Howdy, Just spent a couple weeks there, here's my story:

1. Checked in late, requested upgrades to suites (Both wife and I are Diamonds, each had a room for two weeks on certs (4xALON)). Was told we could get suites, but they would be garden view, or we could get diamond exec. floor partial ocean or we could get deluxe ocean view rooms (note - we needed connecting rooms). We took the deluxe ocean view - was the perfect decision. Got ocean tower - 4th floor - fantastic views. Bags were at the room before I was (by the way - I offered to pay the rate difference between a standard room and a suite to get an ocean view suite - no dice, they were really full up).

2. They offered either lounge access or breakfast certs for everyone. We took certs - again - lucky great decision. Some of us ate of the hot line, some didn't - it varied morning by morning - I think we paid less than $20.00 total. Great value - the breakfast buffet at the Palm Terrace was the best food we had at the resort (do NOT miss the cheese and coconut danish - they are truly world-class, I think - the best I've ever had).

3. We ate dinner at K. Provision Company. You shouldn't. Way, way overratted. I paid $34.00 for an overcooked, day old piece of Mahi, along with some overcooked brocollini. I would however recommend that you do eat the app. combo plate - outside - overlooking the surf at night (it's lit) - the food is good, the view is amazing. Hell - I'd pay to eat dog food for a table with that view (but not twice . Seriously - the apps aren't bad, the view is amazing. The entree's are poor at best. Desert is ok, not bad - nothing to write home about.

4. Took the back-of-the-house tour. Completly pointless. They take you into a hallway, and show you nothing. Talk to you for 20 minutes and out you go. Oh wait - my bad - they took us into the front of the employee uniform hand-out place. Big Deal. However - if Denise is leading the tour - Take it if you have questions. My s.o. had lots of questions - and she got them all answered, Denise was great - talked to use over half an hour. Was fantastic - we were glad we went on the tour and got to speak with her.

5. We did the family dolphin thing. I would recommend everyone do it. It's truly a once in a lifetime thing to pet a dolphin - we thought it was awesome. (My wife trains, shows and once in a while sells horses, we have lots of pets (however many you think we have, add at least 2 to that number. Anyway - she was highly skeptical. But - it was wonderful. Please try to turn a blind eye and closed wallet to all the crap they try to stick you with - it's really annoying to be nickel and dimed to death after ponying over $$$ for the dolphin enounter. (Note: I got a young lady to film our dolphin encounter for us with my digital video camera, gave her $20 - she was thrilled. Now I have all the digital still and video images I want. (Note: I requested at the desk no dolphins in my room, the request was honored - but I did purchase one later - they were cute.

6. Italian resturant - maybe if you don't eat out often in NY and chitown - you might like it. We laughed at the menu and after looking at what was coming out of the kitchen - we skipped it totally. We did get a couple of deserts and hauled them back to our room - wonderful with coffee on the balcony.

7. We loved the chinesee dim sum, the porch up there has a wonderful view.

8. Poolside we got drinks (have a lava flow - we all loved them). Hot dogs and burgers (my son) - expensive - but not bad, decent for what they are. 9. I loved the lagoon. My kid is 5 (non-swimmer), he was very, very safe out there playing. We saw lots of fish - had a blast. We rented a couple of boats - and he got to paddle around by himself (with me close, very close - both of us in lifejackets...by the way - we were the only two out there with them on. I was a SAR swimmer (USN) - only a fool goes out without a lifejacket. What happens if you go over, hit your head on the boat - you could be dead in a couple of minutes (ok - it's like 1/1,000,000 - but why not put it on??? /lecture off). Anyway - lagoon was great - we loved it. Fish, turtles, etc...

8. You have to walk. Ok, I'm on vacation - I was good with it. I loved the boats, son liked the tram - we thought it was all cool. Only drawback - if I was on business, I would most likely not stay here.

9. Spa - I loved the whirlpool, saunas, etc... (Nope - no 'treatments' for me.Not my thing. There were not a lot of attendents - but it was nice, I liked it (all complimentary).

10. Wife and Grandma had some stuff - they said it was ok (spa stuff, massage, facials, etc...) good - but not world-class.

11. Tip - get a couple of 'virgin' lava flows at the bar on the way back to your room, but the kids to bed and sit on the porch with your wife and enjoy your drinks watching the evening sky (and add a couple of oz's of good rum to the drinks - they pour light at the bar).

12. We played golf - it was fun.

13. We walked along the beach (all rocky - but fun).

14. Overall - the resort would be world-class if they polished it. It's just looking a bit worn down at the edges, nothing huge.

15. Saw whales every morning from our porch, sipping coffee.

16. I got coffee and spa soaps and junk refreshed every morning. Never used the coffee - got our own, Starbucks the first morning - various local blends after that.

17. Got lots of free waters.

18. Valet was great - always ready with my car (get a 4WD - we needed ours).

19. I stayed in over 60 different hotels last year. I have never, ever seen a better staff. These people were all friendly, helpful - just wonderful.

20. They have a lot of staff - they could use a few more - I think a 5% increase would do wonders.

21. Drive up to Hawi - have fish and chips at Aunties. I have never, ever had better. It was shocking.

22. Drive up to Hawi at night and eat at Bamboo - just do it - you'll see why. Best overall dining experience we had. Saw a stunning improptu hula show, best entertainment we had in the island (on a quality scale).

23. See the volcano.

24. Drive around the island - it's worth it.

25. Drive down into Waipio valley - it's worth it.

26. If your into it - ride a horse. Wife called around and found someone who knew someone who knew someone and we hung out with some horse people for an afternoon (there are tons of tourist horse tours offered - if all else fails - do that). (There's a big R judge on the island who does some breeding - nice folks).

27. Kings shops - nice place to stock up on some cheap souvineers, food, etc... (Island fish is good)

28. Recommend you drive up to the observatory - amazing drive (do NOT take kids under 21 - their brains are growing - and that altitude can be dangerous - no reason to take the chance).

29. Drive up to Waimea, Waikoloa - great drives. Some nice resturants on the way too. 30. We loved it so much we may go again - and we never go to the same spot twice. Yes, the resort is a slight bit run down - it's not quite as polished as it needs to be to be world class (rooms could use updating, and staff could use an increase). If you are taking the family on vacation - it's a great place. The resort is polished, perfect and plastic safe. Which is nice - because the rest of the island is rustic and wild - after driving up Mauna Lao - it's nice to come home to. Keep the faith, Pakse p.s. Please - if you have any questions - ask.