Kona, Hawaii

	Kona Overview		Must See Highlights		Shore Excursions

Youngest and largest by far of the Hawaiian Islands, the "Big Island," is still growing, with active Kilauea Volcano belting out molten lava into the sea. The lava rock landscapes of the countryside are eerily beautiful, as are the resulting black-sand beaches and green-sand beaches. Hawaii's terrain ranges from tropical beaches to the alpine crags and basalt heights of an active volcano.

The Kona Coast, on the western side of the island, is a land of infinite variety, ranging from pristine beaches to rolling uplands that are home to coffee plantations, macadamia groves and the largest privately owned cattle ranch in the United States. To the southeast lies Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, and Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. And offshore lies a fisherman's paradise.

		Must See Highlights Located along Hawaii's western shore, where the slopes of Mauna Loa and Hualalai meet the sea, the Kona Coast is a region of endless lava fields and golden Pacific sunsets. The clear waters are perfect for diving, snorkeling, and deep-sea fishing. At the heart of the Kona Coast lies the charming resort village of Kailua. Because two other "Kailuas" exist within the state, the Big Island's Kailua is often called Kailua-Kona for clarity.
		Shore Excursions Bring your curiosity and a comfortable pair of shoes as you set out on a Hawaiian shore excursion. There are plenty of treasures to uncover in this land of lush, emerald green foliage and active, molten volcanoes. Whether you choose to go horseback riding at Kahua Ranch, target world-record Blue Marlin on a deep sea fishing adventure or embark on a snorkle adventure, know that your tour will be led by guides who are ready to share their rare insights about the true Hawaii.

Learn More About Kona on Hawaii's Big Island

Heeeeere’s Kona!  Like a late night talk show, Kailua-Kona welcomes a variety of guests to its sunny, sometimes funky entertaining ambience: world class triathletes for Ironman in October,  champion fishermen from August’s International Billfish Tournament, beermeisters, coffee tasters and chocoholics during their respective Festivals, plus cruise ship passengers, honeymooners, multigenerational families, golf groups, film crews, backpackers, scuba divers, naturalists, conventioneers and vacationers from all walks of life any day of the week.

There’s no excuse for being bored in Kona.  A place that loves change, it’s home to the last royal residence of Kamehameha the Great, Hawaii’s first ordained Christian Church, and one of the last homes of its modern monarchy – all within sight of each other.  South of town is Kealakekua Bay where Captain James Cook first set foot on the island in 1778 and where he was killed. Nearby Pu`uhonua o Honaunau is a well-restored Hawaiian village from pre-contact days, complete with thatch-roof hale (huts) and heiau guarded by imposing tiki.

But Kona offers a lot more than history.  This is the place to use some of the most interesting verbs in the present tense:  swim, snorkel, scuba dive, sail, surf and seek your place in the sun.  Shop till you drop, dine, dance and celebrate the day.  Explore, adventure, energize your body or relax, reflect retreat and restore.  If you want to do it all, this is the place.

Hawaii's Big Island Culture & History
It’s easy to immerse yourself in the culture of Hawaii's Big Island. Try dancing the hula and taking part in an authentic luau (feast). Head upcountry and discover the uniquely blended Hawaiian, Portuguese, and Mexican cultures - still alive and well among Hawaiian paniolo (cowboys) on the island’s giant ranches. Visit historical Kealakekua Bay where Captain James Cook dramatically lost his life in 1779. And don’t miss Puukohola Heiau. This sacred spot was built in 1790 by King Kamehameha as an offering to the gods, where he asked for success in his campaign to unite the Hawaiian Islands. 

Hawaii's Big Island Family Activities
Hawaii’s Big Island is a big ohana, and that means family, whether it’s a traditional mom & dad and kids, blended, extended, multi generational family reunion or a group of old friends. The Big Island ohana embraces groups of people traveling together, of different ages, with different interests and tastes. And there’s an adventure waiting for anyone with a sense of play and imagination.

In one day, a family can experience the desertlike lava plains along the Kona coast and the rainiest city in America, Hilo. Go from sea level to the world’s tallest mountain, Mauna Kea (13,796 when measured from sea level, 33,500 from the ocean floor), cruise through green rainforest or black lava rock. Watch whales, swim with dolphins, whisper to horses or listen to rare birdsong, sleep in the hotel industry’s best, or camp out in seldom-seen places.

Hawaii's Big Island Weddings & Honeymoons
With 365 unforgettable days to choose from, Hawaii’s Big Island is the perfect place to make your wedding dreams come true and celebrate year after year. Exchange your vows and flower lei, just the two of you, barefoot in the sand. Or fill a formal ballroom with family and friends, and tropical splendor fit for a queen. Sail into a sunset ceremony at sea, walk down the aisle of Hawaii’s oldest Christian church, have fun with a western wedding paniolo-style, stroll through a garden by Hilo Bay, crossing a collection of oriental bridges to symbolize your journey together. Engage your imagination, indulge your senses, elevate your spirits here, together.

Golf on Hawaii's Big Island
There are 20 magnificent courses on Hawaii’s Big Island (and more are being developed). These courses are carved out of ancient lava flows, nestled among historical Hawaiian landmarks, and fronting some of the most beautiful coastline of the Pacific. The striking contrasts of lush green fairways, pure white bunkers, jet-black lava flows, and turquoise blue Pacific waters make for some of the most scenic holes anywhere.

Hawaii's Big Island Arts Scene
Artists find the Big Island seductive. Even if you can’t draw a straight line and have two left feet, sensory adventure can still be yours. The land’s aloha calls to your artistic mind’s eye, beckons you to share the richness and abundance of the world around.

Inspiration is everywhere to paint, sculpt, sing, dance, write – to create art aloha. Watch for continuously-changing lights and shadows, the mind-bending contrasts -- riotous exuberant forests snuggle up to somber, desolate lava fields. the glorious palette of flamboyant flowers, and the subtle tints and hues all around. And, always, strong currents of spirits and spirituality underlying daily life. Whatever it is, art is an elemental island heartbeat. Visual Arts, Performing Arts, aside, heck, living is an artform here!

Some content reproduced with permission from Hawaii's Official Tourism Site.

Some content and photos used with permission from Norwegian Cruise Line.