Kailua-Kona was once the home of King Kamehameha the Great. In modern times, the vast expanse of lava in Keahole, less than six miles from Kailua-Kona, was selected for the Kona International Airport. Nestled between these two areas are ancient ruins of a once thriving population. There is much to do and see both on land and in the water on this sun-washed bit of Hawaii's western coast.
Kailua-Kona town is the largest city on the Big Island's west coast. It is a mixture of shops, restaurants, hotels and historic sites. Kailua-Kona is also the official start and finish of the annual Ironman Triathlon World Championships. This is a grueling race that combines a 2.4-mile ocean swim, 112-mile bike ride and then a 26.2-mile run along the Kona-Kohala coast. Once the playground of Hawaiian royalty, Kailua-Kona's oceanfront main street is appropriately named Ali'i Drive. The word "ali'i" is Hawaiian for royalty. The city's largest hotel, the King Kamehameha, is built on land that was once the home of King Kamehameha the Great. Ahu'ena Heiau, the king's personal place of worship, sits on the hotel grounds. Across from the hotel is Kailua Pier. Watch the deep sea anglers bring in their catch to be weighed, photographed and if they are lucky, put into the record books.
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Chamber of Commerce
75-5737 Kuakin Hwy #207
Kailua, HI 96740
808-329-1758
2chambers.com
Located on the coast between Keahole and Kona, the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park offers the chance to explore some well preserved Hawaiian archaeological sites. One item is the Kaloko Fishpond. Ancient Hawaiians walled off ponds to keep fish stocked until they were needed. They barred the entrance with a maze of poles that trapped most small fish inside the ponds. The ones stuck in the ponds grew too fat to swim out. Another ancient pond, the Aimakapa Fishpond, serves as a wetland bird refuge. As you walk through the park, notice the stone carvings or petroglyphs found along the pathways. Snorkel along the shoreline and see colorful fish and visiting sea turtles.
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park
73-4786 Kanalani St. #14
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
808-326-9057
nps.gov
Kailua-Kona is the launching point for whale watching cruises, snorkeling adventures to Kealakekua Bay and for sunset cruises that let you enjoy dinner and dancing out on the water. One company, Blue Sea Cruises, uses glass bottom boats to ply the waters looking for dolphins and other sea creatures. Take a look underneath the waves without even getting wet. Board the glass bottom boat at sunset for a totally different experience. Enjoy a dinner cruise, complete with island music, hula dancing lessons and a Polynesian show. After the sun goes down, spotlights are aimed at the ocean. Plankton, a mixture of tiny plants and animals, are attracted to the lights. Manta rays follow the living clouds to the surface to feed, somersaulting as they scoop up their catch.
Blue Sea Cruises Inc.
P.O. Box 2429
Kailua-Kona, HI 96745
808-331-8875
blueseacruisesinc.com
