Page 97 - Hawaii: Diving, Surfing, Pearl Harbor, Volcanoes and More

KEALAKEKUA BAY UNDERWATER PARK This is one of the fa- KONA COFFEE Hawaii is the only state in the U.S.A. that commer-
vorite spots to visit on the Island of Hawaii. Kealakekua Bay is a cially grows coffee. Coffee lovers claim that there is nothing quite
common site for boatloads of tourists to swim and snorkel in pristine like freshly roasted 100% Kona Coffee. Tour the Kona Coffee Belt
waters. Kayakers enter the bay at the Old Wharf on the south side along Hwy. 180 and Hwy. 11 between Holualoa and Honaunau. Cof-
and paddle to the Captain Cook Monument at the north end of the fee makes a wonderful souvenir from your Big Island visit.
bay. There they park their kayaks and hike, swim and snorkel. This
monument commemorates the site where Capt. Cook was killed by KAILUA-KONA LUAUS: Island Breeze Luau A popular Big Island
Hawaiians in 1779. The entire bay provides good snorkeling for visi- luau is on the historical Ahu Ena Heiau grounds at Kamakahonu Bay.
tors of all ages. The “Royal Court” arrives by canoe. Performances include a Fire-
knife Dance. (808) 326-4969.
BIG GAME FISHING Internationally known as the “Marlin Capital
of the World”, the Kona Coast has big game fishing at its finest. Here Kona Village Luau The ceremony begins with the unearthing of the
you can catch Pacific blue, black and striped marlin, tuna, mahimahi, pig after cooking all day in the heated rocks of an underground imu.
sailfish, swordfish, ono (wahoo), ulua (giant trevally), barracuda and The Polynesian buffet and a cultural revue are in the Hale Ho’okipa
kahala (amberjack). Anglers sometimes catch “grandeurs”, a marlin Place -a Polynesian village. (808) 325-5555.
that weighs over 1000 pounds! On Kailua-Kona’s Waterfront Row
there is a fisherman’s “Wall of Fame” with photos honoring anglers Drums Of Polynesia Fast-paced musical journey through Polynesia
who’ve hauled in some of the largest fish in the world. and her islands. Includes lei greetings, Imu ceremony, and a huge
Polynesian buffet in an oceanfront location, where the sunsets are
MAGIC SANDS Kona’s best bodyboarding is at White Sands Beach, amazing. (800) 919-8333
the site of the annual Magic Sands Bodysurfing Contest. Find good
surfing at “The Banyan” just north of the beach, where the ancient KOLOKO-HONOKOHAU PARK This National Historical Park has
Hawaiians surfed. ancient shelters, heiaus, petroglyphs, a fishpond, burial grounds and
a spring-fed pool, and covers 1200 acres. (808) 329-6881
MANTA RAYS NIGHT DIVE This is one of the best diving experi-
ences in the world. Kona Coast divers shine bright underwater flash- HONAUNAU BAY Right next to Place of Refuge is Hawaii’s most
lights, which attract plankton which in turn attracts giant manta rays, diverse, accessible, and excellent shore dive site. The array of fish is
weighing up to half-a-ton with a 14 wing span. However, they are just astounding! Snorkelers and scuba divers enter the water on a con-
gentle and graceful, and a thrill to watch. Contact a scuba shop or venient lava rock feature called “Two Step”. Dolphins are common in
activity center to find out if the manta rays are around. the morning, and turtles are there all of the time.