Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Cruises

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Cruise Port

• While beaches and whale-watching tours abound, one of the most awe-inspiring adventures involves going to the top of Maunakea Summit. This is a drive-only excursion and you may have to adjust to the height gradually: It's one of the only places in the world you can travel from sea level to 14,000 feet within a couple of hours. If there after dark, the visitor center has a stargazing program.
   
• King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel (where he actually lived in his later years) is also the site of Kamehameha's rebuilt temple, Ahu'ena Heiau, dedicated to the god Lono and on the register of National Historic Landmarks. Other artefacts are displayed here as well.
   
• Not far from the Kona airport is the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. Here you can watch turtles and learn how the seemingly barren landscape here sustained life; birdwatchers can also spot the varieties of migratory species that winter in the wetlands of Aimakapa Fishpond.
   
• For unique beer and a pub dinner if you're hungry afterward, visit the Kona Brewing Company. With both year-round and seasonal brews, the tour is a great way to sample beverages such as Big Wave Golden Ale, Fire Rock Pale Ale, and the island-only Hula Hefeweizen.