Best things about resortThe Holua Resort is conveniently located just south of Kailua-Kona in Keauhou on the big island of Hawaii. Even though it is just off the main drag of Alii Drive, the resort feels remote and secluded since it is at the end of the road and is surrounded by lava flows and the rolling fairways of the Kona Country Club. One of the best beaches is within walking distance and Hawaii’s Most Awesome Attraction is right next door - but more on that later.
Best attractions or restaurants nearbyThe Keauhou Shopping Village is walking distance (uphill) and offers an 8-screen theater, numerous restaurants, a grocery store, a drug store and plenty of unique shops. Many boat tours operate out of Keauhou Bay, just a block away from the resort, offering plentiful choices for snorkeling or dive trips, sunset (booze) cruises and Hawaii’s Most Awesome Attraction. Six miles away in Kailua, Lulu’s is a fun restaurant overlooking the ocean with a great happy hour and the King Kamehameha Hotel Luau is the best value for the money. An hour south in Ocean View, we had an amazing breakfast of Hawaiian sweetbread French toast at the Desert Rose Café on our drive to see the volcanoes.

ReviewThe resort grounds are lovely and the units are decorated in festive island colors. There are no vehicles allowed near the units, but the staff is always ready to provide a lift. Daily towels, midweek housekeeping, welcome baskets and a friendly staff make you feel truly welcome. Don’t miss the mid-week mini-luau with free mai-tais, wonderful pupus and a trio of singers joined by a group of young hula dancers-in-training. It is worth attending a Shell Vacations Club sales presentation since it earns you a “Diamond Card” which gets your entire party huge discounts on many island activities. Sign up for your tour in town and you might even get a free luau in the bargain. We saved over $600 on three attractions. The “Big Island” is called that for a reason, and if you want to get the most out of your stay, you will need a car.
Now, Hawaii’s Most Awesome Attraction: snorkeling or diving with the manta rays. Several years ago, right next door at the Sheraton, they focused several spotlights on the ocean waves crashing on the lava flow at night and discovered the lights attracted plankton and subsequently several huge manta rays who feed on that plankton. We took a snorkel trip right out of Keauhou bay and, after a 5-minute boat ride, we were at the dive site. These beautiful, mammoth creatures swim right at you with their cavernous mouths wide open as they collect plankton. Most have a wingspan of 10 to 15 feet and to watch their water ballet is truly magnificent. Check out the footage on YouTube. Even first time snorkelers can handle this adventure and you are sure to remember it for a lifetime!