Our Context: North and Central Kona

Kailua-Kona (Kona) is the center of tourism, commerce, government agencies, and living on the West Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. Replete with a rich history, Kona remains the hub of Big Island, Kona Coast culture. Its current population is over 12,000, which by most measurements is very small, but in the late 1990’s Kona experienced a real estate and investment “boom”.  Prior to then, it resembled a slow-paced fishing village with few “urban” amenities serving the broader coast.

Kailua-Kona was established by King Kamehameha I (the original chief of Kona) to be his “seat” of government.  When the Capital moved, Kona became a favorite retreat location of the Hawaiian royal family.  Kona’s prominence in the making of Hawaii and the identity of the Hawaiian people is paramount, which is why a mere walk through downtown is a walk through history.  For example, Makuaikaua Church on Ali’i Drive is the oldest Christian church on the Hawaiian islands.  And right across the street is Huile’e Palace, a retreat home for Hawaiian royalty.

But the rich, native history of Kona is a sharp contrast to the international tourists, gated communities, massive cruise liners, and 5-star hotels that have become standard fixtures.  Kona is full of contrast—cultural, racial, religious, economic—and what was once a harbinger of Hawaiian heritage and culture is becoming a fully diversified community. 

Hula Daddy Coffee Farm over Kailua-Kona

Only a few miles up the slopes of Hualalai, the volcanic mountain that stands 8,000 feet above Kona, is the beginning of the world-famous Kona Coffee District. Just down the mountain are newly added “big-box” retail stores. And In between are an elementary, middle, and high school (Big Island’s largest HS, serving 1,600 students).  A quick glance would suggest that Kona is akin to the homogenous, suburban expansion seen elsewhere in the United States.  But within the reaches of the city are no fewer than four subsidized housing communities, the largest “blue-collar” community on the Kona Coast (Kealakehe and surrounding) , an influx of Micronesian and South-East Asian immigrants, and a continued struggle for sufficient employment.  Kailua-Kona is a melting pot of socio-cultural and socio-economic diversity, not at all like suburban America.

The North Kona Mission Zone at large is experiencing drastic change and collision of cultures—Kailua-Kona is a clear representation.