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Tranquil Independence In Kona HI

By Stephen Baker


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.

Although you can comfortably drive the entire circumference of the island in about a day, there is still enough air traffic to sustain two airports. The one on the eastern side of the island is Hilo; on the western side, in Keahole, is the other. Here, passengers can arrive from/depart to the western seaboard of the continental United States, as well as destinations in Canada and Alaska.

Externally, the airport gives the impression that it could just as easily be a shopping mall, chalet hotel, or night club. Don't let the quaint charm fool you, the customs officers are fiercely determined not to allow any foreign produce disrupt the ecology of the small island. It has all the other passenger services you would expect at any other air terminal.

The district has a suburban residential feel about it instead of a bustling tourist spot with bright lights, noise and crowds. While there is sufficient availability of accommodation, it is easy to blend in with the local residents. There is a special shrimp restaurant situated right on the coastline overlooking Kailua Bay, where diners can watch swimming humpback whales and body-boarding humans hurling themselves into the waves.

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.

Feeling bold and adventurous? Try parasailing. Here, you are hitched into a harness with a parachute and towed behind a speeding boat, while your lead is gradually let further and further out. Maybe you stop at 800 feet over the crystal clear blue waters, or maybe you signal to go higher. Either way, your tummy tickles like crazy while you gaze at the beautiful scenery and float gently in free fall. Alternatively, hire a motorized sea vehicle.

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.

What makes staying in Kona great is its atmosphere of suburban independence. You have access to whatever you need in terms of food, shopping, and sight seeing but without the crowds and high prices. If you are lucky enough to find accommodation with your own balcony or patio, you can pretend that you really live there and have your own apartment. It makes you feel like you belong there.




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