Once a tiny fishing village and home to the great Hawaiian chiefs, today's busy Kohala Coast District stretches out for 60 miles along the west coast of the Big Island. Kailua-Kona lies at the heart, just 10 minutes from Kona Airport. The last place of island royalty, Kamehameha the Great's personal heiau (temple), is found just north of the pier. Alli Drive begins at the pier and heads in a southerly direction, passing town shops, hotels, restaurants and beachside condos. The area is alive with activities throughout the year, including the Ironman Triathlon, the International Billfish Tournament and the Kona Coffee Festival. This famous view of Kailua Bay gives a hint as to the attraction of this stretch of Hawaiian paradise.
   The tiny St. Peter's Catholic Church, known as the Little Blue Church, is probably the most photographed church on the island. Nearby the little church is the Ku'emanu Heiau, a temple solely associated with surfing. Seems Hawaiian royalty has been enjoying surfing for hundreds of years.
   The Kailua-Kona Coast is also home to Hawaii's famed coffee belt. Acres of Kona coffee trees, macadamia, avocado and lychee trees thrive on the high slopes above the coastline. Its rich volcanic soils, high elevations and ample rainfall add up to a prized coffee bean.

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