As you may know, Kona is home of the Ironman triathlon World Championship every October. But you may not know that a certain 7-time Tour de France winner from Texas spends a lot of time riding his bike here. The reason? You can ride all year long in 80 degree weather and choose from flat roads or steep climbs like Kaloko Drive (with sections over 20%).
End of the World
About a 10 minute drive from the house, End of the World is a wonderful, secluded spot to watch the sun set from sea-level.
Mauna Kea
The big Island is one of the best places to star-gaze on the planet. We recommend visiting Mauna Kea at night. Every evening they bring out twenty or so telescopes and an educator for your use...all free of charge.
Waipio Valley
Challenging and scenic hikes can be found in the Waipio and Pololu valleys
Fantastic fishing!
Snorkeling or Diving Kona
One of our favorite things to share with friends is the famous Kona manta ray night dive/snorkel. It is an awesome experience. You can literally swim with the mantas. If you don't scuba dive, you can enjoy this amazing show by snorkeling at the surface.
Shine your flashlight toward the surface and watch the Mantas swim, turn, and even somersault toward the lights where plankton are plentyful. Often weighing up to 1 ton or more, with no teeth, they are quite harmless, and so graceful!.
Zip Line
Kids LOVE the Big Island Zip Lines (o.k... and so do we)... soaring through the jungle over waterfalls and 200 ft. drops. with rides called OMG and OMFG (by the funny local guides), this adventure won't disappoint.
~BEACHES~
Jon snapped this picture after we hiked to the green sand beach near South Point
Green Sand Beach- This is a hot and windy hike of about 2.8 miles each way, but is worth the effort for those who don't mind the warmth (no shade). There is often locals who will drive you for a small fee. Either way, bring plenty of water. The green sand is as soft as it gets and the swimming is excellent!
Caves at Hapuna Beach
Hapuna is a large, sandy beach a half hour north of town.
Hapuna is a large, sandy beach a half hour north of town.
Road to the Sea Beach
Jackie fighting the crowds at Road to the Sea Beach
Bring your 4 wheel drive, and your desire for solitude.
Our Favorite restaurants
Kailua Kona has a wonderful array of excellent eating establishments. Here are some of our favorites.
Thai Rin: Delicious Thai meals, in a gorgeous setting that faces the ocean. Jon loves their Pad Thai.
75-5799 Alii Drive
Fabulous Breakfast and more:
Island Lava Java Bistro and Grill: Everything tastes great, plus Kona coffee and stunning ocean view. Make sure you try the roasted potatoes. Right next door to Thai Rin.
http://www.islandlavajava.com/menus/Lunch2013.pdf
75-5801 Alii Drive
Inexpensive, Tasty Local Fare: Pine Tree Cafe
About 20 minutes north of town (in the shopping center with Kona Mountain Coffee). Try a Loco Moco or the Fried Poke Plate next time you are enjoying the white sand beaches up north. No Ambiance. Just good food.
https://goo.gl/2VrdZf
73-4040 Hulikoa Dr #2, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Quinn's Almost by the Sea
Not fancy, but possibly the best fish and chips you have ever had! Plenty of other tasty choices, as well. https://quinnsalmostbythesea.com/
Eclectic Dinners:
Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill is 5 minutes from the house. Seafood, steaks, pasta and salad. With full bar and wine list. http://www.jackiereys.com/
75-5995 Kuakini Hwy., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
Another Fine Happy Hour:
The Fish Hopper's happy hour lets you enjoy their tasty appetizers for less.
See the menu and hours here: http://www.fishhopper.com/kona/lib/pdf/FHK%20HH%20Menu.pdf
Their website: http://www.fishhopper.com/kona/
75-5683 ALII DR • KAILUA-KONA, HAWAII 96740
Thai Rin: Delicious Thai meals, in a gorgeous setting that faces the ocean. Jon loves their Pad Thai.
75-5799 Alii Drive
Fabulous Breakfast and more:
Island Lava Java Bistro and Grill: Everything tastes great, plus Kona coffee and stunning ocean view. Make sure you try the roasted potatoes. Right next door to Thai Rin.
http://www.islandlavajava.com/menus/Lunch2013.pdf
75-5801 Alii Drive
Inexpensive, Tasty Local Fare: Pine Tree Cafe
About 20 minutes north of town (in the shopping center with Kona Mountain Coffee). Try a Loco Moco or the Fried Poke Plate next time you are enjoying the white sand beaches up north. No Ambiance. Just good food.
https://goo.gl/2VrdZf
73-4040 Hulikoa Dr #2, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Quinn's Almost by the Sea
Not fancy, but possibly the best fish and chips you have ever had! Plenty of other tasty choices, as well. https://quinnsalmostbythesea.com/
Eclectic Dinners:
Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill is 5 minutes from the house. Seafood, steaks, pasta and salad. With full bar and wine list. http://www.jackiereys.com/
75-5995 Kuakini Hwy., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
Another Fine Happy Hour:
The Fish Hopper's happy hour lets you enjoy their tasty appetizers for less.
See the menu and hours here: http://www.fishhopper.com/kona/lib/pdf/FHK%20HH%20Menu.pdf
Their website: http://www.fishhopper.com/kona/
75-5683 ALII DR • KAILUA-KONA, HAWAII 96740