ranch. Great cowboy hospitality and great activities for the kids. There are black, white, and, yes, green sand beaches on this island. The Kohala coast is mostly old lava flows. Messages written out of white coral on the black lava flows on the Kahola coastal area. Hilo and Waimea are two great towns to visit as are Hawi-Town. The Kona coast bustles with excitement and is probably the best place for college students & young couples, but don't let that discourage couples & families from visiting or staying there. Some of the best shopping and activities are in Kona. Don't miss the Black beach at Pololu Lookout.

Quick Tips:

If you reserve activities from home, remember the Island is justifiably call Big. It takes over two hours to drive to Volcanoes Natl Park from the airport area going thru Hilo, and two hours going around the southern end. The inner island roads can be fogged in and are windy, which slows driving. We just started going down roads to the many beaches and loved the fact that we were the only visitors most times. Made us feel like real explorers. If you are going to a volcano and it's erupting in a fury, stay till night! It is worth it but the parking can be horrible if you wait till dusk to drive there. Take a flashlight, hat, good shoes, and plenty of water. The heat from the lava is hard to handle and the steam from the lava entering the ocean raised tiny blisters on two of my companions. Four people have been killed this year because they went off the designated trail. (Two from the bench collapsing and two were steamed to death.) At night you can see the lava deep in the cracks of the old lava flow glowing after three weeks of cooling!

Best Way To Get Around:

Get a rental car or jeep even. Remember if you are wanting to go to South Point, the Observatory on Mount Kea, or the Waipi'o Valley, most rental companies don't allow their vehicles in these areas. So ask before you book. We weren't informed of rental car restrictions in those areas until we checked in, and we really wanted to go the observatory. You can take a tour but it is very expensive.

Walk thru the smaller towns for the local experience. The local shopkeepers are friendly and will assist you in sightseeing if you ask.

I didn't see any public transportation except in Kona and Hilo.

The accommodations at KMC are more like suites than hotel rooms. One-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and cottages. Each unit has a fireplace and living room. Select units have kitchens & jacuzzis. There are also dormitories for groups (including non-profit & educational). THESE ACCOMMODATIONS ARE OPEN ONLY TO: ALL ACTIVE AND RETIRED MILITARY, RESERVE & NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS, CURRENT & RETIRED DEPT OF DEFENSE CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES, DEPENDENTS, AND SPONSORED GUESTS. I did not stay here but I ate here and thought it was a great place. There is so much to do at this camp: recreation lodge, bowling, children's activities, and cyber room. It also has a general store and cafe which anyone can use. When entering into Volcanoes National Park, go straight past the Visitor's Center and the camp will be off to the right. Rooms look very nice. Check out the website: www.kmc-volcano.com or you can email them for reservations at: reservations@kmc-volcano.com

Best Things Nearby:
Golf course is just outside the condos. The Parker ranch, the Kahua Ranch and Waimea was nearby. I really like the town of Waimea. There is also a little shopping center with a grocery store, movie rental, restaurants, and medical facilities.

Best Things About the Resort:
I found that is was centrally located to see the Island. It was about the same distance to all parts of the island. I also liked the second floor in the condos.

Resort Experience:
The resort is about 20 miles from the Kona airport. It is kind of in the middle of nowhere surrounded by old lava flows. It has a golf course there on the grounds. Also there is a very tiny rec center that has just a few treadmills and a bicyle but no weight lifting equipment or free weights (about a 6x 9 area). There is one pool and one jacuzzi. The building we stayed in was 3 stories and the condo is two stories, so if you have a lot of luggage or have trouble walking, get on the 1st floor. They were really neurotic about the parking.. park in your designated spot (I didn't like this at all) and hang up your parking pass or you will get written warnings on your car in the morning. The grounds were nice and it was convenient from the main roads. If you don't golf, there isn't much to do at the resort. The activities all carried a minimal charge which isn't the case at other resorts where I've stayed. The units have a lot of storage area. The kitchen was well stocked and well designed. The laundry unit is upstairs which was convenient to both bedrooms, which are also on the second level.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Fair
• Amenities: Poor
• Unit Satisfaction: Good
• Family Friendliness: Fair
• Service: Good

The Kahua Ranch is a 8,500-acre working ranch which is located 3,200' above sea level. This ranch experience begins at the Paniolo Greens in Waikoloa. This visiting opportunity is offered to the owners one day a week & IS LIMITED to 50 guests. The ranch arranges transportation to/from the resort. They pick you up and then give a narrated ride on the cattle industry that began in 1794 and the Paniolo(Hawaiian Cowboy). At the ranch, you are greeted by the owners. You are offered local Kona beer, wine, and soft drinks. The owners then tell you the history of Kahua Ranch. Great place for sunset and you have ample time to view it from the ranch. It was foggy the night we were there but still the best time was had by all. Dinner is a ranch-style BBQ with steak (the best I have ever tasted..almost melted in your mouth like cotton candy), chicken, and fixins. Everything served is grown on the ranch. Local musicians entertain during dinner time. After dinner is horseshoes, roping, and other activites. They also have a deluxe telescope for stargazing. Bring a sweatshirt. Keep an eye open for Piggly Wiggly, an adorable little black pig that just loves his belly scratched.. DO NOT MISS THIS!!

For more information & reservations: 808-987-2108 or check out their website: www.eveningatkahua.com