Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii
Want to get up close and personal with sea turtles? The Kona Coast on the western side of the Big Island of Hawaii has some of the best snorkeling spots in the islands and lots of turtles. Kailua-Kona is a small town in the heart of this shoreline which is sheltered by two huge volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. First time visitors will immediately notice the relaxed pace in Kona. The locals are friendly and tourists conform to the low-key atmosphere. Small pocket beaches dot the otherwise rugged black lava shoreline of the Kona Coast. The Big Island is enormous compared to the other islands. Activities and attractions are enticing, but driving is required to take advantage of what it has to offer. Drive to the top of a mountain taller than Everest (30,000 feet from the sea floor), visit the beautiful bay where Captain Cook met his demise in 1779, frolic on a green sand beach near the southern tip of the USA, or watch an active volcano pour lava into the Pacific Ocean. But find time to relax with a mai tai and watch the stunning sunsets. Kailua-Kona is a place you’ll never forget.
Recent Articles
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Spending a Week in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii
Kona is our favorite place in Hawaii. From town you can access any adventure on the island and its relaxed vibe is a break from the resorts and tourist meccas. Over the past two decades, my wife Julie and I have explored all of Hawaii’s islands but now we always come back to the Big […]
Maps
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Map of the Hawaii Volcanoes
Having just visited Hawaii, I was curious about the island chain and all its volcanoes. I’ve read a few general things about the volcanoes in my travel guidebooks, but I wanted more details. Which ones are active? Is it possible to reach the summit on all of them? Which ones are accessible by car or by […]
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Map of the Highest Points in Each of the 50 States
Many have heard about the state highpoints quest and contemplated it over a beverage or two. An experienced mountaineer or even someone who is fit and very determined could do most of the peaks. You could even get a little help, like on Rainier where climbers often use a guide service. Denali in Alaska however, is in […]
Featured Mountains in Kailua-Kona, Big Island
| Mountain | Approx. Elevation |
|---|---|
| Ka Lae – South Point | 12 ft (4 m) |
| Pu’u wa’a wa’a | 3,963 ft (1,208 m) |
| Pu’u O’o Vent | 2,415 ft (736 m) |
| Mauna Loa | 13,679 ft (4,169 m) |
| Mauna Kea (State High Point) | 13,803 ft (4,207 m) |
| Pu’u Ku’ili | 331 ft (101 m) |
| Kilauea Volcano | 3,668 ft (1,118 m) |
| Hualalai | 8,261 ft (2,518 m) |
| Pali Kapu o Keoua | 203 ft (62 m) |