Kona Area Sightseeing

Description and Directions >>

Description:
The area of Kona stretches along the west side of the Big Island of Hawaii. Kona means "leeward" and is known for its great fishing, snorkeling, sunsets and coffee.

Activities:
kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking, swimming, sightseeing, snorkeling

Directions:
The town of Kailua-Kona is located on the western part of the island, at the intersections of Highways 19, 190 and 11. The Kona Airport is about 2 miles from town.

Story Date 6/19/2004
Publish Date 11/18/2004

Story Perspectives >>

According to Mikala: Our visit to Kona was very nice. Kona is a more populated area of Hawaii, with many things to see and do very close to town.

One of the more interesting parts of our visit was our stay at 'Aka'akai (The Onion House)'. This house is owned by the McCormick's spice family and is very interesting architecturally. We had seen the house on the Travel Channel and thought it would be terrific to stay here. It was the reason we decided to make a trip to the Big Island. For more information on the house, please visit http://www.onionhousehawaii.com. There is a fascinating history of the place written in the various journals located in the house. The house is only enclosed in screened and stained glass windows. There are no actual walls. The ceiling is a light plastic material that lets in filtered sunlight. One item of note, with this close to nature setting, you actually 'get close to nature.' In the evening, we had flying cockroaches, and there are many geckos inside and outside the house. It takes a little time to get used to. I actually had a slight panic attack on the first night...I'm such a wuss! After the first day, though, it was so fascinating to walk from room to room. Although the house if very open, you feel very private wherever you are.

One area we visited while in Kona was Pu'uhonua o Honaunau, or Place of Refuge. It was very interesting to learn about the history of ancient times on the island and the kapu system. I definitely wouldn't have wanted to be one of the lower classes. It seemed you could get killed for almost anything if you offended or disrespected the royalty. However, this spot was one place an offender could go (if they could reach it) and be 'pardoned.'

A short walk from the Place of Refuge is Honaunau Bay. We attempted our first snorkeling on the island from this spot. It wasn't that great of a success, not because of the fish life. This was the first time we had entered the water from a very rocky and sharp volcanic rock shore. We were used to the smooth and sandy beaches of Kauai. It was difficult to get into the water wearing our snorkel fins, with the waves hitting us. Once I got into the water, I saw a bunch of great looking fish. However, I was still a little stressed about trying to get out of the water, so I couldn't relax enough to enjoy the snorkel. Like I said, what a wuss!

We also snorkeled from Kahalu'u Beach, where it is much easier to enter the water. The view of the fish was great here, if you don't mind all the people. We took a drive up Kaloko Drive outside of Kona to a fern 'cloud forest.' The road winds up to a very beautiful view. However, once we reached the top, our gas gauge dropped to 0 and the fuel warning light came on. Needless to say, it was a nerve racking time coasting back to Kona and a gas station. Along the way, we were rear ended at a stoplight -- not too seriously though.

Also while in Kona, we walked along Alii Drive, which seemed to be the main drag for Kona. Along the drive, there are many restaurants and shops to visit. The road runs right along the ocean, so it is a great place to dine with a view.