Kona Hawaii

Kailua-Kona, commonly called Kona, is a major tourist destination town on west side of the Big Island of Hawaii. It is best known for its great coffee and big fish -- both of which are found in abundance along this stretch of black-lava-covered coast.

Kailua-Kona features a wealth of activities that cater to individuals and families alike. The Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden allows visitors to experience the islands flora up close and also offers plant education to interested parties. A variety of aquatic activities are available in the area, including kayaking, rafting, and snorkelling. Tours of the local coffee plantations can also be arranged.

Also of interest is Kona's historical past - here you will find the summer palace of Hawaiian Royalty, the Hulihe'e; the first Christian church in the state which is across the street from the Palace; the birthplace of King Kamehameha III, the remains of a number of villages, holua slides, heiau, and, further south at Kealakekua Bay, the memorial to Captain Cook who was killed there, and the National Park at Pu'uhonua O Honaunau, also known as the City of Refuge. A new National Historical Park was also recently opened at Kaloko, just north of the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor.

Things to see and do

* Historic walking tours
* Kona brewery company
* Kona pier
* The Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden
* Hulihee Palace and Mokuaikaua Church

General information

Cruise Season - Jan - Dec
Currency - US dollar (US$)
Language - English
Land Area - 28,311 km² (Big Island of Hawaii)
Population - 11,000
Electricity - 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time - GMT/UTC minus ten hours
International Country Telephone Code - + 1 (USA) + 808

Port Location - Kailua, Kona is a tender port. Sometimes the ships will use a local party boat (Captain Bean's) as a tender and since the barge carries hundreds of people, it really speeds up the process. The tender wharf is right in the heart of downtown Kailua and you can walk everywhere from the wharf.

Transport Links - Rental cars and taxis are available for getting around Kona. From the Kona Airport, there are three options: two shuttle services that will come when you call them and a discount shuttle that leaves the airport every hour on the hour. There is an island wide bus system, but all it does is take passengers from Kona to Hilo and back (and does not stop at the airports).
Kona International Airport at Keahole also known as Keahole Airport, is the main commercial airport for the Kona coast, serving the Kona area and the resort areas of Kohala to the north.