BeyondCompare
“Big Island” An island of fire, beauty and discovery!
Honu Kai “Aloha” is more than a word of greeting or farewell. Aloha means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return. We take the true meaning of the ‘Aloha Spirit’ to heart, and put that beautiful energy into all we do … we strive to instill 'Hawaiian style' living into our guest’s experience and provide a level of quality that is beyond compare! Your visit to Big Island will be filled with ‘Aloha Spirit’ in our plantation style Bed & Breakfast along with concierge class service you would expect in a boutique hotel. Come share our amazing island’s Aloha and discover the magic for yourself.
CONCIERGE CLASS SERVICE Building upon many years of experience in executive hospitality and travel services, Honu Kai provides our guests with true concierge class service. We have excellent knowledge of the island, tours, restaurants and private air & ground transportation. We invite you to experience our commitment to quality guest services, beginning with your trip planning to Big Island . . . even before you book with us. We believe you will find it "Beyond Compare"!
BIG ISLAND Hawaii Island, also called Big Island, is the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands and also the largest. Strong and majestic, it offers an equally bold driving experience, from roadside stories that speak of a remarkable native culture to the infinite colors of nature’s paintbrush. Home to Paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) and Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes, Big Island offers experiences found in no other place on earth. A variety of climatic zones, from seasonal snowcapped mountains to black sand beaches, stretch across its vast topography creating rich pockets of adventure for visitors to explore. In Hawaiian, the term “holo holo” means to go for a drive or a ride. So if your Big Island travels lead you on a holo holo down some almost forgotten byway, you know it was meant to be. In case you are wondering, a rental car is a must and we recommend Hawaii Car Rental. The Kona Coast is the favored side of Big Island with more sun, water activities, golf and beaches. Honu Kai is centrally located on the Kona Coast and within minutes of a multitude of things to see and do, as well as, many shops and restaurants.
Hawai’i
the Big Island
TOP THINGS TO SEE & DO Here are some of the most popular things to see and do on Big Island. Honu Kai will provide you with a complete guide on traveling to, and enjoying your trip along the way to these and other places. Again, because the island is truly big, please take advantage of our trip planning advice and guides to help you enjoy your visit to Big Island and your stay with us. Historic Kailua Village Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona) is a lively seaside town in the heart of the sunny Kona Coast. Once a sleepy fishing village and a retreat for Hawaiian royalty, Kailua Village is now a destination for great shopping, dining and learning about Hawaii’s rich culture. Take a close look and you’ll discover some very important Hawaii Island historic spots, like Hulihee Palace and the Mokuaikaua Church. King Kamehameha I spent his later years living here until his passing in 1819. The Ahuena Heiau, is a reconstructed temple rebuilt by Kamehameha himself and is on the register of National Historic Landmarks. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Watch the landscape change before your very eyes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This is the home of Kilauea volcano, one of the most active volcanoes on earth. The chance to witness the primal process of creation and destruction make this park one of the most popular visitor attraction in Hawaii and a sacred place for Native Hawaiians. At the heart of the park are the Kīlauea and Mauna Loa active volcanoes. The Crater Rim Drive passes steam vents and the Jaggar Museum, which features volcanology exhibits and a viewpoint overlooking Halema'uma'u Crater. Thick ferns mark the entrance to the Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku). The Chain of Craters Road weaves over lava. Trails crisscross the park.
Located just east of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kalapana offers a good view of activity from Kilauea’s Puu Oo vent, the source of the volcano’s most recent activity. Lava flow entering the ocean can be observed from the ocean on a permitted tour boat, from above by helicopter or from land via a 6 mile hike. Conditions change from day to day, so lava viewing experiences can vary. Snorkeling & Diving with Manta Rays Of all the ocean activities available in Kona few, if any of them, offer more excitement and enchantment than night snorkeling with manta rays off of the Big Island. The world’s largest species of ray, the manta rays found off the Big Island of Hawaii can have wingspans measuring upwards of 20 feet, and swimming alongside these "Butterflies of the Sea" is awe inspiring! Snorkeling with the manta rays is available for those who aren’t certified scuba divers or those who prefer to be surface based for the adventure. The Kona Coast is the best place to spot manta rays in Hawaii. The best way to experience manta rays is to go on a night boat tour. Attracted by the plankton in the water illuminated by lights, certified scuba divers on the ocean floor and snorkelers on the surface are treated to an amazing show as giant mantas glide and somersault in mesmerizing patterns. The mantas often swim within inches of scuba divers and snorkelers, always managing to avoid contact at the last second. Getting this close to these ethereal mantas is truly an experience of a lifetime. Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park Located on the coast of Honaunau Bay in south Kona, Puuhonua o Honaunau immerses you in Hawaiian culture. This 180-acre national historic park was once the home of royal grounds and a place of refuge for ancient Hawaiian lawbreakers. Hundreds of years old yet beautifully restored, Puuhonua o Honaunau remains one of Hawaii's most sacred historic places. Fierce kii, or wooden images of gods, guard the Hale o Keawe Heiau, a sacred temple that housed the bones of 23 alii (chiefs). Beautiful at sunset, this sacred place gives visitors an important glimpse into early Hawaiian culture.
Golf on Big Island With some of Hawaii’s most magnificent courses to choose from, Hawaii Island is known as the “Golf Capital of Hawaii.” Discover courses along the Kohala Coast, such as the Jack Nicklaus designed Hualalai Golf Course, the championship Francis H. I'i Brown courses of the Mauna Lani Resort and the Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed courses at Mauna Kea Resort. Not to be outdone, play the two courses of the Waikoloa Beach Resort designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Discover a variety of other hidden gems throughout Hawaii Island and play amongst the striking contrasts of lush green fairways, pure white bunkers, jet-black lava flows and turquoise Pacific waters. Horseback Riding in Waipio Valley The paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) culture is a big part of the lifestyle and history of Hawaii Island. With a wealth of scenic, open landscapes and other spots throughout the island, ranchers are happy to share their paniolo stories and knowledge with you on horseback. Hawaii Island offers a variety of fun ways to saddle up for an unforgettable paniolo experience. Choose from a diverse selection of beautiful environments to ride through including the upcountry pastures of Kahua Ranch, the tropical Waipio Valley stream and waterfalls trails, or the southern reaches of a historic trail to Kealakekua Bay – complete with swimming and snorkeling. As you ride along these scenic vistas you’ll see why horseback riding on Hawaii Island is truly unique. Mauna Kea Summit Star Gazing The Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station, at the 9,200 foot (2,800 m) level of Mauna Kea, has a free stargazing program held every night of the year from 6:00 PM until 10:00 PM. The program begins with the showing of First Light, a documentary about Mauna Kea made by PBS Hawaii about the history of the mountain from both astronomical and cultural perspectives. After the video, telescopes are set up for viewing. As soon as it's dark enough, a star tour will be given, using a laser pointer to point out the objects visible that night.
MORE THINGS TO SEE & DO Fishing
Festivals
Coffee Plantation Visit
Kayaking & Boating
Hawai’ian Luau & Hula Dancing
Waterfalls
Whale Watching
Beaches & Sunsets
And then following your day of sightseeing and exploration . . .
SUNSET & STARS Romantic Dinner on the Beach “Sunset & Stars� romantic dinner on the beach! This dinner is created to your specific requests and served to you on a secluded beach area of the Kona Coast. You will meet with our chef to plan out your menu prior to your exclusive dinner evening. On your special day, you will be driven to your beach destination just in time to enjoy champagne and appetizers along with a beautiful Kona sunset.
Your meal will then be prepared and served by our dedicated staff while you relax at your ocean front table on the sand, watching the sun as it slowly slips away. Surrounded by tiki torches and candles, each course will be served with wine and your dinner will culminate with a decadent dessert just for the two of you . . . or perhaps a little something more!
RELAXATION HAWAI’IAN STYLE Want to take a break from sightseeing and dinners out . . . Honu Kai has everything to make your day of relaxation exactly that! Lay out on the upper sun deck, find some shade and take a kâwele, or simply relax on the lanai with a book, watch the Java sparrows or the geckos meandering about. With our complete granite counter outdoor kitchen and gas BBQ you can prepare that casual lunch or your evening dinner . . . umm, maybe fresh caught Hawai’ian Mahi Mahi with grilled pineapple or huli huli chicken. End the day enjoying a glass of wine around the lanai fire pit or relaxing in our garden jacuzzi.
Honu Kai www.honukai.com +1 808.329.8676