Kona, Hawaii Must See Highlights
Waipi'o Valley
This is a magical place to experience "Old Hawaii." Getting to this remote valley is an adventure in itself, and the scenic road that takes you there is filled with lush flora, cliffs streaked with waterfalls, a ,assove black-sand beach, panormaic views,, taro patches and wild horses. You can choose to explore this valley from your own ATV four-wheeler, a mule-drawn wagon, via horseback or in the comfort of a 4x4 van.
Parker Ranch
This is the home of Hawaii's cowboy, the Paniolo, who rides through 220,000 tropical acres that stretch from the rugged volcanic range of Mauna Kea through the lush green pastures of Waimea and Kohala. As Hawaii's largest and most significant ranch, it has storied history filled with kings and dignitaries, star-crossed lovers, and a Broadway actor who gave up his cherished profession to return to the ranch his forebearers established.
Mauna Kea Summit
This amazing mountain houses examples of most of the planet's ecosystesm - from plains to arctic tundras - and is the tallest of all the world's mountains from base to summit. It rises more than 33,000 feet from the ocean floor, while Mt. Everest stands a mere 29,000 feet. Mauna Kea's summit is also home to an array of telescopes, among the most sophisticated in the world, that can be visited on a popular shore excursion.
Golf at Big Island Country Club
Located 2,000 feet above the Pacific along the beautiful slopes of Mauna Kea, this spectacular course offers a challenge to all levels of players. Rolling fairways, water hazards, undulating bent grass greens and an island green on the 17th hole all combine for an unforgettable golf experience.
Horseback Riding
There are exquisite riding trails throughout the Big Island of Hawaii, and some of the most breathtaking are the trails above Waipi'o Valley. Ride along the rim of the sacred Valley of Kings, where the lush greenery stretches to a black-sand beach and crystal-blue ocean. There are panoramic views of gently rolling hills, Mauna Kea and Hawaii's highest waterfalls at Hi'ilawe.
World-Class Sportfishing
The calm, year-round deep-sea fishing grounds off the Kona coast teem with marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo and short-nose spearfish, just to mention a few. Join the ranks of anglers from around the world who chose this as their favorite fishing spot and have broken dozens of world records here. Tours include a fully equipped sportfishing boat and a licensed captain and crew.
Honaunau Bay
Honaunau Bay is one of a series of tranquil, turquoise bays tucked into the Big Island of Hawaii's South Kona Coast. This spectacular stretch of sand was once home to a ruling chief's palace. Today, its pristine and peaceful setting offers divers true underwater bliss. Snorkelers have a chance to swin alongside the endangered grean sea turtle and surgeon fish. The bay's coral formations are also home to a variety of other rare fish, many indigenous to Honaunua.
Birthplace of King Kamehameha
Although there were three King Kamehamehas, there was only one Kamehameha the Great. He was the first King of Hawaii and considered a fierce warrior who in 1810 united the islands of Hawaii. He is revered throughout the islands to this day, but nowhere is he more honored than in the Big Island of Hawaii's hamlets of Hawai and Kapa'au, near where he was born. Temple ruins, the original Kamehameha statue and the royal compound are just a few highlights of this area.
Some content and photos used with permission from Norwegian Cruise Line.
