Kona: Doors-Off Hualalai Volcano & Craters

Hualālai Volcano is an important ecological site, home to several rare species which are protected by a nature reserve and a national historic park. Native stands of Ohia and Koa grow on the western and northern flanks of Hualālai, endemic trees that feature prominently in Hawaiian culture and provide vital habitat for wildlife.

After Hualalai, your pilot will head South over Kona Coffee Country and rich agricultural zones. Learn about the ancient Hawaiian land subdivisions of ahupua’a, strategically shaped to include many different elevations ranging from mountaintop to shoreline. This variety of climates enabled inhabitants to grow a wide variety of crops that flourished under different growing conditions, and access fresh water as well as the bounty of the sea. 

Fly over the Marine Life Conservation District of Kealakekua Bay where you can look for the white obelisk of Captain James Cook Monument, marking the site of the first recorded European contact with the Hawaiian people. You’ll soar over the snorkeling hotspot of Kahaluu Bay, beautiful beaches and coves, and the ancient Heiaus (temples) of Hāpaiali`i and Ke`ekū. 

Enjoy views of Historic Kailua Village and downtown Kona which were inhabited for centuries by ancient Hawai’ian nobles – this area housed several royal complexes throughout history. Hulihe’e palace in downtown Kona still stands,and the bay’s waters are now famous for hosting the Hawai’ian International Billfish Tournament and the Kona Ironman World Championships. 

Want to know why your sushi yesterday tastes so fresh?!  Right outside of the Kona International Airport you will get a view of the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i Authority, an innovation park hosting cold-water aqua farms raising Hawaiian Kampachi, Abalone, Lobster and more.  You may have even tried a bottle of ice-cold desalinated deep ocean water that came from a depth of 3000’ and took a 1000 years to travel halfway across the world to reach the Kona depths.

There’s no better way to see Hualalai Volcano and learn about Kona’s rich and intriguing history.