Alii Drive starts at Kailua Pier and is a mile-long oceanfront street with restaurants and shopping outlets, such as the Alii Gardens, a local market where you will find island clothing vendors and local artists and craftsmen.
Visit King Kamehameha the Great's personal temple, called 'Ahu'ena Heiau, located north of Kailua Pier at Kamakahonu Beach where you can also rent kayaks and snorkel gear, among other things.
If you enjoy dining with a view and don't mind sharing the lanai with geckos and chameleons, don't miss lunch at The Coffee Shack, south of Kailua-Kona. The small roadside dining establishment features sandwiches and sweet treats, such as macadamia nut pie.
If you are a history buff, stop in at an old general store built in the 1800s which is now home to the Kona Historical Society Museum. It is open every day but Sunday and there is a $3 admission.
Just outside of Kailua-Kona following Mamalahoa Highway to Kaloko Road, you will soon find yourself in an enchanting fern and "ohi'a" cloud forest at an elevation of 5,000 feet. The best time to visit this lush area of the Kona side is in the morning.
