Driving the Kohala and Kona Coasts

The western coast of the Big Island of Hawaii is split into zones. Going north from Kona, you can drive along the scenic Kohala coast to Hawi, a small artsy town on the northernmost tip of Hawaii. The road ends just a bit further at the Pololu Valley Overlook.

The horses and mules get the best views while grazing near the Pololu Overlook

We also drove south from Kailua-Kona, along the Kona Coast which is known for its coffee plantations.  We toured the Pu'uhonua Honaunau (place of refuge) park.  In traditional Hawaiian culture, if you broke a law (kapu) you could be put to death.  But if you went to a place of refuge you would have sanctuary and not be killed.

In the background you can see the wall marking the border of the Place of Refuge

The volcanic landscape provides a haven for tidepool dwellers like these shellfish

The park overlooks a bay with some good coral for snorkeling.

I think the fish are trying to tell us something

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
State Highway 160  |  Captain Cook, HI  96704   |  Information 808.328.2326

Scuba Diving in Kona

We booked a dive trip with Big Island Divers.  We did two dives, one in the late afternoon and one at night.  We had hoped to catch a glimpse of the giant manta rays, but unfortunately none showed up on the night dive.  Maybe next time!

Amanda

Kevin with school of fish

Garden Eels

Big Island Divers
74-5467 Kaiwi Street  |  Kailua-Kona HI  96740  |  808.329.6068

Kona, Hawaii

Aloha from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii!  We kicked off our trip with dinner at the Royal Kona luau.  The food (kalua pig, fish poke, lomi lomi salmon, fresh pineapple and tasty mai-tais) was excellent and I would recommend it if you are staying in Kona.

We had great seats for the stage show

Blowing the Pu (conch shell horn)

Kalua Pig fresh from the Imu (underground oven)

The show begins with traditional dancing

Beginning of the fire dance

The fire dance was our favorite

King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
75-5660 Palani Road  |  Kailua-Kona, HI 96740  |  Reservations 808.329.2911

Royal Kona Luau
75-5852 Alii Drive  |  Kailua-Kona, HI 96740  |  $68 per person  |  Reservations 866.482.9775