The Hawaiian Archipelago in the Central Pacific was granted statehood in August 1959. Because of its location near the equator, it is a popular tourist destination. Those wishing to experience the islands while avoiding the crowds and other trappings of tourism would do well to visit the district of Kona, located on the west side of the big island of Hawaii.
The island of Hawaii is small enough to drive around the circumference in a day, and yet it has enough air traffic to support two airports, one in the nearby district of Keahole and the other side of the island in Hilo. Keahole is accessible from cities in California (LA, San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, San Diego), Phoenix, Arizona; Seattle/Tacoma, Washington; and Portland, Oregon. Other accessible destinations are Anchorage in Alaska and Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada.
The architecture of the airport befits that of a southern pacific resort, a series of open-air chalet-style buildings graced with palm trees. It could just as easily be a restaurant or night club. Despite its island charm, Keahole has all the standard passenger services that you would expect to find at any other passenger air terminal.
The local area definitely feels more like a suburban neighborhood than it does a tourist resort. The bright lights, crowds, and noise are out there somewhere if you want to go looking for them but they are not in your face. There is all the accommodation you could ask for and all the amenities your heart could desire. At one restaurant in particular, diners can sip cocktails or mocktails on the coast of Kailua Bay and observe body-boarders being tossed in the surf or humpback whales swimming with other humpback whales.
The island is compact enough that everything you need is right there at your fingertips. One of the sights is Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano. At 14,000 feet above sea level, it is taller than Mt Everest and, obviously, the tallest peak in the state. Mauna Kea is a million years old.
If you feel like an adventure and can summon the nerve, try parasailing. Basically, this involves you strapped into a parachute, a speed boat and a length of very, very strong rope. Many people allow themselves to dangle 800 above the crystal blue sea, while others signal a desire to go as high as 1,200 feet. If you don't mind your tummy tickling you to distraction, the views are tremendous and when the boat stops and you are allowed to free fall, it really is amazing.
Those who want the marine experience but aren't courageous enough or physically fit for parasailing can enjoy a boat tour. Discover dolphins, go diving, or go for a raft cruise. There is no shortage of seaborne adventures to be had on the island.
In Kona, you have all the necessary amenities without the high tourist prices. If you can find accommodation with your own patio/balcony, you can stroll around like a local. You retain your independence, yet somehow, you feel like you belong there.
The island of Hawaii is small enough to drive around the circumference in a day, and yet it has enough air traffic to support two airports, one in the nearby district of Keahole and the other side of the island in Hilo. Keahole is accessible from cities in California (LA, San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, San Diego), Phoenix, Arizona; Seattle/Tacoma, Washington; and Portland, Oregon. Other accessible destinations are Anchorage in Alaska and Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada.
The architecture of the airport befits that of a southern pacific resort, a series of open-air chalet-style buildings graced with palm trees. It could just as easily be a restaurant or night club. Despite its island charm, Keahole has all the standard passenger services that you would expect to find at any other passenger air terminal.
The local area definitely feels more like a suburban neighborhood than it does a tourist resort. The bright lights, crowds, and noise are out there somewhere if you want to go looking for them but they are not in your face. There is all the accommodation you could ask for and all the amenities your heart could desire. At one restaurant in particular, diners can sip cocktails or mocktails on the coast of Kailua Bay and observe body-boarders being tossed in the surf or humpback whales swimming with other humpback whales.
The island is compact enough that everything you need is right there at your fingertips. One of the sights is Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano. At 14,000 feet above sea level, it is taller than Mt Everest and, obviously, the tallest peak in the state. Mauna Kea is a million years old.
If you feel like an adventure and can summon the nerve, try parasailing. Basically, this involves you strapped into a parachute, a speed boat and a length of very, very strong rope. Many people allow themselves to dangle 800 above the crystal blue sea, while others signal a desire to go as high as 1,200 feet. If you don't mind your tummy tickling you to distraction, the views are tremendous and when the boat stops and you are allowed to free fall, it really is amazing.
Those who want the marine experience but aren't courageous enough or physically fit for parasailing can enjoy a boat tour. Discover dolphins, go diving, or go for a raft cruise. There is no shortage of seaborne adventures to be had on the island.
In Kona, you have all the necessary amenities without the high tourist prices. If you can find accommodation with your own patio/balcony, you can stroll around like a local. You retain your independence, yet somehow, you feel like you belong there.
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