AREA ACTIVITIES
The Lilikoi Inn is conveniently located at the heart of the Kona Coast allowing for just a short drive to many of Hawaii's premier attractions including world-class snorkeling, shopping, hiking, beaches, golf, and the galleries of Holualoa. We are more than happy to recommend activities and help you decide what island adventures you would most enjoy. We have listed below a number of ideas to get you started!
Honaunau snorkeling spot, the best snorkeling on the island and sometimes you will see dolphins. The west side of Big Island is one of the most popular dive destinations in the state. The water is warm, calm, and clear, and there is very little wind. There are many established dive companies along the coast, two of which are: Aloha Dive Company and Dive Makai Charters. Private day charters are available, and they also can provide night dives with Manta Rays.
Kealakekua Bay, kayaking and captain cook historical monument. Captain James Cook and his ships, the Resolution and Discovery, entered the sheltered waters of Kealakekua Bay (Pathway of the God) on the morning of Jan 17, 1779, during the height of a local religious festival. Thinking Cook was a returning God, the Hawaiians welcomed and honored him. Strife followed, and the Hawaiians realized that Cook and his crew were not immortal. In the end, Cook was surrounded and killed at this very spot. This monument is only approachable by rugged foot trail or by water. The best way to reach this austere and beautiful spot is by kayak. Launch your kayak from the Kealakekua wharf and paddle across the bay. The water is clear and calm and the snorkeling and SCUBA diving at Captain Cook are unforgettable experiences. If you are looking for a more relaxing way to reach Capt Cook, try the Hawaii Snorkel Cruise to Kealakekua. (excerpt from www.letsgo-hawaii.com)
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau - Step back in time to a sanctuary of Hawaii’s past where traditional Hawaiian lifestyle is preserved. Ancient temples and ki’i (wooden images) whisper stories from the past. This place provided refuge to Hawaiians who came here. Today, the park continues as a sanctuary for visitors seeking a peaceful place and as a safe haven for all of the native wildlife living here. Additionally you may see Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles) during your kayak expedition to this peaceful spot. (excerpt from www.nps.gov)
Hapuna Beach State Park - This is another wonderful sandy beach, 1/2 mile long and almost 200 feet wide during the summer months. Swimming conditions here are usually excellent. This beach has frequently been voted as the best beach in the US. There is easy access to the water, full facilities, crystal clear water and beautiful scenery. For more info about Hapuna Beach visit www.hawaiiweb.com.
Holualoa Kona Coffee Company - Holualoa Kona Coffee Company's coffee estate tour has been selected and featured as one of the best in the USA factory tour experts Karen Axelrod and Bruce Brumberg in the new edition of their book, Watch it Made in the USA. Factory tours and Eco-tours have become increasingly popular as low-cost vacation attractions for family and business travelers, day outings for local residents and educational field trips for schools.
Kailua-Kona Shopping - Discover Downtown Kailua-Kona Downtown Kailua-Kona offers a variety of specialty and quality shops to compliment your 'big island' experience. The downtown area is full of gift shops, galleries, specialty stores, fine dining, and other shops.
Holualoa Galleries - Along on the slopes of Mt. Hualalai, which looks down towards the Kona Coast, is the town of Holualoa, rich with culture and history. This town is a part of what is called the Kona Heritage Corridor and is home to many distinct and interesting galleries including the gallery of accomplished watercolorist Shelly Maudsley White (www.shellymaudsleywhite.com) whose art can be found, among other places, at Lilikoi Inn.
Kaloko Cloud Forest - The Kaloko Cloud Forest Sanctuary, home to Norm Bezona and dozens of parrots, is one of the most accessible native forest sites in West Hawaii. At 3,000 feet on the slopes of Hualalai Volcano, you'll find nearly 75 acres with more than three miles of trails and many interesting plants and birds, both native and introduced.
Volcano National Park - Volcano National Park with its active volcano and lava. This site is great for a day trip. A two hour drive from Lilikoi Inn, have Shai pack you a first-class lunch and make your way to this amazing park that displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution — processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with unique ecosystems, and a distinct human culture. The park highlights two of the world’s most active volcanoes, and offers insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and views of dramatic volcanic landscapes. (excerpt from www.nps.gov/havo)
The Lilikoi Inn is conveniently located at the heart of the Kona Coast allowing for just a short drive to many of Hawaii's premier attractions including world-class snorkeling, shopping, hiking, beaches, golf, and the galleries of Holualoa. We are more than happy to recommend activities and help you decide what island adventures you would most enjoy. We have listed below a number of ideas to get you started!
Honaunau snorkeling spot, the best snorkeling on the island and sometimes you will see dolphins. The west side of Big Island is one of the most popular dive destinations in the state. The water is warm, calm, and clear, and there is very little wind. There are many established dive companies along the coast, two of which are: Aloha Dive Company and Dive Makai Charters. Private day charters are available, and they also can provide night dives with Manta Rays.
Kealakekua Bay, kayaking and captain cook historical monument. Captain James Cook and his ships, the Resolution and Discovery, entered the sheltered waters of Kealakekua Bay (Pathway of the God) on the morning of Jan 17, 1779, during the height of a local religious festival. Thinking Cook was a returning God, the Hawaiians welcomed and honored him. Strife followed, and the Hawaiians realized that Cook and his crew were not immortal. In the end, Cook was surrounded and killed at this very spot. This monument is only approachable by rugged foot trail or by water. The best way to reach this austere and beautiful spot is by kayak. Launch your kayak from the Kealakekua wharf and paddle across the bay. The water is clear and calm and the snorkeling and SCUBA diving at Captain Cook are unforgettable experiences. If you are looking for a more relaxing way to reach Capt Cook, try the Hawaii Snorkel Cruise to Kealakekua. (excerpt from www.letsgo-hawaii.com)
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau - Step back in time to a sanctuary of Hawaii’s past where traditional Hawaiian lifestyle is preserved. Ancient temples and ki’i (wooden images) whisper stories from the past. This place provided refuge to Hawaiians who came here. Today, the park continues as a sanctuary for visitors seeking a peaceful place and as a safe haven for all of the native wildlife living here. Additionally you may see Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles) during your kayak expedition to this peaceful spot. (excerpt from www.nps.gov)
Hapuna Beach State Park - This is another wonderful sandy beach, 1/2 mile long and almost 200 feet wide during the summer months. Swimming conditions here are usually excellent. This beach has frequently been voted as the best beach in the US. There is easy access to the water, full facilities, crystal clear water and beautiful scenery. For more info about Hapuna Beach visit www.hawaiiweb.com.
Holualoa Kona Coffee Company - Holualoa Kona Coffee Company's coffee estate tour has been selected and featured as one of the best in the USA factory tour experts Karen Axelrod and Bruce Brumberg in the new edition of their book, Watch it Made in the USA. Factory tours and Eco-tours have become increasingly popular as low-cost vacation attractions for family and business travelers, day outings for local residents and educational field trips for schools.
Kailua-Kona Shopping - Discover Downtown Kailua-Kona Downtown Kailua-Kona offers a variety of specialty and quality shops to compliment your 'big island' experience. The downtown area is full of gift shops, galleries, specialty stores, fine dining, and other shops.
Holualoa Galleries - Along on the slopes of Mt. Hualalai, which looks down towards the Kona Coast, is the town of Holualoa, rich with culture and history. This town is a part of what is called the Kona Heritage Corridor and is home to many distinct and interesting galleries including the gallery of accomplished watercolorist Shelly Maudsley White (www.shellymaudsleywhite.com) whose art can be found, among other places, at Lilikoi Inn.
Kaloko Cloud Forest - The Kaloko Cloud Forest Sanctuary, home to Norm Bezona and dozens of parrots, is one of the most accessible native forest sites in West Hawaii. At 3,000 feet on the slopes of Hualalai Volcano, you'll find nearly 75 acres with more than three miles of trails and many interesting plants and birds, both native and introduced.
Volcano National Park - Volcano National Park with its active volcano and lava. This site is great for a day trip. A two hour drive from Lilikoi Inn, have Shai pack you a first-class lunch and make your way to this amazing park that displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution — processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with unique ecosystems, and a distinct human culture. The park highlights two of the world’s most active volcanoes, and offers insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and views of dramatic volcanic landscapes. (excerpt from www.nps.gov/havo)