Growing up, I wasn’t a huge fan of Kona.

I used to dread the drive from Hilo — yes, I never flew into Kona until I was in college — and when we got there, I didn’t know what to do. It was hot. It was desolate. It was so… touristy.

But when you venture beyond the resorts and Alii Drive, there are vibrant and interesting pockets of communities all over the island’s western coastline. And after years of visiting the coastal town, I’ve grown to really love it.

Maybe not enough to move there, but enough to visit several times a year.

This time, though, I wanted to see things and place I had never been to. That included Kaaloa’s Super Js, Standard Bakery, Punaluu Bake Shop and the new restaurant at the updated Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa.

So here’s what the first day of my quick jaunt to Kona looked like:

Rays on the Bay

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There's live, local music every single night, making this a hot spot for locals, too. That night, New Zealand artist LT Smooth was playing — and the patrons were loving it. Savor the best of our island or sit back and relax with one of our signature cocktails at the rum bar. All while you enjoy live nightly entertainment by some of our favorite musicians.