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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
A Cottage in Paradise
 | Hawaii | Cottage | A lot of people visit Hawaii and end up buying dream homes. On maui, some houses are going up that start at $6million! Then there is the real Hawaii. Brudda Kahiki is native Hawaiian. He and Kim rent out a plantation style cottage in the middle of their three acre property. It is basic (except for the new fancy hot tub!), it is real, and you will get to know a Hawaii that most visitors just pass by. Kahiki also is a musician; his band Na Kaina (note the one haole among them) plays respectable Hawaiian fusion tunes. Just imagine the inside track you'll get- within a week you'll almost be kamaaina. Besides, you'll be helping out a local family who really deserve the support.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Deep Hawaii
 | Hawaii | Cottage | Well- not really 'Deep' Hawaii, but certainly 'good deal' Hawaii- Sean, the owner, is a guide, ardent enthusiast and realtor, who really knows backroads Hawaii.
You can book tours with him, or get in a car and follow his advice on where to go.
About the accomms... they are the best priced clean and comfy unpretentious self contained units imaginable. Not in Volcano, not in Hilo, but equidistant to both. No chilly evenings either.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Uncle Billy's
 | Hawaii | Hotel | Uncle Billy's is a bit of a legend- the only native Hawaiian family run hotel chain (they have another Uncle Billy's in Kona). Though well known for friendly hospitality and fair prices, over the years the place is better described as well worn. There just is no pizazz, something that even shoestring travellers want to see.
Still, for oceanfront central Hilo- and their restaurant is good by the way, you can do a lot worse.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Wild Ginger Inn
 | Hawaii | Inn | Another Hilo favorite-and one acclaimed in retro traveller circles. An old plantation dorm, converted. The main thing here is whom you will meet- ie others like you who see themselves as travellers not tourists. Honor system library/beach toys/bicycles. Really well informed hosts who let you have the run of the place.
Just why is there not a counterpart elsewhere- except perhaps Banana Bungalows in Wailuku and Waikiki- but they really are for the backpack set.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Green Goose Lodge
 | Hawaii | Inn | You either love kitsch, or you don't. Don't stay here if you don't, do if you do. Stay for the rooms, the gourmet breakfast, the accessibility to Kilauea and golf. Also be prepared for chilly evenings and lots of rain. Stay 3 nights even if you think you'll only want one. Walk the volcano at night, with a good forehead mounted lamp and good footwear. Savor the place, don't succomb to the 'let's see everything today' trap of many vacationers. The charm will seduce you.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
 | Hawaii | Hotel | The name, in all its simplicity, says it all. In Hilo, it is THE hotel of note, though it shares its Banyan Street address (lovely row of banyan trees) with a few others, including Uncle Billy's and the Naniloa. We stayed two nights in December, '07, and it was an ideal base for our activities. Unpretentious for a larger hotel, functional, clean- with unobstructed ocean/harbour views. There is a pool, and two nearby near sea level parks make for great jogging or walking .
The staff are very congenial, and the restaurant features weekend Hawaiian buffets that attract locals by the truckloads. Lots of fun to be part of the Kama'aina set! This is the closest thing to an international class hotel in Hilo, but don't expect the Hyatt. A solid three stars.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Lokahi Lodge
 | Hawaii | Guesthouse | Part of the Kilauea Collection- which includes The Inn at Volcano, several B&B's, a set of luxury homes- all located near the park. Perhaps the most reliable provider of accommodations around. They run an excellent restaurant at the inn as well. Lokahi Lodge- really a B&B, is moderately priced, and has the advantage that you can rent the whole house if you wish. Nice solid value and charm.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Maureen's B&B
 | Hawaii | B&B | I just HAD to list this place- based on a friend's recommendation. A heritage house close to the water that survived the tsunamis. Renovated but still old-fashioned. No, there is not an ensuite bath for each room. Hilo- I keep saying this, is a REAL Hawaiian city, in fact, the only one, and the proprietors will help direct your explorations in a way that just doesn't happen at hotel front desks. Count on 3 nights here, minimum, to get a feel for this side of the island.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Outrigger Royal Sea Cliffs at Kona
 | Hawaii | Condo | We're not talking award winners here, but in my view this place gets top marks for doing what it says it does. Family priced, spectacular views, decent architecture, roomy units, and just out of town, so quiter but not remote. A sea water pool is a nice unique amenity- you really can't get to the ocean for a dip...
This propertry sells out fast- it is well marketed through Outrigger (so you get daily maid as well). If not available, don't despair, as there are a few similar priced/quality Outriggers in the area- Kanaloa or even the Keauhou resort.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Hale Ohia Cottages
 | Hawaii | Cottage | Michael Tuttle, architect, chef, iconoclast, has restored a 1930's enclave- including converting a redwood water tank into a room, into what is now one of Conde Nast's most highly regarded digs in the Volcano area. i'd put it second to Kilauea Lodge. The interior designs are superb, and the prices very reasonable for what you get. Some units being renovated when I dropped by Dec. 07. Breakfasts, of course, are divine. High marks all around!... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Kalani
 | Hawaii | Retreat | Located near Hilo, at the extreme southeast tip of the island, is a sizeable rustic retreat that for over 20 years has hosted groups and individuals in their pursuits of well-being. This ain't Esalen at Big Sur, but the list of teachers and spiritual leaders that come here have likely trained or taught there. You can camp, stay in the treehouse, work for a month, volunteer for 3. For $43 a day you can eat fine vegan on up cuisine. You may meet a soulmate, or confirm that yours in fact is! The event program reads like that of a sizable city. These people are very serious about what they do. If you are too, you will do well here. ... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Pu'u Wa'awa'a Ranch
 | Hawaii | Retreat | This exceptional estate is available to groups only. Rich with history, yet 21st century. I have driven by, but not stopped in, though good sources rate the service and facility as impeccable. If you really are serious about a grand wedding, reunion, or other event, I will make a trip over in advance of your arrival to make sure all is copacetic. No triflers, please, as they would say...... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Sea Mountain
 | Hawaii | Condo | There is nothing else like this on the Big island- a condo resort in the middle of nowhere, with cutesy architecture that really is authentic Hale style. Very close to Black Sands Beach. Immaculate grounds. An adjacent golf course. Great weather- neither the rain of the east side, nor the winds of the west. Likely to be pretty boring unless you are content to be a good drive to anywhere but the aforementioned beach and golf course. But when I was there in Dec. 07, it appealed to me immediately. Where else a studio starting at $70, or a decent 1br for $115, that puts you in striking distance of both side of the island. Naturopathic category not because it's weird and new age, but truly simple and natural. For a condo...... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Wood Valley Temple & Retreat
 | Hawaii | Retreat | The real thing, if you have taken refuge as a Tibetan Buddhist. The Buddhist tradition in Hawaii has markedly different roots, but Wood Valley has enough authenticity to attract the Dalai Lama himself (twice), and runs a full program of retreats, daily practice and festive events. There is a small store, a dining hall, rooms and a dorm, as well as the meditation/practice hall. Don't go unless you are at least respectfully curious, or better still, an adherent.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Dolphin Retreat- Kealakekua Bay
 | Hawaii | House | South of Kailua-Kona, just out of town but not too far away from all the amenities thereof, is the Dolphin Retreat. A pleasant but not exceptional house right on the ocean, that sleeps eight easily. If you don't want a Kona condo, and you can't afford a Kohala Villa, this may work for your small group or family. You can drive down to Captain Cook and the coffee area in a few minutes, or keep heading east and south to Green Sand Beach or on to the Volcano area. A nice compromise location, in the good weather belt.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Holualoa Inn
 | Hawaii | Inn | Lots of awards hardware, lots of recognition in the fancy travel mags., and all of it well deserved. It takes both a great facility AND great service to achieve acclaim, and Thea Brown knows how to put both together.
The Kona area is not my favorite location, but up on the hill with panoramic views- 'so close but so far', I could suffer here a long while.
Six suites, each themed but sharing exquisite good taste, range in the high $100's to mid $200's, which compared to similar quality at a resort with a tenth the character, represents more than good value in the near luxury class.
... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Jacaranda Inn
 | Hawaii | Inn | This is a very different Hawaii. Sitting on 12 acres and part of a turn of the century cattle ranch of immense size. 2500 feet in elevation- so it is cooler, wide open, breezy.
The inn itself is an historic landmark, reflecting the ranch ambiance with its large verandahs, tin roofs and classic period furnishings. Guests typically stay about three nights; those in the know a lot longer. And why not? Horseback riding, quiet, clean air, good food in Kamuela coupled with terrific breakfasts at the inn....all within easy driving distance to the other more familiar Hawaii of golf courses and beaches.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Kailua Bay 3br Villa
 | Hawaii | Villa | A good example of thehigh quality properties available in th ekona area, not normally noted for higher end stuff. so, for $385 a night, you get something that in Kohala would run $500 plus, in Wailea on Maui, $750. Definitely worth your consideration.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Palms Cliff House
 | Hawaii | B&B | Over the top decor, over the top lush tropical backdrop, effusive over the top hosts. What more can be said. Just look at the pictures. Just two cautions- the pseudo Victorian estate is close to the road, and right up against an oceanfront cliff. It rains a lot (usually at night and again, briefly in the afternoon), but this should not at all interfere with your enjoyment of the property or the island. Just don't expect Waikiki beaches and weather.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Waikoloa Vista
 | Hawaii | Condo | This property is one of eleven in the Waikoloa area of the Big Island- and an excellent example of where quality meets price. You simply don't get this kind of place- 2br near the ocean within a fancy resort, at these prices, on the other islands.
Wonderful pool area- by the way the Fairway Villas nearby are similarly rated, with an even nicer pool...
A lot of visitors move around on Hawaii. They stay at Volcano for 2 nights, in Kona, possibly Waikoloa. The island is big, yes, but not THAT big- from Waikoloa you can get up, have a swim in the nearby ocean, and still be anywhere on the island by noon. Do yourself a favor and settle in for the week.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Kilauea Lodge
 | Hawaii | Inn | Without doubt, this is the premier accommodations in and about Volcano. Yes, the Volcano Lodge has pride of place within the park, at the edge of the crater, but is nowhere near the same quality.
We stayed here a few nights in December '07 and were reluctant to leave. Mind you, we had the Hideaway Cottage which was 1 br with a full kitchen, and came with books, dvd's and other diversions that could have kept you inside for a season. The other rooms are almost as nice, and have a common lounge with tv, fireplace, and again, the requisite games/books/guides. The main reason to stay in Volcano is to see the volcano, and that is easily done, but not in a day. Most folks just drive the 11 miles round the rim, stopping at a few view points and the interpretive centre, before heading down the Chain of Craters Road to try to get a glimpse of Pu'u O'o and Pele, Goddess of fire. She is not always cooperative- in fact there has been no lava flowing that is visible from land since summer '07. That can change in a day, and anyway, there is so much else to see that a visit is warranted anytime!
Get out and walk- the lava tubes, Sulphur Banks, through the caldera. It's all wonderful, and within easy reach. For the adventurous, you can hike down into the Ka'u desert as well. And drive up to the Mauna Loa lookout, at 6800 feet. Then come back to Kilauea Lodge, knowing that there you will eat the best German/Hawaiian fusion food you'll ever come across. Hearty, filling cuisine in a rustic hall accompanied by a blazing fire is not the usual trademark Hawaiian fare, but at 4000 feet it's chilly and yes, it does tend to rain. After a long day, you'll appreciate it, topped with a soak in their covered hot tub set in the middle of a fern and palm garden. Heaven!... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Shipman House
 | Hawaii | Inn | A must for any aficionado of Victorian architecture who happens to come to Hilo. That could be for many good reasons. Hilo itself is an authentic Hawaiian city- something you can't say about Honolulu. It's close to Volcano, plus the wet east coast with its mac nut and flower farms. The vegetation is lush and, like Hana, the air is soft and refreshing. The only other places around (actually well north of Hilo) I recommend are Waianuhea- which is brand new and very different, and the Palms Cliff House. Conde Nast loves this place; you will too.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Waiunahea
 | Hawaii | B&B | Brand new, and unique - a luxury property located 'off the grid' well away froma nywhere. Bound to become a 'big deal' among the sybarites. The location is at the 2500 foot level of Mauna Kea, above the town of Honokaa. A blessing and a curse. A stay here will wreck your notions about Hawaii, and possibly play havoc with your travel plans. Touring the island- forget it! Once there, you may make it up to the north tip-Hawi, or to the ranching town of Waimea, but you'll probably just remained glued to the property. So allow a couple of extra days...... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Fairmont Orchid Resort
 | Hawaii | Resort | The Orchid is a full on 5 star resort, but is just not as well known as its other Fairmont sisters, or the Four Seasons type properties with which it competes. Your good fortune, as a stay here will not disappoint. Part of the Mauna Lani Resort and sharing its two golf courses plus the new shopping village , means that pretty much all services are on site. The helicopter centre is within a few minutes drive. The Orchid has the usual Fairmont attributes- lots of packages, good spa facilities, great restaurants, a nice pool and very protected lagoon beach, plus trademark rooms and suites. you can count on scrumptuous linens, mattresses, and pillows, and fragrant bathroom notions. I find the hotel a little large, but the architecture is solid and pleasing, and when I visited in Dec. 07, the upside of size was that people were spread out and there was no crowding. I liked it here...
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Four Seasons Hualalai
 | Hawaii | Resort | Rated even higher than its Maui sister, nobody could easily find fault with this superlative resort.
Pahu I'a- its signature restaurant is highly acclaimed- one of the top fifty restaurants in America. Think about it, one per state, on average, and for Hawaii, this is it!
The location is almost beyond description, so utterly perfect you really will have to blink a few times. Consider it a privilege to stay here- hang the expense, and check in for that very special occasion. Just don't become jaded, and think life is always like this....... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Horizon
 | Hawaii | Guesthouse | Frommer's Hawaii 2008 calls Horizon a B&B, host Clem Classen says it's a guesthouse, but whatever- the name says it all. From the infinity pool to the views to forever one feels transported to a place where you truly do transcend what lies within the phsical horizon.
This property firmly sits in the 'died and gone to heaven' category for its quality, ambience, amenities and gourmet breakfast. without a doubt one of the best of its genre. I'll stay a few days in Dec. '07, just as a reminder.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Kona Village Resort
 | Hawaii | Resort | Really the only 'all-inclusive' type resort on the Hawaiian islands, though, unlike the Caribbean counterparts, alcohol is not included. But great food in two restaurants, lots of activities, and the signature amenity- no intrusions from the real world allowed! That means no phones, no TV's, cell phones on vibe only, and in your hales, pleez! They've taken it a bit far with no bicycles, no windsurfing. I mean really, the sight of people wave dancing distracts from the shuffleboard? They even have 'no kids' weeks blocked off- for romance (Doesn't that lead to kids?) Anyway, I shouldn't knock their efforts- they've at this for 40 years, and still fill the 125 units without discounting. And it truly is gorgeous.... more |
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| Property | Island | Type | The Doctor's Advice |
Mauna Lani Hotel &Resort
 | Hawaii | Resort | Each of Kohala's grand resorts has its own unique appeal, but quite frankly, they're all wonderful. We spent three nights at the independent Mauna Lani Hotel in December '07, and loved every minute of it. The highlight, to us, were the grounds- traditional fish ponds (with sharks and eels), a beautiful free form pool, an immense pathway network and two beaches. The rooms feature floor to ceiling koa dividers and screens, marble bathrooms, flat screen tv's, and twice daily housekeeping. Every day, trays with understated offerings would arrive- information about nature interpretative walks, daily special events, spa menus... all designed to keep one from drifting too far from the resort. I'm not a golfer, but do appreciate a good course when I see it, and the Mauna Lani has two, which are a major draw for the hotel and its neighbour, the Orchid.
The restaurants range from poolside casual to the Canoe House, original home of Pacific Fusion cuisine, and still rated by some as among the best of the best. The resort wins kudos for its environmental programs, including full rooftop photovoltaics, strict recycling and turtle/fish habitat enhancement. Besides all that, it has the longest list of inclusions you'll find anywhere, which means no charge for anything from parking to snorkel equipment. They even have a Hawaiian cultural historian, who leads 'Talk Story', performs, and answers all questions about Hawaii. To that add Ukulele and Hula lessons, authentic Polynesian craft clinics, and you start to get the picture of a very culturally immersed, sensitive enterprise. Others do a good job as well- Kona Village and Four Seasons are standouts, but I left Mauna Lani having a very good feeling about their contributions to responsible tourism. ... more |
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