The Big Island of Hawaii - Hawaii with Kids - page 168

Kona Billfisher This is my favorite of all the affordable condos on this
coast. It's within walking distance of downtown Kailua-Kona, and the big, blue
Pacific is just across the street. (Unfortunately, the ocean here is not good for
swimming or snorkeling, but there's a pool on-site, and the Kailua Pier, just a
mile away, has a good swimming area.) The property is very well maintained.
Each unit comes with a full kitchen and a balcony and features new furnishings
and king-size beds. The one-bedroom units have sliding-glass doors that allow
you to close off the living room and make it into another private bedroom, so
for the price of a one-bedroom unit, you can have a two-bedroom—a real deal.
Most units have washer/dryers, but there are also coin-operated facilities on-site.
Other on-site facilities include a barbecue area. Book well in advance and be sure
to let the reservationist know the ages of all the children, so they can recommend
the unit which best fits your family.
Alii Dr. (across from the Royal Kona Resort), c/o Hawaii Resort Management, P.O. Box 39, Kailua-Kona, HI
96745. & 800/622-5348 or 808/329-3333. Fax [phone]. www.konahawaii.com. 60 units. High sea-
son $95 1-bedroom, $125 2-bedroom/1-bath units; low season $80 1-bedroom, $105 2-bedroom/1-bath
units. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Amenities: Outdoor pool; nearby coin-op laundry. In room:A/C, TV, kitchen, fridge,
coffeemaker, iron.
Kona Seaside Hotel The package deal here is great: For just a few dollars
more than the regular room rate, you can have a rental car thrown in, too. This
budget hotel, located in the heart of Kailua-Kona, is just steps away from Kailua
Bay and Kailua-Kona's shopping, restaurants, and historic sites. The rooms are
large and comfy (even if they don't have fancy soaps and extra amenities), but
they can be noisy (ask for one away from the road). You may want to splurge on
one of the 14 rooms with kitchenettes.
75-5646 Palani Rd. (at Kuakini Hwy.), Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. & 800/560-5558 or 808/329-2455. Fax 808/
922-0052. www.sand-seaside.com. 225 units. $118-$140 double; $140 double with kitchenette. Extra per-
son $12. Children under 12 stay free in parent's room. Room/car packages available from $107. AE, DC, MC,
V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; 2 small outdoor pools; coin-op laundry; laundry service; dry cleaning. In room:
A/C, TV, some kitchenettes, fridge.

Kona Tiki Hotel It's hard to believe that places like this still exist. The
Kona Tiki, located right on the ocean, away from the hustle and bustle of down-
town Kailua-Kona, is one of the best budget deals in Hawaii. All of the rooms are
tastefully decorated and feature queen beds, ceiling fans, minifridges, and private
lanais overlooking the ocean. Although it's called a hotel, this small, family-run
operation is more like a large B&B, with lots of aloha and plenty of friendly con-
versation at the morning breakfast buffet around the pool. The staff is helpful in
planning activities. There are no TVs or phones in the rooms, but there's a pay
phone in the lobby. If a double with a kitchenette is available, grab it—the few
bucks will save you a bundle in food costs. Book way, way, way in advance.
75-5968 Alii Dr. (about a mile from downtown Kailua-Kona), Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. & 808/329-1425. Fax
808/327-9402. www.konatiki.com. 15 units. $61-$75 double; $84 double with kitchenette. 3-night minimum.
Extra person $9 adults, $6 children 2-12. Rates include continental breakfast. No credit cards. Amenities:
Outdoor pool. In room:Kitchenette in some units, fridge, no phone.

Finds

Uncle Billy's Kona Bay Hotel An institution in Kona, Uncle Billy's is where
visitors from the other islands stay when they come to this coast. A thatched roof
hangs over the lobby area, and a Polynesian longhouse restaurant is next door.
The hotel rooms are old but comfortable and come with large lanais, but they're
too small for a family, so instead ask for one of the 16 condo-style units with
kitchens. This budget hotel is a good place to sleep, but don't expect new furni-
ture or carpets, or fancy soap in the bathroom. It can be noisy at night when big