The Big Island, Hawaii: Kailua Kona
Kailua-Kona - Big Island is one of the popular destinations of the Hawaiian Islands, as it is known for beaches, warm weather and fun. The shores of Hawaii are protected on the West side of Hawaii, where it is natural, wonderful and untouched. Here lies the town of Kailua-Kona, which has gained worldwide recognition as a visitor destination because it is clean, warm and stunning. West Hawaii is the preferred visitor destination for the Big Island, as it is not as commercial as many others areas of the island.
Many activities are available outdoors, such as bike riding, walking, hiking, swimming, snorkeling and more. The weather is warm all year around, not as seasonal as many other areas of the world are. Kailua-Kona is a stopping point for a large number of cruise ships, so there is always something exciting going on at the waterfront; and you can often see spectacular ships anchored in Kailua Bay. It is an easy walk or drive to Kailua-Kona Village, ocean activities and exciting night life.
This may not be your typical way to celebrate the holiday seaons, but Hawaii at any time of the year is sure to please.
Back to other destinationsWhere to Stay:
Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort
When you stay at Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island's west coast, you'll feel as if you're stepping back in time to a simpler, unspoiled era. Every detail has been designed to re-create the charming island ambiance found back in the '30s, while still assuring you all the comfortable amenities and activities you expect in a modern-day tropical resort. Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort offers two-bedroom luxuriously furnished suites complete with fully-equipped kitchens, washers and dryers, dining rooms, large bedrooms with plenty of closet and storage space, and living rooms with pull-out sofas; large lanais with pool or garden views; all suites offer a spa tub in the master bedroom. The perfect vacation home - away from home - for a weekend trip or an extended stay.
Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort is an authentic resort designed in the style of an 1880's Hawaiian village. Palm thatched roofs, rustic bungalows and paths lie amidst flower and fruit bearing trees, palms and tropical vegetation. Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort features two swimming pools - one of which has a shallow kiddie pool separated by "lava" rocks from the adult pool; two hot tubs; fitness center; six barbecue stations, so you can host your very own mini-luau. Kids and adults alike enjoy island-inspired classes that teach them how to make Hawaiian leis, learn how to play the ukulele or dance the hula. Many other daily activities for kids (and adults too) offer limitless fun for the entire family.
Wyndham Mauna Loa Village
Wyndham Mauna Loa Village is a quiet oasis and a beautiful spot for a satisfying, fun-filled Hawaiian island vacation. Wyndham Mauna Loa Village offers spacious 1- and 2-bedroom deluxe suites complete with fully-equipped kitchens, washers and dryers, dining rooms, large bedrooms with plenty of closet and storage space, living rooms with pull-out sofas, and large lanais with golf course, pool or garden views. The perfect vacation home - away from home - for a weekend trip or an extended stay.
You'll see lots of honeymooners and anniversary couples enjoying themselves all year long at Wyndham Mauna Loa Village. During the summer, many families also discover the resort's pleasures. Wyndham Mauna Loa Village features eight swimming pools and eight hot tubs for your relaxing and sunbathing enjoyment. Magnificent waterscapes throughout the resort make it a peaceful and idyllic setting. If tennis is your game, you're in the right place. There are 11 professional-quality courts at very reasonable fees, with seven lit for evening play. Even though the setting appears quiet and remote, you're just two blocks away from convenient Keauhou Shopping Village: grocery store, shops, restaurants and multi-screen movie theater.
Wyndham Royal Sea Cliff
Royal Sea Cliff Resort is located on 7 acres of beautiful prime oceanfront land just 2 miles south of Kailua Kona. The gracious Royal Sea Cliff Resort is a multi-level complex of striking architecture that descends toward the coast, affording dramatic views. On-site recreational amenities, such as the freshwater pool, tennis court, and activity desk, combined with all the natural beauty of the island, will make your stay truly memorable.
What to do:
Christmas at Kona Village - Perfect for the food connoisseur, this annual culinary gala rolls out the holiday red carpet, featuring cuisine prepared by top Hawaiian chefs, musical entertainment and a silent auction that benefits the local University.
Island Breeze Luau - Rated the best luau on the Big Island by visitors, locals and travel writers, the luau is held on the beachfront grounds of the significant historic site, Kamakahonu. Kamakahonu is the very place that Kamahameha the Great, Hawaii's King who conquered and united all of the Hawaiian Islands in the early 1800s, made him home. Visitors may spend the day touring the grounds and witnessing the Royal Court procession, representing King Kamehameha and his retainers.
Na Makua Invitational Christmas Gift Fair - Held on December 5 - 6 in Hilo, this free Yuletide invitational fair features the finest art and crafts by Hawaii's best artists. Hawaii's cultural artists and master craftsmen/craftswomen share their one-of-a-kind collection of holiday season gifts, arts and crafts at the annual event.
A Christmas Story - One of the all-time funniest holiday movies, this live performance tells the story of Ralphie, a little boy growing up in the 40's who dreams of getting a BB gun from Santa for Christmas. The show runs from December 11 - December 20 at the Aloha Theater.
Travel Tips:
Hoping to see dolphins up close? Rather than paying for an expensive dolphin adventure, drive down to Kealakekua Bay early in the morning and rent some sea kayaks from any of the vendors in the parking lot, then paddle out to the Captain Cook monument for a morning of snorkeling. You may very well meet up with a pod of dolphins as you paddle across the bay. Dive off your kayak and go for a swim with them in a natural setting, not some amusement park pool. And if the dolphins don't appear, you will still get in a beautiful paddle and some great snorkeling.
- Sue, Wyndham Worldwide
Look for luau discounts in local attraction brochures for the best prices. The food is good. The show was enjoyable and the luau crowd was not excessive as other luaus in Hawaii can be.
- Paul, Wyndham Worldwide
Beautiful waterfalls and gardens. We did the sub tour and the iron man race was going on when we were there. Volcanic national park is the highest point with a great view of the stars.
- Diane, RCI
One of my greatest experiences, Lana, beaches (white and black), volcanoes, mountains, flowers, water falls, BEATIFUL & WONDERFUL. Wyndham Vacation Resort @ Kona, HI pleasant and peaceful staying which honored what the Big Island of Hawaii and its nature have to offer to all tourists.
- Gloria, Wyndham Vacation Ownership
Be sure to visit the Kona coffee plant before buying any souvenir coffee beans/grounds. Here you get to taste all the types Kona has to offer plus they give you a lesson in coffee enlightenment - or how not to get ripped off when buying coffee on the island to bring home.
Resist the tourist traps for souvenirs. The best place to go is Wal-Mart. They had all the cute two-piece Hawaiian outfits and car seat covers for half the price!
If you visit the cooled lava flows, be sure to do/bring the following:
- Comfy hiking shoes for walking over the hardened lava - some parts are still hot and jagged.
- Bring snacks and water - they sell it there, but for a pretty penny.
- Leave early and stay late - the best parts with the active lava flows are a very far walk. You will be walking for a couple hours and not know it with the beautiful scenery around you. The lava can only be seen clearly (for pictures) at night and look amazing! You will want to keep walking toward the lights like a moth to a flame, but remember you will also need to walk back for 3 hours and there is no path!
- Flashlights - 1 or 2 per person; bring a backup too! The bigger the better! If yours runs out of battery, you need to follow someone else closely. There are very few lights to lead you back safely to the entrance. Plus, there is always that friend who forgot her light in the car.
- Elizabeth, Endless Vacation Rentals
