re: What to do in Kona Hawaii?

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Wife and I are staying in Kona for a week.

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Ali'i Drive has a lot of cool buildings of significance to the Hawaiian Royal family.

The Painted Church (St Benedict's Catholic Church) in Honaunau.

Also near the Painted Church is one of if not the best snorkel/scuba spots I've ever been to, Two Step at Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Park.

As previously mentioned Waipio Valley is incredible. I will warn you ahead of time though, if you aren't used to hiking it's gonna be rough. The road that you follow is one of the steepest in the world. However, the twin waterfalls at the end make it worthwhile.

I suggest starting early in the day when you go see Kilauea. Drive down Hwy 11 South out of Kona. It takes you through a lot of cool scenery and you can also hit the southern most point of the United States on the way. Hit Hilo and then take Hwy 200 for the drive back for some of the most alien landscape you've ever seen. Once you get between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa the rainforest environment stops abruptly and suddenly you are in an arid desert/surrounded by old lava fields.