Keauhou Beach/Kailua-Kona, Big Island - Hawaii

At the heart of the Big Island's famed Kona Coast, the Keauhou Beach/Kailua-Kona area is an open door to Hawaii's history, heritage, and hospitality. There are multitudes of things to do and see, including visiting century-old churches and tiny villages along the coast, tennis, golf, marlin fishing or just daydreaming and relaxing.

Although the various resorts offer good food, if you are visiting for any period of time or are staying in a condominium, you may want a change of pace. I suggest Jamison's By The Sea. Formerly named Dorians, its name may have changed but the food is still magnificent.

Guest of several resorts in this area may use the Kona Country Club Course. This Bell layout plays 6,589/6,165/5,499 and pars at 72/73. Lava-bordered fairways, a profusion of sand traps and flowering shrubs, along with the wind, make this a tester. The Alii course, the newest addition, is on the hillside above the pro shop area. Measuring 6,451/5,823/4,886 yards and parring at 72, it offers some of the most spectacular views we have seen.