We take you from the edge of Kailua Town to Keauhou Shopping Center, stopping along the way to point out some of the new things that have been happening this year, show you the beach scenes, and some shopping opportunities, all while riding the Ride Share blue bikes for the 4 1/2 mile journey through Kahalu’u and Keauhou.
We show you the Alii Garden Marketplace – https://alii-gardens-marketplace.business.site
(Right now the trolley is not running due to COVID, but when it does, this is a popular spot to jump off and find lunch, clothing, gifts, soap, coffee, and more! There IS plenty of free parking and the vendor selection is eclectic and fun!)
We end our bike ride at the Keauhou Shopping Center; https://keauhoushoppingcenter.com
Again, when the trolley is running, you can get on and off here, too. There are some great restaurants in this shopping center including Bianelli’s Pizza, Kenishi Sushi, Tropic’s Ale House and even L&L BBQ. Check out the Kona Stories book store where you can find my books for sale, too!
The Regal Theaters just reopened at the center: https://www.regmovies.com/theatres/regal-keauhou/1830#/buy-tickets-by-cinema?in-cinema=1830&at=2021-06-20&view-mode=list
The Hawaii Bike Share program provides bike centers from Magic Sands Beach all the way to the Kona Commons near Target on the northern edge of downtown Kona. This is an easy way to get around town if you are unable to get a rental car, too!
https://hawaiiislandbikeshare.org
We also had a chance to interview the leaders of the Reef Teach Program at Kahalu’u Beach Park where the famous "Snorkel Beach" is located. The snorkeling at this bay is some of the best on the islands and with so many visitors coming here, the volunteers work to stop people from wearing chemical sunscreen into the water as it harms/kills the coral and reef. They offer samples of mineral sunscreen and offer to dispose of chemical sunscreens for you. Learn more at https://kohalacenter.org/kbec/reefteach
There are now mineral based sunscreen dispensers at the beach and 365Hawaii is working to fundraise to keep those dispensers flowing with free sunscreen! If you would like to help, donate directly at the website address above or send an email to Julie at JulieZPR@Gmail.com and let’s all help make sure we have coral reefs that we can enjoy today AND our children and grandchildren can explore and discover, too!
