Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [171]
Activities
MAMALAHOA HOT TUBS & MASSAGE
Soak away your worries in one of two jarrah wood tubs at Mamalahoa Hot Tubs & Massage (323-2288; www.mamalahoa-hottubs.com; hot tub per hr $30; by appointment noon-8pm Wed-Sat), set in a lush garden. The tubs, sheltered by thatched roofs that allow for stargazing, are open yet private. Hawaiian hot stone and lomilomi (traditional Hawaiian massage) are offered. A half-hour tub and one-hour massage package costs $95.
BIG ISLAND YOGA CENTER
For Iyengar yoga, Big Island Yoga Center (329-9642; www.bigislandyoga.com; 81-6623 Hwy 11; drop-in class adult $14) is the place. The studio occupies the 2nd floor of a beautiful old house, and is bright and stocked with mats and props.
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TOP PICKS – ROMANTIC B&BS
Holualoa Inn (Click here)
Ka′awa Loa Plantation (Click here)
Aloha Guest House (Click here)
Kalaekilohana B&B (Click here)
Shipman House (Click here)
Hilo Honu Inn (Click here)
Art & Orchids B&B (Click here)
Waianuhea B&B (Click here)
Aaah, the Views B&B (Click here)
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Sleeping
While Kailua-Kona has hotels and condos, South Kona is stocked with B&Bs.
Pineapple Park (323-2224, 877-800-3800; www.pineapple-park.com; 81-6363 Hwy 11; dm $25, r with/without bathroom $85/55; office 7am-8pm; ) South Kona’S only hostel is nothing special but cozy enough. Dorms are the essence of basic; eight private rooms are comfortable (if slightly overpriced), and the shared baths and showers are not for the shy. The best things: the nice porch area and roomy kitchens. It’S between the 110- and 111-mile markers; look for the kayaks (singles/doubles $30/55).
Banana Patch (322-8888, 800-988-2246; www.bananabanana.com; studio $100, 1br/2br cottage $125/150; ) A clothing-optional jungle retreat in the midst of a staid suburban neighborhood? Indeed, tropical foliage surrounds these three attractive, individual units so thickly you can, if you wish, prance nude worry-free. Each has lovely furnishings and funky charm, with flagstone decks, full kitchens, plush carpets, stained-glass lamps and, naturally, private hot tubs. The two-bedroom Bungalow Hideaway is the star, with a luscious outdoor shower and sleeping porch. Nightly rates are based on a one-week stay.
Areca Palms Estate B&B (800-545-4390, 323-2276; www.konabedandbreakfast.com; Hwy 11; r incl breakfast $110-145; ) A wide, neatly trimmed lawn surrounds this B&B shaded by giant areca palms. The owners, from Oregon, prove you need not be local-born to epitomize the aloha spirit. Their immaculate house resembles an airy cedar lodge, with loads of natural wood and country-style furnishings. A large common living room, an outdoor Jacuzzi and thick robes add comfort; breakfast is a highlight.
Eating
Orchid Isle Café (323-2700; 81-6637 Hwy 11; snacks $5-8; 6am-4pm Mon-Fri, 7am-2pm Sat & Sun; ) Hang out, surf the internet (per hour $10), enjoy the views and refuel with coffee and an inexpensive sandwich at this relaxed coffeehouse.
Ke′ei Café (322-9992; 79-7511 Hwy 11; mains $15-23; 11am-2pm & 5-9pm Tue-Fri, 5-9pm Sat) The menu is all over the map – Greek salad, Brazilian seafood chowder, red Thai curry, pasta primavera, fajitas, pork chops – but the kitchen is largely up to the challenge; dishes can be uneven but are largely successful. A local favorite for a nice meal, Ke′ei Café has a warm dining room, with wood floors and colorful artwork. Reservations are recommended for dinner. It’S just south of the 113-mile marker.
Island Naturals Market (930-7550, Mango Court shopping center, Hwy 11; 7:30am-7:30pm Mon-Sat, 8am-7pm Sun) For groceries, this is a nice organic market with bulk grains and locally grown produce on offer.
Shopping
Kona Stories (324-0350; www.konastories.com; 79-7460 Mango Court shopping centre, Hwy 11; 9:30am-6pm Mon-Fri, 9:30am-4pm Sat) This independent bookstore carries a great selection of Hawaii titles and kids books, and it hosts author readings.
Discovery Antiques (323-2239; Hwy 11; 11am-5pm Mon-Sat, 11:30am-4pm Sun) Tin toys