Hawaii’s Big Island is full of adventure with its awe-inspiring nature and unique historical sites. Many of these places are a short distance away from the seaside town of Kailua-Kona, HI, so there’s no need to fret if you don’t have the time for a drive across the island. Be sure to save these worthwhile tourist attractions to your Honda HR-V’s intuitive HondaLink navigation system!
Make the Drive: 3 Tourist Attractions Near Kailua-Kona, HI
1. Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary
Some of the most beautiful scenery on the island can be found just outside of town in this 70-acre nature preserve accessible from 73-1865 Hao Street. Located near the base of Mt. Hualalai, the entire park comprises of an extremely dense, verdant cloud forest filled with a wide variety of tropical trees and ferns. You’ll also be able to view a diverse array of flowers and exotic birds.
Booking a guided tour at Kona Cloud is a must since the sanctuary’s expert guides provide a wealth of information about the forest’s geological history that allows for a more enriching experience. The park also hosts calming painting workshops and guided meditation sessions where you can really immerse yourself in the beauty of the forest.
2. Hulihe’e Palace
Having served as the residence and vacation home for several members of Hawaii’s royal family, including King Kamehameha III and Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, Hulie’e Palace on 75-5718 Ali’i Drive is now open to the public as a museum. The house dates back to the 1830s , but has been well preserved and contains many artifacts and furnishings from when it was still owned by royals. Westward-facing rooms offer lovely views of Kailua Bay.
Self-guided and guided tours are both available at Hulihe’e Palace, but the latter is highly recommended for greater insight into the story of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s rulers.
3. Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm
This aquatic farm on 73-4388 Ilikai Place is one of the world’s oldest seahorse-raising programs, which uses eco-friendly, sustainable practices to breed seahorses for pet enthusiasts and large aquariums. The establishment also prides itself on its mission to spread awareness about marine life conservation to the general public. This is done through entertaining guided tours that show visitors every stage of the seahorse’s lifecycle and how they’re cared for.
You’ll also get to check out Ocean RIder’s breeding pools and seahorse food production facilities. The tour guides will even allow you to feed and hold the little creatures in your hands!
Hitting all three of these destinations will make for the perfect outing in Kailua-Kona, but there are many more exciting places to discover when you’re in town! While you’re here, be sure to make a stop at Tony Honda Kona and take a look at our amazing selection of new and certified pre-owned vehicles!
Image by MustangJoe from Pixabay.
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