| Hawaii's Big Island is filled with supremely satisfying | | | | activities upon, look no further than Kamakahonu |
| sights, but none is quite equal to Kailua Kona. Nestled | | | | Beach right next door. Go for a swim, rent some |
| at the bottom of Hualalai volcano and tucked along | | | | snorkel gear, or guide a canoe down the sandy slope |
| the picturesque shoreline of Kailua Bay, this stretch | | | | and into the waves for an adventurous tour of the |
| of vacationing heaven is just what you need to | | | | shoreline. Shallow waters and soft sand make for |
| replenish your energy and recharge your soul. | | | | great conditions for all sorts of activities, but don't be |
| Not to be confused with Kailua of Oahu, Kailua Kona | | | | surprised if you end up sitting back for a |
| is an attractive locale sometimes referred to only as | | | | long-overdue snooze in the sun. Bring the sunscreen |
| Kona. If you can keep all of that straight (it's really | | | | and a towel, and the rest will take care of itself. |
| not too hard), you'll be free to discover everything | | | | If your rest amps you up for a bit more historical |
| offered here, and we promise it'll be worth it. | | | | sightseeing, then you'll want to check out Hulihe's |
| Start out by exploring the main street, Ali'i Drive, | | | | Palace just down the road. Built in 1838 by Governor |
| where you'll get a taste for the history of this region | | | | John Kuakini, this long-ago vacation home now |
| as a playground for kings and later on, a site for sea | | | | operates as a museum. The interior has been |
| fishing and missionary work. Modern conveniences | | | | restored to its original state, and several artifacts are |
| now add to the flavor, so be assured that you'll see | | | | under display. Free monthly concerts are also held |
| plenty of grocery stores, shopping opportunities, and | | | | here, so it's really quite the place to continue to |
| restaurants. The Ali'i Gardens Marketplace is the | | | | educate yourself about Hawaii while having fun as |
| location for all the Hawaiian arts and crafts, Kona | | | | well. |
| coffee, and fresh produce that you'll want to sample | | | | To round out what is looking to be a distinctive |
| while you're here, so make some time to soak it all in. | | | | vacation, be sure to plant yourself in the kind of |
| Kailua Pier is a must-see in order to gain a true | | | | lodgings that will increase your pleasure factor rather |
| perspective of your surroundings. Watch the sunset | | | | than bring it down. You might not realize it, but this |
| from your perch on the seawall, or charter a boat | | | | cozy area of the Big Island is packed with vacation |
| for some angling in what are supposedly some of the | | | | rentals that range from luxury condos to romantic, |
| best game-fishing waters around. In fact, every | | | | beach side villas. Choosing a rental property over a |
| summer this is the site of the International Billfish | | | | hotel usually means that you'll have access to a |
| Competition, so grab a rod and reel if this is your kind | | | | greater supply of amenities and probably a bit more |
| of thing. | | | | privacy, so it's worth looking into. |
| From the pier, you might have caught a glimpse of | | | | Whatever you decide to do, you'll surely be enjoying |
| an interesting landmark; further investigation will | | | | yourself in Kailua Kona. Improve your knowledge of |
| reveal to you that this is King Kamehameha Kona | | | | Hawaiian history, stroll the beach with some delicious |
| Beach Hotel, a place that is available for a closer look. | | | | shaved ice in hand, or reconnect with that special |
| Head over there to see the well-restored religious | | | | someone as you recline on your lanai while the sun |
| site that now exists on the grounds of the hotel and | | | | goes down. This is the kind of escape you've |
| is open to the public on a daily basis. Historical walking | | | | probably been dreaming about, so get the planning |
| tours will reveal to you the secrets of this | | | | process started today. |
| worshipping site and explain the significance of the tall | | | | Go online to check out all the Kailua Kona Vacation |
| statues. Luaus are also held nearby, so make this the | | | | Rental options, and prepare to say goodbye to the |
| spot to uncover Hawaii's authentic past. | | | | mainland for a few precious, rejuvenating days. |
| If you'd like a calm beach to enjoy some leisurely | | | | |