Visiting
Kona
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Kona and the Big Island of Hawaii.
Q. What does "Aloha" really mean?
A. Long time member of KONAWEB, "Aunty Lele", gave us the best answer we've heard. Click Here.
Q. Can I search the Forum Archives?
A. We do not archive posts. Please print out posts that are important to you.
Q. What are "Kama'aina Rates"?
A. OK, you have all heard about "Kama'aina rates". You may have even been offered kama'aina rates some places. Sometimes hotels who want more business in low seasons try to get local business by advertising kama'aina specials. I once asked for a kama'aina rate at one of the hotels in Kailua-Kona, and they told me, "Oh, we have a room with a kama'aina rate". It turned out to be inexpensive, and had a view of the dumpster and air conditioning unit. So be careful what you ask for. People who live here may get some discounts on things like kayak rentals, or submarine tours, but few day-to-day businesses offer kama'aina rates. If you're offered a kama'aina rate at a store, remember it, and ask for it from then on when you're there. They are usually not publicized. I would not call myself a "kama'aina" in front of anyone who was born on the island. The translation means "child of the land". I have been here for many years now, and would never call myself a kama'aina if I was speaking to someone who was born in Hawaii.
Q. Where is Kona?
A. It's on the west side of the Big Island of Hawaii. Honolulu is on the Island of Oahu. Oahu's population is 50% of the state. The Big Island, on the other hand, averages less than 20 people per sq. mile. Kona is not a town but a district, and Kailua (called Kailua-Kona to distinguish it from Kailua on O'ahu) is the biggest town in Kona.
Q. What does "Kona" mean?
A. The generally accepted meaning is "leeward" or the side of the island which is protected from the tradewinds (which blow from the Northeast). "Kona Winds" are those that blow in from the Southwest. The leeward side of our island is comprised of the districts of South Kona and North Kona. Kailua-Kona is the major urban center on the west side of the Island. (Hilo is the hub of the east side.)
Q. Where can I get a map of the Big Island?
A.The Obvious Answer would be Google Maps: Maps of Hawaii.
Q. What is the weather like?
A. It usually stays in the 80's, averaging about 83 degrees. Late August and September can be hotter, but the ocean breezes keep the shoreline pleasant, especially if you relax in the shade from noon to about 3 PM. The mornings and evenings tend to be sunny and dramatically beautiful. Clouds tend to build up on the mountain slopes during the heat of the day, and yes, we get rain from time to time. Average rainfall is 10 inches per year in Kailua-Kona. See the cover of KONAWEB for a direct link to the weather service. Being 50 miles away from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, we also experience "vog" from time to time.
Q. When is the best time of year to visit?
A. Each season has its own charm. Winter, because it is warm and the whales are here in large number. Spring, because many so many flowers are in bloom. Summer, because your kids are out of school, and playing in the ocean sounds sooo appealing. And, of course, Fall with its bright clear days, great ocean conditions and fewer visitors. Check out the Calendar of Events That should help you decide. It may make it harder to decide when you discover that Hawaii is "the best" all year through!
Q. Can people with disabilities get around easily in Hawaii?
A. For info on airport accessibility, car rentals, medical facilities & equipment, support services, service animals and more, download the State of Hawaii's Island Booklet for travelers with disabilities here: http://www.hawaii.gov/health/dcab/docs/TravelHawaii.pdf.
For more info, call the Commission on Persons with Disabilities at (808) 586-8121 or the Hawaii Centers for Independent Living at (808) 522-5400, or 545-1143.
Q. Can I get between islands by boat?
A.The sea gets very rough between the islands, so small boat transportation is not a reliable way to travel between them.
Q. Where should I stay?
A. Depends on what you like. The Big Island has many fine little B & B's, and Vacation Rentals ranging widely in price. Many of them have toll-free numbers, so you can call and talk to real people about what you are looking for. The big resorts are on the coast north of Kona. Inquire about package deals which include rental cars. The climates vary so much from district to district on the Big Island that we recommend you stay at least a couple of days in the different climate zones to really experience the Big Island's variety.
Q. What is there to do?
A. I will be the first to admit that the island of Hawaii is not the place for wild nightlife. Honolulu on Oahu, or Lahaina on the island of Maui would be good places to look for that. Kona tends to go to sleep after 9:00 pm or so, especially the smaller towns around the Island. Many of the activities which are popular here have to do with the ocean, the
beaches, or simply driving around to all the spectacular sights. Snorkeling and
diving on the Kona Coast are the best in the state, as we don't have much topsoil to wash into and cloud the water, and the waves are smaller than most other shores. Then there is golf...
Q. Where can I listen to some good Hawaiian music?
A. We keep a current list of Hawaiian music events here.
Q. Can we camp on the island?
A. Yes, we have a list of all the State, County, and National Parks which provide camping facilities. There are a couple of places you should not camp, such as Whittington Beach in Ka'u, and Ho'okena Beach in South Kona, as there have been some violent incidents there over the years...Be very respectful of local residents and keep a low profile.
Q. Are there buses on the island?
A. Yes, the Hele On bus covers the Island. (808) 961-8744 is their number. They are currently not charging for rides. Here is their website. http://co.hawaii.hi.us/mass_transit/heleonbus.html
Q. How can I get around Alii Drive without a car?
A. The Free Keauhou Honu Express Shuttle that runs along Alii Dr. is a
good alternative to using a car to get around Kailua-Kona. Here are its stops.
Q. Are there gyms or health clubs in Kona?
A. The two main ones are "The Club" (326-2582) which is located in downtown Kailua-Kona, across the street from Hilo Hattie's, and "Pacific Island Fitness" (334-1977) which is located in the Old Industrial Area of Kona. There is also a public walking track located at the Old Airport State Park.
Q. Is there wireless internet access in Kailua-Kona? Internet cafe's?
A. Some that we know of are:
Kona Brewing Company - off Pawai St., in the Old Industrial Area
Island Lava Java - Coconut Grove Market Place, Alii Dr.
The tables outside Jamba Juice at Kona Coast Shopping Center (where Ross is).
Borders Bookstore, junction of Henry St. and Hwy. 11
Cuzn's, in the Kona Inn Shopping Village, is an internet cafe'. (Also the host location of the Konaweb web cam!)
Q. Can we rent bicycles?
A. Yes. Hilo, Kona, and Waimea all have bicycle rentals. You can contact Hawaiian Pedals at (808) 329-2294 or Cycle Station at (808) 327-0087 in Kona.
Q. Can we rent baby equipment?
A. Yes. Aloha Baby Rental (also has Aloha Keiki Store) rents out all types of baby and child items. They also sell new and used childrens' items. Phone: 808/326-1700
Q. Where can I get a massage or a facial?
A. We have a number of spas: Kohala Spa at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, 886-1234; The Orchid at Mauna Lani's Spa Without Walls, 885-2000; the Sports Club and Spa at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, 325-8000; Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel Spa, 880-3100; Paradise Spa at the Hawaii Naniloa Resort in Hilo, 969-3333; and Hawaii Healing Retreats at Waiakea Villas Hotel, 961-2841, also in Hilo.
Q. Where can I hear Hawaiian music and see hula?
A. We have a page devoted to this topic.
Q. Where can I swim with dolphins?
A. You can swim with dolphins for free if you go to "Two Step"
near Place of Refuge (Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park),
although you will have to be quite good swimmers to enjoy it, as the
water is over 80' deep where they dolphins hang out. Another way to
see them is to rent a kayak, and paddle around in this area. These are true
Hawaiian dolphins, and they move up and down the coast, so there
are no guarantees that they will be there, but the chances are good
if you get there by 9:30 AM. They are here all year, so the season is
not important. Remember that you must stay 50' away from the dolphins.
The "other" way to swim with dolphins is to go to the Hilton Waikoloa Village
and sign up for the lottery and pay for the privilege of swimming in a shallow
sandy lagoon with some bottlenose dolphins that were imported from Florida
for this very purpose. You can watch the show for free, and not even get
wet, if this is more to your liking. In spite of our initial misgivings about the dolphins in a situation like this, they obviously enjoy themselves very much!
Q. Can I go down into Waipio Valley?
A. See this detailed post by Phyllis T.
Q. Are there any good restaurants on the Big Island?
A. Yes, there are. They come and go, so keep an eye on our Konaweb Recommended Restaurants page, and the Readers' Restaurant Reviews written by KONAWEB members for the latest information.
Q. Can you recommend a good luau?
A. Here are a few to choose from:
The luau at King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel is a little "glitzy" (kind of Las Vegas-style), but has a LOT of very professional entertainment for your money. It has a standard luau buffet.
Royal Kona Resort's is a little smaller, which is nice, and is right by the ocean. It is reputed to have a little better food than the one above, however the show is not as long.
The Mauna Kea Hotel offers a luau on Tuesday evenings featuring members of the talented Lim Family.
Kona Village Resort's luaus are allegedly the most authentic and have very good food, as well. They are also the most expensive around, since they take place at an exclusive resort about 20 minutes north of Kailua-Kona, on the coast. Just take the Hualalai Resort turnoff and there will be a turn to the right to Kona Village. KVR now has the Hawaiian luau on Friday eves, and a newer "Polynesian" one on Wednesdays. They both offer the same menu.
Q. A good place to buy local produce?
A. Year-round Farmer's Markets in Hilo, Kailua-Kona, Keauhou-Kona, South Kona and Waimea provide a wonderful supply of fresh fruits and vegetables. Some are quite exotic.
Click Here for a list of many of the popular ones around the island.
Q. How can I get a marriage license in Hawaii?
A. You must both be at least 18. You must have picture ID's, and you cannot (yet) be of the same sex. Call (808) 327-4953 or (808) 329-9242. Licenses are $50 cash and valid for 30 days. See the Weddings section on Konaweb's front page for options for your wedding.
Q. I have health concerns. Who can I contact?
A. Here is a list of our most frequently requested phone numbers:
- Kona Community Hospital - (808) 322-9311
- North Hawaii Community Hospital - (808) 885-4444 (Waimea)
- Big Island HIV/Aids Foundation - (808) 322-1718
- American Cancer Society - (808) 935-9763
- St. Francis Kidney Dialysis Center - (808) 322-2131
If you have a question about visiting the island that you don't find here, post it on the Visiting the Big Island Forum and you'll get a quick response.
