Car Hire Kona - Mini guide to Kona

Kona, located on the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, is also known as Kailua, with a postal address of ‘Kailua-Kona’. It attracts hordes of tourists throughout the year and is one of Hawaii’s most treasured scenic spots, renowned for its historical importance.

When sightseeing in Kona, visit Hulihee Palace, which faces out to sea from the center of Kailua. A former governor's residence in 1838, it's decorated with massive koa-wood furnishings. The Mokuaikaua Church located opposite, built in 1836, was the first Christian church in Hawaii.

Stroll down to the seafront where you’ll find restaurants and souvenir shops set against the backdrop of the ocean. At the northern end of the bay is Ahuena Heiau. King Kamehameha's funeral rites were performed in the ancient temple of Ahuena Heiau, which opens into the sea at the beachfront.

There are a plethora of restaurants and bars in Kona, all vying for trade. In central Kona, along the seafront, it gets extremely busy. Try Cassandra's Greek Taverna, Kona Plaza 75-5719, for reasonably priced, good Greek food. Ocean View Inn 75-5683 Alii Drive, offers traditional dishes.

Many people are drawn to Kona for the same reason -- some of the world's best fishing, snorkelling and scuba sports. Tours are available on Atlantis Submarines that descend one hundred feet to a coral reef, where you can look upon thousands of fish and the occasional shark.

Hawaiian Airlines runs daily flights from the mainland to the Big Island. You will land at Keahole Airport, which is located nine miles north of Kona. It’s also possible to get the shuttle into town; it runs the six-mile length of Alii Drive every ninety minutes.