Fodor's Essential Hawaii by Fodor's Travel Guides

Author:Fodor's Travel Guides
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fodor's Travel
Published: 2018-12-24T16:00:00+00:00

The meandering road leading to Kealakekua Bay is home to a historic painted church, as well as coffee-tasting spots and several reasonably priced bed-and-breakfasts with great views. The communities surrounding the bay (Kealakekua and Captain Cook) are brimming with local and transplanted artists. They’re great places to shop for gifts or antiques, have some coffee, or take an afternoon stroll.

Several coffee farms around the Kona coffee-belt area welcome visitors to watch all or part of the coffee-production process, from harvest to packaging. Some tours are self-guided and most are free, with the exception of the Kona Coffee Living History Farm.

GETTING HERE AND AROUND

To get to Kealakekua Bay, follow the signs off Highway 11 and park at Napoopoo Beach. It’s not much of a beach (it used to be before Hurricane Iniki washed it away in 1992), but it provides easy access into the water.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Fodor’sChoice Captain Cook Monument. On February 14, 1779, famed English explorer Captain James Cook was killed here during an apparent misunderstanding with local residents. He had chosen Kealakekua Bay as a landing place in November 1778. Arriving during the celebration of Makahiki, the harvest season, Cook was welcomed at first. Some Hawaiians saw him as an incarnation of the god Lono. Cook’s party sailed away in February 1779, but a freak storm forced his damaged ship back to Kealakekua Bay. Believing that no god could be thwarted by a mere rainstorm, the Hawaiians were not so welcoming this time, and various confrontations arose between them and Cook’s sailors. The theft of a longboat brought Cook and an armed party ashore to reclaim it. One thing led to another: shots were fired, daggers and spears were thrown, and Captain Cook fell, mortally wounded. A 27-foot-high obelisk marks the spot where he died. You can see it from a vantage point across the bay at Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, or you can take a guided kayak tour with one of the local licensed operators. Captain Cook dlnr.hawaii.gov/​dsp/​parks/​hawaii.

Greenwell Farms. FAMILY The Greenwell family played a significant role in the cultivation of the first commercial coffee in the Kona area (as well as the first grocery store). Depending on the season, the 20-minute walking tour of this working farm takes in various stages of coffee production, including a look at the 100-year-old coffee trees. No reservations are required. Sample a cup of their famous Kona coffee at the end; the gift shop stays open until 5. 81-6581 Mamalahoa Hwy., ocean side, between mile markers 112 and 111, Kealakekua 808/323–2295 www.greenwellfarms.com Free.

Holualoa Town. Hugging the hillside along the Kona Coast, the artsy village of Holualoa is 3 miles up winding Hualalai Road from Kailua-Kona. Galleries here feature all types of artists—painters, woodworkers, jewelers, gourd-makers, and potters—working in their studios in back and selling their wares up front. Look for frequent town-wide events such as art strolls and block parties. Then relax with a cup of coffee in one of the many cafés or stores. Formerly the exclusive domain of coffee

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