By Joshua Duvauchelle
Hawaii's Big Island is the island state's most southern point. Not only is the Big Island the largest island in the U.S., but it is still growing due to its active volcanoes. The Big Island's western region is collectively known as Kona. Unlike the rest of the island's lush and green environment, Kona is arid and dry. Kailua is Kona's northernmost city. Kailua, along with the greater Kona region, offers a wide variety of activities for visitors who want to enjoy their Hawaiian vacation to the utmost.
Tour a Kona Coffee Plantation
Coffee grows well in the volcanic soil of the Kona coast. See how this world-famous product is farmed and created at the Holualoa Kona Coffee Company on the Kona Lea Plantation. One of 600 coffee farms in the area, a guide will take you through extensive coffee orchards where the plants are grown and the beans are harvested. The factory itself is also open for touring, and you can watch the beans being processed into 100 percent premium Kona coffee. Try some of the rich coffee yourself, then buy some in the plantation's gift shop to take home as a delicious souvenir.
Holualoa Kona Coffee Company
Kona Lea Plantation
77-6261 Mamalahoa Hwy
Holualoa, Hawaii 96725
(808) 322-9937
Explore Native Hawaiian Sacred Land
Old Hawaii was once ruled by the kapu system. Those who carried out a forbidden deed were sentenced to death unless they could reach a sacred place of refuge. One of the largest of these sacred places has been preserved in Kona at the 180-acre national park known as Puuhonua O Honaunau. Walk through the eerily-quiet grounds and look for wooden carvings of Native Hawaiian deities, as well as a temple in which lie the preserved bones of 23 of Hawaii's greatest chiefs.
Puuhonua o Honaunau
Located on Highway 160
(808) 328-2288
Directions:
From Kailua, drive south on Hwy 11 and turn right at the Honaunau Post Office until you see the park on your left.
From Hilo, drive north on Hwy 19. Continue on Hwy 190 and turn left on Hwy 11. Take a right at the Honaunau Post Office until you see the park on your left.
Walk Through Kailua's Vibrant History
Explore Kailua on foot to get a feel of the town's relaxed, island feel. Park your car anywhere on the northern end of Alii Drive and walk down the road to find the many boutique cafes, gift shops and restaurants that make this town such a popular tourist hot spot. Look for Hulihee Palace (75-5718 Alii Drive), the official vacation home for Hawaii's monarchy that is now a public museum. Another notable stop along the walk is the Ahuena Heiau (75-5660 Palani Road), a Native Hawaiian stone temple built by King Kamehameha that is still standing.
Town of Kailua
Kailua, Hawaii 96740
Hulihee Palace
75-5718 Alii Drive
Kailua, Hawaii 96740
(808) 329-9555
Ahuena Heiau
75-5660 Palani Road
Kailua, Hawaii 96740
Resources
About the Author:
Joshua Duvauchelle is an editor and journalist who has been writing since 2000. His work has appeared in various national and international magazines, including "Honolulu Magazine." Duvauchelle graduated with honors from Trinity Western University, holding a Bachelor of Arts in professional communications, and earned a certificate in applied leadership and public affairs from the Laurentian Leadership Centre.
