What to expect: Oceanfront living in a flower-rich community suffused with peace and quiet.

Amenity highlights: The Outrigger Kanaloa Resort at Kona offers three pools, each with a sundeck and adjacent hot tub. One pool is adults-only; another is next to a recreation/outdoor dining shelter, and the third is on a low bluff overlooking a lava-rock shore.

Insider tip: A mile north, Kahaluu Beach Park offers some of the best snorkeling waters in Hawaii.