Advice for visit to Kona
 

Will be in Kona mid June.
Any suggestions for good, safe, guarded beaches, mid priced romantic restaurants, fun places to visit & things to do that might not be in guide books.

Try reviews at epinions.com
Although there are reviews for everything from dishwasers to tires, there is an extensive travel area with reviews for a variety of travel places.

great thanks for the tip.
nanabee

egret: i wanted to get back to you to thank you for the info. about epinions.com -- it is a great site!

Absolutely take a drive (or a tour, if you must) to the volcano. It's one of the coolest things I've ever seen and the best hike I've ever taken, hands down.

Closer to Kona, I'd recommend visiting Place of Refuge -- the park is interesting and they have easy snorkeling. If you're very active, you might like kayaking in Kealakekua Bay too. (The rough entry might be a problem for novices or anyone uncomfortable in the water.)

No local restaurant suggestions since we ate in Waikoloa every night. Sorry!

((R))

Kaaluhu Beach in Kailua is safe, guarded, lots of turtles and fish for snorkelers. Hapuna Beach in Kohala is gorgeous and has life guards.
Restaurants--If you go south on Highway 11, between mile markers 112 and 113 is Ke'ei Cafe. Wonderful, very fresh food. Make an early reservation--they sometimes are very busy--oh and they do not take credit cards. They are also open for lunch. Of course, Kailua Kona has many, many restauants--check out www.konaweb.com

A drive to Hawi and the Pololu Valley in North Kohala is a nice way to spend a day. Lunch at the Bamboo Restaurant in Hawi--good local style food. Waipio Valley near Honokaa is gorgeous. Hawaiian Tropical Botanic Gardens near Hilo is lovely with its variety of plants and its stunning setting on Onomea Bay.

I second the recommendation for Ke'ei Cafe. It's wonderful.

We also liked Kona Brewing Co. and Island Lava Java for the giant cinnamon rolls.