The west coast of the Big Island is dominated by the lone built up section of Kona.

Just north of Kona the residences peter out, and resorts become scarce - though it's hard to imagine this situation wont change fairly soon. This photograph was taken about a half an hour's drive north of Kona, where the main road is five minutes drive east of the oceanfront.

All along this coast are rocky inlets, many times with partially protected pools perfect for a relaxing swim. A good deal of it is dangerous however, as swimming near rocks often is.

A little further north of here is one of the best beaches in all of Hawaii for swimming and body surfing - Hapuna.