Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Hello helpful forum goers! I am going on an extended weekend trip to Kona in early May and had a couple questions for the locals.
Planning on staying at the Royal Or Kona Seaside. Any suggestions between those two in the way of being able to explore Kona without a car? Or which one might be closer to a good beach?
My brother and I love to eat! What are your suggestions and recommendations for great food? Only thing I have heard about is the brewery.
Any other activities we should partake in? Remember will not have a car so has to be reachable by foot or some form of available transport such as a taxi etc.
I would urge you to do some research on the various hotels. Yelp.com comes to mind or airbnb.com.
Then I would check the prices for a rental car vs cabbing it. The airport is kinda far from Kailua-Kona and most of the interesting sights require a car to get to. The coffee farms, beaches,volcanoes all are beyond what you would want to pay for a cab. The beaches in Kailua-Kona are pretty sad, IMO, so many more beaches and sights beyond walking distance to Kailua-Kona worth seeing.
Really, skimp on food, shopping, hotel etc.. but definately get a car. Check out hotwire, travelocity , discounthawaiicarrental.com etc. If you're under age (25) for most national rental firms, look to see if you can get a free membership, Hertz Gold membership via family members or google under age rental deals.
Post script: Kona Brewery is fun, but not outstanding food, IMO. Sam Choy's in Keahou is good. There's also a good Thai and Mexican restaraunt in the Keahou shopping center.
Teshimas in S. Kona, Ultimate Burger Kailua Kona, Annies in Kealakakua, Bite me in Kailua-Kona.
Planning on staying at the Royal Or Kona Seaside. Any suggestions between those two in the way of being able to explore Kona without a car? Or which one might be closer to a good beach?
Do you mean the Royal Kona Resort? At first thought, I'd choose it due to its location.
Anyway, make use of a review site, such as TripAdvisor, and check their recommendations on room selection, etc.
Beaches in Kona town are limited. Without a car, you'll need to stick to beaches you can walk to. If you are traveling with your bother, does he have drivers license since you don't?
By the way, are you 21+? It will affect your options on nightlife.
Since you are in Kona for only three days, I do not agree about the car. You can take the Super Shuttle or Speedi Shuttle from the airport to Kona. Kona Seaside is fine, nothing fancy, but it is clean. It is located right in the heart of Kona and you can walk everywhere from there. The closest beach is at the King Kamehameha resort across from the Seaside or, if you are a walker, there are plenty of other beaches along Ali'i Drive.
Quinn's has great fish and chips and is located right next to the hotel.
To get a good island experience, you might consider one of the island circle tours. They take all day, but you'll get a chance to view the many different parts of the island.
As a rental is out of the question, go with ample cab fare unless you just want to laze around what is accessible in-town. With only 3 days long walks or unreliable hitchhiking could take up most of your time if you try to do things far-out and don't have the money to spare for cabs, etc.
I'll give you some suggestions, even though they are not all "right in town" of my favorite things to do with such little time:
My favorite food in Kona will always be Big Island Grill. well priced and delicious!
Shave Ice at Scandanavian-get ice cream inside or else.
Visit Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park just north of town, by the harbor. It's a great place to learn, chill, see a bajillion turtles. It has great history, culture, beaches, etc.
Do a tour with Fairwind: I would recommend the one to Kealakekua Bay or the night time Manta Snorkel.
Visit the farmers market if it's open-you can do some souvenire (i have no idea how to spell that!) shopping and get some great produce for yourself to munch on.
My favorite beach is probably too far for you, but it's Makalawena even more north of Kona than the park is. It's what I think of when i picture the perfect Hawaiian beach and it's never crowded.
I agree with WaikikiBoy and Futuremauian. I don't think you'll maximize your three days if in Kona without a car. [But, 3 days at one of the Gold Coast resorts, that would be a treat, even without a car!).
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
