Kona is located on the Big Island.
Kona is situated along the western coast of Hawaii's Big Island, where historic areas such as Kealakekua Bay and the 1160-acre Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park are located, and where Captain Cook was killed. Many accommodations offer beachfront settings and are within walking distance to outdoor hot spots for scuba diving and swimming. Or sip the local Kona coffee and stop by Hulihee Palace, which houses Victorian artifacts.
Tours
See the sights in a short amount of time by taking a helicopter tour of the island. Most tours leave from Kona International Airport and are open to all ages.
Sunshine Helicopter provides a three-hour Hawaii Big Island Submarine Tour. The tour features a 100-foot dive into the Pacific Ocean in an Atlantis Submarine, a narration of the history of the island, and possible sightings of aquatic species. After the submarine trip, step aboard the company's helicopter for a two-hour tour of the Kilauea Volcano, a rain forest and waterfalls. Children 2 and younger ride for free.
Snorkeling
The shores of Kona offer an abundance of sea creatures and coral reefs. Sea Quest, which has offered snorkeling tours since 1990, provides small group tours that include dives in sea caves along the southern Kona coast. The tour also features whale-watching and dolphin-watching excursions.
Adventures in Hawaii's Fair Winds tour visits Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument. The four-hour trip begins in the morning, and the company provides breakfast and a barbecue lunch. Snorkeling gear is provided by both companies.
Shopping
Alii Drive in Kona is home to shopping centers and boutique stores, such as the Coconut Grove Marketplace and the Kona Inn Shopping Village. Coconut Grove Marketplace is home to local coffee shops, art galleries and a sports bar. Sand volleyball courts are located in the center of the marketplace. The Kona Inn Shopping Village consists of a boardwalk that offers 50 stores and restaurants, including Kona Inn Jewelry and the Kona Coffee Cafe. The Kona Inn Shopping Village is situated in North Kona.
Tags: Kona Shopping, Kona Shopping Village, Shopping Village, Captain Cook, Coconut Grove, Coconut Grove Marketplace