High on the mountain slopes in south Kona, you’ll find the beautiful scenery of Hōnaunau. Surrounded by fragrant coffee farms, you’ll enjoy the cool temperatures and stunning sunset views of this area. Choose one of our great Hōnaunau vacation rentals if you want to explore south Kona!
South Kona is characterized by small towns, coffee farms, roadside fruit stands, and artists’ enclaves. The main attraction in the area is Kealakekua Bay, famous as the place of Captain Cook’s demise. There is amazing snorkeling in the bay, though it’s not always easy to access from land; it’s recommended to take a snorkel tour to easily get to the best spots. Some companies also advertise dolphin swim tours here, but this is both unlikely and potentially harmful to the dolphins, who are resting when they enter the bay. Several companies also offer kayak tours to the Cook Monument, or you can hike there via the Kaʻawaloa Trail. There’s tons to do when you stay in our Hōnaunau vacation rentals.
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau is a National Historical Park which preserves the ancient puʻuhonua, or place of refuge. This was a place where, under the ancient Hawaiian religious system, one who had broken a sacred law could come and be absolved of their crime, or where noncombatants could seek sanctuary during times of war. It’s $5 per vehicle to enter the park, and your pass is good for one week. Rangers offer tours within the park, or you can walk the self-guided tour and learn on your own. It’s a fascinating window into ancient Hawaiian life.
Take Advantage of Proximity to Hawaii’s Best Coffee
Much of the famed coffee from the Big Island is grown and roasted in Honaunau Bay on sprawling coffee farms. Start near Kealakekua Bay and embark on a drive down Mamalahoa Highway (Hwy 11), passing by a handful of coffee farms and coffee shops that are well worth a stop for any coffee lover. Make your first stop at the Kona Coffee Living History Farm, open Monday through Friday 10:00am-2:00pm. Meander among the coffee trees on these beautiful grounds and observe as farmers use the kuriba and hoshidana to mill and dry coffee as they did in the early 20th century. Visiting a living history museum is an engaging activity for all ages, as costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional crafts, farming activities, and the everyday tasks of common people from this era. Discover a homemaker cooking rice over the fire and rolling musubi for lunch. Of course, 100% Kona Coffee and other gifts made in Hawaii can also be picked up here.
Continuing southeast down Mamalahoa Highway, several more coffee farms will be discovered lining the road. Sacred Grounds Coffee Farm offers both locally grown coffee as well as unique handmade crystalline glazed pottery. Visit the Royal Kona Coffee Center to learn the history behind how this famous coffee is made. Stretch your legs with a stroll through their lush grounds, explore the lava tube, and try a variety of samples. Further south along the highway, Dragon’s Lair Estate offers 100% Kona Estate coffee that can only be purchased directly from their farm. They hold fast to the true small business model, even milling and roasting all of their coffee in-house. From larger coffee estates to small family-run farms, this is a prime area for experiencing one of the Big Island’s most delicious crops.
No matter where you adventure during the day, you’ll want to come home to your Hōnaunau vacation rental in the evening for an incredible Kona Coast sunset!
Contact Us to Learn About Honaunau Bay
At I Love Hawaii, we have a variety of vacation rentals available on the Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. Whether you’re exploring nature at its rawest at Volcano National Park on the Big Island, surfing in Oahu’s Waikiki, catching the sunrise at Haleakala on Maui, or gazing out over the Grand Canyon of the Pacific on Kauai, our vacation rentals will ensure complete comfort during your island stay. Many of our Honaunau vacation rentals offer full kitchens, island-inspired décor, breezy lanais, and swimming pools. Please contact us at (866) 634-0060 or (808) 445-9126 to make your vacation rental booking and to get started on planning your ideal Hawaiian getaway!
