On my favorite Podcast “All Things Travel” I spoke about the beaches of Hawaii. Here is a map of where the beaches are and the roadways to get to them. Among my favorites is Pololu Valley Black Sand Beach. This is the Pirates of the Caribbean beach I spoke of, It is a 400 foot hike to get here, there will be pictures below. Kappau is the home of Tropical Dreams Hawaiian Ice Cream. The top of this map is North, Heading East but still considered the North Coast is the Kohala Coast ( I called it the gold coast) you will call it paradise! Mauna Kea is home to the Mauna Kea Resort as well as the Westin Mouna Kea. it is here you will find Hapuna Beach state park. A Stunning 1/2 mile white sand beach. Found among the top beaches in the world. My favorite as well. Heading East you will also find the beaches at the Mauna Lani Resort as well as at the resorts of Waikoloa. Click on the pictures to see which beach is which.
One of the towns I mentioned is on the East Coast and it is Kailua – Kona. A marvelous beach town with a number of great restaurants and hotels. When traveling to the “Big Island” you will likely arrive at the Kona International Airport. A landing strip in the middle of lava fields and right on the ocean. Kona is the hot spot for outdoor activities. Snorkel at King Kam beach, Swim with the turtles at Disappearing Sand beach. Take a stroll down Ali’i Drive to see and be seen ending at the Kailua pier. Stop in one of the many shops and restaurants along the way. Favorites include Huggo’s and On the Rocks near the Royal Kona Resort. Great food and drinks including my 2nd favorite Mai Tai in Kona. This is a top pick for Happy Hour. Other favorites include Poppa Kona Restaurant, Journey to Good Health Cafe for Breakfast, the Kona Inn. Off Ali’i Drive a favorite lunch and Happy Hour stop is the Kona Brewing Company, famous for Kona Beer. Stop for the pizza and Pu Pu’s stay for the beer. Then for sunset try Sam Choy’s Kai Lanai home of my favorite Mai Tai on Kona and delicious seafood. A special place.
Tired yet, wait there is still a lot more to do here. How about a seahorse farm, see these fascinating creatures and learn all about them. Snorkel or Dive with the Manta Rays. You have to do this. The trips are available from all of the dive shops and from vendors along Ali’i Drive.
Check out the Farmers Market on Ali’i Drive, and don’t forget about the Coffee Ummm Kona Coffee. See where it is grown, roasted, and served for you.
There is plenty more to do around here, from sunset cruises to searching for dolphins and whales, Horseback, and helicopter rides. So much not to do that it will take a couple of weeks not to do it all.
