Some people go to Hawaii to tan, relax, and drink piña coladas on the beach. Not my family.  We probably spend equal amounts of time in and out of the water.  Hawaii itself is very important to us.  My parents lived in Haena on Kauai before they adopted me.  The first vacation I remember in Kauai.  My twins sisters learned to swim in Kona and I got my dive certification there, July 2007.

Years ago my mom found this beautiful little hotel  and she and my dad went snorkeling there.  She remembered it and booked us a room at  Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort in Kailua-Kona, October of 2003. It’s this GORGEOUS, amazing hotel right on Keauhou Bay.  There is a small snorkeling beach, as well as a little set of stairs that lead directly into the water.  The hotel includes deluxe ocean-view rooms, excellent free daily breakfast for guests, and an incredible seaside restaurant with the most spectacular view of the sunset in all of Hawaii.

There are lots of Hawaiian artifacts in the lobby as well as a lovely gift shop and a do-it-yourself laundry room downstairs. The snorkeling is outrageous.  Keauhou bay is warm and clean and clear.  It is protected so there is an abundance of fish and healthy coral.  Specimens living in the Bay are impressive and lively. There are tennis courts, a heiau and several hammocks located just to the right of the hotel as well as tide pools and a large grassy area used for events.

We have spent many hours climbing on the lava rocks that protect the Bay from tidal surge, looking for fish.  Turtles flock to the hotel and can be seen swimming or sunning themselves at any hour of the day.

I can’t say enough about the wonderful experiences I’ve had at this place.  It is very reasonably priced and the staff are amicable.  But what makes it so special is its profound connection with nature.  The sound of the waves roll through the rooms and the smell of salt permeates the air.   Sunlight slants through the open lobby, and the warm, tropical breeze flows, uninterrupted, through the elegant green halls.