The Perfect Four-Day Weekend: Kona

King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel lobby

Room with a view:  652

Hulihe'e Palace on Ali'i Drive

The perfect four-day weekend doesn't have to scream “luxury” to be enjoyable, but it should include a direct flight, stylish accommodations, plenty of sunshine, some culture, and a few great meals that don’t break the bank.  I just took one and here’s what I found on the big island of Hawaii:

King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel is newly-renovated and in the heart of Kailua-Kona village.  Beachfront- and just “slippah steps” away from ocean activities, shopping, and dining- the King Kam is perfect for those not wanting a rental car for their visit.  The guestrooms are modern Hawaii-design with simple tropical patterns and colors and most have views of the adjacent beach and bay.  The white sand beach is a perfect starting place for stand up paddling, kayaking, swimming or snorkeling in Kailua Bay’s aquarium-like waters.

A stroll down the village’s Ali’i Drive takes you past the historic Hulihe'e Palace and a collection of shops for visitors but keep going to find Lava Java for Kona coffee and a hearty breakfast or drop by Huggo’s on the Rocks for big tropical drinks and pupu’s (light breakfasts and lunches served, too).

The King Kam’s location is also perfect for catching local flavor:  the adjacent Kailua pier is the starting place of the annual Ironman Triathalon and for the morning swims of triathletes-in-training and wannabes, and the KTA super market that stocks Hawaiian delectables from poke to orange-guava soda pop is just a block away.

I’m home now tanned and relaxed, drinking freshly-brewed iced Kona coffee and dreaming of my next visit.