Not only is it stunning for sunning but it's a tucked away resort beach that's right off the beaten path... on my way to Costco.
Yup, this is on my way to the store, people. So when we want to feel as if we've accomplished something mundane and tedious, deserving of something um, otherworldly as a result of our sacrifice in managing a well run household, we stop here. And pretend. Pretend like we're on vacation. Cuz... we are.
We just usually happen to have perishables in the trunk. If we are disciplined and go to Costco first, that is... lol! But, in reality, once the lunch crowd goes in for snacks and naps, we usually are at just the right time to have this lovely secluded beach all to ourselves. And heck, if we want, we can belly on over to the bar for snacks and cocktails at the bar. But we usually come with any festive supplies needed for a few hours at one of Hawai'i Islands premiere luxury resorts.
One of my most favorite forms of gardens and landscaping design is waterscaping. An art form close to my little gardening soul. This one is pretty special because it is so well done, tight to the hotel perimeter and yet even more fascinating, completely integrated into the natural black volcanic landscape of this particular are of the island. This is a beautiful resort and not too far from the Mauna Kea Golf Resort that we go to more regularly but a bit more secluded. And even more awesome is the fact that I've seen and swam with sea turtles here. I've not seen them too many times this far up but the reef, which you can just barely see in the picture is a perfect spot for them. A bit rough for most swimmers and I do get banged up a bit from time to time but I don't care. I know how to be careful and if I do take heed, then I hardly ever get a scratch. But if I do, it's because it was worth it. ;)
Knowing this, I always wear my scuba boots and will keep my 2 mm neoprene in the car from now on as it was almost a tad chilly last time I was here. By that, I mean, like perfect for most people at around 78 degrees or so in the water but if you like to be in the water a bit longer say, or on a partly sunny day, you might get a little chilly. It's truly a gorgeous spot.
My partner has a Hawai'ian sling for fishing but he hasn't used it yet. However, I encouraged him to bring it with us next time because when I was out, I saw a pretty good sized flounder. Although, now that I think about it, that isn't allowed on this particular beach. Not just because it's a resort but I think this area has a special wetland and marine preservation designation. Ok, scratch that. Not here, but like, just about everywhere else, fishing is absolutely allowed as long as you respect the water, the wildlife and other beachgoers. Basically, don't be a jackass and no sport fishing and always, always adhere to the signs and park or beach restrictions that are posted. When in doubt, always ask someone first.
And never, ever take anything home with you if you live out of state. Bad juju. If you've ever seen the Brady Bunch, you know. That's real. lol!
So I'm going to guess that the rooms here run about a grand a night. Not sure, but that's kinda the going rate for the higher end resorts on this side of the island. Hilo side, you just don't have any resorts really, which I think is pretty darn cool. But if you want them, then you must head to Kona. It's where we do our Costco shopping, like I said, so if you do get a room here or at one of the Westins (which I also love and we frequent more often) then rest assured that close by, you have all you need to stock your kitchen if you want to take advantage of the outdoor kitchens for grilling or just make your own surf and turf.
This resort is a hop skip and jump from the airport as well, though you'd never know it. It's so very peaceful and the drive is almost a bit like desert oasis meets rockstar tropical cliffside beach. Just crazy gorgeous. And if you want to take the scenic drive to the North tip of the island in the Kohala ranches mountainside, you will not be disappointed. Great way to see a sunset outside of downtown Kona beachside. And the drive will take your breath away.
