Kona is one of the seven main regions on the Big Island of Hawaii, encompassing a 60-mile stretch of the island's western coast, often referred to as the Kona coast. Health-minded travelers will find plenty of nutritious foods and fitness opportunities in Kona. Take advantage of the region's many outdoor activities, such as snorkeling, swimming, hiking and biking, and head to the Kona Farmers Market for a collection of the island's fresh, healthy cuisine.
Snorkeling
The waters here are much calmer than many locations around Hawaii. Calm waters mean better visibility during snorkeling, so you can see the schools of tropical fish, green sea turtles and other marine life near the coral reefs. The western coast of the Big Island is also a frequent hangout for large manta rays, which feed in the evenings and are attracted to lights after sundown. Several companies in the Kona region offer nighttime snorkeling trips that will allow you to swim with the rays.
Swimming
Kona's coastline is dotted with beaches that are popular swimming locations. The small waves breaking offshore keep the waters still enough to create ideal conditions for swimmers. Kailua Bay, just off the town of Kailua-Kona, and Kahalu'u Beach Park, just south of Kailua-Kona, are frequented by swimmers. Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, located at the south end of the Kona region adjacent to an ancient Hawaiian religious sanctuary, is another popular swimming spot.
Hiking
Kona features hundreds of miles of hiking trails. There are several at national historical parks where you can enjoy a workout while encountering the Big Island's history. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is the site of an ancient Hawaiian settlement. The park, which is 3 miles south of Keahole-Kona International Airport, covers 1,160 acres and has several hiking trails along the coastline. The 1871 Trail at Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is a 2-mile roundtrip trek across ancient sacred land that once served as a place of refuge for Hawaiian people.
Farmers Market
The Kona Farmers Market is a place to get fresh, healthy, local-grown foods, including organic produce and that famous Kona coffee. As of 2010, the market is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday all year long and features more than 40 vendors. The market's healthy food choices include herbal teas, macadamia nuts, locally made honey, 100 percent Kona coffee and locally grown fruits and vegetables such as papayas, bananas, lettuce and sweet potatoes.
Bicycling
The Kona region's lava-covered landscape has miles of flat, paved surfaces that are perfect for riding. The region has several bicycle shops that rent bikes and helmets, such as Bike Works Kona. When you rent your bike, ask the staff for tips on the best routes in the area. You can also join a guided bicycling tour of Kona at one of the many local shops that offer daily rides.
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