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.
While there are bright lights, noise and crowds of people if you should choose to go looking for them, you can just as easily convince yourself that you are a local resident. Attractions include a popular shrimp restaurant on the coastline that is themed after one of America's favourite movies. Here, you can observe swimming humpback whales or body-surfing humans.
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 are feeling adventurous and can find someone offering this activity, there is nothing in the world like parasailing. This involves getting hitched into a parachute and being towed by a speed boat as you ascend higher and higher into the atmosphere. The average distance above sea level is 800 feet, although the brave can signal being taken to 1,200 feet. The best feeling of the experience is being allowed to free fall. The ride is over all too soon.
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.
While there are bright lights, noise and crowds of people if you should choose to go looking for them, you can just as easily convince yourself that you are a local resident. Attractions include a popular shrimp restaurant on the coastline that is themed after one of America's favourite movies. Here, you can observe swimming humpback whales or body-surfing humans.
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 are feeling adventurous and can find someone offering this activity, there is nothing in the world like parasailing. This involves getting hitched into a parachute and being towed by a speed boat as you ascend higher and higher into the atmosphere. The average distance above sea level is 800 feet, although the brave can signal being taken to 1,200 feet. The best feeling of the experience is being allowed to free fall. The ride is over all too soon.
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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