What to expect: Families and groups of friends come for the Big Island's sunny weather while enjoying little luxuries and home-like conveniences. Attractions of the Holua Resort include 15 on-site tennis courts, 36 holes of golf at neighboring Kona Country Club, and great snorkeling at nearby Kahaluu Beach Park (a five-minute drive away).

Amenity highlights: Eight medium-sized pools, each joined by a hot tub and surrounded by a sundeck, are scattered among the buildings. In addition, there are two barbecue sites with gas grills under tile-roof shelters. Tennis buffs enjoy access to 15 courts. The resort offers several complimentary activities, including historical and botanical walks, a Wednesday sunset cocktail party, and group power walks.

Insider tip: Holua Resort comprises only half of the condominium community. Eight pools and hot tubs are located in the other half, and they are open to Holua Resort guests.

What to expect: Kona Village Resort is where celebrities come to relax and be treated like everyone else, which is to say warmly. Legions of guests return annually. Begun in 1965 when access was by private plane on the resort's landing strip, Kona Village Resort has since tripled in size.

The resort achieves a serene atmosphere by restricting vehicles to the sand parking lot. Paths are of natural earth, not pavement. The hotel offers complimentary Internet access at guest services, which is also the only air-conditioned space at the resort. Peace is maintained by the lack of televisions, radios, CD players, and clocks. Nothing interferes with the natural rhythms and sounds of oceanside life regulated by sunrises and sunsets.

Amenity highlights: The resort naturally divides itself into two sides—light-sand side (south) and lava-and-black-sand side (north). Each has its own hot tub and pool surrounded by a sundeck with padded lounge chairs and thatched sun shelters. The lava side also has a children's pool. Hammocks, wood benches, and lounge chairs are scattered throughout the resort, making it easy to find restful privacy. The sand side includes a long, deep, crescent beach on Kahuwai Bay, which usually is calm and perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Insider tip: Kona Village Resort occupies the site of a fishing village that was home to 10,000 ancient Hawaiians. When they abandoned the site they left behind burial and ceremonial caves, petroglyphs, and a few lava-rock house foundations —all of which can still be seen. Guided tours explain the history and culture.