Lonely Planet

ʻi Gardens MarketplaceSHOPPING CENTER

(;%808-937-8844; 75-6129 Aliʻi Dr;h10am-5pm Tue-Sun;c)

This open-air shopping center, about 2 miles south of ‘downtown’ Kailua-Kona, is a pleasant spot to while away an hour or so while perusing arts, crafts and produce. There are plenty of stalls and kiosks to get lost among, and kids can run around. Note that the above hours are for the marketplace as a whole; different shops within the space maintain their own hours.

Kona Farmers MarketGIFTS & SOUVENIRS

( Google map; 75-5767 Ali’i Dr;h7am-4pm Wed-Sun;c)

Like Kailua-Kona itself, this busy little market hovers between catering to tourists and locals. Sure, there’s a lot of phony shell jewelry and pseudo-Hawaiian knickknacks, but you can also find fresh produce, flower leis, and a high level of enjoyable market ch

KonaWeb (www.konaweb.com) Homegrown website for locals and visitors, with an islandwide calendar of events.

Kahaluʻu Beach ParkBEACH

(; 78-6710 Aliʻi Dr;

Whether young or old, triathlete or couch potato, everyone appreciates the island’s most easy-to-access (and admittedly busy) snorkeling spot. Protected by an ancient breakwater (which, according to legend, was built by the menehune, or ‘little people’), the bay is usually pleasantly calm and shallow. You’ll spot tropical fish, but beware shallow stretches where you might bump on rocks. The lifeguard-staffed park has outdoor showers, restrooms, drinking water, snorkel rentals and picnic tables. Water can sometimes get cloudy later in the day.

Come early; the parking lot often fills by 10am. Kahaluʻu can be too popular for its own good, with snorkelers literally bumping into one another. The salt-and-pepper beach (composed of lava and coral sand) is often a mass of sociable humanity. Treading lightly is important: follow coral-reef etiquette. B

stay at least 50yd from all sea turtles in the water (20ft on land).

Original Hawaiian Chocolate FactoryFARM

must for chocolate fans, these one-hour farm tours detail how Hawaiian chocolate is grown, harvested, processed and packaged, followed by chocolate sampling and sales. Hours vary; book tours by phone or email at least a week ahead. The factory is inland from Hwy 11, near where it meets Kamehameha III Rd.

Ocean SafarisKAYAKING

(;%808-326-4699; www.oceansafariskayaks.com; 78-7128 Kaleiopapa St; tours $49-79)

Based in Keauhou, this outfit conducts kayak tours of local sea caves and lava tubes where you’ll search for dolphins, sea turtles and manta rays; a bit of (safe)

hhula shows 6-7pm Fri;c)F

This shopping mall has a hula show performed by local dance troupes in the center courtyard on Friday evenings. The dance troupes are local and feature cute kids; it’s a casual way of checking out this lovely, iconic facet of Hawaiian culture. Check the website for more cultural activities and special events.

Haleo LuauLUAU