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Kona's vast region reaches into the past with its lava-sprinkled areas, plentiful colors of the ocean, tropical flowers, clear sky views and rugged mountains on the horizon. Staying in one of our
Kona vacation rentals means you'll have everything from coffee farms to sacred grounds, and cultural sites to numerous wildlife sightings.The shopping, dining and spas in this area can fill your days easily, so plan on a visit that encompasses many experiences.
Things To Do
A bonus to staying in Kona is Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona), with the charm of a New England fishing village, island-style. Find sacred grounds, churches and Hulihee Palace, which once served as yet another summer home for Hawaiian royalty. Today, Hulihee Palace is a museum filled with treasures of the past. Public tours are limited; once monthly. While in Historic Kailua Village you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the Kailua Pier, explore Mokuaikaua Church and Ahuena Heiau (King Kamehameha's last home and a National Historic Landmark).
After soaking up culture, bask in the sun and take advantage of the land, sea and sky adventures. The Kailua Pier is the site of the Ironman World Championships, where you can see contestants start or finish. Kona is also famous for a number of water sports—snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, scuba and kayaking.
Be sure to visit Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, a Marine Life Conservation District, where Captain James Cook's first landed in Hawaii. Watch spinner dolphins and sea turtles from a distance while picnicking in the park. See more of Hawaii's native wildlife (monk seals and more) at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park where you can hike and explore Kona's coast, with sacred sites and petroglyphs. The abundance of hiking and culture continues with Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park.
Eat and Shop
This location offers more than 100 eateries, including Thai, seafood, hearty breakfasts and plenty of places for an entertaining evening and lively nightlife. Make sure to find time to visit a few coffee farms for tastings and to enjoy Kona's incredible landscapes. Kona is home to grocery stores and two farmers' markets, Kailua Village Farmer's Market and Keauhou Farmer's Market, with several items certain to liven up any picnic on the beach or the occasional dinner at home.
Coconut Grove Marketplace and the Ali'i Gardens Marketplace are fun and you'll find a variety of traditional items and crafts, plus gourmet foods, coffees and more. Perusing the boutiques of outdoor markets and a shave ice will make for a leisurely couple of hours.
Getting Around
Rent a car to make the most of your stay, as this location offers plenty of places to see and explore.
Latest Kona Articles
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- Kilauea Volcano is Highlight of Big Island Vacation - 2.26.13
Volcanoes National Park Offers an Unforgettable Adventure
Peer into the depths of massive summit craters, walk through fields of ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs carved into the rocks, and hike through a lush jungle of tropical growth - all in Volcanoes National Park!
Sights and Attractions in Big Island’s Volcanoes National Park
When visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park make sure and stop in at the Kilauea Visitor Center located on the summit of Kilauea volcano along Crater Rim Drive. You will see interesting educational exhibits and get tips on enjoying your park visit. - Hawaii Hikes - Anaehoomalu Bay Shoreline Trail - 11.7.12
Observing Nature on the Big Island of Hawaii's A-Bay Trail
The Waikoloa Resort area on the Big Island has all the planned comforts of a modern visitor's destination including shopping, restaurants and cultural events, all with easy access by car or on foot.
Nearby, however, just beyond the "edges" of Waikoloa are unpaved, winding trails perfect for visitors who want to see a more natural, unplanned side of this beautiful area. - Exploring Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii - 10.17.12
Observatories and Sky Watching Atop a Big Island Volcano
Question: Where can you, on a clear night, see both the North Star and the Southern Cross, while standing in the snow, and having been at the beach the same day?
There can only be a few correct answers to that question. The only one that I can vouch for is: Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii. - Small Bites on Big Island - 5.25.12
Cocktail hour is important in a lot of households and when you’re on vacation, it’s critical. Handcrafted drinks and tasty island appetizers make the perfect prelude to dinner on Big Island. - Petroglyphs and Paniolo on Big Island - 4.28.12
The culture of the Big Island, while it emanates in various ways throughout your visit, is worth a bit of focused exploration. Petroglyphs (kii pohaku) and paniolo are two of Hawaii’s treasured assets giving a glimpse of authentic experiences and island heritage.
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