The Big Island
The Big Island is BIG. Look at the MAP WE MADE. You can experience 10 of the world’s 14 microclimates. Our wedding is Kona Side; the west coast, leeward side of the island. It is defined by dramatic lava flow landscapes. White sand beaches dot the coastline. Tropical fish, spinner dolphins, sea turtles, and manta rays call these waters home. The sunsets are unmatched.
As you move east, sunshine and white sand give way to lush jungles, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and thermal pools. Hilo Side; the east coast, the windward side, is where you will find Volcanoes National Park. Maeda and Asaeda roots grew Hilo Side.
At the heart of the island, the volcanoes: Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Driving through the middle of the island requires an elevation climb through ranch land, fog, and primordial scrub forests. When you are here it is hard to believe you are either coming from or heading to the beach.
Staying Kona Side
The town of Kailua-Kona is 15 minutes south of Kona International Airport. Our venue, Papa Kona, is located here along with a ton of hotels, shops, restaurants, and bars.
There are numerous lodging options in the form of hotels and AirBnB's.
Our in-town hotel recommendations are the Royal Kona Resort and Courtyard Kamehameha. They are both a short .3 mile walk to our venue.
Smaller hotels, motels, and Air BnB options span the coast south of Kailua-Kona. Magic Sands Beach (10 minutes south of our venue) is a good area to look into as it is the only significant beach in the Kailua-Kona area.
The major resorts (expansive private beaches and golf) begin 40 minutes North of Papa Kona, located in the Kohala Coast District. Check out Hilton Waikoloa Village, the Fairmont Orchid, and the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.
Activities
The beaches of the Big Island are beautiful and diverse. It can take some work getting to them. CHECK OUT OUR MAP to get an idea of where to find the white, black, or green sand beach of your dreams.
Want to meet Dolphins? Turtles? Manta Rays? Wild Horses? Snorkel? Hike? Golf? Learn to Surf? Tour in a Helicopter? See a Volcano? Horseback Ride? Drink Awa? Kona Coffee? Mai Tai? Shave Ice? Loco Moco? Poke? Luau?
The Big Island has stunning points of historical significance including Waipi’o Valley and Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau.
