Vacation
Activities & Attractions
on the Big Island of Hawaii
The
Kona and the Kohala coast are the leeward
or west side of the Big Island and share in its incredible
diversity. Every October the Ironman Triathlon brings competitors
and spectators from all over the world. Explore ancient
lava flows, historical Hawaiian heiaus and baths, hidden
beaches, or native villages with catchment water and solar
electricity. Farther south the stark lava flows around Keahole-Kona
International Airport are replaced by lush tropical vegetation.
The
majestic mountains of Hualalai (8,000 ft.) and Mauna Loa
(13,000 ft.) rise up from the coast. Offshore, whales frequent
our waters all year, while tropical fish, turtles, moray
eels, manta rays and dolphins swim near coral beds. Rainfall
ranges from 20” to 60” a year and temperatures
vary from 80 degrees during the day to a cool 50 degrees
at night in the higher elevations, but wait 5 minutes or
drive 5 miles and the weather may change at any time.
Kona
and South:
Holualoa
is a quaint artist town where locals share their crafts
in the many old shops nestled along the roadside. Home to
The Orchid Inn where a nationally renown technician is on
call for massage or other forms of the healing arts.
Family
farms in this area of between 5 and 20 acres remain the
primary producers of Kona coffee and fruit crops. Many of
these farms welcome visitors and will give a free tour of
their operations.
Kailua-Kona,
famous for its culture sites and shopping areas. King Kamehameha
resided here from 1812 until his death in 1819. The missionaries
first introduction to the Big Island was here in 1820. Kailua-Kona
is the hub for many Kona coast actvitities; a submarine
excursion or sunset dinner cruise, para sailing and wind
surfing, fishing or whale watching or so on.
Kahalu’u
Beach One of the best protected snorkeling and scuba
beaches, among many that stretch along the rocky but gentle
coast.
Kealakekua
Bay is a designated underwater state park to protect
its myriad multi-hued fish. Shoals of intensely colorful
fish can always be found, and the bay is a favorite haunt
for spinner porpoises who delight visitors with their aquabatics
. Choice snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking are always
available.
Captain
Cook’s Monument lies on the north side of Kealakeku
Bay and marks the approximate spot where he died. The monument
can be reached by sea, and also by a steep trail from the
top of Napo’po’o road. The adventurous will be
rewarded by the beauty of the place, and by the excellent
snorkeling.
Pu’uhonua
O Honaunau was a “Place of Refuge” to provide
political and criminal asylum. The sacred precinct is preserved
as a National Historical Park. The beautiful site on a peninsula
of black lava has the preserved and restored remains of
royal palace and three heius, houses, fish pond, beach,
and canoe landing. It is located at Honaunau Bay immediately
below groves of coffee, avocados. Macadamias, papayas and
guavas, which thickly carpet western slopes.
The
Painted Church of St. Benedict at Hounaunau is the oldest
Catholic Church on the island, constructed in 1875. The
small wooden church has brilliantly hued murals depicting
biblical scenes on the interior walls, painted by Father
John Veige between 1899 and 1904.
The
Kona Historical Society Museum in Kealakekua is set
in a century-old former general store building. It has a
collection of photographs and family heirlooms describing
Kona’s history from the point of view of it’s
immigrant farmers. The museum is open M-Fri from 9 a.m.
to 3 p.m.
The
Amy B. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in Captain Cook
shows examples of how Hawaiians lived with and used the
land during the various periods of their history.
North
up the Kohala Coast:
Puako
Beach
is located just south of Hapuna Beach Park. It is a great
place to snorkel or scuba dive.
Hapuna
Beach Park is one of the finest white-sand beaches in
the world (top ten by Conde’ Nast). You park and walk
down a paved road to the beach. There is very little rain
here, about 6” per year, so this practically guarantees
great beach weather. Sunsets from the beach at Hapuna are
incredible! Maui (35 mi. away) can sometimes be seen. A
covered pavilion, picnic tables, showers & restrooms
make this an easy beach to visit.
Spencer
Beach Park is a very protected beach. There are easy
paths from the parking area and public restrooms. From this
area you can see the four largest mountains in one spot:
Hualalai, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea and the Kohala mountains.
Also here is Pu’ukohola Heiau (temple), Hawaii’s
most famous and largest heiau. Another smaller heiau as
well as an information shack and nice trails to the coast
are all at this same location. You are sure to find the
history of these ancient temples. built by King Kamehameha
to be fascinating.
Kawaihae
a commercial harbor, is home of the famous Kawaihae canoe
club. A convenience store, galleries, a shop or two, a dive
shop and several good restaurants serving Mexican, Italian
and local cuisine are all located in a small shopping center.
Lapakahi
Park is an ancient Hawaiian village. Paved paths lead
down to the water’s edge, with plaques along the way
explaining about what you pass, native trees and their uses,
native house platforms, etc.
Hawi
town at the tip of the Big Island was until the 1970’s
a sugar farming community. Pronounced “Havee”
it has a couple of unique restaurants, galleries and shops.
Windy Upolu point is the northernmost point on the Big Island
and has a beautiful view of Maui. Nearby is Pololu valley
cut out of 400 ft. cliffs by a small river that still meanders
through at the bottom. It takes a steep 30 min. hike to
get to the bottom.
Waimea
town, is also called Kamuela and it sits at about a 2500
ft. elevation. It is home to the world famous Parker Ranch.
There you can visit the Parker Ranch museum, the Kamuela
museum and tour the original homes and buildings. Waimea
has some extraordinary restaurants, fine food , fast food
and don’t overlook the local food (a great diner for
breakfast & lunch called Hawaiian Style). The elegant
Kahilu Theatre has special productions such as musical groups,
dance troupes and plays. Galleries abound displaying an
amazing array of arts and Crafts that are produced on the
island.
The
Kings Shops at Waikaloa resort is an elegant, open air
promenade of boutiques offering a wide assortment of gifts,
clothing, art galleries, jewelry, specialty items and a
food court with a range of tasty meals and prices.
