Kailua-Kona on the Kona Coast encapsulates the whole history of the Hawaiian Islands in one colorful locality. Kailua Bay was where the first Polynesians arrived between AD 500 and AD 700 and a renowned retreat for royalty, with various significant sites attesting to past glories. Today, flanked by family beaches at both north and south ends, downtown Kailua-Kona is a bustling region of beachfront hotels, shops and bazaars, commercial enterprise and pedestrian traffic.
Historic Hilo
Hawaiis biggest small town lies at the feet of three volcanoes, Mauna Kea, the world's tallest; Mauna Loa, the world's most voluminous; and Kilauea, the world's most active volcano.
