Kona Vacations


	Nearly twice as large as all the other Hawaiian Islands combined, Hawai'i (known as the Big Island to avoid confusion with the state name) is used to setting records. Perhaps most dramatically, it has the world's most active volcano: the east rift zone below Halema'uma'u on Kilauea has been spewing lava intermittently since January 3, 1983. The island's southern tip is the southernmost point in the United States, although to the southeast, far beneath the ocean's surface, Loihi, a sea mount bubbling lava, is slowly building another Hawaiian island, due to emerge in about 100,000 years. If you measure Mauna Kea from its origins 32,000 ft beneath the ocean's surface to its 13,796-ft peak, it is the tallest mountain in the world. The Keck Observatory on its summit, with one of the world's most powerful telescopes, searches the universe from the clearest skies on earth. With its diverse climate and terrain, the Big Island offers skiing (but only for experts) in winter and year-round sunshine on its southern and western shores, where the temperature averages 69°F to 84°F in July and 53°F to 75°F in January. By contrast, land along the Kona-Kohala Coast feels desertlike, with uninhabited stretches of lava. In earlier times, Hawai'i's kings and queens lived and played along the Kona-Kohala Coast. King Kamehameha I was born close to its northern shores, near Mo'okini Heiau, built around the end of the 5th century (a heiau is a stone platform that was used as a site of worship). All along the water's edge are reminders of earlier inhabitants. At Kawaihae, two heiaus -- Pu'ukohola and Mailekini -- mark the site of Kamehameha's final victory in 1810 in his battle to unite the Hawaiian Islands. Developers are becoming increasingly aware of the cultural significance and rich history of the 'aina (land). They attempt to preserve and restore the bits and pieces of Hawai'i's past that come to light when a bulldozer rakes the land. You'll find historic markers scattered along trails and roadways, at hotel grounds, and in parks. Although Kilauea Volcano remains the greatest attraction to visitors, one other thing is certain: business owners in all sections of the economy have combined efforts to make the island exciting, welcoming, and fun. Ongoing airport expansions in the Kona area reflect their success. Gated communities are sprouting up along the entire coast, and even remote South Point has become well worth the long drive. Kona related links: Kona Hotels \| Kona Vacation Specials Kona Family Vacations \| Kona Spa Vacations Kona Honeymoon Vacations \| Kona Golf Vacations Hawaii Vacations

Weather & When to Go

Long days of sunshine and fairly mild year-round temperatures make Hawai'i an all-season destination. Most resort areas are at sea level, with average afternoon temperatures of 75°F-80°F during the coldest months of December and January; during the hottest months of August and September the temperature often reaches 90°F. Only at high elevations does the temperature drop into the colder realms, and only at mountain summits does it reach freezing.

Most travelers head to the Islands during winter. From mid-December through mid-April, visitors from the mainland and other areas covered with snow find Hawai'i's sun-splashed beaches and balmy trade winds appealing. This high season means that fewer travel bargains are available; room rates average 10%-15% higher during this season than the rest of the year.

Attractions & Excursions

The first secret to enjoying the Big Island is to rent a car. The second is to stay more than three days. With 266 miles of coastline made up of white-coral, black-lava, and a dusting of green-olivine beaches, and with its cliffs of lava and emerald gorges slashing into jutting mountains, the Big Island is so large and so varied that it is easiest to split your stay and your sightseeing into excursions from Hilo and Kona when planning a visit.

If your schedule allows a week or 10 days on the island, you might want to spend a night in the historic town of Hilo, followed by two nights at a bed-and-breakfast near the unique Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, and another night in Waimea before finishing up your vacation at a resort on the sunny side of the island. It's best to follow this in east coast-to-west coast order so you won't go home with memories of Hilo's often gray skies. If you're short of time, give Hilo the once-over lightly and then see Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on your first day, traveling the Hamakua Coast route and making your new base in Kailua-Kona that night.

Touring the Big Island is appealing at any time of year. There are seldom traffic jams, and the weather remains basically stable year-round. It's a rare day when Kailua-Kona and the Kohala Coast are not sunny and warm; however, deluges can occur in January and February.

Entertainment

If you're the sort of person who doesn't come alive until after dark, you're going to be pretty lonely on the Big Island. Blame it on the plantation heritage. People did their cane-raising in the morning.

Nevertheless there are things to do at night if you ask around, and certainly your hotel will have activities. Movies and a small theater scene do keep locals happy, and if you want details on either one ask your concierge or pick up a local paper and look for listings.

Shopping

Residents like to complain that there isn't much to shop for on the Big Island, but unless you're searching for winter coats or high-tech toys, you'll find plenty to deplete your pocketbook. Kailua-Kona has a range of souvenirs from far-flung corners of the globe. Resorts along the Kohala Coast have high-quality exclusive clothing, art, and accessories. Galleries and boutiques, many with the work of local artists, fill historic buildings in Waimea and North Kohala.

In general, stores and shopping centers on the Big Island open at 9 or 10 AM and close by 6 PM. Hilo's Prince Kuhio Shopping Plaza stays open until 9 weekdays. In Kona, most shops in shopping plazas that are geared toward tourists remain open until 9. Big outlets such as KTA (a supermarket in Kona Coast Shopping Center) or Wal-Mart on Henry Street are open until midnight.

Dining

In resort restaurants along the Kohala Coast, upscale eateries in Waimea, and elsewhere, cutting-edge chefs cook with the freshest local produce, fish, and herbs, creating intriguing blends of flavors that reflect the island's varied ethnic backgrounds.

All along Ali'i Drive in Kailua-Kona, sunny little cafés with indoor-outdoor seating serve numerous cuisines as well as regular American and Hawai'i regional food. Hotels along the Kohala Coast invest in top chefs. Kawaihae Harbor offers some fun choices, and upcountry Waimea also has good restaurants. Although Hilo's dining scene may seem less exciting, restaurants are often inexpensive family places where good, substantial food makes up for lack of atmosphere.

Lodging: Hotels & Accommodations

Kona's luxury hotels are located in the heart of the city. Many hotels can be found bordering luxurious beaches and are within proximity to many attractions.

Enjoy an Kona vacation package at the top luxury hotels!
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	Hulihe'e Palace Visit this former residence of the Hawaiian monarchy founded in 1838. World-Renowned Kona Coffee Did you know Kona coffee is highly prized throughout the world? The beans are handpicked, pulped, dried, hulled, and then sorted into different grades by size and shape. When visiting the Big Island of Hawaii be sure to visit the farms and coffee mills in the Kona coffee belt. Night Diving Night dive with giant manta rays in the waters off Kona. Combine your dive with a class in underwater photography offerred year round.


	Kona Village Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort ResortQuest Kona by the Sea Outrigger Royal Sea Cliff Resort Outrigger Kanaloa at Kona