Visitors at Pu‘uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park are experiencing a rare treat this week with the arrival of a wild Hawaiian monk seal that has been swimming in the bay and sleeping on the sandy beach fronting the Royal Canoe Landing. The only species of seal that is native to Hawai‘i, the Hawaiian monk …
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In Hawai‘i, the green sea turtle is known as the honu. And here in West Hawai‘i, honu are prevalent at beaches, bays and shorelines across the Kona coast. Weighing up to 300 pounds with a life expectancy of 80 years, the honu frequents shallow waters and coral reefs where it feeds on algae. Like a …
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Every winter, pods of graceful humpback whales migrate from Alaska to the warmer waters of the Hawaiian Islands chain. The whales begin appearing in December, and by February, the season is in full swing! Right now, thousands of whales are “on vacation” in Hawai‘i, where they’ve come to breed, give birth and frolic close to …
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Okay, it’s not the North Shore of O‘ahu, or even Waikiki for that matter. But Kona does offer a few nice surf spots for beginners and advanced wave riders. What’s more, most of the destinations are just a short drive down the hill from Holualoa Inn. The best place to learn how to surf is …
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Jenny Kalmbach: 2011 Female Paddler of the Year Standup Paddling (SUP) is a relatively new sport that’s really taken off in Hawai‘i and around the world. Here at Holualoa Inn, our very own Jenny Kalmbach was recently crowned the world’s top female paddler at the 2011 SUP Awards held in California last month. If you …
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One of the most popular visitor activities in Kona, snorkeling reveals an underwater world brimming with colorful tropical fish, beautiful coral reefs, crystal-blue waters and a variety of marine life including green sea turtles. The relatively calm waters of the leeward coast provide aquarium-like conditions for observing Hawai‘i’s underwater attractions. One of the best places …
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Big Bertha, as photographed by James L. Wing. Our friends at Fair Wind snorkel cruises just informed us that a female Manta Ray known to frequent the waters near Keauhou Bay has recently given birth. Affectionately named Big Bertha, the mother ray is one of the most recognizable among the Manta Rays that glide along …
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Spinner dolphins in the wild They’re one of the most dramatic and exciting sights in Hawaiian waters. Pods of spinner dolphins amaze visitors with incredible aerial displays, spinning and leaping out of the water several times in succession before slapping their bodies on the water’s surface. Underwater, they are equally playful and majestic, emitting a …
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