Welcome to the Big Island of Hawaii !!!

Kailua-Kona is one of the friendliest communities in the Islands where the locals still greet visitors with a warm aloha spirit!

Local activities are endless! Alii drive is the heart of the Kona coast with beautiful beaches, snorkeling, diving, surfing, golfing, farmers markets, or just relaxing in one of the local oceanside cafes.

Play (or watch!) volleyball in the sand court next to the ocean in Kona town at sunset! Or, stroll the many eclectic downtown shops, restaurants, and take in the local music scene.

Our island is famous for another fun thing to do: EXPLORE!

Here are some favorites...

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, established in 1916, stretches from the coast to the summit of the highest shield volcano on earth, 13,700-foot Mauna Loa. Lava fields, volcanic craters and cinder cones make up the picture; in many places, steam emerges, giving the impression that an eruption could be imminent. The National Park, recognized as an international biosphere reserve, is the result of 70 million years of volcanic activity and evolution. As you can experience such volcanic activity first hand, the Park is one of the most awe-inspiring in the U.S. Kilauea, the most active volcano on Earth, provides a fantastic insight into the origins of the Hawaiian islands, as well as fabulous view of the primeval landscape.

Pu'uhonua'o Honuanua National Park Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park is a temple complex built by Polynesians in the 17th century - the only more or less complete shrine in Hawaii. The name Pu'uhonua o Honaunau means 'Place of rescue and refuge of Honaunau'. Until the early 19th century, it was a place of escape for Hawaiians who had broken the laws of the time. If a condemned man could escape to this sacred place, he would be blessed by the priests. The National Historic Park was founded in 1961 and covers Pu'uhonua, a collection of archaeological sites, and a number of reconstructed villages. Three temples, carvings and a restored complex provide the visitor with an impression of tribal life and religious activities. While your there, be sure to visit the Captain Cook monument. There, you can rent a kyak and indulge yourself in some of the finest snorkeling in the Hawaiian Islands.

Visit Hawaii Vacanoes NP Website

Visti Pu'uhonua'o Honuanua NP Website

 

Sunset - Mauna Kea summit - Big Island of Hawaii                         copyright 2009 Rick Osburn