Guidebook for Kamuela
Parks & Nature
This is a beautiful white sand beach. It can't get too crowded because it is part of a resort. Parking is extremely limited. Get to the gate early if you'd like a parking spot.
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Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach DrThis is a beautiful white sand beach. It can't get too crowded because it is part of a resort. Parking is extremely limited. Get to the gate early if you'd like a parking spot.
This is, possibly, my favorite beach on the island. Accessed through the Mauna Kea resort gate. Sand bottom, very small. Calm water. Also accessible through Spencer Beach Park with a walk.
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Mauumae Beach
This is, possibly, my favorite beach on the island. Accessed through the Mauna Kea resort gate. Sand bottom, very small. Calm water. Also accessible through Spencer Beach Park with a walk.
One of the most popular beaches on the island. Beautiful. Gets crowded. Paid parking. Can get high surf. Not good for keikis if the surf is too high, but super fun. Too crowded for me.
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Hapuna Beach
One of the most popular beaches on the island. Beautiful. Gets crowded. Paid parking. Can get high surf. Not good for keikis if the surf is too high, but super fun. Too crowded for me.
Very popular beach. Paid parking, but honor system. Lots of little coves. Lovely spot. Can get crowded. Can get lots of teenagers.
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Waialea Beach
Old Puako RoadVery popular beach. Paid parking, but honor system. Lots of little coves. Lovely spot. Can get crowded. Can get lots of teenagers.
Another resort beach. Beach is average. Go here for the TURTLES that swim in the water in front of the resort portion of the beach. They climb out and lounge in the sand. Water access is average.
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Kukio Beach
72-197 Waiulu StAnother resort beach. Beach is average. Go here for the TURTLES that swim in the water in front of the resort portion of the beach. They climb out and lounge in the sand. Water access is average.
Nice beach. Some think it's best on island. Used to be great, but a guidebook made it too popular. Small hike to get to it. Start at Kekaha Kai and walk along lava rock for 25 minutes. Do NOT drive.
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Makalawena Beach
Hawaii 19Nice beach. Some think it's best on island. Used to be great, but a guidebook made it too popular. Small hike to get to it. Start at Kekaha Kai and walk along lava rock for 25 minutes. Do NOT drive.
This is a beach, but it's also a TURTLE refuge! I'm serious when I say I counted hundreds of honu last time I was there. There is walking involved, but worth it if you love turtles.
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Kīholo Bay
This is a beach, but it's also a TURTLE refuge! I'm serious when I say I counted hundreds of honu last time I was there. There is walking involved, but worth it if you love turtles.
This is always worth a trip. The view is spectacular. You need 4 wheel drive to get into the valley, but you can hike down. Remember, you have to hike back UP!
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Waipio Valley
This is always worth a trip. The view is spectacular. You need 4 wheel drive to get into the valley, but you can hike down. Remember, you have to hike back UP!
Beautiful spot. Great lookout if you just want to see the view, or a great hike into the valley. Check the weather. If it's raining, don't ford streams. Area can flash flood.
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Pololu Valley
Beautiful spot. Great lookout if you just want to see the view, or a great hike into the valley. Check the weather. If it's raining, don't ford streams. Area can flash flood.
This is a geothermal hot pool. I'm adding it, because if you are trekking all the way to Kapoho, you might as well hit two places! I haven't been here, but people love it. Given a choice, pick Kapoho.
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Ahalanui County Beach Park
14-5363 Kalapana - Kapoho RdThis is a geothermal hot pool. I'm adding it, because if you are trekking all the way to Kapoho, you might as well hit two places! I haven't been here, but people love it. Given a choice, pick Kapoho.
Located off Ali'i Drive right in between Kona Isle and Kona by the Sea condos. It's only good during high surf, b/c it is ocean fed and not maintained. FANTASTIC if the seas are high and feeding it.
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Kailua
Located off Ali'i Drive right in between Kona Isle and Kona by the Sea condos. It's only good during high surf, b/c it is ocean fed and not maintained. FANTASTIC if the seas are high and feeding it.
Always worth a trip. Especially when lava is flowing.
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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Always worth a trip. Especially when lava is flowing.
This is also known as the Place of Refuge. It's lovely, historic, and important for the history of Hawaii. There is also some wonderful snorkeling at the "beach" (Two Step) next door.
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Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park
State Highway 160This is also known as the Place of Refuge. It's lovely, historic, and important for the history of Hawaii. There is also some wonderful snorkeling at the "beach" (Two Step) next door.
The small beach next to the National Park of Honaunau. Good snorkeling.
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Two Step
The small beach next to the National Park of Honaunau. Good snorkeling.
A popular down south. There is even camping if you get a permit in advance. Showers, kayak rental, family friendly. Sometimes there are dolphins.
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Ho‘okena Beach Park
86-4322 Mamalahoa HwyA popular down south. There is even camping if you get a permit in advance. Showers, kayak rental, family friendly. Sometimes there are dolphins.
Food Scene
Atmosphere is fun and it has a tiki decor. Staff and owner are nice.
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Seafood Bar and Grill
61-3642 Kawaihae RdAtmosphere is fun and it has a tiki decor. Staff and owner are nice.
Best shave ice on the island. Go check it out. It's delicious. You won't regret it! UPDATE!!!! This location has CLOSED due to safety concerns from the trees on the premises. YOU CAN NOW GET THIS SHAVE ICE IN WAIMEA ON CHURCH ROAD/CHURCH ROW - Check their Facebook Page for their latest hours and locations.
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Original Big Island Shave Ice Co
Best shave ice on the island. Go check it out. It's delicious. You won't regret it! UPDATE!!!! This location has CLOSED due to safety concerns from the trees on the premises. YOU CAN NOW GET THIS SHAVE ICE IN WAIMEA ON CHURCH ROAD/CHURCH ROW - Check their Facebook Page for their latest hours and locations.
I have to recommend Merriman's even though I haven't been there in years. It's the best place to eat in Waimea. It's expensive and the menu hasn't changed in years. For that price go to Brown's Beach House at the Fairmont.
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Merriman's Big Island
65-1227 Opelo RdI have to recommend Merriman's even though I haven't been there in years. It's the best place to eat in Waimea. It's expensive and the menu hasn't changed in years. For that price go to Brown's Beach House at the Fairmont.
Restaurant in the Fairmont Orchid. Very expensive, but very good. Better than Merriman's, IMO. View is gorgeous. Go so that you can catch the sunset. Drinks are great. Go for a special occasion.
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Brown's Beach House Restaurant
1 N Kaniku DrRestaurant in the Fairmont Orchid. Very expensive, but very good. Better than Merriman's, IMO. View is gorgeous. Go so that you can catch the sunset. Drinks are great. Go for a special occasion.
It's a chain restaurant, but a good chain.
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Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store
68-1330 Mauna Lani DrIt's a chain restaurant, but a good chain.
We love this place. There is no view, but the food is great. It's a good restaurant in Kona at the Pottery Terrace. The Chantilly Cake is probably the best dessert on the island. Seriously. It's THAT good. We make a point of going for the cake.
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Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Kona
75-5995 Kuakini HwyWe love this place. There is no view, but the food is great. It's a good restaurant in Kona at the Pottery Terrace. The Chantilly Cake is probably the best dessert on the island. Seriously. It's THAT good. We make a point of going for the cake.
It's Poke. You either like it or you don't. Give it a shot and see if you do.
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Da Poke Shack
76-6246 Ali‘i DriveIt's Poke. You either like it or you don't. Give it a shot and see if you do.
Wonderful coffee and ice cream shop in Hawi. They Serve Tropical Dreams ice Cream. Yum! Also serve food. A good bet.
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Kohala Coffee Mill
55-3412 Akoni Pule HwyWonderful coffee and ice cream shop in Hawi. They Serve Tropical Dreams ice Cream. Yum! Also serve food. A good bet.
This is a decent Italian restaurant in Waikoloa Village. I'm originally from Philadelphia, so I can't give it a great rating, but it's not bad. Ambiance is nice. Drinks are okay. Affordable.
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Pueo's Osteria, LLC
68-1820 Waikoloa RdThis is a decent Italian restaurant in Waikoloa Village. I'm originally from Philadelphia, so I can't give it a great rating, but it's not bad. Ambiance is nice. Drinks are okay. Affordable.
A coffee shop. Good coffee. Located in Waikoloa Village. Outside seating.
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Island Lava Java Waikoloa
68-1845 Waikoloa RdA coffee shop. Good coffee. Located in Waikoloa Village. Outside seating.
Sell Mac Nuts. Free Samples. Small viewing area of mac nut production. Very tasty stop. FYI - You can buy a large, unsalted bag of Hamakua mac nuts at Costco in the baking section for less money.
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Hamakua Macadamia Nut Co Inc
61-3251 Maluokalani StSell Mac Nuts. Free Samples. Small viewing area of mac nut production. Very tasty stop. FYI - You can buy a large, unsalted bag of Hamakua mac nuts at Costco in the baking section for less money.
Every guest who has eaten here has loved it. Vegan, many GF items. Certainly worth checking out if you have dietary restrictions! Portions are not overly large, but the ingredients are fresh.
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Under the Bodhi Tree
68-1330 Mauna Lani DrEvery guest who has eaten here has loved it. Vegan, many GF items. Certainly worth checking out if you have dietary restrictions! Portions are not overly large, but the ingredients are fresh.
We are really underwhelmed by this place. Do yourself a favor and skip it. Sushi rolls the size of your forearm with crazy ingredients. "Woks" that are soups, not stir fries. Dead average drinks.
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Red Water Cafe
65-1299 Kawaihae RdWe are really underwhelmed by this place. Do yourself a favor and skip it. Sushi rolls the size of your forearm with crazy ingredients. "Woks" that are soups, not stir fries. Dead average drinks.
Have not eaten here, but guests of the ohana have loved it. Often has a line out the door. Large portions.
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Hawaiian Style Cafe - Waimea
65-1290 Kawaihae RdHave not eaten here, but guests of the ohana have loved it. Often has a line out the door. Large portions.
Decent Italian place in Waimea. Small, cozy. Friendly service. Not much ambiance, but friendly atmosphere.
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Luna Restaurant
65-1158 Hawaiʻi Belt RdDecent Italian place in Waimea. Small, cozy. Friendly service. Not much ambiance, but friendly atmosphere.
Average American Chinese restaurant that has a few surprising dishes that shine. Walnut shrimp and sweet and sour fish are stand outs. Stick to deep fried food and you shouldn't be disappointed.
Jade Palace
65-1158 Hawaiʻi Belt RoadAverage American Chinese restaurant that has a few surprising dishes that shine. Walnut shrimp and sweet and sour fish are stand outs. Stick to deep fried food and you shouldn't be disappointed.
This is a food cart that serves up fresh fish dishes. Generally fried, local fresh fish that is quite good.
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Hale I'a Da Fish House
613665 Kawaihae-Mahukona RdThis is a food cart that serves up fresh fish dishes. Generally fried, local fresh fish that is quite good.
Daylight Mind Coffee Company
69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr Food here is tasty and the portions are big.
Do yourself a favor and go to Umeke's. We LOVE this place. Try the Poke Bomb Trio. You'll thank me later!
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Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
74-5599 Pawai PlDo yourself a favor and go to Umeke's. We LOVE this place. Try the Poke Bomb Trio. You'll thank me later!
Quirky sushi place in Hawi. Has vegan and vegetarian option. HUGE menu.
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Sushi Rock Restaurant
55-3435 Akoni Pule HwyQuirky sushi place in Hawi. Has vegan and vegetarian option. HUGE menu.
Dearly loved restaurant in Waimea by locals and tourists alike.
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The Fish And The Hog
64-957 Hawaiʻi Belt RdDearly loved restaurant in Waimea by locals and tourists alike.
One of the only places locally to get "Mexican" food and locally brewed beer. Owner is from Oregon.
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Big Island Brewhaus
64-1066 Mamalahoa HwyOne of the only places locally to get "Mexican" food and locally brewed beer. Owner is from Oregon.
The same as every other Ruth's Chris in the country.
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Ruth's Chris Steak House
68-1330 Mauna Lani DrThe same as every other Ruth's Chris in the country.
The only remaining shave ice shop in Kawaihae. Not as good as Original Big Island Shave Ice, but it's local if you don't feel like driving up to Waimea to get a shave ice from the best. Still good. Just not great.
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Anuenue Ice Cream & Shave Ice
61-3665 Akoni Pule HwyThe only remaining shave ice shop in Kawaihae. Not as good as Original Big Island Shave Ice, but it's local if you don't feel like driving up to Waimea to get a shave ice from the best. Still good. Just not great.
Starbucks
67-1185 Hawaiʻi Belt RdThis is still a new restaurant. It replaced our favorite spot in Kawaihae and we've only been there once. The food was very good the time we went. It's Italian. A bit pricy, but in line with the area. Portion sizes are a bit off. A salad is a *little* bit too small to be a full meal, but too large to be a side salad that accompanies a meal. Pizzas are a bit too big for one person, but too small for two. It's a safe bet to get a salad and pizza to share. We haven't tried the pasta, but it's probably delicious.
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al Vicolo
61-3642 Kawaihae RoadThis is still a new restaurant. It replaced our favorite spot in Kawaihae and we've only been there once. The food was very good the time we went. It's Italian. A bit pricy, but in line with the area. Portion sizes are a bit off. A salad is a *little* bit too small to be a full meal, but too large to be a side salad that accompanies a meal. Pizzas are a bit too big for one person, but too small for two. It's a safe bet to get a salad and pizza to share. We haven't tried the pasta, but it's probably delicious.
Pau
65-1227 Opelo RdNice spot in Waimea. Sandwiches, Pizza, Salads.
Good coffee. Good breakfast food that can easily be a quick lunch. Good option over Starbucks.
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Waimea Coffee Company
65-1279 Kawaihae RdGood coffee. Good breakfast food that can easily be a quick lunch. Good option over Starbucks.
Another good coffee option in Kona that also serves food.
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Daylight Mind Coffee Company
69-201 Waikōloa Beach DrAnother good coffee option in Kona that also serves food.
Entertainment & Activities
Dive shop. Go diving, snorkeling, or rent kayaks. The kayak rentals are a steal of a deal and you can go out right from Kawaihae harbor. Fantastic when the humpback whales are visiting!
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Kohala Divers Ltd
613665 Akoni Pule HwyDive shop. Go diving, snorkeling, or rent kayaks. The kayak rentals are a steal of a deal and you can go out right from Kawaihae harbor. Fantastic when the humpback whales are visiting!
Good tour operator on the island. I've done BOTH of their bird watching tours. Expensive, but worth it. They get you to off limits areas. Some very good guides.
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Hawaii Forest & Trail Kona Headquarters
73-5593 Olowalu StGood tour operator on the island. I've done BOTH of their bird watching tours. Expensive, but worth it. They get you to off limits areas. Some very good guides.
I love to ride at these stables. Yes, it's nose to tail, but they care for the horses well, and riding through the Waipio Valley is the best way to see it. Highly recommend.
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Waipi'o Na'alapa Stables
48-5416 Kukuihaele RdI love to ride at these stables. Yes, it's nose to tail, but they care for the horses well, and riding through the Waipio Valley is the best way to see it. Highly recommend.
Nice riding stables where you DON'T have to ride nose to tail. They kit you up with boots and chaps (if you want them) and off you go. Nice wranglers. Nice range. Good views. Walk, trot, canter.
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Paniolo Adventures
Nice riding stables where you DON'T have to ride nose to tail. They kit you up with boots and chaps (if you want them) and off you go. Nice wranglers. Nice range. Good views. Walk, trot, canter.
Shopping
This is a lovely little store. They sell local arts, crafts and jewelry. When I say arts and crafts, I don't mean macrame. I mean high end. I love all of the bird related items. Worth a stop.
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Elements Jewelry & Fine Crafts
55-3413 Akoni Pule HwyThis is a lovely little store. They sell local arts, crafts and jewelry. When I say arts and crafts, I don't mean macrame. I mean high end. I love all of the bird related items. Worth a stop.
The Hawi Farmer's Market is great. Saturday's under the Banyon Tree next to the gas station/post office. Produce, food, baked goods. Banana selection is fantastic. Try them all!
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Hawi
The Hawi Farmer's Market is great. Saturday's under the Banyon Tree next to the gas station/post office. Produce, food, baked goods. Banana selection is fantastic. Try them all!
Waimea Homestead Farmers Market
67-1229 Mamalahoa HwySaturdays
Kamuela Farmers Market
67-139 Pukalani RdWednesday and Saturday
Kamuela Liquor Store
64-1010 Mamalahoa HwyEssentials
There are two grocery stores in Waimea. KTA is the one in the shopping center with the boot. It is the better priced of the two stores in Waimea.
KTA Waimea Pharmacy
65-1158 Hawaiʻi Belt RdThere are two grocery stores in Waimea. KTA is the one in the shopping center with the boot. It is the better priced of the two stores in Waimea.
Grocery store in Waikoloa Village. Good produce. Nice store. Can be expensive, but much better than shopping at Waikoloa Resort.
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KTA Super Stores Waikoloa Village
68-3916 Paniolo AveGrocery store in Waikoloa Village. Good produce. Nice store. Can be expensive, but much better than shopping at Waikoloa Resort.
Best/most affordable place to buy groceries on the west side of the island. Period. Also good for Hawaiian shirts and souvenirs. Always worth a stop.
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Costco Wholesale
73-5600 Maiau StBest/most affordable place to buy groceries on the west side of the island. Period. Also good for Hawaiian shirts and souvenirs. Always worth a stop.
Shift Massage is now located in Hawaii. Kathy is extraordinary and can be reached through:
www.shiftmassage.com
206.399.8820
Shift Massage & Craniosacral
3417 Evanston Avenue NorthShift Massage is now located in Hawaii. Kathy is extraordinary and can be reached through:
www.shiftmassage.com
206.399.8820
Arts & Culture
This is a nice little museum to a sacred Hawaiian site, but I'm putting this here, because it's the starting point to the KING'S TRAIL, or Ala Kahakai trail. Ask at the center for a map and info.
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Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
62-3601 Kawaihae RdThis is a nice little museum to a sacred Hawaiian site, but I'm putting this here, because it's the starting point to the KING'S TRAIL, or Ala Kahakai trail. Ask at the center for a map and info.
Sightseeing
HAWAIIAN COASTLINE ADVENTURES (www.HawaiianCoastlineAdventures.com) is the company we use.
There are LOTS of companies to use for the Manta Ray Night Snorkel. This is the one we use.
They go out of Keauhou Harbor, which has a shorter boat ride to the Mantas and, frankly, better luck lately (December, 2017) seeing them. More importantly, they offer a later tour. We like the 7:30 or 8:00 pm tour versus the sunset snorkel because there are FEWER PEOPLE and BOATS out on the water competing for a limited number of Manta Rays!
You don't have to use this company. I suggest that you use one that goes out of Keauhou Harbor and leaves at 8:00 pm.
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Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii
74-380 Kealakehe PkwyHAWAIIAN COASTLINE ADVENTURES (www.HawaiianCoastlineAdventures.com) is the company we use.
There are LOTS of companies to use for the Manta Ray Night Snorkel. This is the one we use.
They go out of Keauhou Harbor, which has a shorter boat ride to the Mantas and, frankly, better luck lately (December, 2017) seeing them. More importantly, they offer a later tour. We like the 7:30 or 8:00 pm tour versus the sunset snorkel because there are FEWER PEOPLE and BOATS out on the water competing for a limited number of Manta Rays!
You don't have to use this company. I suggest that you use one that goes out of Keauhou Harbor and leaves at 8:00 pm.
Such a FUN activity! This is a submarine that takes you down over a 100 feet underwater to the reef in Kona Bay! You'll see fish, sunken ships, coral, possible sharks, eels...whatever is down there!
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Atlantis Submarines Kona
75- 5660 Palani RdSuch a FUN activity! This is a submarine that takes you down over a 100 feet underwater to the reef in Kona Bay! You'll see fish, sunken ships, coral, possible sharks, eels...whatever is down there!