Between the big resorts, wonderful golf courses, walking along Ali'I Drive or driving up to the Volcanoes, there’s much to do in the Kailua-Kona region. Since the weather here is usually perfect for these activities, Kailua-Kona is a major tourist destination on the Big lsland. It's probably best known for the Hawaiian Iron Man race that takes place in Kailua Bay and over the surrounding lava beds. Kailua-Kona wraps around Kailua Bay where passengers can head out for the excellent Atlantis Submarine trips, go on fishing excursions or catch the cruise ships that transit Kailua Pier. Most of the shopping action is along Alii Drive and in the rustic Kona Inn Shopping Village. More shops string back from the main street as prices, and unfortunately, quality decline. This is certainly not the case for either the Kona Coffee that goes perfectly with 'Macs' the macadamia nut studded in Mrs. Barry's wonderful Kona Cookies. To work off these calories, try a walking tour with the Kona Historical Society. After a walk in the afternoon heat try the Kona Brewing Company and Brew pub for either their interesting wheat ale or what many feel is even better, the killer ginger ale that reminds Brits of Ginger beer. Hulihe'e Palace is right on the water and the docents at the tiny Victorian, one of only three royal palaces in the US, offers tours of what was King David Kalakaua's summer palace. These are best during the week when hula schools practice here. The seawall's a popular fishing spot and snorkel, beach board and SCUBA classes dot the small beach. Kailua-Kona is also a popular fishing area where the world record Pacific Blue Marlin was taken, and the King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel has all sorts of trophies and mounted fish from the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament.