Exploring Kona, Hawaii

Since my sister and I were nannying on this Seven-Day Hawaiian Cruise, we didn’t plan or expect to have much free time. Most of our days we were told would be spent with the children. Luckily, we were presented with a free afternoon in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, after our snorkeling excursion! This was, by far, our favorite day of the entire week long trip.

We woke up bright and early to take a tender boat from our cruise ship to the big island snorkeling excursion. All sixteen of us went on this excursion to check out Kealakekua Bay’s coral reefs on Hawaii’s largest island. We were glad everyone came, because we were able to take turns swimming and watching children on the party boat.

---

The Body Glove boat took us out to Red Hill.

There were two decks, a slide, paddle boards, and so much more aboard the ship!

The excursion also came with breakfast and lunch on the ship.

Our snorkeling boat had diving boards, slides, floaties, and paddle boards. We barely had time to take advantage of these, because we spent so much time snorkeling in the magnificent blue water.

 We chased little yellow fishies and saw more brain coral than we could have ever imagined. There were even a few eels and sea urchins far below us.

Spinner dolphins near the back of the boat.

Even when we were riding back on the boat at the end of the day, there was wildlife to see. Dozens (if not a hundreds) of spinner dolphins followed our boat for a stretch, then flying fish jumped around and even jumped onto our deck! We got a full take of Kona’s wildlife from that boat.

Once we arrived back at the dock, my sister and I were told that we had the afternoon off to explore. We took off down the main street and made the most of our day having no idea what to do or where to go.

---

Walking past the shops in Kona.

The main road, Ali'i Drive.

Mokuaikaua Church.

We started by visiting, Mokuaikaua Church, Hawaii’s first church. This was a random stumble-upon just off the main road, but when we went inside, I found all sorts of connections. 

Just days before our arrival on the island, I had finished listening to an Audible book about Machu Picchu. The American explorer's father was the missionary who brought Christianity to the Hawaiian islands! I instantly recognized all of the founding missionarys' names and stories, and I couldn't believe that I knew so much of the church's history already! It was a nice and comforting way to start our wandering around the island. ​

---

Photos from inside the church.

The main worship area.

View from outside the church.

Hulihe‘e Palace.

We continued strolling around the town and crossed the street to Hulihe‘e Palace. The former summer home of several different royals, it is now home to several historic artifacts, but it would have cost us each $10 to tour the inside, so we just strolled around the lush gardens.

---

​We then walked back up Ali’i Drive strolling in and out of gift shops before we decided to walk up Palani Road and have coffee from the famous Kona Coffee. We enjoyed our espresso on the balcony of the tiny shop and noticed a brewery wasn’t far away.

Inside Kona Coffee.

I love trying local beers and beverages when I travel, I try to try as many as I can. So when we arrived at Kona Brewery, I grabbed a flight of their various fruity beers. I believe I chose The Lemongrass Luau, The Longboard Island Lager, Duke Blonde Ale, and Hula Hefewizen (I think). We enjoyed our libations from another porch to take in the salty air and sunshine.

We couldn’t stay long, since our cruise ship was departing soon, but we sipped on our beers and relished in the absence of children for our last few minutes of peace and quiet in Kona.

If you want to see more from our entire trip around Hawaii you can visit my Hawaii Homepage HERE! 

You can also watch my YouTube videos to see even more!

​Similar Links:
Seven Day Cruise Around The Hawaiian Islands
Two Days Exploring Maui
Hiking Diamond Head Crater in Honolulu