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Question: What non-touristy things can we do in kona, hawaii?

(Posted by: Daniyell_357 on 2010-02-09 02:16:35)

We are going to Hawaii in October for our honeymoon, and we want to do things that are fun and memorable without all the crowds. Also, we're on a budget. I know that the middle of October is when they have their "aloha festivals ", and if anyone has more information on that I would appreciate it. Thanks. :)

Posted by: realramona on 2010-02-09, 16:50:29

Good choice picking Kona and the Big Island. They are definitely the road less traveled (so to speak). A day trip to Volcanoes National Park is well worth doing. It's a few hours drive and can be cold up there so some people don't bother. On the way there, visit the green sand beach (there are only two in the world) and a black sand beach. You can find directions in the Big Island guide book (part of the "Revealed " series). These guidebooks are written by locals and are the best of the bunch. While you're driving to Volcano's: tune your radio to KAPA FM for some great local music. The local call-ins are also really fun to hear. Also check the Nat'l Park website (see link below) to see if the lava is flowing where you can see it. Also on the way to Volcano's is the southernmost point of the U.S. All of Kona is black lava rock, but in some places there are all these smaller white rocks. People use them to spell out words, so, think of what you want to spell "Our Hawai'i Honeymoon " (for example) and take a photo to kick off your photo slideshow when you get home. The Seahorse Farm is a fun stop (even thought it's a tourist attraction). You can see a pregnant male and find out what it feels like to have a seahorse wrap its tail around your finger. Something else I'd highly HIGHLY recommend is either scuba dive or snorkel with the manta rays. It's on the list of 100 things to do before you die and something that will make your trip really memorable. Jack's Diving Locker is a great operation (that's who I went with) and they offer either snorkel or diving experiences. There's a hot shower on the boat too which you'll really appreciate. The Coffee Shack is a great breakfast or lunch spot. It's quaint and not expensive. The balcony seating overlooks the Kona Coast and offers a casual, but incredibly scenic, dining experience. Aloha Angels is another good breakfast spot. Got a great community vibe, not touristy at all, just a local cafe. I've heard the Kona Brewery Tour is fun but haven't done it myself. Sorry I wasn't able to find any info for you on the aloha festivals. Have a great trip!

Posted by: boomer gal on 2010-02-09, 21:23:34

If you want to do fun stuff, don't worry about being "non-touristy ". Face it, tourists have a lot of fun. One time when I was vacationing on Kauai, I asked the doorman at the hotel where the locals ate breakfast. He told me & I went. It was just OK. The food was pretty good, but the ambiance was - well, it wasn't. Sometimes it's just better to go with the flow & be a tourist. On the rare occasions when I "play tourist " on Oahu, I have a darned good time. I am not an expert on the Kona side, but I would recommend a trip up to Hawi to see the Kamehameha statue. It is really neat. I loved snorkeling in Kealakakua Bay, but it was definitely a touristy thing.