Kona, Hawaii

Kona is on the west coast of Hawaii Island (nicknamed as the Big Island). It is famous for its gourmet coffee that is noted for its strong, rich character. Our stay at Kona was from 8 am. to 6 pm. Being a short day, my mom did not rent a car. We went ashore and hopped on a free shuttle to a store located a short distance from the pier. We had visited the same store in Kahului, so we lost interest quickly and returned to the pier.

We saw a trolley car labelled free shuttle. My mom checked it out to make sure it was free and that it would bring us back to the pier. We hopped on and then realized that the ride was going to be an hour and a half long. That suited us fine as we had to kill some time anyway.

This shuttle (Keauhou Shopping Trolley) runs all day long from 7:30 am. till 8 pm. You can hop on and off at the various stops. My mom didn't dare to be too adventurous since she has me with her. So, we did not get off the shuttle until we returned to the pier.

The following is the route and schedule of our ride:
11:45 am. Kailua Pier
11:55 am. Alii Gardens - This is a shopping mall.
12:00 pm. Magic Sands Beach
12:10 pm. Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort
12:15 pm. Keauhou Shopping Centre
12:20 pm. Kona Country Club
12:25 pm. Keauhou Bay
12:30 pm. Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort
12:35 pm. Kona Country Club
12:40 pm. Keauhou Shopping Centre
12:45 pm. Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort
12:50 pm. Keauhou Shopping Centre
13:00 pm. Magic Sands Beach
13.05 pm. Alii Gardens
13:15 pm. Kailua Pier

The trolley car stops at the Kailua Pier at the following times: 7:30 am., 8:45 am., 10:15 am., 11:45 am., 13:15 pm., 14:45 pm., 16:15 pm., 17:45 pm., and 19:15 pm.