United States • Hawaii • Hawaii County • Kailua-Kona
Boligbytte.com - Boligprofil #71868 - Home with Panoramic Ocean View in Kailua Kona, Hawaii, Sunset View, the Sunny Side of the Island, Luxury and Close to Town
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Bolig ID # 71868
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| Kailua Kona |
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| Kona Airport (KOA) |
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Vårt hjem
This is a 3 bedroom, 3 bath luxury home with a panoramic (sunset) view of the Ocean ... a private solar-heated pool...an infra red sauna, 5 minute drive to the main shopping and restaurant district in town and also to the closest beach, an extensive video collection of "favorite" movies (including children's movies), a computer on high speed internet with wireless in the entire house. The back of this house overlooks the ocean and is very private. The front overlooks the mountains. Be sure to click on the individual photos to see them enlarged.
The house is in Kailua-Kona about 2 miles south of the main part of town with many restaurants and shops. Kailua-Kona is the main tourist spot on The Big Island. It is on the sunny side of the island (as opposed to Hilo which is on the rainy side). It is 80-85 degrees and sunny almost every day of the year in Kona. Kailua-Kona is on the coastline of the island. This area is commonly referred to as Kailua-Kona or Kona. To be precise, Kona is a huge area that Kailua is a part of, hence the name Kailua-Kona. The Big Island is the largest and southern-most island of Hawaii and Kailua-Kona in on the far west coast.
The spirit of aloha is very apparent on the Big Island. You feel it the moment you get off the plane.
We have one sweet cat. He is an indoor/ outdoor cats and is quite self maintaining. Coby is very mellow and simply need food once a day and a hopefully a little love. He stays at the house next door and outside most of the time.
The house is in Kailua-Kona about 2 miles south of the main part of town with many restaurants and shops. Kailua-Kona is the main tourist spot on The Big Island. It is on the sunny side of the island (as opposed to Hilo which is on the rainy side). It is 80-85 degrees and sunny almost every day of the year in Kona. Kailua-Kona is on the coastline of the island. This area is commonly referred to as Kailua-Kona or Kona. To be precise, Kona is a huge area that Kailua is a part of, hence the name Kailua-Kona. The Big Island is the largest and southern-most island of Hawaii and Kailua-Kona in on the far west coast.
The spirit of aloha is very apparent on the Big Island. You feel it the moment you get off the plane.
We have one sweet cat. He is an indoor/ outdoor cats and is quite self maintaining. Coby is very mellow and simply need food once a day and a hopefully a little love. He stays at the house next door and outside most of the time.
Type bolig
| Enkeltfamilie |
Vårt nærområde
Pulling into the neighborhood is a real joy because the first thing you see is the ocean with the distinct vivid blue color found on this island. The homes here are all nice and well kept. You can see the mountain on one side and the ocean on the other. Kona Airport (KOA) is conveniently only a 20 minute drive away. The main strip of Kailua-Kona, Alii Drive, is about a 5 minute drive away. It takes about an hour to get to Waimea or Hawi, a little less than 2 hours to get to the volcano national park and about 2 1/2 hours to get to Hilo. It takes about 6 hours driving time to go around the whole island.
The island is spectacular and a great place to explore. The Big Island of Hawaii is unusual in that it has 11 of the world's 13 climactic zones. Since it's 85 degrees and sunny 365 days a year, we prefer the climactic zone found in Kailua-Kona!
The island is spectacular and a great place to explore. The Big Island of Hawaii is unusual in that it has 11 of the world's 13 climactic zones. Since it's 85 degrees and sunny 365 days a year, we prefer the climactic zone found in Kailua-Kona!
Attraksjoner i nærheten
| Country Club | Restauranter | Butikker | Gallerier/muséer |
| Teater | Treningsstudio | sjø | turløyper |
| fjell | sykling | surfing | dykking |
| turmuligheter | båt | fisking | svømming |
Annen informasjon
WHAT TO DO ON THE BIG ISLAND?
Getting around the Big Island is very simple since there is (pretty much) one highway going around the whole island. Check out the map of the island included in our photos. It's an excellent idea to get the book "Hawaii The Big Island Revealed" before your visit.
SIMPLE BIG ISLAND VACATION PLAN OF MUST DO's: (see more details below)
1. Have Breakfast and coffee at Lava Java downtown 75-5799 Alii Drive- 327-2161 You may want to start every morning this way... Our # 1 "MUST DO".
2. Lunch at The Coffee Shack. The view is "wow". (11 miles south on highway 11. (808) 328-9555)
3. Go to Huggo's for a fantastic dinner and view of the ocean followed by Huggo's on the Rocks (next door). downtown Kailua-Kona. http://www.restauranteur.com/huggos/. 808 329-1493. Needs reservation for Huggo's. Alii Drive, right of Royal Kona Resort.
4. Have Drinks at The Kona Inn- downtown on the water- Go for the view and the Mai Tai's. 75-5744 Alii Dr, 329-4010
5. Go to Hawi and eat at the Bamboo Restaurant for a very Hawaiian experience. Shop Hawi then go to Polulu Point (see more below).
6. Go Zip-Lining near Hawi!
7. Do the Sea Quest snorkeling and Cave trip boat tour with Captain Liam (2 miles from the house).
8. Drive to Volcano National Park (dont miss the Chain of Craters Road) and have lunch at Cafe Ono.
9. Drive to Hilo and see the Botanical Gardens, see Akaka Falls and eat at the 50's restaurant on the way.
10. Have a Lava Flow and snorkel at Kahalu'u Beach (2 miles away from the house, best snorkeling on island) and/or spend a day at (the more lush beach) Hapuna Beach, perhaps have lunch at the price Hotel next door- (45 minutes north).
11. Stroll through the Kona Outdoor Market open Wednesdays through Sundays. Downtown Kona next to St Michael's Church.
12. Go to a luau the Royal Kona Luau (2 miles from the house).
13. Check out some traditional Hawaiian take-out food to keep at the house. Kailua Pork gotten at the Kava Bar next to Wasabi's downtown and the "Dynamite Poke" from Da Poke Shack on a mile away. Also Killer Taco's is a legend in Kona for take out tacos and the famous "Barnyard Burrito".
14. Consider para-sailing and Jet-skiing in close by downtown Kailua-Kona.
See below for much much more!
BEST BOOK TO GET: "Hawaii The Big Island Revealed" (the blue book)- hands down.
The house offers a solar heated pool, an infra red sauna, an extensive video collection, a guitar and ukulele, and some toys.
We have boogie boards, surf boards, towels, beach chairs, coolers etc etc. Feel free to use anything.
A fantastic WALKING PATH is just up the street- (the Walua trail is 3 blocks up the hill to the right). This is a historic trail where donkeys used to deliver goods to this town. It is a fairly flat trail (hard to find in a hilly town like Kailua-Kona) and if you look you'll see mile markers, so you will know how long you've walked.
The house is close to one of the best snorkeling beaches on the island (Kahalu'u Beach Park), one of the best surfing spots (Lyman's Beach which you can see from the bedroom), "Magic" Sands Beach (the beach is there... then it's "not" there!) and Keauhou Bay (that offers many water activities- we love Sea Quest fast boat snorkeling and cave tours 329-7238 and dolphin excurions (see below for much more). In downtown Kona / Alii Drive you can sign up for parasailing, kayaking and jet-skiing.
Our favorites:
Zip-LINING is now open on the Big Island and it is fantastic!!! We think it is THE MOST EXCITING activity to do on the Big Island. The ziplines go over gorgeous scenery, waterfalls, Hawaiian foliage and cliffs. It is a 4 hour activity and there are 8 different zip lines on the course. And a new advanced course has now opened! The lines proceed from a "bunny slope" to more challenging terrains and finish with a zip line off of a steep cliff over a valley below! Even the more challenging zip lines become doable (even for the most timid, like Laurie) because the order of the courses ease you into the next bit-more-challenging course and you feel very secure and fastened in your zip lining gear. If I can do it anyone can!! 808-889-5111 or bigislandecoadventures.com.
-SEA QUEST FAST BOAT SNORKELING AND CAVE TOURS mentioned above. (With Captain Liam- he's so funny). seaquesthawaii.com or 808 329-RAFT (7238).
THE VOLCANO!- To see the lava flow (for the past year) one needs to drive past volcano national park to the Puna district where it can be seen behind a few people's properties. There it is seen closely and beautifully creating land mass as lava flows into the ocean. My cousin filmed a You Tube video of what he saw. This can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP6AS-AO7MM Ask Laurie for the phone number of a great tour guide. "Bo" lives on the property near the lava flows so we think this is the best way to see the lava these days. A very cool place to stay near volcano is the volcano tree house! vrbo.com/199848
- An unforgettable adventure is to SWIM WITH THE DOLPHINS IN THE OCEAN! (Website: wilddolphinswimshawaii.com or Call or “text” Roberta at 808 345-3120 ). Dolphin swim companies watch the movement of the dolphins in the ocean on a particular day and then take you to areas. Usually a large pod of dolphins swim around you 5-6 times in one 4 hour cruise. Just being out on the boat is fantastic too. It is a great vantage point to see the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii and hundreds of dolphins.
MANTA RAY NIGHT DIVES- What a scene! It is like a city for an hour or two in the ocean at night, all lit up and six 10-16' mantas swimming amongst everyone. Surreal! They make it comfortable even for beginners or those who have never been in the ocean at night. 5:30 PM till after dark. Wetsuits provided. (Website: wilddolphinswimshawaii.com or Call or “text” Roberta at 808 345-3120 ). Since it is a night excursion and dive, people with sea sickness will need their dramamine).
-HELICOPTER TOURS- PLAN FOR THIS BEFORE YOUR TRIP. Blue Hawaiian is one of the biggest companies. (They have cute ladies shirts to buy afterward too.) Most people do the "Circle of Fire and WaterFall Tour" which is about 45 minutes long. You can book online and get better rates. http://www.bluehawaiian.com/bigisland/tours/circle_of_fire/
(There may be better rates available from other companies if you do a search). For this one you would drive over to Hilo and go out from the Hilo airport which is easy to find. You can also go out from Kona but then you would be doing a whole island tour which costs about $350 or more. While you are in Hilo you can see the Hilo waterfalls and the botanical gardens. (Please go to the Botanical Gardens even if it sounds boring. We think it is a must-see). You would also have the opportunity to go to eat dinner at the Hilo Bay Cafe. (In a shopping center close to Walmart).
BEACHES- we recommend Magic Sands (close-by), Hapuna (a little bit north but worth it- kinda busy), Makalwena (this one takes a 25 min hike to get to but it is WELL worth it- a 4 wheel drive car can get you closer, though) and the beaches next to the "energy labs" which are pretty close to Kailua Kona, a little northward. The beaches next to the energy labs are rocky beaches but are a "great" place to camp overnight with miles of gorgeous coastline.
SURFING- There are several beaches very close-by for surfing. Hunnels over by Kona Reef is good, so is Lymons and Kahaluu Beach Park down by Keauhou Beach Hotel. All of these are off of Alii drive, the ocean drive just below the house.
- BREATHTAKING HIKING EXPERIENCES - We like 1) the walking path up the street 2) the path downhill to the black sand beach at Polulu point and 3) walking Botanical gardens -( which are "kind of" like hiking at least...), and hiking the caldera at the Volcano National Park. There are books about hiking the Big Island available for more avid hikers.
- SHOPPING: We recommend 1) downtown Kona on Alii Drive; 2) the shops in Hawi; 3) the Parker Ranch Shops in Waimea; 4) the Kings Shops (Waikaloa Resorts after mm 77 take left); 5) the Queens Shops (Waikoloa Resorts, after mm 77 take left) ; 6) the shops at Mauna Lani (after mm 74 take left) ; 7) Macy’s in Kailua; 8) Costco (a little north after the 97 mm, take a right on Hina Lani, then take first right and third left); 9) the main street in Hilo, 10) the "Honolua Surfing Company" in Kona, 11) "Journeys" next to the Starbucks in Waimea. 12) There are many shops driving south around Captain Cook, and 13) cute ones in Holualoa (all the way up Hualalai Rd, close to mm 121, then left on Rt 180); 14) Volcano Garden Arts near volcano (see directions in our list of restaurants); to name only a few. This area has artsy stores interspersed with antique everywhere you drive. 16) The Alii Market for local produce, crafts, gorgeous flowers, etc. downtown Kailua (next to St Michael's Catholic Church and across from the Wyland Gallery - open Wed through Sunday)
ART STUDIOS ARE EVERYWHERE- To find out about the art studios near volcano see www.volcanovillageartistshui.com
-LIVE MUSIC at various locations all over the place. Well known locations: 1) Huggos on the Rocks (downtown Kailua-Kona); 2) Bongo Ben's (across from Huggo's) 3) Basil's Pizzaria upstairs (downtown).
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-GOLF ON THE BIG ISLAND
A nice website to see an overview of the golf courses go to: http://www.bigisland.org/hawaii-golf-courses/ Click on each listing to see more. The house will have the West Hawaii Mapbook. The last page of the book has a listing of the golf course with the page numbers to show directions. I’d recommend calling for directions. Most of the courses are off highway 19 but the signs may not be clear on the back roads.
Rates: The Kona Country Club close-by is about $150 a person. The resorts up north run about $200 or more per person.
- HUALALAI RESORT- at the Four Seasons Resort. http://www.hualalairesort.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/ig.page/PageID/1452
Approximately 20 miles North of the house off highway 19 between mile marker 87 and 86. Take a left on Kaupulehu Dr. Hualalai Golf Club:
808 325-8480
- golf at KONA COUNTRY CLUB- the ocean course is said to be more scenic that the mountain course.
About 2 miles south of the house- http://www.bigisland.org/hawaii-golf-courses?c=Kona-Country-Club ; http://www.konagolf.com/greenfees.asp; http://www.konagolf.com/teetimes.asp
Tee times/proshop: 808-322-2595; Toll Free 1-888-707-4522
- Golf at MAUNA KEA RESORT- at the Prince Resort. About 40 miles north of the house off highway 19 between mm 68 and 67. http://www.princeresortshawaii.com/mauna-kea-beach-hotel/MKB/golf/; http://www.princeresortshawaii.com/mauna-kea-golf-course/golf-tee-times.php
Pro Shop - 808-882-5400.
-Golf at MAUNA LANI- About 30 miles North of the house off highway 19 between mile marker 74 and 73. Take a left on Mauna Lani Drive http://www.maunalani.com/g_sc_overview.htm
http://www.maunalani.com/g_rates.htm Rate is $215 per player. Mauna Lani Resort 68-1310 Mauna Lani Drive. Kohala Coast. Hawaii 96743. www.maunalani.com Call 808-885-6655 for more information or email: golf@maunalani.com.
-Golf at WAIKOLOA BEACH RESORT- About 30 miles North of the house off highway 19 between mm 77 and 76. Take a left on Waikoloa beach drive; http://waikoloabeachgolf.com/golf/proto/waikoloabeachgolf/; 600 Waikoloa Beach Drive Waikoloa, Hawaii 96738 email: golf@waikoloaland.com 1-808-886-7888
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-IN-HOME MASSAGES- low priced and excellent! Jain (call or “text”) at 808 756-7091. She charges $75 an hour for in-home massages.
GREAT KID'S PLAYGROUND! - Kamakana Playground. Drive south on main road (11) between mm 115 and 116.
THEATERS- the Aloha Theater in Captain Cook. www.apachawaii.org. We highly recommend flying to Maui to see "Ululena" in downtown Lahaina. This musical offers a beautiful depiction of the history of Hawaii. See www.mauitheatre.com
Movie Theaters: There are two movie theaters both about 2 miles from the house. The Regal Theaters Keauhou and the Hollywood Makalapua Theaters next to the Kmart. Each theater has 7-11 movies showing at one time.
OUR HIGHLIGHTS IN FLYING TO OTHER ISLANDS:
Maui- We like to stay at the Lahaina Shores, eat at Chez Paul (in Lahaina 808 661-3843) and Mama's Fish house (in Paia 808 579-8488) , shop in Paia, see the show Ululena.
Kauai- gorgeous small lush island.
Molokai- the former home of the recently canonized saint, Saint Damien.
Oahu- where to find skyscapers and traditional shopping centers, beauty, and high surf.
Day trips we love:
- We love to drive north to Hawi to shop and go to the Bamboo Restaurant for lunch (closed Mondays- 889-5555) then to Polulu point (on the way to Polulu don't miss the tree on the left of the road near mile marker 24! ) and to hike (downhill) to the black sand beach and beyond (DON'T miss walking down the path PAST the black sand beach.. next to the coastline, many pleasant surprises are there- but remember that you will need to walk back uphill!).
- We regularly drive to Hilo (through Waimea), eat lunch at "the 50's restaurant" (after mile marker 25, the east side of the island-closed Monday and Tuesday), walk the lush path to Akaka Falls, drive Banyon drive and "the 4 mile scenic drive" and we especially we like Botanical Gardens (our favorite place on the island) off of the scenic drive (the garden closes at 4:30 PM). Top it off with dinner at the Hilo Bay Cafe.
- Waipi'o Valley is an incredible place for a picnic but you need to be a very, very good driver to get there and have a 4-wheel drive approved vehicle. An alternative is to sign up for a Waipi'o Valley horseback riding tour (http://adventureinhawaii.com/bigisland_horse.htm) ATV tour (you ride the rim of the valley-http://www.ridetherim.com/). NOTE: If you'd like to drive, ask Laurie for the name of a car rental company that rents approved 4-wheel drive cars for the day. (Our KIA is all-wheel drive but isn't approved to drive the steep hill to Waipi'o Valley). We think it is MOST fun to rent a car to drive the very steep hill to the valley... then picnic and explore down there ! A very recommended experience ! If you do this be very careful driving down, however if you are cautious, it is very safe.
-And of course you will want to see the Volcano National Park. When you go be sure to drive down the Chain of Craters Rd (gorgeous). We love eating lunch at Volcano Garden Arts (fabulous art shop and cafe).
Wanna Buy a place in Kona? For a realtor we adore Marissa Ashley (She is so helpful and so nice!) the owner of Action Team Realty. 808 938-8789 or marissa@actionteam.com
Our favorite restaurants: (going clockwise around the island)
We highly recommend every restaurant on this list!
Kailua-Kona Area:
Lava Java downtown, 75-5799 Alii Drive- 327-2161 MUST DO!
Peaberry and Gallette for crepes in the Keauhou Shopping Center, off Alii Dr. MUST DO!
Huggo's for a fantastic dinner and Huggo's on the Rocks for Hawaiian music and drinks next door- downtown Kailua-Kona. http://www.restauranteur.com/huggos/. 808 329-1493. Needs reservation for Huggo's. Alii Drive on the right of Royal Kona Resort. MUST DO!
The Kona Inn- downtown on the water- food is pretty good in bar area, drinks are known to be the best anywhere, the view is outstanding! There is also a more expensive dinner section that has higher priced steaks and seafood. 75-5744 Alii Dr, 329-4010 MUST DO!
Indian Cuisine- downtown Kailua-Kona. 75-5669 Alii Drive. 808 326-9889Bianelli's Gourmet Pizza- The BEST pizza in town. Their calzone are superb! In Keaheau Shopping center.
Haboneros- Mexican is GREAT in Keauhou Shopping Center down from Peaberry. The food is fantastic, the atmosphere is simple, the price is low.
Jackie Reys a mile away or so off Kuakini on the right, 75-5995A Kuakini-327-0209
Wasabes- downtown Kailua Kona for sushi, and Japanese food. This restaurant faces the ocean on the main strip but is set back (left of the outback and next to the Kava bar) We eat here once a week. The sushi, miso soup, side asian vegetable dishes and boiled peanuts are great. Yum.
Kona Brewing Company and Brewpub (really fun and close by but CALL for directions 329-2739)
Killer Taco's-behind Kimos Furniture
You Make the Roll - design Your Own Sushi- in downtown Kona go behind Pancho Lefty’s and look to the right.
Fishoppers downtown- Monday and Tuesday's they have a steak and lobster special for $19.99. Very nice. No reservations required.
For the BEST poke you have ever had in your life go to Da Poke Shack on Alii Drive. (Casual take out place)
North Kona: (about a 40 minute drive north of the house)
The Blue Dragon- great dining, dancing and live music under the stars in Kohala. http://www.bluedragonhawaii.com/
Cafe Pesto 808 882-1071 (two locations, both great though we think the Hilo location is a little better than the Kohala one) Usually no reservations required.
Many Restaurants in the shopping malls near the resorts (see shopping). These include Ruth's Chris (808 887-0800) and Roy's (808 886-4321) Reservations Required.
Hawi:
Bamboo Restaurant- a nice taste of Hawaii. No reservations necessary. Closed from 2-5 and Mondays.
Lighthouse Deli- a couple doors to the right of the Bamboo. A New York Deli. Pastrami and Corned Beef shipped in from New York.
Waimea: (about an hour drive north of the house)
Merriman's (needs reservation, 808 885-6822 - for that "special" dinner),65-1227 Opelo Rd
Fujimama's in Waimea (across from Merriman's, 2 doors down from the Parker Ranch Shops), probably call for reservations. There is a nice and less expensive lunch menu 11-2. 808 938-5923
Daniel Thiebalt- 65-1259 Kawaihae Rd. 808 887-2200- Sunday Brunch is out of this world! They have a fantastic “happy hour” too.
North of Hilo:
The 50’s Restaurant- north of Hilo and Botanical Gardens. It is between mile marker 24 and 25 on the ocean side highway. Closed Monday and Tuesdays. Delicious, fresh food and memorabilia!
Hilo:
Hilo Bay Cafe! next to the Kmart in Hilo (close to the Borders and “the mall”) 315 Makaala St 808 935-4939
Volcano:
Cafe Ono in Volcano Garden Arts- Wow!! An experience! Cafe with 5 star food, low prices and a beautiful shop and gardens. A must do. See volcannarts.com. if traveling south to volcano, pass the volcano park entrance on right. Take 3rd left on Wright Rd. Take your first right and go less than a block, and see it on the left. Closes at 3 PM.
Naalehu- (home of Mark Twain's house)
Hanahou Restaurant- the southernmost restaurant in the USA). Open 7 days a week till 7PM and 8PM on weekends. We recommend that you have a dish with shredded pork. Driving south on highway 11, through Naalehu, take the first right after the Shaka Restaurant, look immediately on your left.
South Kona:
Coffee Shack - past Angel a few miles going south (What a View! This is a must-do for breakfast or lunch) MUST DO!
Mi’s- great!! Italian food on the main road going south just after mile marker 111 (if driving south from Kona) in a small shopping center. Very nice place and excellent food! The only homemade pasta on the island. 808 323-3880
Keei Cafe - Dinners are great here! lunch isn’t so special. Need reservations for dinner. South of Captain Cook. 808 322-9992
Annie's Burgers- next to Island Natural foods in Mango Court. 79-7460 Mamalahoa (highway 11) #105. 808 324-6000. Highly recommended!
The Angel Cafe on main road about 10 miles south,
Manago’s- 808 323-2642. In Hotel Manago. 82-6155 Mamaloa Hwy. Very casual place but we love it. Truly the best pork chops on the island! Captain Cook. Opens at 5 PM for dinner, no reservations required. Closed Monday.
Grocery Stores close-by: KTA in the Keauhou Shopping Center or off Palani are the most fun grocery stores here. Safeway and Sac'n Save are about 2 miles away. Costco is about 5 miles north.
Food that can be delivered to the house:
Domino's Pizza - 75-5660 Kopiko St # D6, Kailua-Kona - (808) 329-9500
Door Step Dining LLC - www.doorstepdininghawaii.com - 77-6646 Walua Road, Kailua-Kona - (808) 327-3463
Pizza Hut - 74-5620A Palani Road, Kailua-Kona - (808) 329-1698
Little Caesars Pizza - 74-5465 Kamakaeha Avenue, Kailua-Kona - (808) 326-1420
Don's Chinese Kitchen - www.donschinesekitchen.com - 74-5588 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona - (808) 329-3770
Basils - www.bostonbasils.com - 75-5707 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona - (808) 326-7836
Taco Bell - 74-5620 Palani Rd # B, Kailua-Kona - (808) 329-4242
We hope this helps you plan a wonderful trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, our favorite spot in the world.
Aloha, Laurie and Jacob
Getting around the Big Island is very simple since there is (pretty much) one highway going around the whole island. Check out the map of the island included in our photos. It's an excellent idea to get the book "Hawaii The Big Island Revealed" before your visit.
SIMPLE BIG ISLAND VACATION PLAN OF MUST DO's: (see more details below)
1. Have Breakfast and coffee at Lava Java downtown 75-5799 Alii Drive- 327-2161 You may want to start every morning this way... Our # 1 "MUST DO".
2. Lunch at The Coffee Shack. The view is "wow". (11 miles south on highway 11. (808) 328-9555)
3. Go to Huggo's for a fantastic dinner and view of the ocean followed by Huggo's on the Rocks (next door). downtown Kailua-Kona. http://www.restauranteur.com/huggos/. 808 329-1493. Needs reservation for Huggo's. Alii Drive, right of Royal Kona Resort.
4. Have Drinks at The Kona Inn- downtown on the water- Go for the view and the Mai Tai's. 75-5744 Alii Dr, 329-4010
5. Go to Hawi and eat at the Bamboo Restaurant for a very Hawaiian experience. Shop Hawi then go to Polulu Point (see more below).
6. Go Zip-Lining near Hawi!
7. Do the Sea Quest snorkeling and Cave trip boat tour with Captain Liam (2 miles from the house).
8. Drive to Volcano National Park (dont miss the Chain of Craters Road) and have lunch at Cafe Ono.
9. Drive to Hilo and see the Botanical Gardens, see Akaka Falls and eat at the 50's restaurant on the way.
10. Have a Lava Flow and snorkel at Kahalu'u Beach (2 miles away from the house, best snorkeling on island) and/or spend a day at (the more lush beach) Hapuna Beach, perhaps have lunch at the price Hotel next door- (45 minutes north).
11. Stroll through the Kona Outdoor Market open Wednesdays through Sundays. Downtown Kona next to St Michael's Church.
12. Go to a luau the Royal Kona Luau (2 miles from the house).
13. Check out some traditional Hawaiian take-out food to keep at the house. Kailua Pork gotten at the Kava Bar next to Wasabi's downtown and the "Dynamite Poke" from Da Poke Shack on a mile away. Also Killer Taco's is a legend in Kona for take out tacos and the famous "Barnyard Burrito".
14. Consider para-sailing and Jet-skiing in close by downtown Kailua-Kona.
See below for much much more!
BEST BOOK TO GET: "Hawaii The Big Island Revealed" (the blue book)- hands down.
The house offers a solar heated pool, an infra red sauna, an extensive video collection, a guitar and ukulele, and some toys.
We have boogie boards, surf boards, towels, beach chairs, coolers etc etc. Feel free to use anything.
A fantastic WALKING PATH is just up the street- (the Walua trail is 3 blocks up the hill to the right). This is a historic trail where donkeys used to deliver goods to this town. It is a fairly flat trail (hard to find in a hilly town like Kailua-Kona) and if you look you'll see mile markers, so you will know how long you've walked.
The house is close to one of the best snorkeling beaches on the island (Kahalu'u Beach Park), one of the best surfing spots (Lyman's Beach which you can see from the bedroom), "Magic" Sands Beach (the beach is there... then it's "not" there!) and Keauhou Bay (that offers many water activities- we love Sea Quest fast boat snorkeling and cave tours 329-7238 and dolphin excurions (see below for much more). In downtown Kona / Alii Drive you can sign up for parasailing, kayaking and jet-skiing.
Our favorites:
Zip-LINING is now open on the Big Island and it is fantastic!!! We think it is THE MOST EXCITING activity to do on the Big Island. The ziplines go over gorgeous scenery, waterfalls, Hawaiian foliage and cliffs. It is a 4 hour activity and there are 8 different zip lines on the course. And a new advanced course has now opened! The lines proceed from a "bunny slope" to more challenging terrains and finish with a zip line off of a steep cliff over a valley below! Even the more challenging zip lines become doable (even for the most timid, like Laurie) because the order of the courses ease you into the next bit-more-challenging course and you feel very secure and fastened in your zip lining gear. If I can do it anyone can!! 808-889-5111 or bigislandecoadventures.com.
-SEA QUEST FAST BOAT SNORKELING AND CAVE TOURS mentioned above. (With Captain Liam- he's so funny). seaquesthawaii.com or 808 329-RAFT (7238).
THE VOLCANO!- To see the lava flow (for the past year) one needs to drive past volcano national park to the Puna district where it can be seen behind a few people's properties. There it is seen closely and beautifully creating land mass as lava flows into the ocean. My cousin filmed a You Tube video of what he saw. This can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP6AS-AO7MM Ask Laurie for the phone number of a great tour guide. "Bo" lives on the property near the lava flows so we think this is the best way to see the lava these days. A very cool place to stay near volcano is the volcano tree house! vrbo.com/199848
- An unforgettable adventure is to SWIM WITH THE DOLPHINS IN THE OCEAN! (Website: wilddolphinswimshawaii.com or Call or “text” Roberta at 808 345-3120 ). Dolphin swim companies watch the movement of the dolphins in the ocean on a particular day and then take you to areas. Usually a large pod of dolphins swim around you 5-6 times in one 4 hour cruise. Just being out on the boat is fantastic too. It is a great vantage point to see the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii and hundreds of dolphins.
MANTA RAY NIGHT DIVES- What a scene! It is like a city for an hour or two in the ocean at night, all lit up and six 10-16' mantas swimming amongst everyone. Surreal! They make it comfortable even for beginners or those who have never been in the ocean at night. 5:30 PM till after dark. Wetsuits provided. (Website: wilddolphinswimshawaii.com or Call or “text” Roberta at 808 345-3120 ). Since it is a night excursion and dive, people with sea sickness will need their dramamine).
-HELICOPTER TOURS- PLAN FOR THIS BEFORE YOUR TRIP. Blue Hawaiian is one of the biggest companies. (They have cute ladies shirts to buy afterward too.) Most people do the "Circle of Fire and WaterFall Tour" which is about 45 minutes long. You can book online and get better rates. http://www.bluehawaiian.com/bigisland/tours/circle_of_fire/
(There may be better rates available from other companies if you do a search). For this one you would drive over to Hilo and go out from the Hilo airport which is easy to find. You can also go out from Kona but then you would be doing a whole island tour which costs about $350 or more. While you are in Hilo you can see the Hilo waterfalls and the botanical gardens. (Please go to the Botanical Gardens even if it sounds boring. We think it is a must-see). You would also have the opportunity to go to eat dinner at the Hilo Bay Cafe. (In a shopping center close to Walmart).
BEACHES- we recommend Magic Sands (close-by), Hapuna (a little bit north but worth it- kinda busy), Makalwena (this one takes a 25 min hike to get to but it is WELL worth it- a 4 wheel drive car can get you closer, though) and the beaches next to the "energy labs" which are pretty close to Kailua Kona, a little northward. The beaches next to the energy labs are rocky beaches but are a "great" place to camp overnight with miles of gorgeous coastline.
SURFING- There are several beaches very close-by for surfing. Hunnels over by Kona Reef is good, so is Lymons and Kahaluu Beach Park down by Keauhou Beach Hotel. All of these are off of Alii drive, the ocean drive just below the house.
- BREATHTAKING HIKING EXPERIENCES - We like 1) the walking path up the street 2) the path downhill to the black sand beach at Polulu point and 3) walking Botanical gardens -( which are "kind of" like hiking at least...), and hiking the caldera at the Volcano National Park. There are books about hiking the Big Island available for more avid hikers.
- SHOPPING: We recommend 1) downtown Kona on Alii Drive; 2) the shops in Hawi; 3) the Parker Ranch Shops in Waimea; 4) the Kings Shops (Waikaloa Resorts after mm 77 take left); 5) the Queens Shops (Waikoloa Resorts, after mm 77 take left) ; 6) the shops at Mauna Lani (after mm 74 take left) ; 7) Macy’s in Kailua; 8) Costco (a little north after the 97 mm, take a right on Hina Lani, then take first right and third left); 9) the main street in Hilo, 10) the "Honolua Surfing Company" in Kona, 11) "Journeys" next to the Starbucks in Waimea. 12) There are many shops driving south around Captain Cook, and 13) cute ones in Holualoa (all the way up Hualalai Rd, close to mm 121, then left on Rt 180); 14) Volcano Garden Arts near volcano (see directions in our list of restaurants); to name only a few. This area has artsy stores interspersed with antique everywhere you drive. 16) The Alii Market for local produce, crafts, gorgeous flowers, etc. downtown Kailua (next to St Michael's Catholic Church and across from the Wyland Gallery - open Wed through Sunday)
ART STUDIOS ARE EVERYWHERE- To find out about the art studios near volcano see www.volcanovillageartistshui.com
-LIVE MUSIC at various locations all over the place. Well known locations: 1) Huggos on the Rocks (downtown Kailua-Kona); 2) Bongo Ben's (across from Huggo's) 3) Basil's Pizzaria upstairs (downtown).
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-GOLF ON THE BIG ISLAND
A nice website to see an overview of the golf courses go to: http://www.bigisland.org/hawaii-golf-courses/ Click on each listing to see more. The house will have the West Hawaii Mapbook. The last page of the book has a listing of the golf course with the page numbers to show directions. I’d recommend calling for directions. Most of the courses are off highway 19 but the signs may not be clear on the back roads.
Rates: The Kona Country Club close-by is about $150 a person. The resorts up north run about $200 or more per person.
- HUALALAI RESORT- at the Four Seasons Resort. http://www.hualalairesort.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/ig.page/PageID/1452
Approximately 20 miles North of the house off highway 19 between mile marker 87 and 86. Take a left on Kaupulehu Dr. Hualalai Golf Club:
808 325-8480
- golf at KONA COUNTRY CLUB- the ocean course is said to be more scenic that the mountain course.
About 2 miles south of the house- http://www.bigisland.org/hawaii-golf-courses?c=Kona-Country-Club ; http://www.konagolf.com/greenfees.asp; http://www.konagolf.com/teetimes.asp
Tee times/proshop: 808-322-2595; Toll Free 1-888-707-4522
- Golf at MAUNA KEA RESORT- at the Prince Resort. About 40 miles north of the house off highway 19 between mm 68 and 67. http://www.princeresortshawaii.com/mauna-kea-beach-hotel/MKB/golf/; http://www.princeresortshawaii.com/mauna-kea-golf-course/golf-tee-times.php
Pro Shop - 808-882-5400.
-Golf at MAUNA LANI- About 30 miles North of the house off highway 19 between mile marker 74 and 73. Take a left on Mauna Lani Drive http://www.maunalani.com/g_sc_overview.htm
http://www.maunalani.com/g_rates.htm Rate is $215 per player. Mauna Lani Resort 68-1310 Mauna Lani Drive. Kohala Coast. Hawaii 96743. www.maunalani.com Call 808-885-6655 for more information or email: golf@maunalani.com.
-Golf at WAIKOLOA BEACH RESORT- About 30 miles North of the house off highway 19 between mm 77 and 76. Take a left on Waikoloa beach drive; http://waikoloabeachgolf.com/golf/proto/waikoloabeachgolf/; 600 Waikoloa Beach Drive Waikoloa, Hawaii 96738 email: golf@waikoloaland.com 1-808-886-7888
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-IN-HOME MASSAGES- low priced and excellent! Jain (call or “text”) at 808 756-7091. She charges $75 an hour for in-home massages.
GREAT KID'S PLAYGROUND! - Kamakana Playground. Drive south on main road (11) between mm 115 and 116.
THEATERS- the Aloha Theater in Captain Cook. www.apachawaii.org. We highly recommend flying to Maui to see "Ululena" in downtown Lahaina. This musical offers a beautiful depiction of the history of Hawaii. See www.mauitheatre.com
Movie Theaters: There are two movie theaters both about 2 miles from the house. The Regal Theaters Keauhou and the Hollywood Makalapua Theaters next to the Kmart. Each theater has 7-11 movies showing at one time.
OUR HIGHLIGHTS IN FLYING TO OTHER ISLANDS:
Maui- We like to stay at the Lahaina Shores, eat at Chez Paul (in Lahaina 808 661-3843) and Mama's Fish house (in Paia 808 579-8488) , shop in Paia, see the show Ululena.
Kauai- gorgeous small lush island.
Molokai- the former home of the recently canonized saint, Saint Damien.
Oahu- where to find skyscapers and traditional shopping centers, beauty, and high surf.
Day trips we love:
- We love to drive north to Hawi to shop and go to the Bamboo Restaurant for lunch (closed Mondays- 889-5555) then to Polulu point (on the way to Polulu don't miss the tree on the left of the road near mile marker 24! ) and to hike (downhill) to the black sand beach and beyond (DON'T miss walking down the path PAST the black sand beach.. next to the coastline, many pleasant surprises are there- but remember that you will need to walk back uphill!).
- We regularly drive to Hilo (through Waimea), eat lunch at "the 50's restaurant" (after mile marker 25, the east side of the island-closed Monday and Tuesday), walk the lush path to Akaka Falls, drive Banyon drive and "the 4 mile scenic drive" and we especially we like Botanical Gardens (our favorite place on the island) off of the scenic drive (the garden closes at 4:30 PM). Top it off with dinner at the Hilo Bay Cafe.
- Waipi'o Valley is an incredible place for a picnic but you need to be a very, very good driver to get there and have a 4-wheel drive approved vehicle. An alternative is to sign up for a Waipi'o Valley horseback riding tour (http://adventureinhawaii.com/bigisland_horse.htm) ATV tour (you ride the rim of the valley-http://www.ridetherim.com/). NOTE: If you'd like to drive, ask Laurie for the name of a car rental company that rents approved 4-wheel drive cars for the day. (Our KIA is all-wheel drive but isn't approved to drive the steep hill to Waipi'o Valley). We think it is MOST fun to rent a car to drive the very steep hill to the valley... then picnic and explore down there ! A very recommended experience ! If you do this be very careful driving down, however if you are cautious, it is very safe.
-And of course you will want to see the Volcano National Park. When you go be sure to drive down the Chain of Craters Rd (gorgeous). We love eating lunch at Volcano Garden Arts (fabulous art shop and cafe).
Wanna Buy a place in Kona? For a realtor we adore Marissa Ashley (She is so helpful and so nice!) the owner of Action Team Realty. 808 938-8789 or marissa@actionteam.com
Our favorite restaurants: (going clockwise around the island)
We highly recommend every restaurant on this list!
Kailua-Kona Area:
Lava Java downtown, 75-5799 Alii Drive- 327-2161 MUST DO!
Peaberry and Gallette for crepes in the Keauhou Shopping Center, off Alii Dr. MUST DO!
Huggo's for a fantastic dinner and Huggo's on the Rocks for Hawaiian music and drinks next door- downtown Kailua-Kona. http://www.restauranteur.com/huggos/. 808 329-1493. Needs reservation for Huggo's. Alii Drive on the right of Royal Kona Resort. MUST DO!
The Kona Inn- downtown on the water- food is pretty good in bar area, drinks are known to be the best anywhere, the view is outstanding! There is also a more expensive dinner section that has higher priced steaks and seafood. 75-5744 Alii Dr, 329-4010 MUST DO!
Indian Cuisine- downtown Kailua-Kona. 75-5669 Alii Drive. 808 326-9889Bianelli's Gourmet Pizza- The BEST pizza in town. Their calzone are superb! In Keaheau Shopping center.
Haboneros- Mexican is GREAT in Keauhou Shopping Center down from Peaberry. The food is fantastic, the atmosphere is simple, the price is low.
Jackie Reys a mile away or so off Kuakini on the right, 75-5995A Kuakini-327-0209
Wasabes- downtown Kailua Kona for sushi, and Japanese food. This restaurant faces the ocean on the main strip but is set back (left of the outback and next to the Kava bar) We eat here once a week. The sushi, miso soup, side asian vegetable dishes and boiled peanuts are great. Yum.
Kona Brewing Company and Brewpub (really fun and close by but CALL for directions 329-2739)
Killer Taco's-behind Kimos Furniture
You Make the Roll - design Your Own Sushi- in downtown Kona go behind Pancho Lefty’s and look to the right.
Fishoppers downtown- Monday and Tuesday's they have a steak and lobster special for $19.99. Very nice. No reservations required.
For the BEST poke you have ever had in your life go to Da Poke Shack on Alii Drive. (Casual take out place)
North Kona: (about a 40 minute drive north of the house)
The Blue Dragon- great dining, dancing and live music under the stars in Kohala. http://www.bluedragonhawaii.com/
Cafe Pesto 808 882-1071 (two locations, both great though we think the Hilo location is a little better than the Kohala one) Usually no reservations required.
Many Restaurants in the shopping malls near the resorts (see shopping). These include Ruth's Chris (808 887-0800) and Roy's (808 886-4321) Reservations Required.
Hawi:
Bamboo Restaurant- a nice taste of Hawaii. No reservations necessary. Closed from 2-5 and Mondays.
Lighthouse Deli- a couple doors to the right of the Bamboo. A New York Deli. Pastrami and Corned Beef shipped in from New York.
Waimea: (about an hour drive north of the house)
Merriman's (needs reservation, 808 885-6822 - for that "special" dinner),65-1227 Opelo Rd
Fujimama's in Waimea (across from Merriman's, 2 doors down from the Parker Ranch Shops), probably call for reservations. There is a nice and less expensive lunch menu 11-2. 808 938-5923
Daniel Thiebalt- 65-1259 Kawaihae Rd. 808 887-2200- Sunday Brunch is out of this world! They have a fantastic “happy hour” too.
North of Hilo:
The 50’s Restaurant- north of Hilo and Botanical Gardens. It is between mile marker 24 and 25 on the ocean side highway. Closed Monday and Tuesdays. Delicious, fresh food and memorabilia!
Hilo:
Hilo Bay Cafe! next to the Kmart in Hilo (close to the Borders and “the mall”) 315 Makaala St 808 935-4939
Volcano:
Cafe Ono in Volcano Garden Arts- Wow!! An experience! Cafe with 5 star food, low prices and a beautiful shop and gardens. A must do. See volcannarts.com. if traveling south to volcano, pass the volcano park entrance on right. Take 3rd left on Wright Rd. Take your first right and go less than a block, and see it on the left. Closes at 3 PM.
Naalehu- (home of Mark Twain's house)
Hanahou Restaurant- the southernmost restaurant in the USA). Open 7 days a week till 7PM and 8PM on weekends. We recommend that you have a dish with shredded pork. Driving south on highway 11, through Naalehu, take the first right after the Shaka Restaurant, look immediately on your left.
South Kona:
Coffee Shack - past Angel a few miles going south (What a View! This is a must-do for breakfast or lunch) MUST DO!
Mi’s- great!! Italian food on the main road going south just after mile marker 111 (if driving south from Kona) in a small shopping center. Very nice place and excellent food! The only homemade pasta on the island. 808 323-3880
Keei Cafe - Dinners are great here! lunch isn’t so special. Need reservations for dinner. South of Captain Cook. 808 322-9992
Annie's Burgers- next to Island Natural foods in Mango Court. 79-7460 Mamalahoa (highway 11) #105. 808 324-6000. Highly recommended!
The Angel Cafe on main road about 10 miles south,
Manago’s- 808 323-2642. In Hotel Manago. 82-6155 Mamaloa Hwy. Very casual place but we love it. Truly the best pork chops on the island! Captain Cook. Opens at 5 PM for dinner, no reservations required. Closed Monday.
Grocery Stores close-by: KTA in the Keauhou Shopping Center or off Palani are the most fun grocery stores here. Safeway and Sac'n Save are about 2 miles away. Costco is about 5 miles north.
Food that can be delivered to the house:
Domino's Pizza - 75-5660 Kopiko St # D6, Kailua-Kona - (808) 329-9500
Door Step Dining LLC - www.doorstepdininghawaii.com - 77-6646 Walua Road, Kailua-Kona - (808) 327-3463
Pizza Hut - 74-5620A Palani Road, Kailua-Kona - (808) 329-1698
Little Caesars Pizza - 74-5465 Kamakaeha Avenue, Kailua-Kona - (808) 326-1420
Don's Chinese Kitchen - www.donschinesekitchen.com - 74-5588 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona - (808) 329-3770
Basils - www.bostonbasils.com - 75-5707 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona - (808) 326-7836
Taco Bell - 74-5620 Palani Rd # B, Kailua-Kona - (808) 329-4242
We hope this helps you plan a wonderful trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, our favorite spot in the world.
Aloha, Laurie and Jacob
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We're looking for every Christmas in the Maryland/ DC area; June or July in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. We love to visit Denver to see our daughter. We like summers in Europe. We want to visit Kenya and New Zealand again! We are open and excited about all offers!
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Jacob is a physician (See endfatigue.com) and Laurie desensitizes allergies (NAET allergy desensitization). We love to research on health topics. Check out our iphone and droid app called "Cures A-Z", formerly known as "Natural Cures". We adore living on the Big Island. We love hiking, photography, writing, music, playing cards with our friends and just driving the island and appreciating its spectacular beauty. We have 5 grown kids who live in other cities in the US. On our exchanges a couple of our kids may decide to participate with us in our travels. We are extremely responsible and would coddle your home as we do our own.
Jacob is a physician (See endfatigue.com) and Laurie desensitizes allergies (NAET allergy desensitization). We love to research on health topics. Check out our iphone and droid app called "Cures A-Z", formerly known as "Natural Cures". We adore living on the Big Island. We love hiking, photography, writing, music, playing cards with our friends and just driving the island and appreciating its spectacular beauty. We have 5 grown kids who live in other cities in the US. On our exchanges a couple of our kids may decide to participate with us in our travels. We are extremely responsible and would coddle your home as we do our own.
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