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More near
The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii |
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10 Overall Closest Attractions & Activities |
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Anaeho'omalu Bay and Waikoloa Beach |
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(Attractions & Activities - Beaches) |
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Waikoloa Beach Dr off Hwy 19 N, Waikoloa 96738
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Distance:
~2.75 mi * |
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Description:
KOHALA COAST. One of the Big Island's top beaches, A-Bay is known for metallic, yellow-hued sands that earn it the nickname "Gold Coast." The bay's crystal blue waters are ideal for snorkeling, scuba, kayaking, surfing, and windsailing. Several popular resort hotels are within easy walking distance of the beach, so you can rest assured that it will always be peppered with a myriad of bathing beauties. During the winter, whales make an annual pass by Anaeho'omalu Bay, so make sure you bring a telescoping lens for your camera. Sea-turtles at play in the bay can also be seen. |
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Mauna Kea Beach |
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(Attractions & Activities - Beaches) |
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100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Kamuela 96743 • 808-882-7222
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Distance:
~4.76 mi * |
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Description:
KOHALA COAST. South of Hapuna Beach, Mauna Kea is regarded by many as one of Hawaii's – if not the world's – top beaches. Smooth, golden sands are flanked on one side by lush coconut groves and on the other by calm, crystalline waters protected from strong currents by a series of offshore lava flows. Try to arrive early – by 10am most days, you'll find the beach already staked out by sunbathers and the waters brimming with snorkelers, kids trying out new boogie boards, and those just wanting to cool off with a quick dip. Parking is limited, and the resort that maintains the beach allows only a certain number of visitors at a time – two more reasons to get there early. |
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Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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62-3601 Kawaihae Rd, Kawaihae 96743 • 808-882-7218
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Distance:
~7.59 mi * |
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Description:
KAWAIHAE. Constructed in the late 18th century, this coastal temple was intended as an offering to the war god Kukai'ilimoku from King Kamehameha the Great. The entire island community took part in the building process, as recorded by British sailor John Young. Kamehameha subsequently established a monarchy that lasted 83 years and that united the Hawaiian Islands. Now a National Historic Site, the park invites visitors to tour the temple and enjoy fishing, hiking, water sports, and wildlife viewing. |
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Mo'okini Heiau |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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Hwy 270 near Upolu Airport, Hawi 96720 • 808-974-6200
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Distance:
~8.68 mi * |
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Description:
HAWI. This three-story stone temple, erected more than 1500 years ago, stands as one of the oldest structures in the state. Built to honor Ku (the Hawaiian god of war), it was the setting for countless rituals and observances, including human sacrifices and prayer vigils. As expected, the temple is steeped in legend, and many of them feature Kamehameha I, who was born near this site in the 1750s and who sought spiritual guidance here before setting out on his quest to unite the islands. The road to the temple is rough, so hiking from Highway 270 or riding in a 4X4 is suggested. The temple is now part of the Kohala Historical Sites State Monument. |
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Pololu Valley Lookout |
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(Attractions & Activities - Great Views) |
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Hwy 270 Mile Marker 28 96719
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Distance:
~8.68 mi * |
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Description:
KOHALA COAST. Make it to the end of scenic Highway 270 and experience the majesty of the Big Island's dramatic Kohala coastline. High above waves that crash onto jagged rocks are several lookout areas that offer sweeping vistas of verdant cliffs and sliver-like waterfalls cascading over them. Folks wanting a touch of adventure can make the strenuous hike down to the black-sand beach at the base of the cliffs. Have care, though: the waters are not good for swimming, and no lifeguards are on duty. |
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User Rating: 10
/ 10 |
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Parker Ranch |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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67-1435 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kamuela 96743-8433 • 808-885-7311 • 808-885-5433
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Distance:
~9.02 mi * |
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Description:
KAMUELA. Parker Ranch, one of America's oldest and largest ranches, was founded in 1847. Island visitors eagerly venture here to find out about paniolos (Hawaiian cowboys) and to see what ranch life is like in paradise. Guests may opt to tour Parker's historic homes, where they can view heirloom art and furnishings and learn about the ranch's long history. Horseback and ATV tours are available, along with cattle country tours that expose the workings of the ranch and the beauty of the local landscape. |
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Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center |
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(Attractions & Activities - Museums) |
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Keahole-Kona International Airport, Kailua-Kona 96740 • 808-329-3441
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Distance:
~20.39 mi * |
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Description:
KONA COAST. This informative facility is located just a few miles north of Kailua-Kona – at Keahole-Kona International Airport, to be exact. What the museum lacks in size, it more than makes up for in quality, and first-rate exhibits feature model rockets, moon orbitals, space shuttles, moon rocks, and a working gravity well. The museum is named after Big Island native Ellison Onizuka, one of the astronauts who perished in the 1986 Challenger accident. |
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Hulihe'e Palace |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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75-5718 Ali'i Dr, Kailua-Kona 96740 • 808-329-1877 • 808-329-9555
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Distance:
~23.17 mi * |
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Description:
KONA COAST. With an exterior constructed almost entirely of lava rock and coral mortar, Hulihe'e Palace is one of the Big Island's more unique structures – and one of only three royal residences on US soil. Built entirely of local materials – the architect used koa wood to give the place its distinctive New England charm – the home serves as a reminder of somewhat recent Hawaiian history. Most of the royal family's personal effects are still displayed, including the original hand-carved koa furniture and 19th-century oddities. Although no longer occupied, the home still serves as the setting for special events, including 12 annual hula concerts that commemorate members of the royal family. |
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Kahalu'u Beach Park |
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(Attractions & Activities - Beaches) |
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Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona 96740
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Distance:
~23.39 mi * |
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Description:
KONA COAST. Easily one of the Big Island's most popular beaches, Kahalu'u offers parking, equipment rental stalls, a covered pavilion, and a snack bar. A reef far offshore prevents the waters from getting too rough, making a terrific snorkeling opportunity. Have care, though: the beach tends to get crowded early since thousands of locals and tourists flock here to take advantage of the calm turquoise waters. Kahalu'u is situated between Kailua-Kona and Kealakekua. |
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Old Kona Airport State Park |
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(Attractions & Activities - Beaches) |
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Kuakini Rd off Hwy 11 N, Kailua-Kona
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Distance:
~23.39 mi * |
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Description:
KAILUA-KONA. Some beaches are beautiful, but you can't park anywhere near them. Old Kona Airport beach is attractive AND has lots of parking. In fact, the original airport runway now functions as a parking lot. It's ideal for a family outing, with picnic tables and shelters, showers, and Little League fields, plus ample opportunity for tidal pool exploration. The northern section of the mile-long beach is favored by local surfers and boogie boarders. |
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* All distances are
approximate "straight-line" distances.
See Directions for actual "travel distances."
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