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Rated: 5 of 5

A delightful oasis that didn't cost the earth

A spacious and comfortable apartment, with everything necessary for a family vacation. The apartment has two bedrooms, one with a king size and one with a queen size bed (so two couples might end up arguing over that!) as well as two children's beds on a mezzanine floor. The kitchen is fully equipped, there are beach towels for the guests' use and the owners - I assume - have also left a number of pieces of snorkelling equipment for kids in the cupboards. The included wireless internet was fast and with no interruptions during our week there.

We loved it and felt it was great value.

The resort is also well-equipped: we didn't get to the fitness centre, the pool is pleasant if small and, since there are stern warnings about boisterous behaviour, not particularly kid friendly but then there is a whole ocean out there 15 minutes walk further along where they can mess as much as they like!

The island as a whole is fantastic and full of things to do and see: though if molten lava is your thing then Hilo is probably a better location (or you can take a helicopter tour of course).

On the down side the local shops are less than good value - particularly the supermarkets - and activities on the island are often very expensive: we could easily have paid out the same as one week's rental every day to do all the things we wanted to. Going to Kona and shopping around can save a lot (snorkel rental at Waikoloa Beach u$s 7 an HOUR or u$s 28 per day, in Kona it was u$s 2 a DAY or u$s 10 a week). Still, you can find everything you need within a few minutes walk if you are prepared to pay.

The nearby Waikoloa Hilton Resort Hotel should be seen, with its monorail and dolphin lagoon, even if using any of its facilities is again very dear. Though if you are prepared to sit through a two hour presentation they are looking for investors and tempting you with free gifts.

· By Bass from Ireland on 9/25/2009 for a stay in 9/1/2009