Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [153]
Which isn’t to say Kailua isn’t fun. Most Big Island visitors pass through at some point, if only to finish their gift shopping, and Kailua can make an affordable, pleasant base from which to enjoy the Kona Coast’S nearby beaches, its fantastic snorkeling and watersports, and its preeminent ancient Hawaiian sites. Amid the town’S forgettable dross, there are some delicious restaurants and cool shops and, of course, plenty of chances to share your adventures with fellow travelers over a coconut full of kava or an umbrella-shaded, sunset-colored cocktail.
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ORIENTATION
The highways and major roads in the Kona district parallel the coastline, making navigation easy. Kailua-Kona is south of the airport on Hwy 19 (Queen Ka′ahumanu Hwy), which becomes Hwy 11 (Mamalahoa Hwy) at Palani Rd; expansion of the highway near town has been ongoing, and road construction will likely continue to snarl commuter traffic for the forseeable future.
From the highway, Kaiwi St, Palani Rd and Henry St are the primary routes into town. Ali′i Dr is Kailua’S main street; the first mile, from Palani Rd to Kahakai Rd, is a pedestrian-friendly ramble lined with shops, restaurants and hotels. Ali′i Dr then continues another 4 miles along the coast to Keauhou, and is shoulder-to-shoulder with condo complexes, vacation rentals, B&Bs, hotels and private homes. A sometimes quicker route through town is Kuakini Hwy, which parallels Ali′i Dr and eventually flows into Hwy 11 to the south.
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INFORMATION
Bookstores
Borders Books Music & Café (331-1668; cnr Henry St & Hwy 11; 9am-9pm) Kailua-Kona’S largest bookseller, with ‘plenny’ magazines and coffee.
Kona Bay Books (326-7790; www.konabaybooks.com; 74-5487 Kaiwi St; 10am-6pm) The island’S best used-book store, with a nice selection of Hawaiian titles, plus used CDs.
Emergency
Police (935-3311) For nonemergencies.
Sexual Assault Hotline (935-0677)
Internet Access
Island Lava Java (327-2161; Ali’i Sunset Plaza, 75-5799 Ali’i Dr; per 20min $4; 6am-10pm) Wireless, plus three computer terminals.
Kona Business Center (329-0006; www.konacopy.com; Suite B-1A, Kona International Market, 74-5533 Luhia St; per 30min $5.25, per hr $10; 8:30am-5:30pm Mon-Fri) Complete business services; internet and wi-fi.
Scandinavian Shaved Ice Internet Café (331-1626; 75-5699 Ali’i Dr; per hr $8; 10am-9:30pm Mon-Sat, noon-9:30pm Sun) Terminals in the café and in a separate computer room.
Internet Resources
Big Island Visitors Bureau (www.bigisland.org)
Kona Web (www.konaweb.com).
Media
NEWSPAPERS
Hawaii Tribune-Herald (www.hawaiitribune-herald.com) The Big Island’S main daily newspaper.
West Hawaii Today (www.westhawaiitoday.com) Kona Coast’S daily newspaper.
RADIO
A station guide is available at http://diallists.hawaiirad_iotv.com/BigIsleRadio.html.
KAGB 99.1 FM (www.kaparadio.com) The Kona-side home of effervescent KAPA – Hawaii and island music.
KKUA 90.7 FM (www.hawaiipublicradio.org) Hawaii Public Radio; classical music, talk and news.
KLUA 93.9 FM Native FM (previously ‘Da Beat’) plays island and reggae tunes.
Medical Services
Kona Community Hospital (322-9311; www.kch.hhsc.org; 79-1019 Haukapila St, Kealakekua) Located about 10 miles south of Kailua-Kona.
West Hawaii Medical Group (329-6355; 77-6447 Kuakini Hwy; 8am-5pm Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Sat) For nonemergency medical care. Appointments recommended.
Longs Drugs (329-1380; Lanihau Center, 75-5595 Palani Rd; 8am-9pm Mon-Sat, to 6pm Sun) Centrally located drugstore and pharmacy.
Money
Bank of Hawaii (854-2150; Lanihau Center, 75-5595 Palani Rd) Has a 24-hour ATM.
First Hawaiian Bank (329-2461; 74-5593 Palani Rd) Has a 24-hour ATM.
Post
Post office (331-8307; 74-5577 Palani Rd; 8:30am-4:30pm