| Kailua Kona also known simply as Kona, has a history | | | | visitor industry on the Big Island. The town has an |
| that looms much larger than its size would indicate. | | | | intoxicating aroma, thanks in part to the Kona Coasts |
| Nestled at the bottom of the Hualalai Volcano on the | | | | world famous Kona coffee. |
| Big Island of Hawaii, this area was considered the | | | | The main street, Alii Drive, runs along the oceanfront |
| premier place to live in ancient times due to the | | | | through the heart of the city from Kailua Pier to the |
| excellent weather and water. It is situated in the | | | | Kuamoo Battlefield, where many lives were lost in |
| north west of the island. | | | | fighting over the value of the kapu system. The |
| Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the most | | | | charming town mixes numerous historical sites with |
| unique. You can actually drive around the crater of an | | | | modern tourist attractions, restaurants, shops and |
| active volcano, taste the sulphur in the air, and feel | | | | hotels. |
| the hot steam rising from fissures around you. In the | | | | Today, Kona is one of the worlds great sports fishing |
| evenings, the unearthly glow of molten lava is visible | | | | centres and home to the annual Iron man Triathlon. |
| through cracks in the earth. The activity of the | | | | The King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel has been |
| volcano is not predictable, but it is carefully | | | | the headquarters of the Iron man Triathlon since |
| monitored. | | | | 1988. The 460 room hotel fronts the only white |
| British explorer Captain James Cook first spotted | | | | sandy beach in Kona. The full service hotel features |
| Hawaii off the coast of Kona. It is also where King | | | | three restaurants, swimming pool with a whirlpool spa |
| Kamehameha the Great died and where the ancient | | | | and sauna, comprehensive meeting and banquet |
| taboo system was discarded. | | | | facilities, a Hawaiian activity centre, beauty salon and |
| Arced around its harbour, this town is the main | | | | the only air conditioned shopping mall in Kona. |
| centre on the Kona coast, though many of the main | | | | Tourists have discovered the uniqueness of Kona and |
| Kona hotels are many miles north of the town, | | | | made it a popular destination. Ask any town resident |
| occupying various beaches. | | | | and you will learn how deeply the people love their |
| The town is the departure point for snorkelling | | | | town.For example go up the mountains or down to |
| excursions, is the site of a royal palace and serves as | | | | the sea. Enjoy the view or play till the sun goes |
| a regional shopping area. | | | | down, as well as cruising the beach road to Kona |
| Most people consider Kona to be the centre of the | | | | town. |