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Hawaii, the Big Island... Kona is the first place I ever visited 28 years ago and I still love Kona. It's a little bit like Sausalito or Carmel with many shops and restaurants in this cozy village. There is a very slow tropical pace and you see folks holding hands as they walk by the seawall, and as they view the old Hawaiian church from the 1880s and the old Hawaiian palace. But the most famous attraction on the Big Island is the volcano, which is 2 hours driving time from Kona. For 20 years the volcano has been flowing down to the sea and enlarging the size of the Big Island. Kona is the site of the Ironman Triathalon, where participants swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and then run a full marathon--all on one day! Great snorkeling and scuba abound on the Kona Coast with 27 dive sites, interesting terrain as lava meets coral underwater. There are many condos and hotels along the oceanfront drive, which begins in Kona and ends 6 miles later in Keauhou near the golf course. Dream Hawaii can reserve for you condos, hotels, or private homes in a price range from $80--350 per night. Some available choices are: One of my favorite places is the Kona Makai in Kona. Perhaps because I've owned a condo there and visit often, it has become a special place with quiet tropical garden, easy distance to town or snorkeling, and reasonable rates, $95 to $115 for a 1 bedroom condo and $140--165 for a 2 bedroom condo. Places to stay on the Big Island: Kona Makai, located one mile from Kona, has one and two bedroom air conditioned condos with full kitchens. A popular spot for scuba divers with easy shoreline access to three dives. Sea Village, half mile from town, with pool and spa right on the sea wall. Gardenview, oceanview, and oceanfront condos with the waves hitting the oceanfront condos. Kahaluu Bay Villas is across the road from the best snorkeling in the Kona area. Kona Alii on the edge of town and walking distance to restaurants and shopping and the pier. Kona Coast Resort in the Keauhou area near the golf course, has three pools, jogging paths, volleyball, tennis, and many activities. Many lovely houses, most with their own swimming pool and oceanview. Some homes at higher elevations offer a sweeping view of the entire coastline. WAIKOLOA: This upscale end destination resort area offers luxury hotels and condos. The Hilton Waikoloa is famous for its dolphin pond and riding to your hotel room by boat or train. The Shores at Waikoloa and the Vista are luxury condos across the street from the hotels and are private, well landscaped, and the insides are well appointed and spacious. KOHALA COAST: Several luxury hotels are along the coast from the new Four Seasons to that grand old gal the Mauna Kea, which recently underwent a major renovation. Also included are The Orchid and the Hapuna Prince. Ask for your favorite location. Dream Hawaii reserves condos at 35 different properties, all at discount prices. IMPORTANT HINTS: What's important to remember? No, not your film, you can buy it in Hawaii. It's your sunscreen, number 15. Hawaii is close to the Equator and you can burn in 40 minutes. The second thing to remember in Hawaii is to keep drinking fluids. If you are outdoors, drink one glass of water or juice every hour! Wonder about packing? Pack cotton shorts or cotton dresses, clothing that breathe. Most of the day you'll be in a swimsuit, so you don't need much. Hint: leave the pantihose and polyesters at home.

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