Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [156]
To get here, follow Kuakini Hwy to its end.
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ACTIVITIES
Most of Kailua’S activities focus on the sea. Coconut Grove on Ali′i Dr has a sandy volleyball court (BYO volleyball or join a pickup game). Hikers can aim for the parks in North Kona. To rent a bicycle, Click here.
The area’S snorkeling and diving tours are gathered here, so you can see the range of options on offer. Descriptions note whether tours leave from Kailua Pier, Honokohau Harbor (Click here) to the north or Keauhou Harbor (Click here) to the south. For kayaking, see the listings in Kealakekua Bay (Click here).
Snorkeling
Some of the island’S best, most accessible snorkeling is an easy drive from Kona: to the south, check out Kahalu′u (Click here), Two-Step (Click here) and Kealakekua Bay (Click here), and to the north try Mahukona (Click here).
If you prefer a snorkeling boat cruise (aka ‘dolphin cruise’), these are plentiful around Kailua, with good reason. A half-day (four-hour) cruise offers snorkeling in otherwise inaccessible places, the chance to spot whales and dolphins, and knowledgeable guides. When choosing, always opt for morning departures, when water conditions are best.
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THE BIG ISLAND FOR CHILDREN
For babysitting services in Kona, Busy Buddies Hawaii (334-1800; Kaiwi Sq, 74-5565 Luhia St; per hr $5-7.50; 7am-6pm Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm Sat) is a clean, reliable day-care center that welcomes drop-ins.
Get underwater with Atlantis Submarines (Click here).
Say ‘hi’ to Max at Pana′ewa Rainforest Zoo (Click here).
Bodyboard at White Sands Beach (opposite).
Go tide-pooling at Kapoho Tide Pools (Click here) and Puako (Click here).
Snorkel and swim with the sea turtles at Hilo’S beaches (Click here), Kahalu′u Beach Park (Click here) or the ′Ai′opio Fishtrap (Click here).
Picnic and swim at Lili′uokalani Park (Click here).
Catch a $1 movie at Hilo’S Kress Cinema (Click here).
Enjoy the warm waters of Puna’S ‘hot pond’ (Click here).
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Ultimately, the captain decides the best destination for the day’S conditions, but by far the most common (and crowded) snorkeling spot is Kealakekua Bay. However, the coast south of Kailua has beautiful lava cliffs and caves, while the northern coast is a flat lava shelf with great snorkeling aplenty.
For a truly amazing experience, do a night snorkel or dive with Pacific manta rays. The ocean at night is spooky enough, but to see a handful of these graceful, gentle creatures (with 8ft to 14ft wing spans) glide out of the darkness and spin cartwheels as they feed is unforgettable. The main manta ray location is in front of the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort (Click here). For more information on manta rays, see www.mantapacific.org.
Other details aside, cruises come in two main types: small Zodiac rafts, which can zip into sea caves but lack shade or toilets; and large catamarans, which have a smoother, comfier ride but aren’t as nimble around small coves. Cruise prices usually include snorkeling gear, beverages and snacks. Most offer internet discounts.
Recommended Zodiac operators include the following:
Captain Zodiac (329-3199; www.captainzodiac.com; half-day cruise adult/child 4-12 $93/78) In business since 1974, Captain Zodiac makes daily trips to Kealakekua Bay in 24ft rigid-hull inflatable Zodiacs with up to 16 passengers and a jaunty pirate theme. Departs from Honokohau Harbor.
Sea Hawaii Rafting (325-7444; www.seahawaiirafting.com; half-day $95, charters per hr $400) With over 15 years of experience in Kona’S waters, excellent guide Kris Henry can tailor trips to your preferences. His rigid-hull, inflatable Zodiac can accommodate up to 20 passengers, with a trip minimum of four. Knowledgeable, friendly owner. Departs from Kailua Pier, with other departure points possible.