Keauhou - Kona Coffee and Kealakekua Bay - Holoholo Day Trips

Keauhou, Kona Coffee and Kealakekua Bay

The South Kona/Keauhou Resort area has emerged as one of the Big Island’s finest destinations, imbued with Hawaiian history and blessed by sunny weather, but getting enough rainfall to keep the farmers happy. Contemporary island activities such as excellent golf, snorkeling, kayaking and scuba diving abound in this beautiful area south of Kailua-Kona.

Captain Cook monument. Photo by Aloha Kayak Co., Big Island Visitor's Bureau.

One of Hawaii’s most infamous historical spots is Kealakekua Bay, where Captain James Cook was slain by Hawaiians on February 14, 1779, after a long and complicated voyage to discover new land for the British empire. The bay is now a Marine Life Conservation District and is equally famous for its remarkably clear water and plethora of marine life, including Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) and spinner dolphins. It’s a must-do for any snorkeler or kayaker, and for equestrians too. Kings’ Trail Rides offers a scenic ride down to the bay, followed by a delicious picnic lunch. The ride offers a longer look and interpretative explanation of this significant area, where tens of thousands of Hawaiians lived during the time of Captain Cook’s arrival.

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Within the Keauhou Resort is another historical (and often overlooked) site, Kuamoo and the Burial Grounds of Lekeleke. This is where “the ancient religion died in a blaze of musket fire,” according to the signage. A battle erupted after Kamehameha I died and before the missionaries came, fought between Hawaiians: those who wanted to keep the old religious traditions and kapu (taboos) alive, and those who wanted to banish them. Three hundred people lost their lives, and viewing their lava rock burial mounds brings a good case of “chicken skin” (goose bumps). Kamehameha III was born nearby at Keauhou Bay.

Also on the Keauhou Resort grounds are the newly restored walls of Hapaialii heiau (temple), which honored the royalty. You can learn about the heiau and other historical sites along the coast at the new Keauhou Kahaluu Heritage Center just up the road at the Keauhou Shopping Center.

For a dramatic glimpse into Hawaiian history and mythology, don’t miss Kamahao, a show which captivates audiences several nights a week at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa. Acrobatic interpretations of the volcano goddess Pele, her sister, the snow goddess Poliahu, and other compelling deities and legends, enliven the evening. A scrumptious luau-style dinner is offered during the performance.

Snorkeling. Photo by Rob Campbell, Big Island Visitor Bureau.

Keauhou has excellent snorkeling too. Not in the mood to get wet? Watch the Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) that flourish in this area. A popular honu hangout is the shallow tidepool system that surrounds the Outrigger Keauhou Resort. It’s easy to see why Hawaiian royalty, including the “Merrie Monarch” King David Kalakaua, adored this area. The Outrigger’s replica of King Kalakaua’s summer house is one of the resort’s hidden treasures most people miss.

Ready for a pick-me-up? World famous Kona coffee flourishes on the volcanic slopes above and south of Kailua-Kona. Pick up the Kona Coffee Driving Map at the Kona Historical Society and spend a pleasant afternoon sipping the smooth, robust coffee, and touring coffee farms. Warrior alert: A must-try that adults and kids will enjoy is the tour at the Kona Historical Society’s Kona Coffee Living History Farm, that the coffee pioneer’s story to life by depicting the daily lives of early Japanese immigrants during the period of 1920-1945. It is America’s only living history coffee farm where visitors may walk through the coffee and macadamia nut orchards learning the methods used back then, tour the historic farmhouse (you may catch them making musubi in the kitchen), and visit with the donkey and chickens. Along the way, costumed interpreters are available to “talk story” and answer questions, 808-323-2006 And be sure to check out the Kona Historical Society’s H.N. Greenwell Store Museum. Costumed interpreters greet you as you enter this award-winning, Smithsonian affiliated, living history program. Experience a part of the daily life of some of the multi-ethnic ranchers and coffee farmers in the Hawaiian Kingdom back as it was in the 1880’s. The Museum is open Mon-Thur. 10-2. (808) 323-3222. Insider’s tip: Time your trip for an early Thursday afternoon, and enjoy sweet Portuguese bread, pulled piping hot from traditional brick ovens.

Amy Greenwell Museum. Photo courtesy Big Island Visitor Bureau.

Green thumbs must visit the Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in Captain Cook. This often-overlooked garden showcases 250 types of plants that nourished the early Hawaiians and grew in their land divisions, or ahupuaa, that extended from ocean to mountain top. Guided and self-guided tours available, and a warrior marker points the way.

Getting hungry? Drive into Captain Cook and you’ll be in hog heaven. Manago Hotel Restaurant is famous locally for its pork chops, pan-fried and crispy, just like mom used to make. Or try Teshima’s for local-style Japanese fare. The Teishoku selections are oishi (delicious). For a mesmerizing view, fantastic Kona coffee and deadly pastries, try the Coffee Shack which overlooks both Kealakekua Bay and Ka Lae (South Point). Or sample the baked goodies at Aloha Angel Café, located adjacent to the Aloha Theatre.

Once recharged, take another turn off the beaten path and venture to Holualoa, an artists’ enclave fueled by even more coffee farms and a neighborhood of intriguing art galleries and B&Bs. A local treasure is the Kimura Lauhala Shop, an old-time store offering treasured lauhala crafts hand-woven from the leaves of the hala tree (pandanus).