What to do in tender port at Kona ?

[1st time in Hawaii]

If you are not taking a tour, what can you do in Kona within walking distance of the tender port ?

Not interested in swimming or hanging out at the beach.

Is there enough in the town to keep us occupied ?

[Kartgv]

Just a few ideas:

 

* Cute shopping area right starts right at the pier, lots of restaurants and shops - some with typical tourist stuff, some with nice local things.

* Visit Huliheʻe Palace/Museum and Mokuaikaua Church, both dating back to the early 1800's, less than a block from the end of the pier.

* Visit Kona Brewpub for a brewery tour, pizza and beers - about 1/2 mile from pier.

* Visit the Farmers Market, about 4 blocks from the pier.

* Have a MaiTai and lunch at the Kona Inn - a great spot to take pictures of your ship in the bay while sipping a delicious drink.

* Hop on the Keauhou Trolley (think it's about $2per person) for a leisurely drive about 5 miles south along Ali'i Drive, passing some beautiful homes and beaches along the way. Stay on for the return trip, or get off at any stop that interests you.

* Rent a car from Dollar right in the King Kamehameha Hotel right at the pier (must reserve in advance). You can then drive to a number of destinations within an hour of the pier.

 

That's enough to get you started, but you can also browse many recent threads on this topic. When you bring up the Hawaii board where you posted this message, look at the top right corner for the "Search This Forum" box. Click on it and type in "Kona". There are dozens of threads with ideas.

[1st time in Hawaii]

Thanks for all the great ideas. We will try some.

I didn't know there was a trolley., that maybe a good way to get around without renting a car.