Kailua-Kona Sports & Outdoors

The locals like the Walua Road Trail. Many people come here, whether it be those who live close and walk to it, or those who live far away and drive to it. Starting at dawn, the trail comes alive.

Locals may be creatures of habit, so if you become a regular on the tail, you'll notice the same crowd during the same hours quite frequently.

The "trail" is actually a part road and part path where no cars are allowed. It parallels the main Highway (HW11), but always stays above it.

It is high on the hill, so it is much cooler than being in the lower town, along the waterfront. Its views are great and the people are friendly.

Its total length is 3.2miles one-way, so you can opt to do as much or little of it as you want. It climbs about 500ft so is relatively flat for being in the mountains, again making it a favorite for locals.

Equipment: Bring your walking shoes or bicycle, both are quite popular. Many also walk their dogs. If you come in the late morning or afternoon, it will be hot and sunny, so bring sun protection.

This was so awesome! Native Hawaiian Captain Michael led this beautiful, spiritual tour aboard his boat. We found a pod of dolphins and swam 3 different times with them. There were about 50 of them! Some baby dolphins too. The boat is small so its a small group of about 6 people. which is more intimate. It was a one in a lifetime opportunity and I highly recommend it. We paid $125 per person. Worth every penny!

Michael also performs weddings and leads mystical island tours.

Equipment: Arrive at the boat ramp early. He leaves at 8am, so eat breakfast before you arrive. There is no lunch, but he provides snacks. We brought a few more since we are ona weird diet. Also, bring swimsuit, strong sunscreen, beach towel, snorkel and fins and an underwater camera.

Kahaluu Beach Park -- This is the most popular beach on the Kona Coast; these reef-protected lagoons attract 1,000 people a day almost year-round. Kahaluu is the best all-around beach on Alii Drive, with coconut trees lining a narrow salt-and-pepper sand shore that gently slopes to turquoise pools. The schools of brilliantly colored tropical fish that weave in and out of the well-established reef make this a great place to snorkel. It's also an ideal spot for children and beginning snorkelers to get their fins wet; the water is so shallow that you can just stand up if you feel uncomfortable. Be careful in winter, though: The placid waters become turbulent, and there's a rip current when high surf rolls in; look for the lifeguard warnings.

Kahaluu isn't the biggest beach on the island, but it's one of the best equipped, with off-road parking, beach-gear rentals, a covered pavilion, and a food concession. It gets crowded, so come early to stake out a spot.

Snorkeling at Kahalu'u Beach Park is the best in all of the state of Hawaii. Over 200 species of sea life are regularly observed and easily accessible.

Equipment: If you don't have your own gear for snorkling. There is gear available at the beach, or see Snorkel Bob on Alii Dr. for gear and special environmentally correct fish food (no frozen peas, please!).

Great experiece. We did their night Manta Ray dive. Helpful guides, reliable equipment, great dive site.