Kona Overview

Located on Hawaii's Big Island, the city of Kona is a tropical adventure waiting to happen. Along with all of the events based around the relaxing and friendly island culture, such as luaus and hula dancing, visitors can find many other activities to spark their interest. Snorkeling, scuba diving, camping, shopping and even walking along side an active volcano can be done within the Kona Hawaii area. Visit museums, go on a historic tour or just sit back and enjoy the freshest cup of Kona coffee available.

Kailua Kona is the center of commerce and of the tourist industry on West Hawai'i. In Kailua-Kona, be sure to visit Mokuaikaua Church, the village's chief landmark, Hulihee Palace, the summer home of Hawaii's kings and queens. Ahuena Heiau and nearest Kamakahonu Beach, a popular area right in downtown Kailua.

It is here that Kamehameha the Great moved, seven years before his death. Kailua-Kona is the center for a lot of coastal recreational activities, such as wind surfing, parasailing, surfing, fishing and whale watching. The town of Kailua-Kona, along the Kailua Bay is known for their deep-sea fishing excursions, and has become a boater's haven. The warm water and lack of currents along the Bay also make it very nice for swimming. Other things to do in Kailua-Kona include taking a submarine excursion, sunset dinner cruises around the Bay, shopping and sightseeing, and in October, Kailua-Kona is host to the Kona Coffee Festival. Historical sights in Kailua-Kona are also numerous. You can visit the grounds of King Kamehameha's temple, which includes a restored prayer tower and large carved wooden images. The Mokuaikaua Church was built in 1830, and inside are koa wood pews and a model of the brig Thaddeus, which carried the first missionaries to the island in the year 1820. Just south of Kailua-Kona is the town of Captain Cook, where the famous Captain met his fate. With its cultural and historical sights and access to outdoor recreational activities, Kailua-Kona makes a good base for your Big Island vacation.