I just got back from a long weekend here and really enjoyed it. Are the hotel rooms and TVs a bit dated? Yes, but this is Hawai'i and if you are spending a lot of time in your room I think there are other issues.

I was in Kona for the Ironman World Championship (not competing this year, just observing) and the hotel was hopping. I ran into loads of athletes and the gym and pool were crowded on Thursday and Friday before the race. The staff was very helpful and the shuttle downtown was a huge help. Sure it is away from Kona and the beaches, but that shuttle takes you down to the beach and on into Kona.

The restaurants were hit and miss, but that was mainly because Mrs Dagowolf and I just got back from a month in France. As such we are still adjusting to the cuisine of America again. Watching the Manta Rays before the BBQ in the bar was great. The spa was excellent. Even the day after the Ironman I was able to get a Lomi Lomi couples massage on a private lanai.

I wasn't thrilled with the $10 self-parking at first, but given the weekend we were there the lot was jammed so I could understand it. As to the internet charges, we were on vacation and one thing we have promised ourselves is that on trips of less than 10 days we won't go online except for emergencies.

Overall I enjoyed this resort and would book again when I go back to actually compete in the Ironman.