Kailua Kona : A Land of Exciting Activities and Unforgettable Attractions

What comes to the mind, when we think about a cool place to make our vacations unforgettable? Obviously, a place with a combination of historical places, lots of adventurous activities and full of entrainment sources. Well, don’t waste your time in finding such a dream place and plan your visit to “Kailua-Kona”. Yes, this is the place that is the true combination of all your dream activities. Kailua-Kona is an independent city of Hawai’i Island in the US state Hawaii. The actual name of this city is “Kailua”, but being located in the district Kona of Hawai’i County, it is called “Kaila-Kona” that differentiates it from the other “Kailua” which is located in Oahu Island. Besides having lots of recreational activities, Kailua-Kona is also famous for various renowned events such as Annual Kona Coffee Festival, Annual Ironman World Championship triathlon, and Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament. Let’s have a look at all the attractions that you can enjoy here and convert your boring vacations into a cool holiday.

1. Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

Kaloko-Honokōhau is a National Historical Park that is situated in the Kona District of Hawai’i Island. It also includes Honokōhau Settlement that is a famous the National Historic Landmarked archaeological site. There are many adventurous activities in this park such as scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing boats and traditional canoes. Launching area for all these activities is provided by Honokōhau boat harbor. Aiʻopio Fish trap, Honokōhau small boat harbor, partially restored Kaloko Fish Pond and Māmalahoa Trail that was constructed during the mid of nineteenth century and later on changed into Hawaii Belt Road are also remarkable attractions of Kailua-Kona.

2. Hulihe'e Palace

The Huliheʻe Palace is situated on Ali'i Drive Street of Kailua-Kona. Former Hawaiian royals were using the Huliheʻe Palace as a vacation place. Later, Daughters of Hawaiʻi transformed this place into a museum. Now, this museum is the masterpiece of ancient furniture and artifacts that reveal the style and choice of old Hawai’i royals. In 1973, Hulihe'e Palace was registered as site 73000653 in the National Register of Historic Places on the island of Hawaii.

3. Keauhou Bay

Keauhou Bay has fame as a historic area of Kailua-Kona. In the Hawaiian Language, the source of “Keauhou” name is “ke au hou” that means "the new era". Daughters of Hawaii maintained this place as a birthplace of King Kamehameha III. Beside historical importance, Keauhou Bay has many other attractions for the visitors. Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa of Keauhou Resort, Keauhou Shopping Center, timeshare and two golf courses make the time of visitors joyful and precious. There is a large convention center in Keauhou Bay in where all cultural events are sponsored by a subsidiary of Kamehameha Schools. The Keauhou Canoe Club that is famous for canoe races and Country Club golf course that was designed by William Bell is also the beautiful places of Keauhou Bay.

4. Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area

Towards North of Kailua-Kona, a large recreational park was built on an old landing strip that is called Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area or simply “Old A”. Lots of exciting opportunities have been provided in this area for the tourists by County of Hawai’i and some of them are soccer and baseball fields, a Skateboarding Park, Kekuaokalani Gym and Kona Community Aquatic Center. An off-shore 217-acre marine preserve was prepared here. Shark Rock is also a prominent attraction of “Old A” around which many thrilling activities are waiting for the visitors that include a day use boat mooring, a roof shelf that forms a small surf break and an ideal place for Snorkelers and Scuba divers. Towards southeast of the park, beautiful view of a lighthouse on Kukaʻilimoku Point fascinates the visitors. This lighthouse guides the ships into Kailua Bay.

5. Hualālai

The third most active and third youngest volcano of Hawai’i Island is known as Hualālai. Hualālai that is 2,521 m above the sea level is still considered an active volcano despite its last eruption that was recorded in 1801. It is anticipated to erupt again within the next century. The volcanic cones of Hualālai make it a beloved site for hikers. Two deepest pit craters on Hualālai are Luamakami and Puhia Pele.

6. Kamakahonu

At the north end of Kailua Bay, the residence of Kamehameha I “Kamakahonu” is situated in Kailua-Kona on Hawaiʻi Island. Kamakahonu is now the part of King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. Some ancient objects such as helmet and feather cloak can be seen in the hotel lobby. The beach of Kamakahonu is considered a protected beach not only for children swimming but for the launching canoes. In 1950, the first hotel was constructed in Kamakahonu, but the last one was constructed in 1975. The hotel was refurbished in 2009 and a cultural center and museum were also added. Tourists also love to come here to watch This Triathlon “Ironman World Championship”.

7. Mokuaikaua Church

The oldest church of Hawai'i Island is Mokuaikaua Church that is located in Kailua-Kona. The construction of Mokuaikaua Church was started in 1820 but completed in 1837. Nowadays, this church is open for the tourists to view the ancient artifacts; for example, a scale model of the Thaddeus. Mokuaikaua Church was registered in the National Register of Historic Places listings on the island of Hawaii on October 3, 1978, as site number 78001015.

8. Kailua Pier

In Kailua-Kona, you can enjoy lots of Kona ocean adventures at Kailua Bay & Pier such as diving, sports fishing, and snorkeling. The most enjoyable and thrilling attractions of Kailua Pier include getting closer to whale sharks or manta rays and snorkeling with spinner dolphins. Among the humpback whales, you can make your day perfect with a sunset sail at Kailua Bay & Pier.

9. Honl's Beach

Honl's Beach is the true combination of a cozy patch of sand and surf. Honl’s is also known as the birthplace of bodyboard that was produced by Tom Morey with the name “boogie board” in 1970. The beauty of Honl’s beach is also amazing thanks to having a blend of white sand strips dotted with thick black reef and rocks. This less crowded beach gives a peaceful view of ocean and waves rolling in.

10. Hale Halawai O Holualoa

Another historic and beautiful church of Hawai’i Island is Hale Halawai O Holualoa that is also named as “Living Stone Church”. With the orders of Norman Kenneth Smith, the Holualoa Bay Congregational Church rebuilt the church in the early 1990s. On 5 June 1987, this church was registered as the national place with site number 87000794. Visiting the church also makes the day of visitors cool and striking.

◎ Closing

For the nature lovers, who love to spend their vacations at beautiful beaches equipped with all the modern facilities and opportunities of adventures, no option could be better than Kailua-Kona. Just plan your visit at this beautiful historic site and make your vacations memorable.