The stunning mountains of the Big Island form the backdrop of the Paniolo Greens Resort, located in Waikoloa Village near the highland ranches and adjacent to the Waikoloa Village Golf Course. It’s a small laidback golfing community, set away from the other bigger resorts. After getting everyone settled in your condo, change into swimsuits, grab goggles, water wings and dive sticks and slather everyone with sunscreen. Go for a swim in the outdoor pool or relax in a lounger on the sundeck. Parents with little ones will appreciate the smaller wading pool. When the kids get hungry, take advantage of the BBQ grills and have a family cookout. Let your little helpers carry burgers, hot dogs and sides while the grownups handle the condiments, plates and utensils. Tennis players should consider bringing their racquets for a game on the resort’s court. If you want a more traditional workout, visit the resort’s fitness center.

Air-conditioned one- to two-bedroom condos sleep four to six guests. Stop by the KTA Super Store for groceries – your full kitchen won’t stock itself. Whip up a batch of your famous double chocolate brownies and let the little ones assist. Don’t worry if things get messy; there’s an in-suite washer/dryer. When it comes to in-suite entertainment, Cable TVs have your back. Gather everyone on the couch with a selection of snacks and get ready for a low-key night in. Or have a family movie night thanks to your DVD player, make sure to bring favorite movies from home. Need more space? Upgrade to a two-bedroom condo with a den; it sleeps seven guests.

Waikoloa Village Golf Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr and welcomes golfers of all skill levels. The golf course offers views of five volcanos: Mauna Kea, Hualalai, Kohala, Mauna Loa and Haleakala. That’s not the only golf course in the area. Waikoloa Beach Golf Course is just ten minutes from Paniolo Greens Resort, and it offers two courses to choose from. The eighteen-hole King’s Course was designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish and is a challenging course. The Beach Course, also eighteen-holes, was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr and is less challenging, perfect for less experienced golfers. Waikoloa Village Highlands Shopping Center features the Waikoloa Village Market, Lava Java Bistro coffee shop, an Italian Restaurant and a full-service salon. For more variety, visit the King’s Shops and the Queen’s MarketPlace, both just ten minutes away. King’s Shops features Macy’s, Michael Kors, Tiffany & Co and Sunglass Hut. Queen’s MarketPlace features Claire’s, QuickSilver, PacSun and Malibu Shirts.