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Kailua Kona, located on the leeward (drier) side of the island , has much more of a “beach town” feel to it. Locals are a mix of natives, California transplants and baby boomers seeking to enjoy life in paradise. Mt Hualalai sits above the city with homes and lush vegetation dotting the hillside. Views from the mountain overlooking the city are peaceful and expansive.
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Kailua-Kona has exquisite weather and some of the clearest water in the islands. While most of the beach area is rocky and has a seawall in this area, there is a public beach, Kamakahonu Beach to the right of the Kailua Pier in front of the King Kamehameha Hotel that is sandy and very calm. This is a good beach for families with children as the water is gentle and usually very clear and clean. King Kamehameha spent his last years here and you can also tour the Ahu’ena Heiau next to the beach area. |
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| Kailua-Kona has plenty of little shops along this area to pick up trinkets for the “folks back home” as well as some good restaurants, many of which have superb sunset views from tableside. A Farmer’s market takes place on Thursdays through Sundays at the corner of Alii Drive and Hualalai Road. You can easily stroll down the main town area along Alii Drive and mingle not only with other tourists busily walking up and down Alii Drive at any time of the day or night but also experience some Big Island history along the way. Several of the large cruise ships dock in Kailua Bay which makes it easy to spend some quality time in Kailua-Kona if you are visiting the islands via a cruise. At the north end of Alii Drive, you can book a harbor cruise, rent a small canoe or book one of the many snorkeling adventures that originate from this area. |
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Fire Dance at the ROYAL KONA LUAU |
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HULIHEE PALACE |
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