Kailua Kona holiday condo

This condo is not "luxurious" but it's very well-located, comfortable, and well-equipped -- with nearly everything you need to borrow for the beach, everything needed to prepare meals (including spices, plastic wrap and foil, utensils, plenty of pots and pans), plus a stereo, TV with front video input to view your digital camera photos, a washer/dryer, high-speed internet, and more.

Parking is convenient and is a very short walk from the condo.

Surfers show up at 6AM directly in front of your deck just a few steps from the ocean, and will entertain you for most of the day. Parasailers apparently sleep later, but add lots of color.

You can easily walk to dozens of restaurants and shops in the center of Kona -- with dinner starting at about $25 for two at the low end. Luaus can reach $150+ per couple.

The world's best marlin fishing starts at the harbor that's 20 minutes north. 900-pound and 600-pound blue marlins were caught there during our 4-night stay during mid-June. (Check guidebooks for seasonality.)

Kona is a convenient headquarters if you plan to explore the Big Island. At least a dozen great snorkeling and swimming beaches are within 75 minutes north and south. One of the world's most active volcanoes is erupting continuously about 2.5 hours away; visit it at dusk. Mauna Kea, the world's tallest mountain measured from the ocean floor to its peak, is about 90 minutes (4WD suggested, but 2WD works in clear, dry weather). Other day trips include Hilo, waterfalls, South Point, black and green beaches, a unique permafrost-fed lake at 13,020 feet, startling lava fields, and lots of beautiful views.