The Kona Coast is the leeward or west side of the Big Island with incredible diversity. You can explore ancient lava flows, historic Hawaiian heiaus and baths, hidden beaches, or native villages with catchment water and solar electricity. As you move south, the stark lava flows around Keahole-Kona International Airport are soon replaced by lush tropical vegetation as you drive upland from the coast.

The mountains of Hualalai (8,000 ft.) and Mauna Loa (13,000 ft.) oversee the coast, often from cloud banks. Offshore, whales frequent our waters all year, while tropical fish, turtles, moray eels, manta rays, and dolphins feast over coral beds. Rainfall ranges from 20" to 60" a year and temperatures vary from 80 degrees during the day to a cool 50 degrees at night in the higher elevations, but wait 5 minutes or drive 5 miles and the weather may change at any time. 
  

Pu'uhonua O Honaunau was a "Place of Refuge" to provide political and criminal asylum. The sacred precinct is preserved as a National Historical Park. The beautiful site on a peninsula of black lava has the preserved and restored remains of a royal palace and three heiaus, houses, fish pond, beach, and canoe landing. It is located at Honaunau Bay 2 miles down the mountain, which is a premium snorkeling and diving spot.

Ho'okena Beach is a beautiful small, curved beach of black and white sand. Safe swimming, though a little too sandy for great snorkeling. Usually very quiet on weekdays, this is a locals beach at weekends. An ideal get-away spot.

Kealakekua Bay is a designated underwater state park to protect its myriad multi-hued fish. Shoals of intensely colorful fish can always be found, and the bay is a favorite haunt for spinner porpoises (dolphin) who delight visitors with their aquabatics. Choice snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking - kayakers frequently get surrounded by schools of dolphin.

Captain Cook's Monument lies on the north side of Kealakekua Bay and marks the approximate spot where he died. The monument can be reached by sea, and also by a steep trail from the top of Napo'opo'o road. The adventurous will be rewarded by the beauty of the place, and by the excellent snorkeling. 
 

The Painted Church of St. Benedict at Honaunau is the oldest Catholic church on the island, constructed in 1875. The small wooden church has brilliantly hued murals depicting biblical scenes on the interior walls, painted by Father John Velge between 1899 and 1904.      

The Amy B. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in Captain Cook shows examples of how Hawaiians lived with and used the land during the various periods of their history.  Continuously growing and maturing, it is a peaceful and truly informational place to visit. Donations are accepted, and self-guided maps point out significant plants.

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The Kona Historical Society Museum in Kealakekua is set in a century-old former general store building. It has a collection of photographs and family heirlooms describing Kona's history from the point of view of its immigrant farmers. The museum is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm.     

Holualoa, a quaint artists town where locals share their crafts in the many old shops nestled along the roadside.      

Kailua-Kona is famous for its cultural sites and shopping areas. King Kamehameha resided here from 1812 until his death in 1819. The missionaries' first introduction to the Big Island was here in 1820.  Kailua-Kona is the hub for many Kona Coast activities: a submarine excursion or sunset dinner cruise, para-sailing and wind surfing, fishing or whale watching, and so on.      

Kahalu'u Beach is one of the best protected snorkeling and scuba beaches, among many that stretch along the rocky but gentle coast. Ideal for young children and beginners, but it gets very crowded on weekends.

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Hapuna Beach Park is one of the finest white-sand beaches in the world (top ten by Conde Nast). You park and walk down a paved path to the beach. There is very little rain here, about 6" per year, so this beach has practically guaranteed great weather. At Hapuna a covered pavillion, picnic tables, showers, restrooms and a small hot dog and cold drink stand make this an easy beach to visit.      

Spencer Beach Park is a very protected beach, perfect if you have small children or don't like big waves. There are easy paths from the parking area and public rest rooms. At Spencer Park is Pu'ukohola Heiau (temple), Hawaii's most famous and largest heiau. Another small heiau as well as an information shack and nice trails to the coast are all at the same location. The history of these ancient temples built by King Kamehameha is fascinating. From this area you can see the four largest mountains from one spot: Hualalai, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea and the Kohala Mountains.      

Kawaihae is a commercial harbor, and home of the famous Kawaihae Canoe Club. A convenience store, galleries, a shop or two, a dive rental shop and several good restaurants serving Mexican, Italian and local cuisine are all located in a small shopping center. This is not really a town, but serves a number of residences and small housing areas, as well as the boating community.      

Lapakahi Park is an ancient Hawaiian village. Paved paths lead down to the water's edge, with plaques along the way explaining about what you pass, native trees and their uses, native stone house platforms, etcetera.     

Hawi Town is at the northern tip of the Big Island, and until the 1970's was a sugar farming community. Hawi (pronounced "Havee") has a couple of unique restuarants and shops and is known for a statue of King Kamehamaha. Windy Upolu Point is the northernmost point on the Big Island, with a beautiful view of Maui.      

Pololu Valley is a beautiful valley cut out of about 400 foot cliffs by a small river that still meanders through at the bottom. There is a quite steep 30-minute hike to get to the bottom.   

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Heading South from Kona Bayview Inn

From the Farm to the Park is an easy two-hour drive on the main highway, but you may want to plan extra time to stop at some of the interesting places on the way.

Naalehu is a quaint town that straddles the highway, with several good restaurants for breakfast or lunch on your way.

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach is a short side trip off the main highway, and very picturesque.

Pahala is a typical example of an old sugar mill town. The mill has unfortunately been dismantled now.

• South Kona Macs - Kona Macadamia Nut Farm
• Hawaiian-Tropical-Flowers.com - Hawaiian flowers, tropical flowers, orchid leis, plants, and exotic gifts. Huge selection from Hawaii's Tropical Flower Superstore!!
• Maui Bound Adventures - for fun in Maui

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