Advice on Condo Options

Question

Aloha, I’d love some input on “west side” accommodations. We’re making our first trip to the BI (and the state) this July, with about a week here and week on Maui. You can assume a typical first-time itinerary for a family with two teens.

I’ve read all the very helpful advice here, and have a good understanding of the pros/cons of Kailua-Kona and South Kohala Coast. The budget for our July trip is ~$300/night all-in, which limits us.

I’ve booked a condo at Royal Kahili with free cancellation. I’d love to get a feel for what it would be like staying in this area. It seems like you still get the traffic and road noise, with the added con that it’s not walkable to much. Is that accurate? Getting in the car for dinner or dessert isn’t ideal (though we’ll cook some nights), since we’ll already be driving so much during the day. At that rate, I might reconsider staying closer to town, or even in a cottage higher up (I see good ones in Kalaoa, above Alii Kai, and above Captain Cook).

While I’ve got you, a few other questions …

1. I know vog was a huge problem, then disappeared, but now seems to be coming back? My wife has minor asthma.

2. Kohala is far from our condo—and my family will definitely want beach time. But we’ll be in Maui for a week after this. Fair to say that makes our BI condo’s proximity to great beaches less critical? I’m OK with a daytrip to Kohala, but multiple trips might get old, especially since we'll also take the north road to Hilo.

3. I’ve booked this condo for 6 nights (we arrive late the first day), and then we’ll stay in/near Volcano Village for 2 nights (allowing 6 nights for Maui). Seems like the right balance?

Answer

Aloha! It sounds like you’re planning a great trip to the Big Island and Maui. I’ll address your specific concerns and provide some insights to help with your decision-making. It’s fantastic that you’ve already narrowed down some options for accommodations, but I totally understand wanting to make sure everything is the right fit for your family.

Regarding the Royal Kahili condo, you’re right that the location can come with some trade-offs. The area around Kailua-Kona, especially near the Ali’i Drive area, can indeed have traffic and road noise, particularly in the afternoons when people are driving to and from the beach or dinner spots. It is true that this area is not very walkable for casual activities like dinner or dessert, so you would likely need to drive for meals, even though you can cook some nights. If that doesn’t sound ideal, you might consider exploring other areas in or around Kailua-Kona or further up along the South Kohala Coast. Here are a few options to consider:

Closer to Town – If you want to stay closer to restaurants, shops, and activities, you could look into condos near Kailua-Kona’s downtown area. It’s still convenient to beaches and historic sites, and being closer to town will reduce driving time for meals. Places like the Kona Islander Inn or Ali’i Villas are options to consider.
Up the Coast in South Kohala – The South Kohala area, especially near Waikoloa Beach Resort, offers a bit more seclusion but is still accessible to beaches and the resort’s dining options. You’ll find some nice condo options like the Shores at Waikoloa or Waikoloa Beach Villas, which have good amenities and are closer to beaches.
Cottages in Kalaoa or Above Ali’i Kai – Staying in a more remote, higher-elevation cottage could give you more privacy and peace, but you’ll sacrifice some convenience for activities. If you enjoy hiking and nature, it might be worth considering, but do keep in mind the extra driving required.

Now, regarding your specific questions:

1. Vog and Air Quality – Vog, or volcanic smog, is indeed an issue that fluctuates depending on volcanic activity. As of recent years, it has been present off and on, but it's generally manageable for most people. Since your wife has minor asthma, it might be a good idea to keep an eye on the air quality during your trip. The island’s health department or local weather sites can provide updates on air quality. Areas like Kailua-Kona can sometimes have higher vog levels due to their proximity to Kīlauea, but it can vary day by day. If you're concerned, staying on the western side of the island (near your condo) could be a good move, as it tends to have cleaner air than the southern and eastern parts.
2. Proximity to Great Beaches – The Big Island does offer some fantastic beaches, but as you mentioned, you’ll have plenty of beach time in Maui. While Kohala offers the best beaches on the island (like Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea), they are a bit far from your condo. If you’re comfortable with a day trip up there, it might not be a big deal, but multiple trips could indeed get repetitive. Considering you’ll be in Maui for a week, I’d say the beaches in the Poipu area (which are excellent for snorkeling and family-friendly) might make the long trek to Kohala less critical. Additionally, you’ll have plenty of other beaches near Kailua-Kona and the South Kohala area to enjoy during your stay.
3. Your Itinerary (6 Nights at Kona + 2 Nights at Volcano Village) – I think your itinerary sounds pretty well-balanced, especially considering that you’re also headed to Maui for a week. Six nights in Kona is a good amount of time to explore the west side of the island. Afterward, heading to Volcano Village for two nights is a great way to see the volcanic landscape and the park. You’ll get a taste of both the beachy and natural sides of the Big Island. If you find that you'd like to spend a bit more time in Volcano or at the Kona coffee plantations, you could always adjust your plans. But overall, this should give you plenty of time to experience both sides of the island.

Overall, it seems like you’ve got a great plan in place. As always, the Big Island’s diversity means there’s something for everyone, from beaches to volcanoes to cultural sites. Enjoy your trip!

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