Kailua-Kona Tourist Traps

I heard all about the wonderful Malasada while on the Big Island so I decided to check it out. We were staying in Kailua-Kona but apparently the best malasada was at Tex Drive In which is on the road to Hilo. So I drove out to this place which was about 30-40 minutes away. It is NOT worth it. It's like a great big hole-less doughnut that you can get with different fillings.

Unique Suggestions: Try it once but get it as you drive by it... don't make a special trip just to get it.

Fun Alternatives: After I went all the way to Tex, then another local told me that they actually prefer the malasadas over at the KTA SuperStore over in the Kailua-Kona Coast Shopping Center, about 3 minutes from where we were staying!!!

Body Glove (Kailua-Kona) brings you 1000 ft away from hotel (where you might be staying) for whale watching, 15 minutes away from the pier. You have to try to spot whales yourself, as well as to learn about whales habits by talking to bartender (while advertised naturalist is busy chatting with captain). It is no surprise if you do not see any whales and then they guarantee you can go for another hopeless trip with them.
For $59/person it is very disappointing experience. You will get as much pleasure by trying to spot whales from your condo/hotel.

Fun Alternatives: They claim that whales like to be in the shallow water while with calfs. If this is true, you can as well watch them from the beach and have as much fun.

The trip to mauna kea summit for the sun set and stars waching it is very famous but it is mo realy necesary if you have a jeep rental it is very easy road stop at 9.000 feet in the rest area for 30 minutes to get your body use to the altitud and continue to the summit at 13.700 feets bring lots of warm cloth or watch it from inside your car. expectacular.

If you like scuba, and you decide to go for Manta Ray Night Diving spent 100$ for charter, don't be sure that you will see Manta