Hawaii’s Big Island town of Kona rests on the leeward, or western side of the island. Kona and the Big Island are serviced by the Keahole International Airport, located on the southern portion of the island. Kona boasts of a myriad of things to see and do – all within easy driving distances. The Big Island has over 300 miles of coastline and over 100 beaches!
Things to do in the waters of Kona:
Swimming – The beaches around Kona are among the best in the world. Kailua Bay, situated by the Old Kona Airport State Recreation Park, is associated with a 120-acre park ideal for swimming, body surfing, boogie boarding or just building sand castles. There are tidepools and good facilities available making Kailua Bay a perfect place to plan a picnic or day trip.
Surfing – Several established surfing outfits offer surfing lessons and rentals by professional surf instructors. One of Kona’s premier surfing beaches is the Kahalu‘u Beach Park, located just south of Kona by mile marker #5.
Snorkeling – Get up close and personal with hundreds of brightly colored tropical fish, ranging from breath-taking colors of the parrot fish to Hawaii’s state fish, the Humu-humu-nuku-nuku-apua'a. Snorkel at the underwater marine parks and you might see the endangered giant green sea turtles.
Scuba Diving – Scuba diving and the Big Island town of Kona go hand-in-hand. There are numerous diving outfits that will take you from the Kailua-Kona Pier out to the underwater state parks for a complete diving experience. You can expect to see thousands of tropical fish, and may even catch a glimpse of a shark, manta ray, sea turtle or dolphin.
Sailing/Boating/Kayaking – For those wishing to enjoy the waters of Kona without being submerged, boating alternatives just might be the perfect choice. As with scuba diving, there are several boating companies that will take you out to the wild blue on a dinner cruise excursion or just an island sail.
Whale watching – Whale watching tends to be the “off-season” boating adventure of choice as the whales migration patterns peak in the December – March months. Again, several whale watching expeditions leave from the Kailua-Kona Pier and generally run a three hour tour in search of the humpback whales migrating 3500 miles to and from Alaska.
If water activities are not for you, Kona still musters quite a sight-seeing punch. Musuems abound, for the history buff. The Captain Cook monument in close proximity to the Kealakekua Bay, offers a peek of history on one of Kona’s best bays. Golf courses surround many resorts for the annual to avid golfer alike. Kona’s best courses include: the Ocean Course and the Royal course. Shopping districts litter the front streets bordering the sea side walls. Kona coffee – a legend unto itself! Kona coffee and macadamia nuts are world renowned, and both industries offer tours of their product manufacturing. Volcanoes offer another alternative for sightseeing and natural awe. Horseback riding facilities are available for both the avid and recreational rider.
Whether you are visiting Kona for the first time or the tenth time, you are sure to enjoy the wide variety of activities offered to waterbugs and land-dwellers alike!
