Landing in Beautiful Kona, Hawaii

The Safari Explorer loads up guests for a week long adventure through the islands at the Kona Pier in downtown Kona.

Before I meet my expedition cruise ship, the Safari Explorer, and sail out between the Hawaiian Islands, I wanted to take in our cute starting town of Kona, on Hawaii's southernmost island, the Big Island. Being on the most isolated island chain on earth, it does mean that it takes a long flight to get here...from pretty much anywhere. The closest large landmass is 2,400miles away. But as I walked out of the Kailua-Kona airport, I was greeted with a beautiful rainbow, swaying palm trees, and that fresh salty air. I felt invigorated to walk the town and really take it all in. So come along with me and check it out!

The town of Kona used to be the capitol of the Hawaiian Kingdom back in the early 1800's. After Kamehameha, a chief from this island, conquered all the islands, he returned here to live out the rest of his life. His personal temple can still be seen here, although you are not allowed to enter it except for certain Hawaiian cultural events. The water beckons snorkelers and paddleboarders with its sparkle and clarity. The town itself is a hodgepodge of architectural styles, that give it a very unique vibe. Palm trees and tropical plants, all brought in and introduced over the years, give the typically dry area a very lush, tropical feel.

You can check out palaces and historical churches that date back to the kingdom days, or check out some of the new art galleries and eateries...all with amazing views out over the bay. I can't wait to get out on the ship and explore more, but I'm so glad that I had a morning to really soak up the flavor of this wonderful town.

Waves crash on the lava rock coastline of Kona as a sailboat heads out with some exited tourists.

A rainbow welcomed me at the Kona Airport.

The rainbow and palm trees really drive home the point that I'm in Hawaii now!

View from the famous Ali'i Drive in Kona, looking out towards the horizon.

A few hardy folks go for an early morning swim on the famous Iron Man course, which starts and finishes right here in downtown Kona.

The clouds get lit up behind some palm trees as I wait for my taxi at the airport.

This building complex is a very important temple, known as the Ahu'ena Heiau. It was King Kamehameha's private temple and center of power back in the early 1800's.

Tropical views abound here in Kona.

Looking down Ali'i Drive, towards the Royal Kona Hotel, a mile or so down the coast.

Moku'akiaua Church, the site of the first church in Hawaii, circa 1820.

Boardwalk shopping here in Kona.

Huli'he'e Palace.

I found this interesting new artwork on my town walk. Thats my ship in the background.

After the historical town of Lahaina burned down a couple years ago, I realized I didn't have as many photos as I would like, showing how it was. So I wanted to capture some of the old architecture of the town as I walked around Kona.

Ali'i Drive is the place to be. It winds along the waterfront and has tons of shops and eateries. Sometimes you can look out into the water and see a pod of dolphins, or a whale breathing in front of the setting sun.

As always, keep traveling and keep posting!

• Dai Mar