A Palm Villas vacation (What to expect)

If you’ve never been to the Big Island of Hawaii, you should be warned that you’re in for a life changing experience.

This isn’t a light warning. If you’re anything like us you will carry a piece of Hawaii in your heart for the rest of your life. We’ve been visiting for years, and it never gets old. In fact the more we visit, the more it becomes a part of who we are. You too will be “living aloha”. After it’s over you’ll long for the warm breeze and slowness of life that can only be found on the Kohala coast of Hawaii.

Your first glimpse of the Big Island

As your plane descends you will catch your first gimps of Hawaii. You will notice a rugged, martian landscape black lava fields. You might be tempted to think “this doesn’t look like Hawaii!” and we wouldn’t blame you. We had this exact thought when our airplane touched down for the first time at Kona International Airport. But don’t let this initial view deter you. There will be plenty wildlife, palms, clear blue ocean, bright Hawaiian vegetation, flowers and fish to come!

Exiting the plane you will be greeted with the cozy warmth of a tropical Island breeze. It may feel like a shock stepping out of the air conditioned cabin, but it is something you will come to fall in love with. A warm Hawaiian hug you’ll crave for years to come.

Outside the small Kona airport you’ll be picked up by your car rental’s bus who will take you to your car. This will be your first chance to get the scoop on island happenings and hot spots. The local drivers are all so friendly and happy to share some of the secrets of Hawaii with you.

Up the coast, a scenic (and historic) trip to Mauna Lani Palm Villas

Once you start making your way up the coast to Mauna Lani you’ll have plenty to look at.

Along this historic 20 mile drive you’ll find turnouts to stop and admire the rugged landscape. Be sure to get out and explore some of the lava fields. The dark volcanic rock that stretches for miles makes an incredible backdrop for a family portrait. If you’re an artistic photographer you will easily be able spend hours in the lava fields shooting photos of what looks to be another planet.

Colors! Beautiful tropical colors.

Continue your drive up the Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway (HI-19) until you reach Mauna Lani Drive. This is where it will really start to sink in. You’ve nearly made it to your tropical destination. You can’t help but be amazed by the stark contrast of landscape. Bright green lawns of world class golf courses, and lush vegetation meet the dark volcanic rocks. Bright flowers adorn almost every tree and plant you see.

Straight ahead at the round-about is the main resort mall called The Shops at Mauna Lani. Complete with grocery store, upscale restaurants, and boutique shopping. You’ll also find plenty of daily events and activities here for the family. But we’re not ready for shopping just yet. Let’s get you to your vacation rental so that you can really start to settle in!

Keep straight at the round-about (stay on Mauna Lani Drive) until you see Pauoa Road, take a left and look for your new home away from home. This is only about a minutes drive from the mall so watch the signs!

Welcome to your tropical home away from home

You’ve arrived. Where you go, and what you do from here is completely up to you.

Wonder the paths to the beach. Explore the fish ponds. Schedule some adventures and tours. Play a round of golf. Or simply kick back and relax.

This is your vacation and we wouldn’t dare tell you how to take it. But what we will do is be available for any questions you might have. Contact us at any point during your stay and we will always give as prompt a reply as possible. We want this to be an unforgettable vacation for you, and hope this is only the beginning of a new family tradition for you.