As the second largest settlement on the island of Hawaii, Kailua Kona, HI, is a fantastic place to stay while traveling around and exploring the idyllic beaches, lush nature reserves, and scenic landscapes of the area. If you are planning an offroad adventure in your new 2023 Honda HR-V LX, here are three local attractions you should not miss.
Drive on Down: 3 Favorite Local Attractions Near Kailua Kona, HI
1. Pu’u Wa’awa’a Forest Reserve
If you like wildlife-watching birding or are simply looking for a quaint destination to spend some time away from the city, Pu’u Wa’awa’a Forest Reserve is a fantastic spot for a day trip with friends or family. Covering approximately 37,600 acres, this forest reserve boasts some of the best scenic hiking trails on the island as well as scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and the lush hills of the region.
Managed by the Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Pu’u Wa’awa’a Forest Reserve is located about 15 miles northeast of downtown Kailua Kona and can be reached in just 20 minutes via Palani Road and route HI-90. A magnet for birdwatchers, this place provides habitat to large populations of pacific golden provers, Hawaiian hawks, cattle egrets, red junglefowl, Hawaiian short-eared owls, Japanese bush warblers, and red-masked parakeets.
2. Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
Located about three and a half miles northwest of downtown Kailua Kona, Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park is a sprawling nature reserve known for its pristine beaches and archaeological sites. Encompassing an area of about 1,160 acres, this nature reserve receives over 150,000 visitors each year and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Getting from Kailua Kona to Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park takes less than 10 minutes via route HI-19. Some of the spots you should check out include Alula Beach, the Aiopio Fish Trap, Honokohau Beach, the Aimakapa Fishpond, Pine Trees Surfing Beach, as well as the expansive network of hiking trails that crisscross the park.
3. HonuaʻUla Forest Reserve
A lush rainforest featuring several miles of hiking and biking trails, HonuaʻUla Forest Reserve is one of the best day trip destinations for Kailua Kona locals and anyone visiting the area. Established in the early 20th century and expanded in 2006, this reserve encompasses nearly 8,000 acres and is home to several different bird species including red junglefowl, pacific golden provers, and Hawaiian hawks.
Are you searching for a trusted dealership with decades of experience and the best customer service on the island? Stop by Tony Honda Kona today! Browse through our extensive inventory of quality new and used Honda vehicles, take your favorite model on a test drive, and ask our knowledgeable team of sales agents about the different financing plans we have available for you to take home the car of your dreams.
Image by Kathy VanDeventer from Pixabay
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