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Kona luxury rentalsKona'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.
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- 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. - Big Island Vacation Rentals - 2.29.12
The Hawaiian islands are known for Oahu’s North Shore, Kauai’s picturesque gardens and Maui’s golf. Big Island sometimes gets a visit from travelers returning to the islands, but not always the first time guests. - Big Island Vacation Rentals for Surfers - 2.28.12
Lymans is a left-breaking surf spot that is a great starting point for beginners while also providing a fair share of challengers to experienced surfers. It’s a reef and point break spot with winter as the most ideal surf season. - Green Experiences on Big Island - 12.15.11
Whether you stay in a vacation rental in Hilo, Waimea, Kona or other town on Big Island, you can plan a trip filled with green experiences. Travelers are increasingly seeking green vacations, in some regard, and the islands offer multi-faceted options. - Cultural Kona Parks - 10.8.11
A luxury vacation rental stay on Big Island in Kona is an enviable location, with miles of culture stretching out one scenic mile after another. King Kamehameha spent his last days here and the vast area’s draw is still clear today, with historic churches, dramatic sea cliffs and diverse marine life.