Every week we’ll introduce you to a talented concierge from one of our hotel partners to give you their top 10 insider tips.
This week we meet Matthew Grauso, General Manager at Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay who is sharing his inside travel tips to Hawaii.
One of my favorite things about the hotel is:
The location alongside historic Keauhou Bay. Rich in culture, our guests can take our property tour to see and learn how this ancient fishing village was once home to many Ali’i (Royalty). Keauhou Bay now serves as our aquatic playground for all our guests to enjoy fun in the sun.
One of the things I love most about my job is:
Being part of a team who encapsulate the purity of the Aloha Spirit and seeing this shared with our guests to deliver an authentic Hawaiian experience.
The question I’m most regularly asked is (and my answer):
Do you miss New York? (as I am originally from Long Island). My answer is “everyday.” I love New York. It is an amazing place. However, I wouldn’t trade where I am today for any place in the world. I love my Kona “Ohana.”
The most common item people leave behind at the hotel is:
Beach toys they bought during their stay.
The activity/attraction/tour I encourage all our guests to do while here (either at the hotel or in the destination) is:
Pololu Valley (on the Hamakua Coast) for its majestic views, scenic hikes and a black sand beach. Amazing.
Don’t leave without eating or drinking:
Our Restaurant Rays on the Bay is a must experience for any island visitor. The only restaurant where you can watch the manta rays swim gracefully in their natural habitat. As for food, you have to try the Poke. Nothing like having a Hawaiian delicacy in the heart of Kona. Fresh caught ahi tuna, cubed and seasoned with sea salt and shoyu. So ono (delicious). I highly recommend washing it down with a local beer from Kona Brewing Co. My favorite is Wailua Wheat.
On my days off you would find me:
Enjoying Crossfit in the morning and then hanging out at the beach with my wife and 4 year-old son. I recommend that keen shoppers visit: Alii Drive. It is full of Mom and Pop Shops, which give it an authentic Hawaiian experience. A perfect island experience and something which is rare nowadays. Enjoy!