.This page is where you'll find the latest 'goings on" at Kona Kai and the Florida Keys: If you've got something you'd like to add to our 'latest" just e-mail us at: konakai@aol.com

Ronnie and Joe Harris, Proprietors

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Enjoy Kona Kai Every Day!
DOWNLOAD THE KONA KAI
DESKTOP BACKGROUND or SCREENSAVER

PC: For a desktop background featuring a stunning Kona Kai sunset, download file, uncompress and save in My Pictures. Select Start > Settings > Control Panel > Display > Background and Browse for KonaKai.jpg

Mac: download file & save. Control panel >Appearance > Desktop >Place a picture > Select KonaKai.jpg.

For the Screensaver, use a Screensave Program to enjoy our famous sunsets every day!

DOWNLOAD THE KONA KAI BROCHURE .9MB .PDF FILE - DSL/CABLE 30 second download Use Acrobat Reader to open

Welcome to Kona Kai

About Kona Kai

Rates & Info

Rooms & Amenities

Guest Comments

In the News

Tour the Resort

The Gallery

e-mail Us!

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1-800-365-STAY (7829)
Outside the continental U.S. call 305/852-7200
office hours 9am - 7pm every day

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Kona Kai Photo Gallery And, finally, here is a small photo gallery of recent scenes taken at the resort. Check back here occassionally as we will add to and change them seasonally. These photos have been taken by staff and guests over the years, - thank you all!
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This site is designed by Absolutely Florida - for more about the Key Largo area and beyond, check out

"KONA" AND "KAI" - The Dogs!

April 2008:  The following arrived by e-mail the other day from Kirt and Lisa. "Hi again. We just wanted to say that in my Mother's Sheila's honour and because of the impact your beautiful resort had on her and my brother Les, we named our two German Shepherd puppies after the Kona Kai Resort. The pup in my husbands left hand is "Kona" (pictured right) and the pup held in my husbands right hand is named "Kai" (pictured left). Proud "Dad" is in the middle! Many thanks for having such an idyllic resort that has had the impact it has on so many people."  We are honored and happy to share this news with one and all, including our very own Max and Rainey.

I.A.D. – TAKE THE CURE AT KONA KAI:

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March 2008:Suffering from IAD? Not sure? Not even sure what IAD is? Well, with all the connectivity, abbreviations, acronyms and text messages in today’s universe it sure can be hard to tell if you have IAD; even if you know what IAD means.

I.A.D. is “internet addiction disease” and many of us unknowingly suffer from it. Right now there is no pill or medical cure for IAD. But here at Kona Kai Resort we have found a way for many of you to escape your addiction, even if only temporarily.

Simply being in paradise, relaxing at our PTP (perfect temperature pool); staring out at Florida bay or a magnificent sunset on our PPP (perfectly positioned pier); enjoying the physical challenge of a BPPM (beachside ping pong match) with your IAD afflicted partner; taking a PBR (paddleboat ride) on the bay; or simply DAN (doing absolutely nothing) will start you on the path to a cure for your IAD.

Kona Kai is the perfect spot to start your IAD escape. To help you, we are offering a SCCD (secure computer cellphone depository) for all those electronic gadgets that have enabled your addiction. Upon check-in simply deposit your cellphones, smartphones laptops or other IAD devices at the front desk. We’ll hold them in lock-up until you check-out. And, if you’re not sure you can go a whole 24 hours or more without your EAA’s (electronic addiction assistants) we will also be happy to hold them from 9am to 7pm. Only thing is, you must remember to come and get them before we lock-up at 7pm, as we cannot predict, or be responsible, for how you will handle the IAD withdrawal symptoms brought on when darkness harkens.

Kona Kai Resort and Gallery – your center for managing IAD!

SHOP TILL YOU DROP - IN KEY LARGO?:

SWEET SOUTHERN RAIN:

January 2008: If you’ve been visiting this blog, or if you’ve visited Kona Kai since August 2007, it’s likely you know our little black dog named Moose, who was always here to welcome you, passed away this summer. After a lengthy search, Ronnie and I finally found a new dog to adopt – this time a very small Yorkshire Terrier, named “Sweet Southern Rain,” or “Rainey” for short. She is Kona Kai’s newest ambassador, and hopefully will someday join Max in helping you cope with missing the pet(s) you left behind for your vacation at Kona Kai.

Rainey joined us on October 24th and is adjusting to her new Kona Kai environment with all its comings and goings. At 3.5 pounds, Rainey is both small and very adorable, although she is also very shy with people. Rainey came from a breeder in central Florida, Jodi, who allowed us to adopt her because Rainey is too small to breed. Jodi gave her wonderful name, “Sweet Southern Rain.” Born on January 1st 2006, we expect Rainey will be with us for a long time to come.

Rainy and Kona Kai’s other ambassador, Max, are getting along just fine. Max is teaching Rainey the do’s and don’ts of life here at Kona Kai. Of course, there’s still a few things Max has to learn (no taking food from guests), so maybe we can teach them to Rainey first, who might then teach them to Max. (No harm in a bit of wishful thinking here.) So next time you’re here at Kona Kai, watch out underfoot; it might be Rainey, rather than one of our friendly squirrels.

CHRISTMAS IN PARIS:

December 12th, 2007: If you're not in Key Largo for Christmas, the next best place to be is France. Ronnie and I came first to Cannes for the International Luxury Travel Market, the only global trade event dedicated to specialist luxury travel buyers from the world's top 52

travel markets. In Cannes, we met with a few of the world's leading luxury travel suppliers. We hope ITLM will prove to be an interesting and worthwhile event for Kona Kai's marketing efforts.

After that it was off to Paris, for the 40th Salon de la Marine at the Palais de Chaillot on the place du Trocadero, where we joined one of our favorite artists, Dirk Verdoorn and his family, for the exhibition vernissage, [varnishing from the French language, meaning the finishing of the painting and the preview or opening of the exhibition] at the Musee national de la Marine. [ http://www.musee-marine.fr/site/fr/salon_de_la_marine ]

It was an exciting evening, with many of the official French marine painters present and in uniform. It was crowded and, of course, packed with great marine art, including over 100 paintings and sculptures from artists vying for one of the gold, silver or bronze medals awarded at this important bi-annual event. Now that Dirk is a "peintre officiel de la Marine," we are hoping to see one of his friends, Vivi Navarro, win a medal this year. And, for the first time, we met Sophie, proprietress of Galerie de L' Estuaire in Honfleur, where Dirk also shows his work.

Best of all, we were lucky enough to leave with a new painting of the Miami River that Dirk had completed just weeks ago and brought for to show at The Gallery at Kona Kai. However, as it will not make it back to the USA, since we sold it upon our arrival in Auribeau-sur-Siagne, where we will celebrate the holidays Provencial style, I've included a .jpg of it here.

PADDLING IN PARADISE:

October, 2007: We all know the Florida Keys are known worldwide for their magnificent diving and fishing. But kayaking?

This past summer, a 106-mile “trail” along the waterways of the Florida Keys was dedicated by the federal government as a “national recreation trail.” Officially known as the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Greenway trail, it stretches from Key Largo to Key West as two trails, one for bicycles and one for kayaks.

There are many people who have worked hard to make both the bike and paddling trails a reality. For Upper Keys paddlers there are some 18 “trails” that can be explored independently or with the assistance of Frank and Monica Woll of Florida Bay Outfitters (www.floridabayoutfitters.com).

And now, with the recent publication of “The Florida Keys Paddling Atlas,” written by ACA certified kayak instructors Bill and Mary Burnham who spent most of 2006 mapping and detailing the “trail,” there are now excellent details available for the experienced paddler to explore eco-systems that can be seen only in the Florida Keys. And, more than any other place, Key Largo offers the paddler sheltered oceanside paddling that will not be found elsewhere in our island chain, as well as unparalleled bayside Everglades paddling.

Kayakers come to the Florida Keys for our clear, shallow nearshore waters. Within an hour of parking your car you can be in some of the most isolated and magnificent coves and creeks found along the east coast of the USA. Our waters possess natural and man-made wonders unmatched in the continental United States and if you’re not yet a “kayaker,” our friends at Florida Bay Outfitters will be happy to get you started with kayak rentals, instruction and guided tours. Just inquire with Tracey or Bobbi when you check-in for more details.

THE HEADLINE SAYS IT ALL. . .

October, 2007:Writing in today’s issue of the Palm Beach Post, staff writer Mary Thurwachter ‘s “Weekend Getaway” review of Kona Kai Resort & Gallery tells how this “Key Largo resort’s alluring grounds and amenities will charm you.” Mrs. Thurwachter does a thorough job of describing our resort as well as some of the things to do and places to eat around here. You can read the entire story yourself at: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/search But, it’s the headline of the story that perhaps says it all: “Kona Kai gets everything just right.” That's a tough bill to live up to and we are sure it’s not always the case for every guest. Perfection is hard to achieve, but we do our best to reach that goal every day, for every guest. So, if a casual, laid-back, unpretentious resort is what you are looking for, you just might find it at Kona Kai Resort & Gallery.

Thanks to the internet, you can now have many more movies - uncensored by us. One of the most popular sites for these movies is, you guessed it, "You Tube." Here is a link to a video put up by a guest who shows you what you will see as you walk down the short path to our waterfront, something so many of you ask about via e-mail or the phone: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tl3rup5_zFE. 

Of course, searching “You Tube,” will bring you more Kona Kai videos; including a few of our Assistant General Manager, Tracey, feeding the tarpon at Robbie's and diving the local reefs. Other videos will show you a road trip all the way to Key West; fishing off our sunset pier; laying around our "cool," uncrowded, pool and much, much more. Hopefully they will always accurately reflect Kona Kai Resort & Gallery, as well as the Florida Keys; and, hopefully they will further entice you to decide to spend your Florida Keys vacation with us here at Kona Kai Resort. Please let us know otherwise.  

If you're a fan of The Florida Keys and James Michener. . . .

August 2007: Then you might want to pick up a copy of this, never before published, short novel by Michener. Matecumbe features many of the hallmarks of Michener's best work, including detailed descriptions of place. However, the plot is much more intimate than that found in most of his large-scale, epic novels. Focusing on the parallel lives of a woman and her mother, both divorced, Michener spent his creative energy on character development and allegorical storytelling. Random House, his publisher, wasn't pleased, and wanted the mega-best-selling author to concentrate on producing "heavyweight" books like Hawaii and Centennial.  So, Matecumbe sat in a drawer until, eventually, Michener gifted it, including the copyright, to Keys local, Joe Avenick, his friend and former ghostwriter. Avenick played a key role in the research and writing of Chesapeake and introduced Michener to Melissa DeMaio, a local Keys businesswoman. Biographers and critics agree that Michener's personality and his characters in Matecumbe were both affected by his relationship with DeMaio. As perhaps his most encompassing autobiographical novel, Matecumbe provides what may be tantalizing glimpses into Michener's life. The publication of Matecumbe, in this, the centennial year, of the author's birth, is a boon for both Michener and Florida Keys fans.  We have copies here at the front desk of Kona Kai, should you be staying with us or simply passing by.

July 28, 2007: Moose was with us here at Kona Kai for well over a decade, barking her welcome and keeping you company on the beach. She passed away on July 28th, after having been ill for the last year. Having come from a local animal shelter, Moose led a charmed life here at Kona Kai and was a very happy and friendly dog, who gave so many much joy and much love to us and many of our guests. When we traveled, Moose always traveled with us; thus, she saw much of the world. Kona Kai won’t be less special without her, but it sure will be a bit lonely at times.

Hurricane Season – It arrives every year:

June 2007: You are now undoubtedly, once again, hearing the hurricane predictions and forecasts through the news media. Of course, those of use who live in South Florida are accustomed to all the ‘noise and hullabaloo.’ However, if you’re planning your vacation, you might have a question or two.

First, know that on June 1st our “Hurricane Cancellation policy” will go into effect. That policy is, simply, “from June 1st through October 31st, once a NOAA Hurricane Warning is put into effect for Key Largo, you can postpone or cancel your vacation at Kona Kai with absolutely no fees or penalties. *

Monroe county evacuation plans are carefully thought-out and any threatening hurricane puts those plans into action to assure your safety; hotels are notified by EMS in advance of any approaching storm. Over the years very few folks have had to leave Kona Kai due to hurricane threats, but when it is necessary we will make sure you are safely on your way long before any hurricane makes landfall in Key Largo.

Most importantly, don’t let all the media hype keep you from enjoying our warm sunny days and wonderful summer sunsets. Remember, the media loves hurricane predictions, but the fact is that, on average, less than one storm a year becomes a serious threat to the Florida Keys.
* [This is the only exception to our 2007 cancellation policy. You must confirm any cancellation with our reservation desk and receive a cancellation number.]

“20 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE THEY DIE. . . .” May 2007: While Kona Kai Resort is not one of those places (although some of our guests say it should be), FLORIDA’S EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK is listed as one of those 20 places; along with Brazil’s Pantanal wetlands, the Galapagos Islands, Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, and Indonesia’s Borneo rain forest and Coral Triangle.

According to the article, Conde Nast’s 20 threatened treasures are threatened by climate change, careless development, pollution, or neglect and all 20 are at risk of disappearing in our lifetime. Florida’s Everglades are “the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States” according to the article and are threatened by “Florida’s development boom which continues to pave over and deny the Everglades its lifeblood – water.” The article points out that while Congress passed a Comprehensive Restoration Plan in 2000, many of the funds have yet to materialize and political and scientific squabbles are also stalling recovery.

Conde Nast suggests the best time to visit the Everglades is November to mid-May and the recommended places to stay are Everglades City’s Ivey House or Key Largo’s Kona Kai Resort, which they write, “enchants.” 

To see all of Everglades National Park, stay with us and first take our daily guided Everglades tour and watch the sun set over the mangrove Everglades islands. Then, on another afternoon we’ll send you to the best of the land based Everglades sites. On a third day we’ll send you on a snorkel trip into another threatened natural wonder, Pennekamp National Marine Sanctuary, America’s only living coral reef.  Give us a few more days and we’ll send you to two talked about manmade sites – Key West and South Beach – so plan a week and you won’t regret it!      

However, if all this sounds like a bit too much for your next vacation, try out our other recommended vacation schedule, a “far niente vacation,” discussed below.      

IL DOLCE FAR NIENTE!
April 2007:  Those of you who know Kona Kai Resort know Ronnie and I sometimes escape the resort for our other favorite place, the Cote d’Azur.  We don’t go for the beaches, but for the food and a bit of “il dolce far niente” … the sweetness of doing nothing! We just sit back and let life happen when we’re vacationing over there and we can tell you, it is a wonderful, relaxing and rejuvenating  experience; one that we had almost all but forgotten.

In the mid 1800 and early 1900’s  far niente  and dolce far niente was a favorite title used by impressionist artists fond of painting all sorts of people relaxing, or literally, “doing nothing.”  The painting here is one done exactly 100 years ago by American artist, John Singer Sargent and is currently part of Brooklyn Museum exhibit, – “ Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism” which will travel to Sarasota this summer.

Il Dolce far niente is an art form not only for impressionist painters but also for those who vacation for relaxation and rejuvenation. It takes time, the right location, patience and practice; but, once learned, it is a most incredible means of vacationing. Many of our returning guests come to Kona Kai because it is the perfect place for a far niente vacation.

So come to Kona Kai and we'll help you r ediscover the joy of doing nothing. In a world filled with so much to do, what’s wrong with scheduling a week or two doing absolutely nothing?  And, while doing nothing might take a little planning, all you need do is make your reservation – we’ll take care of the rest. So, imagine doing nothing  - imagine Kona Kai, where reservations are not only suggested – they’re cherished!

[For more on a doing nothing vacation, click here.] 

A Million Miles from Civilization?
March 25 , 2007: Every year one or two major magazines do a write-up on the Florida Keys and oftentimes Kona Kai Resort & Gallery is one of the featured places to stay. Over the years Kona Kai has had more write-ups than any other hotel of it's size.  Quite a compliment and quite a recommendation.  This year Florida Travel and Life had something nice to say in March and now in it's April edition, Coastal Living Magazine selected three places to recommend, Kona Kai Resort being one of them - and only one that is adults only - one of the many reasons that when staying at Kona Kai Resort you will feel like you are a million miles from civilization.  Here's what Coastal Living had to say:

    "As the highway jumps from Florida's mainland to the string of islands known as "the Keys," travelers immediately sense a difference. Giant red-and-white dive flags signal Key Largo's place as the sport-diving capital of the world. Souvenir shops peddle shells, coconuts, and kitschy nautical collectibles. And funky (not in a good way) motels line both sides of the thoroughfare. Rest assured that amid this clatter of sensory overload, oases do exist. You just have to know where to find them.

    At mile marker 97.8, a canopy of trees envelops the oval sign marking the entrance to Kona Kai Resort and Gallery. This green welcome mat hints at what's ahead: a lush, 2-acre tropical garden with palms, fruit trees, flowering shrubs, and even an orchid house. All of this foliage creates an intimate setting for the resorts 11 guest rooms and suites. Bright and spacious, the accommodations feature spalike decor—ceramic tile floors, light-wood furniture, original artwork, and, in several rooms, oversize showers with glass-block walls. But the appeal of Kona Kai extends beyond its walls and gardens to the small details that indulge guests' every whim. Parched? Grab a bottle of water and a mango from the poolside refrigerator. Feeling up for adventure? Take a spin in one of the kayaks or paddleboats tied up at the dock. Pining for culture? Tour the resorts New York–quality art gallery. The sunsets are complimentary, too. When the sun begins to edge toward the horizon, guests make their way to the beach and pier for the nightly Keys ritual. As orange hues spread across the sky and sea, tranquil, tropical Kona Kai seems a million miles from civilization."

    Here's a link should you want to see the other places they recommend:
http://www.coastalliving.com/coastal/travel/lodginganddining
/article/0,14587,1594163,00.html


Why Key Largo? What is it about Key Largo that makes so many come back?
February 1st, 2007: For those who are regulars here at Kona Kai, you know we offer a very special and unique respite from the crazy, crowded, non-stop world most of us live in. Kona Kai means tranquility, serenity, beauty, quality, quirkiness, and more. For those of who you who've returned over and over again, Key Largo and Kona Kai is already your refuge from your other world(s); Kona Kai is where you return to relax and rejuvenate.

But, if you’ve never been to Kona Kai Resort & Gallery; to Key Largo; or to the Florida Keys, you might first want to know why you should stay in Key Largo. Of course, you should call and talk with one of our knowledgeable front desk staff, Tracey or Cris, who know why Key Largo is so special and why Key Largo and Kona Kai make the perfect combination relaxation or for exploring all of South Florida. Howevver, to give you a quick preview of why Key Largo, you can start right now by clicking: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbIO2NYnTu8.

After you explore the link, give Cris or Tracey a call (1-800-365-7829) to discuss Key Largo, South Florida, and Kona Kai. We take great pride in our knowledgeable, personalized service. Our goal is to make sure your visit to South Florida and The Florida Keys becomes your perfect vacation!

WATCH THE VIDEO:ABC's Good Morning America discovers the beauty of Key Largo!
January 7th 2007 – This morning, ABC’s Good Morning America did a short travel feature on the wonders of Key Largo.  If you were ever wondering why you need to spend a week in Key Largo, then perhaps this piece might have the answers to your questions.

Yes, Ronnie and I are featured in the video. Yet, if you’re [planning on] coming to the Florida Keys, clearly Key Largo is the place to choose for a relaxing and beautiful time. Furthermore, we believe Kona Kai is the place to stay - if you’re looking for quiet comfort. GMA Weekend host Bill Weir said of Key Largo during his in-studio introduction: “Though it's just an hour away from Miami, visitors say it feels like a world away….”

We agree with Bill's assessment and we think you will too. We’re working on getting this clip right here on our website, but until we do: (if you have high speed broadband), click http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Travel/story?id=2775714 and watch the piece on ABC’s GMA site. Then call us, we’ll help you determine if Key Largo and Kona Kai Resort is the right place for your next vacation.

Not Only for NASCAR Fans
July 2006:Like the ad says – there’s no better place to shut down and relax than Key Largo. And race fan or not, people who have stayed with us know that Kona Kai is one of the best places to “shift into neutral and coast.” So, if you’ve got your race tickets but not your place to stay, give us a call. We still have a few choice availabilities for before, during, and after this year's end of season challenge. And remember, you don't need to wait for the NASCAR race because here at Kona Kai you can “shift into neutral and coast” 365 days of the year.

“WHEN YOU CARE ENOUGH TO GIVE THE VERY BEST” . . . Give a Kona Kai Gift Certificate

THANK YOU DONNA (and see you in October.)

April, 2006: An friend from my past TV days recently e-mailed me concerning his wife’s retirement. He writes: “Here's one for your book. Donna is retiring in October. I have about 200,000 Delta miles so I began putting together a trip to Rome for us.

While I was on telephone hold with the airline, Donna sighed and said I shouldn't worry too much if my plan fell through because it was 'my' plan anyway. I asked, diplomatically, (40 years of marriage has taught me that's the best way to ask about some things) what she meant. She replied that it was 'my' dream for us to celebrate her retirement with a trip to Rome. I pressed on, asking: ‘Well, if you could do anything and go anywhere to celebrate your retirement, where would you go and what would you do?’ Well Joe, honest to g-d, this is what she said: ‘I'd go to Kona Kai and sit on the beach with a couple of good books.’

I asked, incredulously ‘Of anywhere...Europe, Asia, Alaska, Hawaii, visit your kids. . . that's what you'd do?’ ‘Yep,’ she said 'that's my favorite place of anywhere we've been.' "

STAY HEALTHY – TAKE A VACATION!
January 12, 2006: Experts agree that people who take their health seriously should also learn to take their vacation time seriously. Actual medical studies have shown that vacations can be the ultimate tool to reduce the pressuresof every-day life and eliminate stress.

         A vacation at Kona Kai means stress relief. Our casual, relaxed, atmosphere is filled with sunlight, starlight and warm, relaxing waters. Our knowledgeable, courteous, staff strives to make your vacation as relaxed, enjoyable and stress free as possible. Most importantly, Kona Kai won’t disappoint – just go to our guest comments page to see what other healthy vacationers have said about their vacation time at Kona Kai.

         So, if vacations are the ultimate tool to reduce the pressures of every-day life, why not take them regularly? Short ones - if that is all you can make time for – at stress free Kona Kai. We’re awaiting your call or e-mail – 1-800-365 STAY(7829) or konakai@aol.com.

And, to truly enjoy a “Nothing” vacation, follow these three simple rules:
         Rule #1: Upon arrival, put your watch, computer & cellphone in a drawer and forget about them. Take a deep breath and get onto "KEYS time," which can be summarized with the phrase "sooner or later". You will encounter this phase when you ask your waiter when that drink you ordered 15 minutes ago will arrive.
         Rule #2: Place all of that extra clothing that you packed in the drawer on top of your watch. You will only need swim suits and tee shirts.
         Rule #3: Try eating at some of our favorite truly casual restaurants which you’ll find on our personal restaurant list and follow the recommendations of Ronnie, Cris, Joe or Tracey.

         If you follow these three simple “rules” [and perhaps create some new ones of your own], you will discover just how stress free a Kona Kai vacation can really be.

Is It Real, Or Is It Virtual?
August 15th, 2005. A personal note from Joe Harris:
I was watching the Today Show this morning. They featured a story on celebrities getting upset with magazines for using computer software to extensively touch-up photos taken of them. Seems those celebrities are getting tired of having to live up to the impossible perfection represented by those photos. The Today Show story made me think of the Internet, our guests and our website here at Kona Kai.

Over the years, numerous professional photographers have come in and offered to do a first class ‘photoshoot for the web’ for us. We’ve always declined, preferring to shoot the photos ourselves. Why? Because of comments such as this one just received from a guest:

“Personally, I think one area that could be improved is your website. That’s how I discovered you guys (and, to be honest initially, passed you over). [Another small] resort has one that is really well done. I stopped by there on my way back from Duck Key to see what it was like in person and was not impressed. Kona Kai has it beat hands down, but you would not know it from the Internet.”

By reading our "guest comments" page and the numerous Internet travel blogs, you'll conclude that 99% of Kona Kai's guests are thrilled with their choice. Perhaps I should also note that it's not unusual for a guest to tell us the real Kona Kai is just so much nicer than the virtual one, especially if they've visited some of the other properties they were considering during their initial internet research.

In managing our website, the decision comes down to a question of exceeding your expectations, as so many places “virtually” do, or showing you the “real” Kona Kai, virtually. So, is it real, or is it virtual? Kona Kai’s website is real and we assure you that when you arrive you will not be disappointed.

So, when planning your vacation, visiting websites and calling reservation desks, remember to ask: “Is it real, or is it virtual?” Our answer, unequivocally, is that at www.konakairesort.com, what you see is what you get, if not more!

With regards,

Travel Writers Rank Keys Among Top 10!
AUGUST 2005: SATW has named The Fabulous Florida Keys one of the 10 best travel destinations in the United States. "SATW," an organization of 1200 North American travel writers, editors and photographers, recently surveyed it's membership to determine the top 10 travel destinations. Also known as The Society of American Travel Writers, SATW listed the Florida Keys as tied in the number 8 spot with Alaska. It's nice to know that the fabulous Florida Keys and Key Largo are year round destinations, so while you might choose to visit Alaska only in the summer, you can visit Key Largo and the Florida Keys in the summer, fall, winter and spring! And believe it or not, every season will give you a different vacation experience, even if you stay at Kona Kai every time! So, what are you waiting for?

"Scuba Diving" Magazine Names Upper Keys Best U.S. Dive Spot
January 2005: Readers of Scuba Diving magazine have named the Upper Keys as the premiere dive destination in North America. Key Largo received five awards and is included among "Top Ten Dive Destinations" in North America. Islamorada / Tavernier also took top honors in the categories of "Top Marine Life" and "Top Snorkeling." The 2005 Readers' Choice Awards are published in the publication's January/ February issue. "Scuba Diving is the only magazine that asks readers to rate their dive vacations for the benefit of other divers. For this issue, the reporters in the field are our readers, diving the world and recording their observations," said Buck Butler, editor of the magazine.

National Geographic Adventure Names Florida Keys One of Amercia's 50 Phenomenal Places
October 2003: In the October issue of National Geo's "Adventure" magazine, the Florida Keys were selected as one America's great places to take nature to the extreme. Editor-in-chief John Rasmus says: "The largest barrier reef in the country is protected by the [National] Marine Sanctuary, a 220 mile arc comprised of many different sites. Dive [or snorkel] French Reef, Molasses Reef and other 'no-take' zones, so called because they limit lobstering and fishing." Kona Kai is surrounded by the John Pennekamp Park and the National Marine Sanctuary and the Everglades National Park, another place to take nature to the extreme. At Kona Kai, we can arrange a variety of guided trips to both of these incredible natural areas of the U.S.A. Just ask us.

Florida Keys Named a TOP 10 Beautiful Location:May 2003: “USA Weekend” magazine named the Florida Keys as one of the 10 most beautiful places in America in the May 18th issue of the magazine. Our fabulous Florida Keys are the only destination in Florida that was awarded such an honor! In our opinion, while the beauty of our island chain may not be initially self-evident, if you take the time to get to know the wonderful natural areas of our islands, you too will agree with USA. To determine their “Top 10” list, USA editors solicited opinions from travel writers and photographers, polled their own colleagues and talked to outdoor enthusiasts. Some other winners included Red Rock Country in Sedona, Arizona, the upper Mississippi River and Hawaii’s Na Pali coast!

Gourmet Magazine Tells It Like It Is!
May 2003: An article in Gourmet Magazine, entitled “An Oddball World” has this to say: Brake before you hit Key West. Enter a tragicomic realm of outlaws and rumrunners, pink flamingos and yellow limes that drop off trees into the palm of your hand. These are the other keys, languid, laid-back, full of light and salt air.” Of course, perhaps one of the things we like best about the article is that it recommends only three places to stay outside of Key West: Little Palm Island, The Moorings Village and “charming” Kona Kai. And, just so you know – we helped them find most of the other places they write about – so check with our superb concierge service when you arrive – there is no better advice!

The Ultimate Guide to this Legendary String of Islands
March 2003: Travel and Leisure published an article entitled: “The Best of the Florida Keys.” Outside of Key West they note only five places to stay: Little Palm Island, Hawk’s Cay Resort, Moorings Village, Cheeca Lodge and Spa, and, of course, Kona Kai Resort & Gallery. Perhaps you might pay a little more than some of the other places to stay in Key Largo, but at Kona Kai you get a lot more with a lot less crowds!