The little town of Waimea offers boutique shopping, many fine restaurants and inns, several grocery stores, and a health food store. There is very little night life.
Better shopping, movie theaters, and a lively night life can be found in Kailua-Kon a about 40 miles away or along the coast in resort hotels.
About 3000 miles southwest of Los Angeles, Hawai'i is the southernmost, largest, and most volcanically active of all the Hawaiian islands. The two airports serving the island are at Kona and Hilo. Students should fly to Kona (KOA).