Southwest Coast Trip
Because of the "open hours" of the sites we're visiting, this trip is planned for a Friday. We'll make an early morning run to the south to visit the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. After visiting the park, we have a couple of coffee plantation stops on the way back north. Before lunch we plan to stop at the farmers and artisans market at the Outrigger Resort. Lunch will be at one of the restaurants at the Keauhou Shopping Center. Final stop before heading back to Waikoloa is the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park.
Once back to Waikoloa, there should be plenty of time for a soak in the pool or the hot tub.
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
Highway 160, Hōnaunau, HI 96726
Free with Senior Pass Open 8:15 AM–Sunset
This is one of the most beautiful sites on Hawaii. The website below describes it better than I can.
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau City of Refuge (explore-the-big-island.com)
Royal Kona Coffee
83-5427 Mamalahoa Hwy Captain Cook, HI 96704
(808) 328-2511
Mon to Fri: 7 am - 3 pm HST
Sat & Sun: Closed
Visitor Review: Absolutely breath-taking views of the ocean as you sit on the deck and enjoy free coffee tasting. They have placards all around explaining their process of making coffee and a museum downstairs, which was fascinating. We picked up some great souvenirs and of course, coffee to bring home! They also have a coffee stand to purchase iced blended drinks.
Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee Farm
78-1136 Bishop Rd, Holualoa, HI 96725
(808) 322-7720
Mon to Sat: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm HST
Sunday: Closed
The coffee bar looks cool: probably stop for just that.
Farm tour is $18 if booked a day or more in advance.
The other tours are pricey at: Paniolo $45, the "Brew Your Best Cup" $60, and the "paint & sip" $100.
Site description: Konalani Coffee Bar is the first ever farm side coffee bar in Kona! Here at Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee Farm we are proud of this space because it allows us to showcase 100% Kona Coffee the way the coffee and the producers deserve it to be showcased. From different Pour Overs, to Cold Brew, to Italian Sodas, Konalani has it all. Our ingredients are always local or house made.
Ho'oulu Community Farmers and Artisans Market
78-128 Ehukai St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Open Wednesday and Friday 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Excerpt from their website: In Hawaiian, Ho'oulu means "to grow", and we are honored to be one of the longest-standing Wednesday and Friday Farmers Market in Kailua-Kona.
The Big Island Market features 100% Big Island made, grown and created products. Fruits, Kona Coffee, art, value added products, handmade crafts, music, and more!
We like to call ourselves "The Gallery on the Green"
Keauhou Shopping Center for Breakfast, Coffee Break, 2nd Breakfast, or Lunch
78-6831 Ali‘i Dr #232, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
There are over a half a dozen places to eat in this shopping center. We have eaten at Los Habeneros, Bianellis', and L&L Barbeque and all are good. The Tropics Restaurant and Tap House below is one of a chain of restaurants that includes the Tropics Ale House next to our Shores at Waikoloa Beach condo.
I've also included the "Clover and Mug". This is a newly opened "coffee house, ice cream bar, sandwiches of multiple varieties, and waffles w/stuff on top" restaurant. I'm definitely giving this place a try when I get back to Kona.
Sunset Kai Lanai
78-6831 Ali‘i Dr #1000, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
11:00 am – 8:00 pm Sun – Thu & 11:00 am – 8:30 pm Fri-Sat
Bianellis Pizza & Pasta
78-6831 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Daily: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
L & L Barbeque
78-6831 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Open 6:00 am to 9:00 pm
Los Habeneros
78-6831 Alii Drive # 404, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Mon thru Sat 11:00 am - 7:00 pm Closed Sunday
Tropic Restaurant and Tap House - Kona
78-6831 Ali'i Drive, Suite 135, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
11:00 am to 9:00 pm 808-498-4507
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
73-4786 Kanalani St. #14, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Visitor Center open 8:30 to 4:00 pm on Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway, south of 97 mile marker
74-4968 Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
To survive in a hot and arid environment the native Hawaiians (kanaka maoli) used ancient fishing skills, including the building of fishponds, and the knowledge of the location of precious fresh water (wai) that flows into the many brackish pools throughout the park. The spirit of the people (poe) and the knowledge of the elders (kupuna) created a tradition of respect and reverence for this area.
Our most visible reptile is the green sea turtle which can be seen swimming offshore feeding on seaweed or basking on the rocks or sand. The green sea turtle is a threatened species and is protected by both state and federal regulations. Avoid disturbing them by remaining at least 20' away at all times. Learn more about green sea turtles by clicking here...
The Kaloko road gate is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
An alternative entrance, which provides shorter access to 'Ai'opio Fishtrap , is reached by following Kealakehe Parkway to the Honokohau Harbor, taking the first right turn and then following the road to the Kona Sailing Club. From here it is a short walk to the beach area. Visitors are welcome in the park here after 4:00 PM, but remember that if your vehicle is parked at Hale Ho'okipa Visitor Center it must be removed by 4pm.