The Big Island of Hawaii is the easternmost and southernmost landmass in Hawaii's island chain and is separated into seven regions. If you're planning an active vacation with your family and are seeking a variety of outdoor activities, Kona is the region for you. Kona encompasses a 60-mile stretch of coastline on the western side of the island and is recognizable for its miles of lava beds, historic landmarks and the clear, blue waters off the coast. Kona is the home of the annual Ironman World Championships, a long-distance triathlon made up of world-class athletes who take advantage of the area's opportunities for running, swimming and bicycling. Kona also has miles of hiking trails and ideal snorkeling conditions.
Swimming
The waters of the Pacific Ocean off the Kona coast are relatively calm, thanks to the tall volcanoes that shield the western side of the island from fierce winds. These still waters are one of the reasons the Ironman World Championship is held in Kona, and you and your family can swim the same course as top-notch athletes at Kailua-Kona Bay. The 2.4-mile triathlon course is marked with buoys that remain in the water throughout the year.
Running
Kona's mostly flat landscape and mild temperatures are ideal for running, whether you want to tackle part of the 26.2-mile Ironman World Championship course along the coast or a shorter route along a sandy stretch of beach. USA Track and Field has mapped six running routes in Kona, from the 3.98-mile Royal Kona short loop to the 16.23-mile Kailua-Kona route, which stretches from Puakoa Bay at the north to Anaehoomalu Bay at the south.
Bicyling
The Big Island has an active bicycling community, with more than 500 miles of flat, paved roads and nearly year-round sunshine providing optimal cycling conditions. Take your family on a scenic ride alongside the coast or through the lush landscape inland of the ocean by joining a guided bicycle tour. The Kona region has several bicycle shops that rent bikes and offer daily group rides.
Hiking
Hiking is a family friendly activity, and in the Kona region, you can combine exercise with sightseeing and education by taking on one of the area's trails. Captain Cook's Monument Trail at Kealakekua Bay is a steep, 4.25-mile down-and-back trek to the landmark honoring Captain James Cook, the first European to make contact with the native Hawaiians. Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park is home to the 1871 Trail, a 2-mile round-trip hike that will take you through an ancient Hawaiian village and past well-preserved temples.
Snorkeling
The Kona coast features some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii. The same conditions that make Kona a popular place for open-water swimming also make it an ideal location for snorkeling, with calm, clear waters that create high visibility. The waters are teeming with marine animals, including dolphins, manta rays, green sea turtles and schools of fish. Kealakekua Bay, Pawai Bay, Kahaluu Beach Park and Spencer Beach Park are among the snorkeling spots off the Kona coast.
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