Aliʻi Drive is the main street of Kailua-Kona. It is a coastal road that faces the Bay of Kailua, which is home to many historical sites, resort hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, markets, churches and offers amazing sunset views.

The northern part of Ali’i Drive in Kailua Kona is the busiest. At Kailua Pier, passengers from cruise ships come ashore by launches. Along the road are souvenir shops for tourists as well as local businesses, a farmers’ market and many resort hotels of varying sizes, such as King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. The historical sites are: Ahuena Heiau where King Kamehameha spent his retired life, the Hulihee Palace which was used by the royal family of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Mokuaikaua Church which was the first church in Hawaii, and St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

Kahaluʻu is a protected bay on the Kona coast just 2.5 miles south of our Kona beach house. The water is protected by a reef so the waves are gentle. This not only makes it safer for children and inexperienced snorklers, but it also increases the visibility underneath.

Beneath the surface of Kahaluʻu Bay’s crystal clear, brilliant blue waters, you will get to see sea turtles, coral heads, and a variety of brightly colored tropical fish. Please remember not to step on the coral which could kill or damage it.

Kīholo Bay is a gem off the beaten path in North Kona. Beautiful black sand beaches, iridescent blue lagoons, slumbering sea turtles, and a freshwater pool is lovely for swimming and snorkeling.

There is a small rocky island in the center of the bay, where, upon closer examination, you’ll notice many of the rocks are actually snoozing sea turtles! Between the shore and the small island is a lovely shallow sand-bottomed channel that is nice for swimming. There is another larger island further out in the bay. Additional coves and pools cut into the lava rock coast nearby make for good snorkeling.

The best beach for sunbathing and swimming in Kīholo State Park Preserve is on the south side of the park next to the campgrounds. This beach’s thick black sand can get hot! Burying your legs in it or simply laying on the black sand feels like a natural spa treatment on warm days.

Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano on the island of Hawaiʻi. Its peak is 4,207.3 m (13,803 ft) above sea level, making it the highest point in the state of Hawaiʻi and second-highest peak of an island on Earth!

You can either take a tour or drive yourself if you have a 4WD and plan to do it during the day. Once you are there, you can see the sunset from the summit or star gaze from the visitor center.

If you are up for a hike at high altitude, you can also make a short excursion to the highest lake in the state, Lake Waiau, at 1,3020 ft.