Snuba in Kona

[Mamma D]

We are sailing on the POA in March. We snorkel quite a bit and now want to try snuba for the first time. The POA offers a snuba excursion and we are thinking of this one. Does anyone have any other snuba excursion suggestions that you did and really enjoyed? Also, the POA Snuba is from 12:15pm to 3:15pm which is a good time but this leaves us several hours in the morning and after the excursion open. Does the boat dock close to town where we could walk around, go shopping, go to a beach, etc? Or is it far where we would have to take a taxi? Does anyone have any good suggestions for something to do very early or when we get back from the excursion? We haven’t booked yet but are getting real close, so any suggestions would be helpful.

 

Thanks!!

[melika091900]

Hey there

Right where you catch the tender to the ship in kona, theres a nice beach right there in front of the king Kamahehea hotel.

you can swim there, it looked really nice,

 

[melika091900]

and the whole little shopping area and resturants are all right there,,

its a nice area, we loved it

[Mamma D]

Thank you melika, have a wonderful cruise!

[melika091900]

thank you !! You too !!!! have fun in kona the underwater world there is amazing !!!!!!!

[DonahCBrown]

We are sailing on the POA in March. We snorkel quite a bit and now want to try snuba for the first time. The POA offers a snuba excursion and we are thinking of this one. Does anyone have any other snuba excursion suggestions that you did and really enjoyed? Also, the POA Snuba is from 12:15pm to 3:15pm which is a good time but this leaves us several hours in the morning and after the excursion open. Does the boat dock close to town where we could walk around, go shopping, go to a beach, etc? Or is it far where we would have to take a taxi? Does anyone have any good suggestions for something to do very early or when we get back from the excursion? We haven’t booked yet but are getting real close, so any suggestions would be helpful.

 

Thanks!!

 

Bodyglove operates right off the same pier where you will tender in, and they do snuba. They usually take you to an area call 'Golden Arches' - not too north, which has good snorkeling and snuba both.

 

Kailua Kona is very walkable, but there are also free shuttles to take you to the International Market, or to KMart and WalMart, or to Hilo Hatties. Strolling south from the tender pier, you are about a block from the Hulihee Palace - summer palace of the Hawaiian royalty, and across the street from that is the oldest Christian church on the island. Just up the street from the Palace is the Kona Village Inn for shopping and a little further up the street is a newer area with shops, restaurants and a Hard Rock Cafe for the collectors of Hard Rock stuff.

 

The King Kamehameha Hotel is about to undergo a major rennovation, but at present is still open and the lobby, while a little shabby, does have a couple of fairly nice galleries and some interesting Hawaiiana and portraits of the various kings and queens.

 

There is a partially reconstructed heiau (temple) complex that is on the site of the 'capital' under Kamehameha, which is also on the grounds, roughy across from the tender landing, around the small sandy cove that is between the pier and the hotel.

 

You can walk up a block or so, then turn left and make your way to 'Old Airport' beach park - which is exactly what it sounds like - a beach park at the site of the original Kona airport. There's a canoe club building, some picnic tables, a jogging track, community pool, and some kind of golf facility- driving range or something - not a golfer..sorry, and a fairly rocky beach front with some sand pockets and occasionally good surf.

 

There should be plenty to keep you occupied before and after your POA excursion.;)

[Mamma D]

Thank you so much Donna, this is very helpful! I can see that you have been here several times! Have a wonderful cruise (s)!

[DonahCBrown]

Thank you so much Donna, this is very helpful! I can see that you have been here several times! Have a wonderful cruise (s)!

 

Have cruised the islands, but, actually, I live here...rough life, but someone's gotta do it!:D