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 Keahole Airport looks nothing at all like a traditional airport. It more closely resembles a chalet-style resort or a night club or restaurant, with open-air buildings decorated with numerous palm trees. As quaint and charming as it looks, it really is a fully functioning airport.
The district has a suburban residential feel about it instead of a bustling tourist spot with bright lights, noise and crowds. While there is sufficient availability of accommodation, it is easy to blend in with the local residents. There is a special shrimp restaurant situated right on the coastline overlooking Kailua Bay, where diners can watch swimming humpback whales and body-boarding humans hurling themselves into the waves.
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.
Feeling bold and adventurous? Try parasailing. Here, you are hitched into a harness with a parachute and towed behind a speeding boat, while your lead is gradually let further and further out. Maybe you stop at 800 feet over the crystal clear blue waters, or maybe you signal to go higher. Either way, your tummy tickles like crazy while you gaze at the beautiful scenery and float gently in free fall. Alternatively, hire a motorized sea vehicle.
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 Keahole Airport looks nothing at all like a traditional airport. It more closely resembles a chalet-style resort or a night club or restaurant, with open-air buildings decorated with numerous palm trees. As quaint and charming as it looks, it really is a fully functioning airport.
The district has a suburban residential feel about it instead of a bustling tourist spot with bright lights, noise and crowds. While there is sufficient availability of accommodation, it is easy to blend in with the local residents. There is a special shrimp restaurant situated right on the coastline overlooking Kailua Bay, where diners can watch swimming humpback whales and body-boarding humans hurling themselves into the waves.
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.
Feeling bold and adventurous? Try parasailing. Here, you are hitched into a harness with a parachute and towed behind a speeding boat, while your lead is gradually let further and further out. Maybe you stop at 800 feet over the crystal clear blue waters, or maybe you signal to go higher. Either way, your tummy tickles like crazy while you gaze at the beautiful scenery and float gently in free fall. Alternatively, hire a motorized sea vehicle.
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.
About the Author:
When you are looking for information about Kona, come to our web pages online here today. More details are available at http://www.kohalatours.com now.
0 comments:
Post a Comment