The Big Island of Hawaii is aptly named--it is twice the combined size of Hawaii's other islands--and consists of seven regions, including the Kona region on the island's western, or leeward, side. Kona is distinctive for its miles of lava beds that are visible as soon as you leave the Kona International Airport. The region is known for its historic markers, coffee farms and the clear blue waters that lap at the coastline.
Snorkeling and Diving
The Kona coast is well guarded from fierce winds by two large volcanoes. Mauna Kea rises to 14,000 feet in the middle of the island, and Mauna Loa, to the north, has a summit of 4,170 feet. No wind means calmer waters off the coast, which means high visibility and ideal conditions for snorkeling and diving. The waters off Kona boast an abundance of marine life, including manta rays, dolphins and large schools of fish. Rent snorkel or scuba gear from one of the many dive shops in the Kona area.
Bicycling
Kona is home to the annual Ironman World Championships, a grueling triathlon with top-notch athletes from around the world. One of the many reasons the event is held in Kona is because the lava-lined landscape is relatively flat, with long stretches of roads and trails that are ideal for bicycling. The Kona area has a handful of cycling shops that rent bikes, or you can join a guided tour and get in some sightseeing while you exercise.
Swimming
Another reason the Ironman World Championships calls Kona home is because Kailua-Kona Bay is known as one of the world's best open-water swim locations. The waters in the bay are calm and clear, and if you won't even need snorkel gear to view all the marine life here. The buoys that mark the triathlon's swimming course remain in the bay all year long, so you can swim the same routes as world-class athletes. For the best conditions, head out in the morning when the surf is most calm.
Beaches
The Kona coast has dozens of beaches perfect for strolling along or just relaxing and taking in the tropical views. Hapuna Beach, just north of Kona, is a long, wide stretch of white-sand beach. On the south end of Kona is Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park, an ancient Hawaiian village just next to Honaunau Bay, a popular snorkeling spot that also has a small stretch of beach and tidepools.
Hiking
The Kona region is home to dozens of hiking trails with spectacular views of the coastline. You can combine history with hiking at Captain Cook's Monument Trail at Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park. The four-mile trail will take you past a 27-foot-high monument to Captain James Cook, who was killed just at the bay in 1779 after becoming the first European to land in Hawaii and make contact with the native Hawaiians.
Member Comments