- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
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Why Visit Kailua-Kona
Once the capital of King Kamehameha I's unified Hawaiian Kingdom, Kailua-Kona's history is visible along Ali'i Drive. Hulihe'e Palace and Moku'aikaua Church, built with lava rock, anchor the village. The seawall uses stones from an ancient heiau.
The top attractions in Kailua-Kona center on its clear waters. Experience the world-famous Manta Ray night dive, a truly unique ballet of gentle giants. By day, visit Kahalu'u Beach Park, a protected bay where honu (turtles) have algae cleaned.
The local cuisine is defined by its world-renowned coffee, grown exclusively in the Kona Coffee Belt on Hualālai's slopes. Look for 100% Kona Peaberry, a rare bean. For a meal, grab fresh 'ahi poke or a plate lunch from a local spot.
- Kailua-KonaUnited States
- Kailua-KonaUnited States
- Kailua-KonaUnited States
- Kailua-KonaUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octwarm, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot & busy
- Wintermild, occasional rain
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #Swimwear
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- #LightweightClothing
- #SnorkelingGear
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 with beaches & day trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #Hulihe'ePalace
- #KonaCoffeeBelt
- #KailuaBay
- #PuuhonuaOHonaunauNationalHistoricalPark
- #GreenSandBeach
- #MaunaKeaObservatory
- Snorkel at Kahalu'u Beach
- Visit a coffee plantation
- Explore the Kona Historical Society
- Attend a sunset luau
- Hike in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Recommended Hotels in Kailua-Kona by Experience
Things to do in Kailua-Kona
Discover
Exploring Kailua-Kona reveals historic royal sites like Hulihe'e Palace and Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark. Visit the slopes of Hualālai volcano or gaze at the stars from Mauna Kea for incredible natural beauty and island views.
Experience
Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay, home to the Captain Cook Monument. Sample world-renowned coffee on a plantation tour. Experience the Ironman World Championship or enjoy a traditional luau for a taste of local culture and festive events.
Hulihe'e Palace
Former royal vacation home, now a museum of Hawaiian history.
Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark
Residence of King Kamehameha I and a sacred temple site.
Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park
Marine sanctuary with excellent snorkeling and a monument.
Magic Sands Beach Park
Popular white sand beach known for its disappearing sand.
Manta Ray Night Dive
An unforgettable underwater ballet with gentle giant rays.
Kona Coffee Living History Farm
Tour a historic coffee farm and learn about its process.
Kona Farmers Market
Open-air market for local produce, flowers, and crafts.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To get to Kailua-Kona, fly into Kona International Airport (KOA). From the Kailua-Kona airport to city center, a taxi or ride-share takes ~20 min. A pre-booked Kailua-Kona shuttle bus offers a more economical shared ride. Car rental is highly recommended.
Getting Around
Downtown is walkable, but a car rental in Kailua-Kona is best for exploring the island. The Hele-On Bus is the main public transport in Kailua-Kona, though routes are limited. The Ali'i Drive Shuttle is a convenient option for coastal sights.
Local Essentials
When you plan a trip to Kailua-Kona, book your car rental far in advance, especially during peak season. Driving in Kailua-Kona can be slow on Ali'i Drive. Pay close attention to parking signs to avoid fines. Most businesses accept credit cards.
Where to Stay in Kailua-Kona
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Taste traditional food in Kailua-Kona, from fresh ahi poke to sweet shave ice. Locals embrace 'pau hana' (happy hour) with pupus and drinks after work. It's the perfect way to explore island flavors and relax into the evening.
Enjoy
Explore the Kailua-Kona food scene at Huggo's On The Rocks' barefoot vibe, sunset views. Taste local beer at Kona Brewing Co.'s lively pub, order flights. Island Lava Java is a top waterfront cafe, go early for breakfast.
Ulu Ocean Grill and Sushi Lounge
Exquisite farm-to-table seafood. Reservations essential.
Da Poke Shack
Fresh, award-winning poke bowls. Go early, sells out fast.
Huggo's On The Rocks
Casual, toes-in-the-sand dining. Live music often.
Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill
Upscale island fusion with a popular bar. Book weeks ahead.
Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Sweeping ocean views and Hawaiian food. Best at sunset.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Kailua-Kona's heritage through its must-see cultural events. Witness the floral parade honoring King Kamehameha I, a key figure in Hawaiian history. Experience the nearly 200-year-old tradition at the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival each November.
Enjoy
Discover contemporary Kailua-Kona attractions with annual festivals celebrating modern culture. Enjoy live Hawaiian slack key guitar performances and sample local craft beers with live music from island artists.
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
November 10-day festival with farm tours, parades & tastings.
King Kamehameha Day Parade
June floral parade with pā'ū riders on horseback & music.
Kona Brewers Festival
March craft beer and food festival with live local music.
Ironman World Championship
October triathlon with swim, bike, and run events.
Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival
November festival with performances by renowned guitar masters.
Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament
August five-day tournament for global sportfishing anglers.
Kokua Kailua Village Stroll
Monthly Sunday street fair with local artists and crafters.
A perfect laid-back town
Kailua-Kona is such a laid-back spot. It's super walkable, and we loved the easygoing feel. Strolling along Ali'i Drive with the ocean right there was perfect for unwinding. There are plenty of little shops and places to eat without it feeling too crowded.
Beautiful beaches for relaxing
The beaches here are just beautiful. We spent so much time just soaking up the sun and enjoying the clear blue water. Magic Sands Beach was a favorite; the waves were fun and it never felt overly packed. It's a great place to just turn off your brain and relax.
Incredible snorkeling from the shore
Kailua-Kona offers incredible ocean life just off the shore. The snorkeling at Kahalu'u Beach Park was so easy and rewarding-we saw tons of colorful fish and a few sea turtles! Found a great spot for a fresh poke bowl just a few minutes away.
A coffee lover's dream
More than just beaches, the whole area is a coffee lover's paradise. We drove up into the hills and visited a small coffee farm. Learning about the process and tasting fresh Kona coffee right at the source was a unique experience. The views from up there were spectacular.
Fun for the whole family
We had a great time exploring the town beyond the main strip. The Kailua Farmers Market was full of local fruits and crafts, giving a real sense of the community. The kids absolutely loved getting huge shave ice cones to cool off in the afternoon sun.
Stunning sunsets and history
The coastline is stunning. Sunsets viewed from near the Kailua Pier were spectacular every single night. We also liked the historic Hulihe'e Palace right on the water. It's a very picturesque and peaceful part of town, with a lot of history.