What to expect: Peace and quiet prevails at this spacious former plantation that avoids artificial, postcard-perfect grooming. Extra-tall coconut trees could be a century old. Pretty gardens surround the pastel-colored, wood cottages. A hen might usher her brood across the grand lawn and palm grove. The long, undeveloped beach was made for walking beside the blue Pacific. And snoozing on a cottage porch or in a lounge chair is inevitable.

Amenity highlights: On the oceanfront is a good-size pool surrounded by a large sunning deck that includes a hot tub. Nearby are two beach volleyball courts and two shuffleboard courts. A day spa occupies one of the cottages. These emblems of 21st-century pleasure unobtrusively blend with history. A little museum about the Waimea Sugar Mill Company, whose worker cottages guests occupy, is worth a visit.

Insider tip: Shaded by wonderful old trees, two picnic tables near the beach provide a cool spot for an afternoon lunch.