Big Island

We stayed in the wing across the lot in a family room that had three beds. It was a cabin-type room. There was a living area for the whole building that had a fireplace. The main lodge has had its fire burning for the last 125 years - a great place to sit and rock in front of in the evening. We watched the sunrise over the crater rim with the steam rising and it was a quiet, almost spiritual, moment. I'm very glad we stayed there.

Best Things Nearby:
Beaches with sea turtles, sacred sites, Kona.

Best Things About the Resort:
The units are huge in a nicely landscaped resort. Nicely decorated.

Resort Experience:
We had a two-story, two-bedroom unit. The unit was tastefully decorated in a tropical style. The unit was spacious. The two bedrooms were downstairs with two full baths downstairs. The washer and dryer was in a closet in the hall between the bedrooms. The upstairs had a large living room and full kitchen and half bathroom. It also had a lanai which had a good view of the pool. We spent a lot of time on the lanai. They unit had an entertainment system and even a Hawaii Monopoly game we played on our lanai to our daughter's delight.

My only real complaint with the unit was the carpets were badly in need of cleaning. I wore slippers the whole time. Thankfully the rest of the unit was very clean.

We were so busy doing other things that the only resort activities we participated in were the introduction breakfast and the Hula Mai Tai/pizza party one night, which was great fun for everyone. They had a hula dancer and musician who taught mostly kids to dance and had fresh flower hairpieces for the kids to make.

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

After a tiring day hiking, it was a welcome respite. The food is fine dining in a casual setting because of its unique location on the crater rim of the volcano. We had a window seat, but ate very late due to our hike out to the lava flow, so we couldn't see too much. The food was excellent - the best prime rib I have ever had. My husband enjoyed his fresh Hawaiian fish entree too. We also had their breakfast buffet the next day, which was a good start to another busy hiking day.

What an amazing horseback ride. They take you in vans down into the very steep valley.

Then you are matched with a horse and begin the horseback ride through this enchanting valley. You trek through streams and past taro rot fields, mango trees and waterfalls.

They took a picture of us as a family in a gorgeous spot, which is our favorite Hawaii picture. Well worth the money - we did have a discount coupon from the local travel coupon books that are at the airport and local stores.

You can't go to the Big Island and not go to Volcanoes National Park. Where else can you see an active volcano up close? We actually started our visit to the Big Island there and stayed overnight at the park before we checked into our timeshare. We hiked out to the lava flow at dusk. It's a rugged hike - flashlight and sturdy shoes a must. There are park guides to point the way. It's certainly a unique experience. The next day we drove and hiked all over the park and through lava tubes. We could have easily spent another day or two there.

Another unique Hawaiian experience. The Place of Refuge is just behind Volcanoes National Park as a must-see attraction. It starts with an explanation of ancient Hawaiian customs and gives you insight on ancient Hawaiian culture in this original village. Also a great photo opportunity - just don't touch the basking sea turtles, it's a kapu.