Q. We fly to Hawaii every year or so, and one of my favorite resorts of all time is (or actually was, since it’s now closed) the Kona Village Resort on the Big Island The resort was damaged by the Japanese tsunami, according to its website, and has yet to reopen, although they say they hope to reopen someday. So my question is, where else in Hawaii is like this? That is, a luxury resort that is “unplugged” with individual  “huts” or cabins, no TV or phones in the rooms, no air conditioning, but a level of service and flair that matches any five-star resort anywhere. We’d rather not stay in a Hilton or even a Four Seasons. Can you recommend something, either on the Big Island or elsewhere?

 
A. I can’t think of anything like Kona Village on the Big Island but on Maui, in the town of Hana, there’s an excellent alternative: the Travaasa Hana Resort. The “sea ranch” cottages are where you want to book. They’re cooled by sea breezes only (no AC is needed), most with hypnotic views of the ocean. No TVs in rooms, although there are phones. The cottages are located in an “adults-only” enclave separate from the rest of the property, which means the large pool is serene and seldom crowded. There’s a fantastic restaurant offering a small but locally-sourced menu. It’s not cheap, but neither was Kona Village. Even if you stay just a couple of nights, as I did on a visit earlier this year, I think you’ll find it a worthy option.