| |
As
your hosts here at the Aloha Guest House, one of our most frequent
questions from guests is " What should we do while we're
here on Hawaii ? ". Unfortunately, it can also be one of
the hardest ones you can ask us but here are a few suggestions
and tips until we get to know you better. ( For less general questions
like the weather, please visit our FAQs page.
)
First
and foremost, we highly recommend that you go buy a copy of " Hawaii:
The Big Island Revealed" . It's funny, brutally honest,
and, of course, highly informative. We have it in all of our rooms
here but you will need something to read on the plane. There are
a lot of others but we really like this one. There's also an on-line
update for the book. So make sure you visit them there as
well. |
|
| |
Ocean
Fun:
In view from the guesthouse
and just a few minutes away, you can explore the Pu`uhonua
o Honaunau National Historical Park or kayak and snorkel
at the Kealakekua Marine Preserve near the Captain Cook Monument.
( We provide free snorkel gear and have kayaks available for
rent. ) If you're really up for a workout, you can hike down
to the
Captain Cook Monument but most of our guests prefer the 30 minute
paddle over the dreary 1-1/2 hour ( one way ) hike. You might
also miss watching ( or swimming with ) the playful Spinner
dolphins while you traverse the Bay.
If you
would like to relax and let someone else do all of the planning
and packing, consider one of the snorkel tours such as those offered
by Fair Winds. Leaving
from Keauhou Bay, they can provide both snorkel and dive packages
for you to enjoy as either a morning or afternoon excursion. For
a night dive experience, try Wanna
Dive Kona.
For sailing
enthusiasts or just someone who would like to experience the adventure
of sailing off the Kohala coast in a private luxury yacht, you
should consider one of the charters offered by Captain Alex Munster
and his crew at Maile
Charters .They operate a beautiful 50 foot Gulfstar sloop
(The Maile ) and have over 20 years of experience sailing here
in the Hawaiian Islands. Enjoy an exciting day exploring the coast,
snorkeling off shore or fishing for ono or mahi mahi. Relax and
experience a romantic sunset dinner.
If you're
up for local sand, we like to visit Ho'okena
Beach Park just two miles from here. But if you're headed
north to Kohala for
the day , let us know and we'll give you directions to some of
our favorite beaches. Grab a couple of our boogey boards, a cooler
and a few beach chairs for a fun day in the sun.
|
|
| |
Volcanoes
- Which One ?
Our
Guesthouse is located on the slopes of Mauna Loa but sadly,
there is currently no flowing lava here at the house.
For a
better view of Mauna Loa and the Kilauea Crater, most of our guests
visit Volcanoes National
Park as a day trip and occasionally luck out with a spectacular
volcanic event during their stay . ( While you're here, you can
check the flow update at the Hawaii
Volcano Observatory on the computer in our common area. )
Consider a full day of exploring the older Kilauea crater and
then drive down to the flow area an hour or so before sunset.
( Wear good hiking shoes and gloves are a wise precaution. Fresh
lava is sharp!! ) There's a great overlook on the road down if
you don't feel like hiking in the dark but it's all quite a unique
experience. Afterwards, treat yourself at The
Kilauea Lodge in Volcano. ( reservations recommended ).
PinzTrek Tours
offers a unique off-road exploration of the slopes and craters
of Hualalai, the volcano towering above Kailua-Kona and home of
a unique cloud forest.
The
observatories, such as the Keck, Subaru, Gemini and CFH (
Canada-France-Hawaii ) telescopes, scan the universe from the
summit of Mauna Kea. It is possible to drive up to the visitor
center and even beyond. However, keep in mind that it will
be cold, the road is steep, the air is thin and if your car dies,
it's an amazingly long, hard walk back down. For the less adventurous,
there are a number of tours such
as the one offered by Hawaii
Forest and Trail, that provide you with warm parkas to wear,
drive you up there, hand out hot chocolate and point out the stars
and drive you back down the mountain in the dark.
If you
venture up to Kohala, you can explore a number of small towns
such as Hawi and Kapa'au with great local art galleries, bakeries
and a lot of old Hawaiian charm. Hawi is the gateway to the Pololu
Valley, one of the ancient agricultural sites on the island along
with a
strenuous hike to the valley floor. Enjoy a shave ice on your
way back through Hawi and then take Highway 250 ( Kohala Mountain
Road ). If it's a nice day, you will be enjoy a breath taking
panoramic view from 4000 feet above the Kohala and North Kona
coast. It's one of the most scenic drives in the US.
|
|
| |
Cultural
Happenings and Events
In
addition to famous annual events like the Ironman
Triathlon or the Merrie
Monarch Festival with their international hula competition,
there are hundreds of lesser known happenings here. Fortunately
for us, there are some great on-line calendars here that
track them.
Alternative
Hawaii - a great source for local gallery openings,
farm festivals, dance, concerts and other eco-cultural
happenings.
The
Hawaii Visitors Bureau - a friendly searchable
calendar to plan your vacation.
KonaWeb -
Great site listing eclectic events like food festivals,
theatre performances, slack key concerts and the local
rodeos
Planning
for a November visit ? The Kona
Coffee Cultural Festival begins on November 3rd.
Experience coffee from many of Kona's best farms such
as Kena Coffee as
well as amazing coffee dishes from some of the Island's
best chefs.
If
you're a guest around March 7 and a fan of chocolate,
you can enjoy a similar experience at the Kona
Chocolate Festival . ( Chocolate isn't just for
dessert. )
Other
great ways to spend some quality time...
Fortunately,
there are quite a few massage practitioners here on the
Big Island and Joey at Hawaiian
Healing Ohana is one of the best. Many of our guests
have arranged for dual massages for themselves and their
travelling companions. Not a bad way to relax after a
long day at the beach or hiking.
For
our botanically inclined guests, we highly recommend
visiting the Hawaii Tropical
Botanical Garden at Onomea Bay, north of Hilo. Plan
to spend at least 4 hours there to enjoy its' unique
beauty. You might enjoy the Amy
Greenwell Ethno-botanical Garden here in Captain
Cook. This garden offers the opportunity to examine many
rare native plants as well as many of those introduced
by the Polynesians when they settled Hawaii.
Of
course, we have to mention some of our favorite local
restaurants. You'll
find them all in the house guide in your room but here
are a few to plan
around.
|
|
| |
|
Huggo's and Huggo's
on the Rocks ( Kailua-Kona, right on the bay ) offers
you a choice of tropical fine dining or the eclectic atmosphere
of a beach party. Both locations provide a great place to
share a sunset. They
also cater if you're planning a special event during your
stay here on the Kona side.
|
|
|
| |
|
Kona
Brewing Company (
Kailua - Kona ) - Like most towns these days, Kailua - Kona has
a micro-brewery.. But ours is the exception rather than the rule.
Just try and find another one that makes Lilikoi Beer..The pizza
is excellent. You'll have a great time if you enjoy either.
|
|
|
| |
|
Merriman's (
Waimea and Waikaloa ) - It's a long drive to Waimea from here
but worth every inch.. We should just move the BnB there and cut
down
on our commute. Definitely our favorite place for really special
occasions.
|
|
|
| |
|
Teshima's
( Honalo ) - Mary Teshima and her
husband started their business in 1929 and she's still there ( at
100 ) greeting her guests with legendary grace and charm. The atmosphere
is family diner, the food is a cozy melding of Japanese, Hawaiian
and Mainland styles. Where else can you follow a traditional Tempura
dinner with a great dark chocolate truffle? |
|
|
| |
|
The Ke'ei
Cafe at Manoa - One of our favorite local restaurants. They offer
a great lunch and dinner menu featuring home made pastas, Thai-style
curry dishes, or even Brazilian seafood chowder. Try to save room
for dessert, too. |
|
|
| |
To check available dates
or to make a reservation,
just click on "Availability" in
the menu bar or just Contact us .
|
|
|