kona village with 4 sons?? anyone been lately?

I have read a few complaints about Kona Village but am looking at it since 4 seasons is booked. Sounds like the kind of place that grows on you after a few days (when you get used to nature...bugs..). Do we need a car? Any info would be great!

kona village with 4 sons?? anyone been lately?

Oh my! I just got back from my 22nd visit, so I can possibly offer good advice. I%26#39;ve never been pestered with bugs, even mosquitos, although some have complained about them. It may depend upon where you%26#39;re staying--there may be some in the lagoon area, but I don%26#39;t know. I do know that they spray regularly. It does take a day or two to get over the feeling that you oughtta be DOING something, but there really is a lot to do--it%26#39;s just a bit lower key than in the typical high-energy resort. And most of us returnees don%26#39;t bother to rent a car, because we just don%26#39;t leave the Village. However you can rent a car there if you want to explore. Obviously, I love it there and won%26#39;t consider staying anyplace else.

I suggest going to their website and reading the FAQS. And I%26#39;ve written a recent review on TA titled ';The magic of this place stuns me,'; which should give you an idea how I feel...

kona village with 4 sons?? anyone been lately?

Wow, 22nd visit- that is quite a recommendation. Now if the have rooms...I seem to be a little late with reservations for other islands. Thanks!!

Hi kpf----I take it the 4S in Maui was not available for your trip and you are looking for other options. KVR sounds like a great place. If that%26#39;s not available, check out the Grand Hyatt on Kauai---pools and activities galore for your boys!

I was trying to avoid a mega resort because then when we rent a house in the quiet north of Kauai then they may think it is boring. I will check out the Hyatt, however, since I do keep hearing good things. Wonder if a week at the hyatt and a week in north kauai would be too long? Thanks for the input.

Hey, kpf, Call them! They%26#39;re really nice, and will help you find what you%26#39;re looking for. They have an 800 number: 1-800 432-5450. Good luck, and welcome to the family...

I am on hold with Kona right now...did you have trouble with the ';vog'; when you were just there? I keep reading TA about it.

Darn, Kona is booked, of course. What was I thinking?

kpf----re: Kauai -- I am staying 10 days total in Kauai----five days North and five days South at the Hyatt. The Hyatt looks fabulous with all the water features and surrounding attractions. Available excursions on Kauai include sailing, ATV mudbugging, ziplining, etc. Your boys might not want to leave! Good luck in your search!

P.S. By ';attractions'; I didn%26#39;t mean a Disney-like experience. I was referring to beaches, waterfalls, gardens, cliffs, shave ice, etc. Just needed to clarify!

Just as well, I personally don%26#39;t like KVR and my teens don%26#39;t like it either.

I%26#39;m kind of confused by some of the responses and followups in this thread...are you saying the FS Hualalai is booked? Are you looking at other islands, or are you set on the Big Island? If you definitely want the Big Island, the Mauna Lani is a good option. How old are your sons? On Kauai there%26#39;s plenty of the kinds of activities you want (waterfalls, beach, snorkeling, boat trips, hiking, etc). The Grand Hyatt is a good option. For total outdoors, the Four Seasons properties on Lana%26#39;i are a great option, especially if you golf and/or enjoy water sports (swimming, snorkeling, diving) and hiking. Also good horseback riding. No shopping or nightlife, but that%26#39;s the beauty of it. I%26#39;d split my time between the FS Manele Bay and the Lodge to get a feel of both.