Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [159]
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FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament (836-3422; www.hibtfishing.com) Late July to August. ‘The grandfather of all big game fishing tournaments’ is also Kona’S most prestigious. It’S accompanied by a week of festive entertainment; 2009 marked its 50th anniversary.
Ironman Triathlon World Championship (http://ironman.com) Early October. This legendary event combines a 2.4-mile ocean swim, 112-mile bike race and 26.2-mile marathon – the ultimate race. About 1700 men and women from around the world qualify to compete each year, finishing with times from eight to 17 hours.
Kona Brewers Festival (331-3033, 334-1884; www.konabrewersfestival.com; admission $40) Mid-March. This ‘just folks’ festival features samples from over 30 craft breweries and gourmet eats from scores of local restaurants. Proceeds benefit local environmental and cultural organizations. Get your tickets early or you’ll miss out.
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (326-7820; www.konacoffeefest.com) For 10 days during harvest season in November the community celebrates Kona coffee pioneers and their gourmet brew. Events include a cupping competition (like a wine tasting), art exhibits, farm tours, parades, concerts and a coffee-picking race.
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SLEEPING
The quality of hotels and condos along Ali′i Dr in the walkable center of Kailua-Kona is only fair to middling. More attractive offerings are just outside town (in all directions). Since convenience is a siren song, reservations for all Kailua properties are recommended in high season.
Condos tend to be cheaper than hotels for longer stays, and they offer more amenities. Condo vacation rentals are handled directly by owners or by property management agencies. In addition to the agencies listed here, also check the listings on Alternative Hawaii (www.alternative-hawaii.com).
ATR Properties (329-6020, 888-311-6020; www.konacondo.com)
Kona Hawaii Vacation Rentals (329-3333, 800-244-4752; www.konahawaii.com)
Knutson & Associates (329-1010, 800-800-6202; www.konahawaiirentals.com)
SunQuest Vacations & Property Management Hawaii (329-6438, from US 800-367-5168; www.sunquest-hawaii.com)
Budget
Koa Wood Hale Inn/Patey’S Place (329-9663; www.alternative-hawaii.com/affordable/kona.htm; 75-184 Ala Ona Ona St; dm/s/d from $25/55/65; ) This well-managed hostel is Kona’S best budget deal, offering basic, quiet and clean dorms and private rooms (all with shared baths, kitchens and living rooms) on a residential street that’S walking distance to Ali‘i Dr. Hostel travelers young and old create a friendly, low-key vibe. No drugs, alcohol or shoes indoors.
Kona Tiki Hotel (329-1425; www.konatiki.com; 75-5968 Ali′i Dr; r incl breakfast $72-86, with kitchenette $96; ) The nothing-special rooms (with refrigerator, but no TV or phone) in this older three-story building would be forgettable if the intimate hush of crashing waves didn’t tuck you in every night. Snug on a restless cove, the Kona Tiki is acceptably well-kept and friendly; that it is also surprisingly romantic is all about the setting. No credit cards.
CONDOMINIUMS
Kona Isle (329-6311; 75-6100 Ali′i Dr; 1br $90-135; ) That Kona Isle feels like a residential apartment complex is either its draw or its drawback; it makes an inoffensively plain but clean home base for exploring. Saltwater pool.
Midrange & Top End
King Kamehameha’S Kona Beach Hotel (329-2911, reservations 800-367-2111; www.konabeachhotel.com; 75-5660 Palani Rd; r $120-180; ) Thankfully, new owners are in the midst of overhauling Kailua’S signature hotel, which anchors the top of Ali′i Dr. However, until renovations on the first tower are complete (call to check), it makes for a dreary stay that even steep online discounts don’t fix. Rooms have been tired for years, but now the abandoned 1st-floor shops and dusty displays give the King Kam a forlorn air.
Kona Sugar Shack (895-2203, 877-324-6444; www.konasugarshack.com; 77-6483 Ali′i Dr; r $150-400;