The Big Island of Hawaii - Hawaii with Kids - page 176

P.O. Box 758 (Hale Ohia Rd., off Hwy. 11), Volcano, HI 96785. & 800/455-3803 or 808/967-7986. Fax
808/967-8610. www.haleohia.com. 4 units, 4 cottages. $110-$150 double. Rates include continental break-
fast. Extra person $20. MC, V. In room:Fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer, no phone.
Volcano House Volcano House has a great location—inside the boundaries
of the national park—and that's about all. This mountain lodge, which evolved
out of a grass lean-to in 1865, is Hawaii's oldest visitor accommodation. It
stands on the edge of Halemaumau's bubbling crater, and while its edgy view of
the crater is still an awesome sight, don't expect the Ritz here. The rooms are
very plain, but who cares, with that fabulous view? Rooms are heated with vol-
canic steam. Tip: Book only if you can get a room facing the volcano; if they are
filled, don't bother—you can do better elsewhere.
P.O. Box 53 (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park), HI 96718. & 808/967-7321. Fax [phone]. www.
volcanohousehotel.com. 42 units. $95-$225 double. Children under 12 stay free in parent's room. Cribs and
rollaway beds free. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant w/great view; bar.
SOUTH POINT
Macadamia Meadows Bed & Breakfast Near the southernmost point
in the United States and just 45 minutes from Volcanoes National Park lies one
of the Big Island's most welcoming B&Bs. It's located on an 8-acre working
macadamia-nut farm, in a great place for stargazing. The warmth and hospital-
ity of hosts Charlene and Cortney Cowan are unsurpassed: Each guest is treated
like a favorite relative. This is an excellent place for children because the owner
has children herself, and the entire property is very kid-friendly. In addition to
exploring the groves of mac-nut trees, kids can swim in the pool or play tennis.
Owner Charlene also has puzzles, games, and other rainy-day items to entertain
the kids. Accommodations include a two-bedroom suite, a private room, and a
honeymoon suite, which has an antique claw-foot tub on a private lanai. All
rooms have private entrances and are immaculately clean.
94-6263 Kamaoa Rd., Waiohinu (reservations: P.O. Box 756, Naalehu, HI 96772). & 888/929-8118 or 808/
929-8097. Fax [phone]. www.macadamiameadows.com. 5 units. $65-$135 double; $120 for 4 in suite.
Rates include continental breakfast. Extra person $10. Children under 2 stay free in parent's room. AE, DISC,
MC, V. Amenities: Resort-size outdoor pool; tennis courts; activities desk; coin-op laundry. In room:TV, fridge,
no phone.
4 Family-Friendly Dining
Rather than an afterthought, dining is an authentic attraction here. The Big
Island's volcanic soil produces fine tomatoes, lettuces, beets, beans, fruit, and
basic herbs and vegetables that were once difficult to find locally. Along with the
lamb and beef from Big Island ranches and seafood from local fishermen, the
freshness of the produce forms the backbone of ethnic cookery and Hawaiian
Regional Cuisine.
So many restaurants, so little time. What's a traveling family to do? Load the
kids in the car and drive the Big Island, sampling the cuisine as you travel from
one end of the island to the other. Kailua-Kona is teeming with restaurants for
all pocketbooks and taste. The haute cuisine of the island is concentrated in the
Kohala coast resorts, where the tony resorts claim their share of the action for
deep pockets and special-occasion tastes.
Waimea, also known as Kamuela, is a thriving upcountry community, a
haven for yuppies, techies, and retirees who know a good place when they see
one. In Hawi, North Kohala, expect bakeries, neighborhood diners, and one
tropical-chic restaurant that's worth a special trip. In Hilo, in eastern Hawaii,