There is probably no other region on the Big Island that is shrouded in more history than South Kona is. Whether you wish to talk about the origins of coffee or even the ancient village setting of the Place of Refuge, locals will not run out of interesting things to tell you. You will also find the Painted Church along the hillside that overlooks the Kealakekua Bay, which is the place where Captain Cook finally met his fate in 1779. Historically-minded tourists and residents who have just moved into South Kona will surely keep themselves busy weaving through the region’s historical and cultural sites.
South Kona – a brief history
In 1828, coffee first came to Kona when Reverend Samuel Ruggles brought some plant cuttings. Early Japanese farmers cultivated most of South Kona’s first farms and they also engineered a new system for processing and milling this prized coffee. Highway 160, a road that sits amidst coffee farms, the Painted Church can also be seen. Father John Velge, a western missionary from Belgium, is actually the person who painted images on the interiors of the Church. The images he painted were actually based on biblical scenes of the struggle between good and evil.
Once you arrive in South Kona, you can also drive down the Napoopoo Road to see Hikiau Heiau at the Kealakekua Bay. A white monument across the bay also marks the exact spot where the legendary Captain Cook was killed. A coastal road connects Kealakekua Bay to the place of Refuge National Park. During the early years of Hawaiian civilization, people who broke sacred laws usually fled to the Place of Refuge. If the person who broke the law reaches this sanctuary, his or her life will be spared. The park also features beautiful fish ponds, ancient rock walls, and thatched roof structures that once served as homes.
Living in South Kona
Most people choose to move to South Kona because it is not as densely populated as other districts of Hawaii. It also offers great amenities such as golf courses, tennis courts, and public swimming pools. Those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city usually find refuge in South Kona. From condominiums to plantation style houses and million-dollar beachfront homes, South Kona offers a wide range of properties that will surely satisfy the preferences of the most finicky first-time homebuyers. These characteristics make South Kona seem like such a great place to live in.
South Kona is the best example of a small town with a pleasant atmosphere that pervades the Big Island of Hawaii. It perches between the sapphire waters of the Pacific Ocean and the slopes of Mauna Loa so it can give you a great view of scenic vistas. It also serves as the home to fascinating historic sites that you will surely admire. Noted for its rural setting, South Kona continues to combine the comforts of modern living with a peaceful aura that is completely different to that of bigger cities such as Hilo or Honolulu. Fruit shops, art galleries, roadside stands, restaurants, and farm lands also dot its rich landscape.
Whether you wish to move to Hawaii or you just want to buy a vacation home, the South Kona real estate market will always have something in store for you. Beach parks, ranches, historical sites, and other notable attractions in this small town will surely keep you preoccupied during your entire stay in South Kona.
