For being a relatively small area, there are a tremendous number of must-see places to visit while in Kona. Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center can be found at Kona International Airport (808/329-3441) and even though it is not a large museum, it certainly is large in stature. It was built as a tribute to Ellison Onizuka, the Hawaii-born astronaut who was lost in the 1986 Challenger space shuttle explosion. The displays and exhibits in the museum are impressive, and favorites include the rocket-propulsion exhibit and the space shuttle display, where you take part in a simulated launch. The latter is tremendous fun, as is the gravity well that provides insight into the phenomenon of orbital motion.

Hulihee Palace is located at 75-5718 Alii Dr. (808/329-1877) and was constructed in 1838 by John Adams Kuakini, the governor of Hawaii at that time. It overlooks the Kailua-Kona Harbor and is an authentic royal palace that is definitely worth visiting. The tour is filled with plenty of information concerning the heritage and culture of the island. The 19th-century furniture is excellent vintage work. Twelve times a year, the Palace hosts Hawaiian music and hula concerts. They are held on the last Sunday of the month to pay tribute to the Hawaiian monarchs.

The Mokuaikaua Church (808/329-1589) is across the street from the Palace and is the oldest Christian church in all of Hawaii (1836). Even though it is constructed of lava stones and coral, the architecture is distinctly New England. Come here to see the highest man-made structure in Kona, the 112-foot steeple.