Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [163]
King Kamehameha’S Kona Beach Hotel (329-4969; www.islandbreezeluau.com; adult/child 5-12 $69/35; 5pm Tue-Fri & Sun)
Cinemas
First-run Hollywood films dominate the 10 screens at Stadium Cinemas (327-0444; Makalapua Shopping Center; 74-5469 Kamaka′eha Ave).
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SHOPPING
Kailua-Kona is swamped with run-of-the-mill, dubious-quality Hawaiiana, but there’S good stuff, too. You never know when you’ll find that perfectly sublime kitschy-tacky something.
Kona farmers market (Ali′i Dr; 7am-5pm Wed-Sun) First, wander through this market where craft stalls outnumber produce stands two to one. Get your coconut purses, cheap kids wear, and koa wood Harleys here.
Kona International Market (329-6262; 74-5533 Luhia St; 9am-5pm Tue-Sun) Five large warehouse buildings make up this expansive, attractive complex, where individual stalls sell everything imaginable: beach gear, fresh fish, boutique clothing, and music, gifts and crafts galore. Has a food court and ample parking.
Ali′i Gardens (334-1381; 75-6129 Ali′i Dr; 9am-5pm) This pretty outdoor market gathers two dozen vendors selling mostly clothing and an interesting mix of moderately priced imported and local crafts.
Na Makana (326-9552; 75-5722 Likana Lane; 9am-5pm) This odds-and-ends shop is a rarity in Kailua – offering authentic Hawaii-made gifts, books and collectibles, with unusual finds like Japanese glass fishing floats. Opening hours vary according to owner’S schedule.
Hilo Hattie (329-7200; www.hilohattie.com; Kopiko Plaza; 75-5597 Palani Rd; 9am-6:30pm) This Kona outlet of the famous Hilo store sells decent quality Hawaiian clothes for the whole family.
Crazy Shirts (329-2176; www.crazyshirts.com; Kona Marketplace, 75-5719 Ali′i Dr; 9am-9pm) The iconic T-shirt company, founded in 1964, offers unique island designs on heavyweight cotton. The quality shows, and just for fun, shirts are dyed in coffee, beer, tea, volcanic ash and more!
Destee Nation (327-4478; www.desteenation.com; 75-5744 Ali′i Dr; 9am-9pm) Using the logos of longtime Big Island companies, Destee Nation makes classy, retro-cool T-shirts you won’t see anywhere else.
Conscious Riddims Records (326-7685; Kona Marketplace, Ali′i Dr; 10am-6pm Sun-Fri) A wide selection of reggae and Jawaiian music, plus clothing and pakalolo (marijuana) activism.
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GETTING THERE & AWAY
Air
The island’S primary airport is Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA; 329-3423; www.hawaii.gov/dot/airports/hawaii/koa; Hwy 19), located 7 miles north of Kailua-Kona. When booking flights keep in mind that late afternoon weekday traffic is brutal on southbound Hwy 19.
Bus
The free Hele-On Bus (Click here) runs from Kailua-Kona to Captain Cook several times daily on weekdays, and once on Saturday (1½ hours). Twice daily, it runs to Pahala (two hours, Monday to Saturday) and South Kohala (1½ hours, Monday to Saturday). Once daily, it runs to Hilo (3½ hours, Monday to Saturday) and Waimea (1½ hours, Monday to Friday).
Another option between Kailua-Kona and Keauhou is the Honu Express (Click here), a free shuttle that runs daily between Kailua Pier and Keauhou Shopping Center.
Car
The trip from Hilo to Kailua-Kona is 92 miles and takes 2½ hours; for other driving times and distances, Click here.
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GETTING AROUND
To/From the Airport
If you’re not picking up a rental car, taxis can be found curbside; the fare averages $25 to Kailua-Kona and $45 to Waikoloa. Speedi Shuttle (329-5433, 877-242-5777; www.speedishuttle.com) charges about the same, and only charges a couple of dollars for each additional person. Book in advance.
Bicycle
Bicycle is an ideal way to get around Kailua. Hawaiian Pedals (329-2294; www.hawaiianpedals.com; Kona Inn Shopping Village, 75-5744 Ali′i Dr; per day $20; 9am-9pm) rents well-used hybrid bikes for cruising. Affiliated Bike Works (326-2453; www.bikeworkskona.com; 74-5583 Luhia St; per day $40-60; 9am-6pm Mon-Sat)