Page 10 - Flipbook

HOLIDAY EXCHANGE
Big
konA, hAWAii'S
The sunny Kona District on hawaii’s Big Island stretches for about 60 miles from Kona International Airport, southwards past Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island’s lava-lined western coast. Along this expansive area, you’ll find everything from coffee farms to historic hawaiian landmarks. In fact, hawaii’s King Kamehameha spent his final years in Kailua-Kona, the heart of the district.
Island
t he Historic Kailua Village, is a 15-minute drive from Kona
International Airport and home to great shopping, restaurants and night-life.
Shielded from winds by Maunaloa, you’ll find the best scuba-diving and snorkelling the island has to offer here in south Kona’s calm and clear waters. It’s also the best place to spot dolphins and honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles).
Honaunau Bay is the perfect example of the calm south Kona waters and features a spot on the shoreline where the volcanic rock has been neatly worn away into
a convenient “two-step” entry point for snorkelers and divers.
The best place to snorkel with turtles is
at Kahaluu Beach Park, where you’ll find plenty just a short swim from the beach. Another great spot for snorkelling can be found a short drive south at Kealakekua Bay, known also as the place where Captain Cook met his demise.
One of the most memorable experiences you can have on Hawaii Island is a swim with manta rays. Book a sunset dive tour and head out to the Kona or Keauhou coast to either scuba dive or snorkel with these gentle mantas (mantas don’t have stingers like sting rays or eagle rays).
You’ll marvel at how these otherworldly creatures glide within inches of you as they feed on microscopic plankton in the illuminated waters.
Kona is also famous for its deep-sea fishing, hosting the International Billfish Tournament every year. And on land, don’t forget to travel to the cooler upland slopes of towns like Holualoa, where you can sample the distinctive flavours of Kona coffee.
Hawaii is famous for its cocktails and the local favourite is without a doubt the Mai-tai. Opinion is divided on where to find the best Mai-tai, arguably the Royal Kona Hotel, which is also one of the best spots to watch the sun set, or Kona Inn in Kailua-Kona.
In Hawaii sensible drinkers drink their Mai-tais with Poke, or appetizers. Best known Poke are indigenous dishes that resemble Tahitian 'poisson cru' or Mexican/Peruvian ceviche.
stay
Wyndham royal Sea Cliff (6939) Best Availability: Jul – Aug 2011
SVC @ hula resort at Mauna loa Vlg (5851) Best Availability: Apr – Jul 2011 Wyndham kona hawaiian resort (5971) Best Availability: Jun – Sep 2011
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Visit rCi.com to book your hawaiian Exchange *Subject to availability at time of print and subject to trading or call 1300 368 800 Au or 0800 368 800 nZ power where applicable. Exchange Fee applies.