A Globetrotting Guide to
the Internet Hawaiian Holiday
Kailua
Kona Waterfront Stroll
The
sunsets, the sea, unique art galleries and shops make
Kailua-Kona a popular choice for tourists wishing a
Hawaiian vacation with small town attitude. Join us on a
stroll along the waterfront of this tourist destination.
Our tour begins on the grounds of the King
Kamehameha Hotel at 'Ahu'ena Heiau, the residence where the
great King Kamehameha resided during his later
years. Kamehameha dedicated this temple to the god Lono, who was responsible for
the fertility of the land. From this spot Kamehameha
could watch over his land, from the sea to the mountain,
and the fertile crops growing upon the slopes. Having
united all of the island, Kamehameha was able to enjoy
his final years, Kailua-Kona was his choice to enjoy
these days of peace.
Entering the Kamehameha Hotel lobby, many artifacts and
items of interest are on view. Upon the walls are
paintings of the royal
Hawaiian families, with documentation which permits
a crash course in local history. Artifacts include
feathered cloaks, leis and helmets in the
royal colors of red and yellow. Marlin fishing is big in Kona and on
view are world record catches of Marlin, weighing more
than 1000 pounds.
Leaving the hotel we now turn left at the waterfront and
walk along the seawall. Notice the Ironman sign, this is
the starting and ending point of the famous endurance sporting
event.
Our first stop is Hulihe'e
Palace.
Built in 1838 by Governor Kuakini this was the place of
choice for royalty on vacation. The Daughters of Hawaii
now run the building as a museum, inside you will find a
great collection of koa furniture. A great deal of the
furniture was auctioned off in the 1920s. Later the
owners were contacted and many chose to lend the pieces
for display in the museum. Many artifacts and royal
pictures are on display. Next to the museum is a book and
gift shop. Many of the books available are difficult to
find elsewhere, and there are a nice assortment of gifts
to enjoy.
Continuing down Ali'i Drive the Kona Inn Shopping Village
offers nearly 50 shops, restaurants, services and
galleries. Available are fashions, fine art, mementos,
activity services, food and drink. For a very good meal
deal walk across Ali'i Drive to Kimo's Family Buffet at Uncle Billy's Kona Bay
Hotel.
Breakfasts are an exceptional value featuring all you can
eat with everything from pancakes and eggs to beef stew
and rice.
Heading back towards the Kamehameha Hotel on the opposite
side of Ali'i Drive, the Kona Marketplace offers more
shops, movie theaters and a wonderful bookstore, the
Middle Earth Book Shoppe. Fun to browse and choose
reading material for lounging by the pool or beach.
Mokuaikaua Church was the first Christian
church built in the islands. The first building was a
thatched hut, the current structure was built in 1836.
Constructed with lava rock and coral this is a wonderful
source of architecture for the era. Inside there are
exhibits with regards to the early missionaries, and a
model of the Thaddeus
which transported the first missionaries to Hawaii.
Continuing our walk there are many small shops, discount
stores and places to eat along the stretch leading back
to the hotel. Stop for some shave ice, sunscreen at the ABC Store, a cup of Kona Coffee or
a slice of pizza. Enjoy yourself! Kailua-Kona is the
perfect location to enjoy your Hawaiian holiday.
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