Ville Magazine l Insider Access for City Lifestyle Jan/Feb 2016 / Premiere Issue | Page 49

Kona

WHERE I STAYED: Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay is situated on 22 oceanfront acres and the
only hotel that was able to be built at that location. It was by far my favorite place I stayed and my favorite
island. It could have been because the people at the resort were so nice and made sure we had a great time
or because the rooms have such beautiful views of the bay. Order room service for breakfast and enjoy the
sunrise. www.sheratonkona.com
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
Rays on the Bay is the only Hawaii Island restaurant built on lava cliffs and is the perfect view to Keauhou’s
resident manta rays in their natural habitat. The best time to see them is after 8 p.m. but sightings are never
guaranteed.
THINGS TO DO
If you could only do one thing, you must experience the evening Manta Ray snorkel with Eka Canoe Adventures (ekacanoeadventures.com). These creatures are truly magical. I was nervous to dive in the ocean at
night, but it was totally worth it. Check out my video in this issue’s digital edition. Also, if you get a chance,
take a walk with Ho’okipa Ambassador of Culture and Activities, Nani Kupihe. She is very knowledgeable
of the land’s history and shares it with such passion and excitement that she will keep your attention the
entire time. Lastly, go take a hike at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to get yourself in touch with the feel
of the land.
FACTS TO KNOW
The Big Island can tend to be a bit cloudy due to its active volcano erupting under sea level that is currently
creating another island as it reaches the surface. However, it will take years for the island to form so don’t
plan on taking any trips there in your lifetime.
The Big Island isn’t the best spot for beaches, but it is great for nature lovers and cultural seekers. The
land holds a spiritual presence that it will help center you no matter how stress you are. Trust me I am
a stress expert and this was the only time during the entire trip I felt the most relaxed. I can’t wait to
return.

Kauai

WHERE I STAYED: I only stayed in Kauai for a short time so I didn’t get the chance to see the north shore,
which is just if not better than the south. I stayed at the Sheraton Kauai Resort located on Po’ipū Beach on
the south shore. The pool has bungalows that guest can rent to enjoy poolside dining and shade when the
sun gets too hot. If you want a great way to relax, grab a beachside massage where you have the warm
weather breeze of Kauai while listening to the ocean waves in the background. www.sheraton-kauai.com
(photo credit: DonLand)
WHERE I ATE
Sheraton wined and dined us at its RumFire restaurant. It has an incredible view and the food is fantastic.
The menu features local Hawaiian cuisine so you can eat as the locals do. The restaurant supports the Kaua’i
community through its Table 53 program. You can reserve the table or get lucky and be seated at Table 53,
which has the best view in the restaurant and all net food & beverage proceeds from this table is donated
to local charities year-round.
THINGS TO DO
As you drive through Kauai you may feel like you’ve seen it before. Well, if you have watched any of the
Jurassic Park movies, Six Days/Seven Nights, Pirates of the Caribbean: on Stranger Tides (just to name
a view), then you have. If you want to explore some of the on-location spots then take the Kipu Ranch
Ultimate Ranch Adventure Tour (www.kiputours.com). The area is privately own so you won’t be able to see
it any other way - not even the locals have access to it.
FACTS TO KNOW
Kauai is the wettest spot on Earth. The average yearly rainfall is about 397 inches so the weather can be
sunny one minute and rainy the next, but it usually doesn’t last that long. Kauai is the oldest of the major
Hawaiian islands and the population is only 67,000 that limits the opportunity to expand the tourism.
I would definitely go back and explore the island more, especially the north shore. This is a great spot
to relax as it has the most beaches and rivers, streams and waterfalls for the nature lovers and the
adventurers. It’s also great a romantic destination for you and your love or to celebrate a honeymoon.

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