Hawaii's largest island -- 92 miles long by 76 miles wide -- is still growing, thanks to lava flow from the world's most active volcano, Kilauea. The Big Island has two international airports, one at Hilo in the east, and one near Kailua-Kona in the west. The island has ranching, crops such as coffee and cacao beans, Volcano National Park, gardens, over a hundred beaches, many festivals.
A popular area for resorts is the Kohala Coast, on the northwest side of the island, just north of the Kona International Airport. Visitors will find eight upscale resorts, all eight with kids' programs.
Hilton Waikoloa Village
With 65 acres on the Kohala Coast, the Hilton Waikoloa Village has pools galore, waterfalls, grottos, slides; salt-water lagoon with water-toys and snorkeling (-sea turtles swim in); and -- a novelty kids love-- a monorail and canal-boats to get around the large grounds.
Kona Village Resort
Guests stay in individual hale (hah-lay) cottages spread over 82 acres, on a bay that's a marine sanctuary. A getaway with no phones, radio, or tv in rooms; inclusive pricing (probably the closest you'll come to an all-inclusive in Hawaii); complimentary kids program; complimentary activities such as outrigger canoing and glass-bottom boat rides.
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa
On the south Kona coast of the Big Island, this Hawaii resort has a multi-level pool complex with connecting river, waterfall, children's pool, lava tube waterslide.
Big Island Accommodations
Lots more choices -- resorts, hotels, condos, B&B's-- from About.com's Guide for Hawaii Travel.
[small]* Photo © Teresa Plowright [/small]
