Looking for a peaceful beach to unwind, heal spiritually, and soak up some sun, ushered me to on the Big Island Hawaii. Kona pleasantly surprised me. The island vibe captured my heart immediately. Now, it is my favorite destination. Royal Kona Resort became my home away from home on my first trip. I chose this hotel because it had all the amenities I sought. This way I would not have to leave the resort. However, the charming, historical mile long stretch of Alii Drive drew me out. Strolling the coastline, smelling the ocean breeze, listening to the waves, bird watching, and taking in the shops kept me on the go. The evenings gave way to downtime to enjoy the beach, pool, lagoon, and amazing sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. Most restaurants close before 9pm, so plan your dinner accordingly.
Unfortunately, some stores are going out of business. Still when in Kailua, walk Alii Drive. There are historical spots, enchanting trees, and beautiful views of Kailua Bay. Kailua Pier is the hub for most tours and water activities. The Courtyard King
Kamehamehas Kona Beach Hotel located adjacent to the pier holds a traditional luau several nights a week. Inside the hotel, a huge open area museum displays Hawaiian Royal Family Portraits, Artifacts, Paintings, Murals, a wooden canoe, and more. On the Alii Drive stretch from the Royal Kona to the Courtyard King Kamehameha, you will find Oceanview, open air restaurants serving tasty fresh dishes, shops of all sorts, places to sit for a spell, public beaches, and a farmers market.
The stroll takes you by several historical sites. One is the Hulihee Palace, a former vacation home of Hawaiian royalty. Another is the Mokuaikaua Church, the oldest Christian church in the Hawaiian Islands dating back to the 1820s. Kona Inn built in 1928, by the Steamship Navigation Company, led the foundation for tourism in Kona. The Inn now serves as a shopping village with two waterfront restaurants. Farther down the drive, you will find Hale Halawai Park. It is a simple, waterfront park with a rocky beach, pavilion, grassy areas, events space.
Everything you need is nearby. From pharmacies, grocery stores, gas stations, fast food, post office, Walmart and even a Macys. My three requirements for
a good place to reside must include an international airport, Walmart, and Macys. So Big Island, I might be calling you home soon! The local area provides a trolley. Check the Kona Trolley for routes and schedules. There are other hotel choices, condos, and apartment rentals along the Alii Drive area.
For fun activities, try the Island Breeze Lū‘au - He Ohana Kakou, Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area, Dolphin snorkeling, Captain Cook Monument Trail, Whale watching, Manta ray night swim, Paddleboard and Kayak rentals, Luau dinner show, Parasailing, Kona Glassbottom Boat, Captain Cook Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay and so much more. Do not end your island stay without a little ghostly history. Take the Kona Haunted Hele by Big Island Ghost Tours to learn some spooky, local mystery. There is so much to do in such a small, quaint location.
For dining, I can highly Fish Hopper: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Huggos, on Alii, and Billfish for bar food. Lastly, head to largest oceanfront bar, Dons Mai Tai Bar. Order a Lava Tube concoction; my favorite blended cocktail. Do not confuse this wonderful tropical beverage with the Lava Flow. It is
Tip. Two ABC stores: one by the Royal Kona and another at the Courtyard King Kam. The latter usually has better prices. Both have fountain drinks and souvenirs. is about a drive from KOA. Taxi fares run around $30. The post office, Longs Drugs (CVS) Pharmacy, Safeway, and a couple fuel stations are very close to the Courtyard King Kam, where I stayed on another trip. The area is a safe, walkable environment. You will see numerous homeless folks there, but it still looks clean and pretty. Stop by Kona Gear for Aloha and Hangloose Hawaiian styles.
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