Kona

Kona is the name of a district on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi in the State of Hawaiʻi in the United States of America. Kona is sometimes used incorrectly to refer to its largest town, Kailua-Kona.

The main street, Ali'i Drive runs from the tender port to downtown Kailua-Kona.

Experience Hawaiʻi back in the 1880’s in the H.N. Greenwell Store Museum.

The Huliheʻe Palace is located on Aliʻi Drive. The former vacation home of Hawaiian royalty, it was converted to a museum run by the Daughters of Hawaiʻi, showcasing furniture and artefacts.

The Mauna Kea hiking Trail leads to the summit of Mauna Kea volcano, the highest volcano on Hawaiʻi. The trail is 10km long and starts at the Visitor Information Station at the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy.

Puuhonua O Honaunau, City of Refuge is 20 miles from Kailua-Kona and is a National Historic Park which includes ruins of the king's home, heiau (temples), royal fish ponds and replicas of early island life.

There are several coffee plantations to visit in the area, including Pele Plantations, Holualoa Kona Coffee Company and Bay View Farm.

Located directly across the street from the Kailua Pier, the King Kamehameha Kona Beach hotel holds one of Hawaiʻi's most sacred sites on its grounds. The King lived on this site, and rebuilt the Ahu'ena Haieu (temple) which also contains his burial platform. In the lobby are several artefacts that date back to his reign.

Kona on the west side of Hawaiʻi provides the best snorkelling spots on the island. Kahaluu Beach Park has shallow waters and green sea turtles occasionally come up on shore to graze. The park also has picnic tables, equipment rental and food and drink stands.

Kahanahou Hawaiian Foundation is a cultural centre developed to keep alive the vanishing culture of Polynesian Hawaiʻi.

Mauna Lani Resort and Spa has 2 world-renowned golf courses. The North Course is more difficult, built on a lava bed and the South Course features a panorama of mountains and sea.

There are lots of shops, a farmers market and shopping centres, souvenirs include shell leis, wind chimes, Kona coffee and macadamia nuts.

Local cuisine includes lau lau (pork wrapped in taro leaf), stuffed cabbage and Hawaiian sesame chicken. Tuna, blue marlin, swordfish and red snapper are popular fish dishes

Cruise ships anchor and tender passengers to the middle of downtown Kailua Village. It's a short walk to souvenir shops, cafes and bars.

Shuttles for Walmart will pick you up at the pier, as will rental car company shuttles.