What to expect: Because the hotel steps down the cliffside, there's an appealing sense of isolation and privacy amid expansive lawns and gardens.

Amenity highlights: The smoke-free Outrigger Royal Sea Cliff offers swimming in saltwater and freshwater pools; both on the oceanfront and both neighbored by coconut trees. The saltwater pool is larger and has a more spacious sundeck; more umbrellas. The freshwater pool complex includes a six-person hot tub and a cabana equipped with men's and women's changing rooms and showers.

Insider tip: At the ocean end of the fifth floor is a carpeted terrace directly overlooking the Pacific. Upholstered rattan couches and chairs are perfect for enjoying sunsets and viewing whales during their winter migration season.

What to expect: Budget-minded international travelers seeking a central Kona location and full resort services find this place suits their wishes. Regulars return annually for the hospitality and casual atmosphere. In the hotel's hallways are numerous Hawaiian artifacts, such as a feathered cape and helmet, and portraits of Hawaiian royalty. Two mounted, record-setting blue marlin are also on display. Both artifacts and marlin pay tribute to Kona's special attractions and fascinating history.

Amenity highlights: Though the pool complex with its hot tub and sundeck offer a relaxing option, the pretty beach is a gem. About 60 yards wide, deep, and half-moon shaped, it fronts a cove that offers calm-water swimming and snorkeling.

Insider tip: With his court established on Oahu and his reign secure, King Kamehameha returned to his homeland of Kona in 1812 and established his residence on a lava-stone platform in the cove fronting the hotel. He also commanded a temple to be built and religious totems to be carved and erected. Replicas of all of these have been constructed as part of National Historic Site preservation. The history can be absorbed from signs and imagined by walking among seagrape hedges from the hotel out to the platform on which the king's residence and the temple are located.

What to expect: Budget-minded vacationers find this hotel's central location ideal for strolling around Kailua-Kona Village's shops and attractions and for exploring the Big Island. The atmosphere is low-key.

Amenity highlights: Two pools have spacious sundecks for guests to enjoy the sun, read, and relax.

Insider tip: With his court established on Oahu and his reign secure, King Kamehameha returned to his homeland of Kona in 1812 and established his residence on a lava-rock platform in the cove fronting King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, which is across the street from the Kona Seaside Hotel. He also commanded a temple to be built and religious totems to be erected. Replicas of all these have been constructed as part of a National Historic Site preservation. The history can be absorbed from signs, and imagined by walking among seagrape hedges from King Kamehameha's Kona Beach out to the platform where his residence and the temple are located.