Kona - Slice of Paradise

09/02/2026

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐥𝐢ʻ𝐮𝐨𝐤𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐨𝐧𝐚

𝑺𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝟑-𝟕,𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

If you are visiting Kona this week, look out on the water. The Queen Liliʻuokalani Canoe Race brings outrigger canoe paddlers from Hawaiʻi and around the world to the Big Island for one of the world’s major long-distance outrigger canoe events.

It is more than a race. The Hawaiian outrigger canoe, or waʻa, is deeply connected to the islands’ ocean-going heritage, and the event celebrates paddling, teamwork, endurance and Hawaiian canoe culture.

Saturday, September 5 is the big 18-mile race, connecting Kailua Bay and Hōnaunau Bay. Other races take place around Kailua Pier on Thursday, Sunday and Monday.

So while you are enjoying Kona, take some time to visit the waterfront and watch the crews prepare, race and return to Kailua Bay. It is a great opportunity to experience a part of Hawaiʻi that goes far beyond the beaches and resorts.

Want to know more about the history of the Hawaiian outrigger canoe? Read our earlier article and find details of the upcoming race:

https://kona-rental.com/index.php/vacation-rental-news/202608-outrigger

Kailua-Kona, Kona, Hawaii, Short Term Vacation Rental, STVR, AirBnB, VRBO, Booking.com, Beach, outrigger canoe

08/05/2026

Have you ever wondered why Hawaiʻi Island is called the 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝? It's not just because of its size!

The Big Island is home to 𝟖 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝'𝐬 𝟏𝟑 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬. A remarkable diversity can be found on a single island. In just one day, you can travel from tropical rainforests to dry lava deserts, lush valleys, misty cloud forests, sunny beaches, and even alpine landscapes where snow occasionally blankets the summit of Mauna Kea.

This incredible range of climates creates a paradise for nature lovers. Different plants and animals thrive in each climate zone, so every drive offers something new: from towering tropical trees and colorful flowers to unique native birds, sea turtles basking on the shore, and even wild goats on the volcanic slopes.

The weather is just as diverse. If it's raining on one side of the island, there's a good chance you'll find sunshine just a short drive away. Looking for cooler mountain air, a warm beach day, or the perfect snorkeling conditions? The Big Island often lets you choose the weather that suits your plans.

The island is also constantly changing. Active volcanoes continue to create new land, while powerful waves reshape the coastline. A perfect example is Magic Sands Beach, where the beautiful white sand can disappear after large winter surf and then gradually return months later, a reminder that nature is always at work here.

Perhaps the most amazing contrast is the elevation. Within about 40 miles (65 km), you can go from sea level to nearly 14,000 feet (4,207 m) on Mauna Kea. That dramatic change in altitude creates everything from warm tropical beaches to freezing alpine conditions and, on the right winter day, even snow.

Every visit to the Big Island is different. The landscapes, the weather, the wildlife, and even the coastline are constantly evolving, making every journey an adventure.

𝙒𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙯𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩? 🌴🌋❄️🌺🏖️

07/12/2026

While there are many places to see Manta Rays on the Big Island in Hawai'i, you can see them every night at the Mauna Kea resort.
After sunset the resort lights up the sea and attracts the rays close to the shore. They can be seen from a viewing platform without getting wet.

05/20/2025

the number of earthquakes has increased...

Short Term Vacation Rental, STVR, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, AirBnB, VRBO, Booking.com, By Owner, furnished, long-term, long term, short term, short-term

10/26/2024

Turtles - honu - are in important in Hawaiian culture. They have always been sacred and are also protected by law today.

https://kona-rental.com/index.php/vacation-rental-news/202410-honu-the-importance-of-turtles

Honu - Hawaiian for Turtle, an short summary of the importance of turtles in Hawaiian culture.

10/25/2024

Thinking of the beautiful decorations (Penjors) while in Hawaii.
https://youtube.com/shorts/D9zDF-CDAk0

Penjors are a religious symbol skillfully crafted by Hindus in Bali. The curve of the Penjor is said to resemble the tail of the baron or the top of Mount Ag...

10/08/2024

Tegenungan Waterfall - first movie from Bali. Nice place, maybe a bit touristy but still nice to visit.

https://youtu.be/HbQALZQr5-Y

10/02/2024

Gili Trawangan - impression

Gili Trawangan is the biggest of the Indonesian Gili Islands located in the Lombok Strait. The island can only be reached by boat and is entirely car free. G...

09/15/2024

Enjoyed the sunshine at the Billilla Mansion yesterday. After having driven by there many times I was curious about this place. Interesting story and nicely kept building in the Brighton area.

The Billilla Mansion was built in 1876 by Robert Wright and changed ownership many times over the following ten years. In 1888 the property was eventually pu...

09/06/2024

𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐢
Despite the subdued economy, Hawaii continues to be a popular destination for Australians. The relatively short flight time of about 10 hours from the Australian East Coast to Hawaii, its climate, and the friendliness of its people are definite attractions. While 10 hours may seem like a long flight, it is important to recognize the relative isolation of Australia. For example, a flight to Singapore takes about 8 hours from Australia's East Coast. Having on average 27 direct flights per week from the three major cities on Australia's East Coast (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane) is a definite plus.
Aussies are known for their keen interest in travel and are used to spending good money on this passion. In this light, it comes as no surprise that Qantas, Australia's National Airline, has decided to replace their discount airline flights from Melbourne to Honolulu with a regular service starting in May 2025. At the same time, Qantas will start offering 3 flights per week on this route to capitalize on the interest in traveling to the USA.
While the overall number of Australians probably pales in comparison to visitors from other places, any increase in visitors to Hawaii is a good thing at this time. Year-over-year statistics (see below) not only show a reduction in visitors but also indicate that they spend less money despite the inflationary increase in costs.

(https://kona-rental.com)