by Lena Hellsten

The Big Island holds 11 different climate zones of the world, and if you’re looking for a lot of sun and a gentle breeze, you’d probably spend most of your Hawaiian holiday on the west side of the island. The city on the west where most people end up is called Kailua-Kona.

There are lots of beaches to choose from with powdery white sand and the ocean is calmer in contrast to the rest of the island. The city and its surrounding area offers a lot of beauty and all you can wish for to rejuvenate yourself.

The town is located at the bottom of the Hualalai volcano and this charming town mixes numerous historical sites with modern tourist attractions. There are plenty of hotels, vacation rentals and bed and breakfasts in the area as well as restaurants and bars. Even so, Kona keeps a relaxed and calm atmosphere and makes it a great getaway destination.

The city is ancient and a lot of the Hawaiian kings made it into their home. Later the missionaries turned this place into a seaport and built a lot of churches and houses here. The Kailua Pier is located in the middle of the city and is a must see. From this spot you have a good view over the whole area and to watch the sunset from the pier is a wonderful experience! Kona offers amazing sunsets almost every evening.

Just at the side of the pier you find Kamakahonu Beach. Here you can spend your day, relaxing in the sun on the white sand and swimming in the calm water. The beach is not too busy, but you can still find some beach activities. The water is great for snorkelling and there are canoe rentals.

Along the seaside you find the main street Ali’i Drive. This is probably where you’ll be spending most of your time in Kona, since most activities are located here. This is where most hotels,restaurants and shops can be found and also a good amount of the cultural and historical sites.

Since the city is located close to Kona Airport, it’s easy to get to and makes it the perfect spot to have as your main location while staying at the Big Island. From here you can go on cruises and charter boats and around the area you can find activities such as horse-back riding and hiking.

Have fun exploring this city, with its great mixture of modern and ancient. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed yet active Hawaii vacation.

About the Author:
Are you planning a trip to the Hawaiian Islands? If you’re interested in Big Island Travel be sure to visit the Hawaiian Islands Explorer, a blog with heaps of travel info on the Hawaiian Islands.