Kailua-Kona

Onto the Big Island (a.k.a. Hawaii) and charming little Kailua-Kona with the laid back island vibe.  Indulge in locally grown Kona coffee while strolling around Kailua Village.  Keep an eye out for signs that point to interesting sights, both historic and modern.

As soon as we stepped off the dock, we were greeted by a 1970's reconstruction of King Kamehameha I's shrine.   

A little rental place/boat parking lot.

Take a stroll along Ali'i Drive which wraps around picturesque Kailua Bay.

Okay, I've heard of Kona coffee which grows along the ashen slopes of the dormant volcano Hualalai, but I did not know that Kailua-Kona was also the location of the Ironman Triathalons!

Huliheʻe Palace was once a royal vacation home (complete with a sacred bathing pond in the back) but is now a quiet museum with amazing ocean views.

We came on a Sunday and got to peek inside Mokuaikaua Church, Hawaii's oldest Christian church.

One of the quaint buildings along Ali'i Drive.  

The sign says it all...

Hand-painted signs along the streets.  Any guesses what Cosmic Coconuts might be? 

Artistic decoration and a very clever drainpipe design come together in this tin snorkeling fish. 

So many little things in Kailua-Kona made me smile.  I want to know who owns the "Chill'n" mailbox!