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"We landed at Kailua
(pronounced Ki-loo-ah), a little
collection of native grass houses reposing under tall coconut trees, the sleepiest, quietest, Sundayest looking
place you can imagine. Ye weary ones that are sick of the labor and care, and the bewildering turmoil of the great
world, and sigh for a land where ye may fold your tired hands and slumber your lives peacefully away, pack up your
carpetsacks and go to Kailua! A week there ought to cure the saddest of you all."
~Mark Twain, 1866.
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Kailua-Kona is tucked in at the bottom of the Hualalai Volcano on the leeward, or dry side,
of the Big Island. Originally called Kailua, the town's post office is designated Kailua-Kona
to differentiate it from the larger city of Kailua located on windward O‘ahu; these days it is referred to as "Kona"
in everyday speech.
The main street, Ali'i Drive, runs along the
oceanfront through the heart of the city from Kailua Pier south all the way to Keauhou Resort
and the Kuamo'o Battlefield. The majority of tourist-oriented shops and restaurants are located on Ali'i
Drive; it's a very pleasant place for strolling (be careful when walking along the seawall, though, the waves crashing
against it have a way of drenching you when you aren't looking).
Kona is a charming town with a mix of historical
sites and modern tourist attractions. It is lovely and tacky, vibrant and laid back, funky and elegant-- all at
the same time. The mix is invigorating, the people are friendly, the sun shines nearly every day, and though it
is not for everyone I'd like to preserve it in amber just as it is.
KAILUA-KONA
|| KEAUHOU & HOLUALOA || WAIMEA,
PARKER RANCH & SOUTH KOHALA
BIG ISLAND GALLERY HOME
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