Travel & Stay
The Ceremony and Reception will be taking place in Holualoa, Hawaii.
Lodging Recommendations
AirB&b or VRBO
Vacation rentals are a great option if you are looking for a shared space or more affordable nightly rates than many of the hotels and resorts. We’re happy to provide recommendations or assistance if you’re seeking this style of accommodation.
Hotel
Centrally located in downtown Kailua-Kona on Ali’i Drive
75-5660 Palani Rd,
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(808) 329-2911
Oceanfront Condos in Kona
Units A35, B31, D33
75-5888 Ali‘i Dr
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(626) 221-0730
Travel
You’ll be arriving into Kona International Airport (KOA), located only 10 minuets from Kailua-Kona. Taxis and ride-share options are available just past the baggage claim for easy transport to your chosen accommodation.
Activities and Exploration
Beaches and Snorkeling
There are some spectacular beaches and snorkeling spots well worth visiting while you’re here on the big island. One of our favorite places to snorkel from shore is Honaunau Bay, commonly referred to as Two Step, hosts a lively reef with great fish life and easy access to the water.
A pristine and secluded beach only 15 minuets north of Kona town; Makalawena Beach is apart of Kekaha Kai State park and is the best place for soft white sand, low crowds, and a possible Hawaiian Monk Seal sighting. Be prepared for a 20 minute hike to access this hidden gem.
Take advantage of public beach access across the island by visiting the beautiful beaches that are apart of the FourSeasons Hualalai Resort and Kukio Beach Club. Just ask for a beach pass at the guard gate.
Hiking
For a close by hike that will make you feel like you are walking through jurassic park film check out the Kaloko Cloud Forest. This looping trail system located halfway up Kaloko drive on the western flank of the Hualalai Volcano is one of our favorite places for a cool early morning walk. While exploring these well maintained jungle trails be on the lookout for tufts of Falkor’s fur he’s left behind on our many off leash adventures.
If you’re looking to explore a bit further into the Island, venturing south to Volcano National Park is sure to be a highlight. Spending a day exploring the south side of the island is one of the best ways to get an authentic impression of Hawaii islands unique climate zones and geology.
Sea and Air
We spend almost all of our time, both at work and play, on the water off the Kona Coast. This pristine deep water playground offers incredible biodiversity and some very unique wildlife encounters. If you want to explore our favorite part of the big island, check out our friends Kaimana Ocean Safari, Deep Water Hawaii, and Ocean Eco Tours. I would love to recommend the incredible pelagic whale watching experience provided by Hawaiian Adventures Kona and guided by yours truly but considering we are getting married I don’t think we’ll be running our tours during that time. If you are looking to go deep sea fishing Kraken Fish Co. is by far the best.
For an elevated perspective on the beauty of Hawaii Island, a flight with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters is truly a once in a lifetime experience. Be sure to select a flight path that explores the fabled back valleys of the Hamakua Coast.
Dining in Kona
Although Kona is not known for it’s vibrant food sene there are a few places we find ourselves returning to time and time again. For a fantastic takeout lunch, stop by El Mercadito Rincon Mexicano. Located in the international market across the street from Target this small family run restaurant has the best Mexican food on the island. For fresh Poke caught and prepared locally Pau Hana Poke near Costco is hard to beat. A classic waterfront lunch option right on Ali’i drive is Kai eats and drinks offering fantastic woodfire pizza, burgers, tacos, and island style cocktails. For those who appreciate high quality chef prepared dishes the menu at Walua Social club is sure to impress.