Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa. Picture by Jill Weinlein
Kona Hawai’i is crammed with tradition, historical past and dramatic landscapes. It was the birthplace of King Kamehameha III, and playground for Hawaiian royalty.
King Kamehameha established the neighborhood again in 1795, and designated Kona as his seat of presidency whereas he was chief. Kona was established because the capital of the unified ‘Kingdom of Hawai’i’ till the capital was moved to Lahaina on Maui, and now in Honolulu on Oahu Island.
The Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa in Kona is a storytelling resort enlightening company concerning the space’s pure magnificence, historical past and Hawaiian tradition.
In-built 1971, because the Kona Surf Resort, it later grew to become the previous Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay earlier than Outrigger Resorts & Inns took it over.
Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa
In response to Geoff Pearson, Common Supervisor of the oceanfront resort, there are 509 visitor rooms and suites. ‘Renovations have been going down in sections and needs to be accomplished by June 2024,’ mentioned Pearson.
Friends will recognize the island-inspired decor, massive furnished lanais with views of Keauhou Bay, lava cliffs, verdant mountains, landscaped gardens, swimming pool and Pacific Ocean.
Hawai’i Manta Rays
The Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa is a singular property situated a couple of 7.5 mile drive to the middle of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. One of many many causes this resort was constructed on a black lava bay overlooking Keauhou Bay, is as a result of it’s residence to the big manta rays. This resort is without doubt one of the solely locations in Hawai’i the place company can watch them feeding up shut.
In response to the State of Hawai’i Division of Aquatic Sources, ‘The oceanic manta ray is the biggest ray species on the earth. This light big has a wingspan reaching as much as 26 ft and may weigh over 5,300 kilos!’
The resort has particular lights that shine into the bay close to the black lava rocks. These lights entice zooplankton, a favourite meals for these magnificent ocean creatures. Friends stand at viewing areas across the resort to observe the rays soar via the water into the sunshine. They feed by unfurling their cephalic fins on the perimeters of their mouth. This funnels water and meals via their broad open mouth and over their gill rakers.
Friends watch as two or extra mantas glide collectively in feeding methods to make a feeding chain. Pleasure builds when mantas barrel roll gracefully flapping and exhibiting off the guidelines of their wings.
The resort offers a chance for company to study big manta rays on the Manta Heart exhibit close to the viewing areas. They will additionally organize for company to affix a night snorkeling tour to study concerning the myths, legends and details concerning the Hahalua “Manta ray” from a licensed and licensed captain and crew.
Delicacies at Feast and Hearth Luau. Picture Jill Weinlein
One other solution to study concerning the historical past of the island of Hawai’i is by attending the Feast and Hearth Luau. Positioned on the grassy garden of the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, company dine at sundown and watch a spectacular reside present underneath the celebrities.
Complimentary tropical drinks, wine and beer are served all through the present, as company style quite a lot of genuine Hawaiian dishes. Dinner may embrace gradual roasted Kalua pig, Hawaiian purple potatoes, rice, contemporary pineapple, papaya and huli-huli hen. Friends end with a basket of heat malasadas, a small, deep fried dough confection sprinkled with sugar.
Feast and Hearth Luau Performers. Picture Jill Weinlein
It is a reside theater manufacturing with lovely costumes, alluring dancing, and an thrilling hearth present accompanied by reside musical performers.
Black lava shoreline. Picture Jill Weinlein
Two lively volcanoes, Kilauea and Manunaloa present the entire black lava surrounding the Huge Island Hawai’i and the setting for the resort.
These volcanoes make up the Hawai’i Volcanoes Nationwide Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Website. Lower than a two hour drive from the resort, this sacred space was established in 1916. The Nationwide Park affords an unlimited 323.431 acres for guests to sightsee and discover whereas studying concerning the historical past and dramatic panorama.
Picture by Jill Weinlein
Friends who search to immerse themselves much more into the character of the island, can volunteer with the non-profit Aina Ho’ola Initiative. It is a hands-on position in restoring the estuarine wetlands and fishponds of the Keaukaha space on the east facet of the island. Guests and native volunteers study concerning the space’s distinctive ecosystems, and assist to make an actual influence on its continued preservation.
Fieldwork accomplished on the Initiative’s volunteer days helps to revive, shield and support in native species flourishing. Volunteer hours are normally from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friends who volunteer on Saturdays may even obtain a light-weight lunch after their shift.
Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa
There are two swimming swimming pools on the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa. The last word lagoon-style, oceanfront household pool has a enjoyable 200-foot lengthy twisting waterslide.
The inside adult-only quiet pool is situated within the middle of the resort with breezeways resulting in the Holua Poolside Bar & Lounge. There’s a heated scorching tub to take pleasure in within the morning till 10 p.m.
Go to Hulihe‘e Palace. Picture Jill Weinlein
To study extra concerning the Kingdom of Hawai’i, drive into the middle of historic Kailua-Kona alongside Ali’i Drive to the Hulihe’e Palace. Initially constructed out of lava rock, this was the previous residence of Kamehameha the Nice. It was first the house to Excessive Chief John Adams Kuakini, brother of Ka‘ahumanu, the favourite spouse of Kamehameha, and later residence to different members of Hawaiian royalty.
Excursions encompass six massive graciously appointed rooms, an inviting oceanfront lanai and the house’s pretty grounds. Reservations should be made earlier than arrival.
Guests will study that within the early Twenties, the grounds of the Palace had been overgrown and the property was in want of restore. The Territorial Legislature bought Hulihe‘e Palace and set it apart for the Daughters of Hawai’i to make use of and keep as a museum. When the Daughters lastly took over Hulihe‘e in 1927, there was little or no curiosity in historic preservation within the islands.
When the Inter-Island Steam Navigation Firm started plans for an oceanfront resort in Kailua-Kona, they thought the grounds of Hulihe‘e could be probably the most fascinating location. They put stress on the Daughters to relinquish Hulihe‘e. These women held agency to their Hawaiian preservation spirit, and Kailua-Kona nonetheless has some open waterfront at Hulihe‘e Palace as we speak.
In 1973, Hulihe‘e Palace was positioned on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations. Artifacts from King Kalakaua and Queen Kapi‘olani, embrace lovely koa wooden furnishings, portraits, kapa, feather work, Hawaiian quilts and different gadgets from Hawai‘i’s royal previous.
Now could be the time to find the wonder and marvel of The Huge Island of Hawai’i by staying at Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa. Stroll within the King of Hawai’i’s footsteps alongside the picturesque land and sea that he found and referred to as residence.
