Local Arts in Holualoa

A slight detour off Hwy. 11 leads to a funky upcountry village that appears to have no intention of entering the 21st century. Holualoa, less than 20 minutes from Kailua town, is a collection of old buildings strung out along a short stretch of scenic Mamalahoa Highway (Hwy. 180) in Kona coffee country.

You'll know you've reached Holualoa when you see a fluorescent-pink building called the Kona Hotel. The hotel, built by the Inaba family in 1926, is now operated by the owners' son and his wife. This hotel is not so much restored as it is delightfully maintained in its original early 1900s style. The 11-unit establishment features rooms with shared bathrooms at rates that range from $20 to $30 a night.

Holualoa, once a farming community, is in the heart of coffee country and home to a blossoming art community that has brought new vitality to the marketplace. Here you can find an interesting blend of artisans and crafters, a general store, a cafe and a company that specializes in creating gift baskets from local products.

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