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June 6, 2025 Marti Eicholz Today, The Odyssey sails into Kailua Bay on the west side of Hawaii’s Big Island in the Kona district. Kona and Kailua-Kona are distinct but closely related. Kona refers to the leeward, meaning sheltered from the wind, district on the island of Hawaii, the Big Island. Kailua-Kona is the primary town within the district of Kona. It can be confusing because often it is shortened to just “Kona.” Kona is the broader term, referring to the large geographical area on the Big Island’s west coast, divided into North Kona and South Kona. The area is sunny with a dry climate, coffee plantations, and the Ironman World Championship Triathlon. A full-distance Ironman triathlon consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run, covering a total of 140.6 miles. The IRONMAN World Championship is held annually in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, the starting/finishing point. Kailua-Kona, the main town and largest settlement within the Kona district on the Big Island’s west side, is a center of commerce where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and other attractions including the Kona International Airport. The Odyssey anchors as cruise ships are not able to dock here. We tender ashore to downtown Kailua-Kona, a lively seaside Village. At the pier, we catch an open-air trolley to go around town, including a shopping area, Target, and then down where natural wonders abound with pristine beaches like Magic Sands, a beautiful white sandy beach, ideal for swimming and Kahaluu Beach Park and the breathtaking landscapes of Kealkekua Bay. The calm, clear waters of Kona and Kahalulu Bay are perfect for snorkeling, diving, and spotting marine life like dolphins, sea turtles, and manta rays. Experience Manta Ray Magic. The Kona coast is the prime location for spotting manta rays at night, allowing you to witness these majestic creatures gracefully feeding on plankton in illuminated water. Night snorkeling with manta rays at Keauhou Bay is an incredible experience unique to this area. We are not here at night, so maybe next time around. The Big Island has several active volcanic wonders, including Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Explore volcanic landscapes, witness fiery eruptions (like Kilauea), and learn about the island’s geological history. The Kona region, recognized for its striking and breathtaking landscapes, is where natural wonders abound. This area is also known for its deep-sea fishing opportunities. The Kona Coastline is a tapestry of black lava rock formations, raw, volcanic landscapes, meeting pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and savoring the serene expanse of the Pacific Ocean, creating a spectacle of breathtaking beauty all teeming with life. Okay, you’ve seen Humpback Whales breaching, the stunning ocean surf, and watched the green flash as the sun sets over the horizon. What’s under those crashing waves? Beneath the surface of these thriving and inviting warm, clear waters lies a habitat for a diverse array of creatures, a world of vibrant marine life and coral reefs. Colorful tropical fish call this home, graceful sea turtles call this home, and the majestic manta rays call this home. This area has some of the best snorkeling in the world, allowing you to witness the delicate balance and vibrant beauty of this underwater ecosystem. The people protect the surrounding reef, keeping aquatic life abundant and plentiful. The best place to snorkel is the Marine Sanctuary, located in Kealakekua Bay, where you see the vibrant reef and sea life, but also Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins playing in the bay. On the “leeward” or “dry side of the Big Island (Hawaii)” meaning sheltered from the trade winds is Kona, boasting a diverse and picturesque geographical setting, characterized by a sunny, consistent temperate (dry) climate, fostering the development of Kona’s famous coffee plantations and lush coastal striking landscapes. The major landmarks in the region like stunning Kealakekua Bay, the sacred place of refuge Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, and vibrant Kailua-Kona town offer glimpses into the area’s natural beauty and historical significance. The cultural and social fabric of Kona is deeply woven with tradition, ancient practices and customs like hula dancing, lei-making, and fishing techniques. Cultural events and festivals such as celebrating Kona’s rich coffee heritage with an annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, and the Ironman World Championship bring people together. The community is vibrant and close-knit with a keen sense of the aloha spirit; all participating in communal activities to preserve and share their cultural heritage. Kona coffee, introduced by missionary Samuel Ruggles in 1828, cultivated on the slopes of Mauna Loa with its unique volcanic soil and ideal climate, is a symbol of a rich agricultural heritage that embodies tradition, perseverance, and pride of farmers who meticulously tend the crops, making Kona coffee more than a beverage. Kona, the region on the west side of the Big Island of Hawaii, is known as the coffee capital with many plantations and for 100% Kona coffee, grown on the slopes of Hualalai, an active volcano, quiet since 1801, but could erupt again, and the slopes of Mauna Loa volcano. The unique volcanic soil and climate of the region contribute to the coffee's distinct and smooth flavor. Mid-day, heavy clouds lifted, chances of rain diminished and the ever-present sunshine, a hallmark of Kona, casts a golden glow over land and sea, enhancing the natural splendor of this remarkable place. Waiting in the vibrant town of Kailua-Kona for the tender back to The Odyssey, I reflect on this village that blends ancient history and modern allure, offering something for everyone, from history buffs and coffee connoisseurs to adventure seekers and nature lovers. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore the underwater world, or delve into Hawaiian culture by experiencing traditional music and dance performances, or historical sites, it is here for you. We leave this place of striking landscapes and where natural wonders abound with lasting memories. |
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