Hawaii Kings Tour: Kona [Video]

100.5 The River's Andy Rent is touring Hawaii with YMT Vacations and about three dozen 100.5 The River listeners for nearly two weeks.

They are trekking across Hawaii over 13 days on the Hawaii Kings Tour.

On Saturday, the group spent its second day on Hawai'i Island and explored Kailua-Kona.

The Kona region is known for its Hawaii coffee beans and plantations, the result of its high elevation, consistent cloud coverage and the locale's rich volcanic soil nearby Hualālai Volcano.

The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is held during November in historic Kailua-Kona, a historic seaside village in the heart of the sunny Kona Coast. The former fishing village and Hawaiian royalty's retreat is now a destination rife with lodging, shopping, dining and opportunities to learn about Hawaii’s rich culture.

Ali`i Drive is the main road, and on it are historic sites Hulihe`e Palace and Mokuaikaua Church, Hawai'i's first church. King Kamehameha I spent his later years living near what is now King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Resort until his death in 1819. Ahu'ena Heiau, located on the resort's grounds, is a reconstructed temple rebuilt by Kamehameha.

The 100.5 The River contingent is staying three days at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehaha Kona Beach Hotel on Kamakahonu Bay.

Kailua Pier is a great place to watch sunsets and is also the starting and finishing point for the Ironman World Championship in October.