Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Travel Guide

Today in the United States: Confederate Memorial Day (10 May)

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Welcome to Kailua-Kona, a charming town located on the western coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. With its stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, Kailua-Kona is a true paradise for travelers seeking a unique and unforgettable experience.

One of the main attractions in Kailua-Kona is its beautiful coastline. The crystal-clear waters of Kailua Bay are perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and diving, allowing visitors to discover the colorful underwater world teeming with tropical fish and vibrant coral reefs. You can also embark on a thrilling boat tour to spot dolphins and even swim with majestic manta rays.

If you're a history enthusiast, you'll be fascinated by the rich cultural heritage of Kailua-Kona. Visit the Hulihe'e Palace, a former vacation home of Hawaiian royalty, and explore its beautifully preserved rooms filled with historical artifacts. Immerse yourself in the past at the Mokuaikaua Church, the oldest Christian church in Hawaii, and learn about the arrival of missionaries in the 19th century.

No visit to Kailua-Kona is complete without exploring its vibrant local markets and shops. Stroll through the Ali'i Drive, a bustling street lined with unique boutiques, art galleries, and souvenir shops. Here, you can find traditional Hawaiian crafts, stunning jewelry made from local gems, and delicious treats like macadamia nuts and Kona coffee.

For those seeking adventure, Kailua-Kona offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Hike through the lush rainforests of Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park and discover ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs. Take a thrilling helicopter tour to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Big Island from above, including the majestic Mauna Kea volcano.

In the evening, indulge in the local culinary delights that Kailua-Kona has to offer. From fresh seafood caught daily to traditional Hawaiian dishes like poke and kalua pig, your taste buds will be treated to an explosion of flavors. Don't forget to try the famous Kona coffee, known for its smooth and rich taste.

Alternative names: Area: 39.94 mi²Elevation: 56 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 19°37'20"N, 155°59'2"W

Location

HawaiiUnited States

ContactAdd

Social media

Add

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Top Attractions

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Attractions - What to See and Explore

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Hulihe'e Palace, Kamakahonu, Kahaluʻu Bay, Mokuaikaua Church. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • History museum • Historical place
Hulihe'e Palace
Nestled on the picturesque waterfront of Kailua-Kona, Hulihe'e Palace offers visitors a unique glimpse into Hawaii's royal past. This former vacation residence of Hawaiian royalty now serves as a museum, showcasing artifacts and personal memorabilia of the kings...
Museum • Historical place • Sacred and religious sites
Kamakahonu
Kamakahonu, the residence of Kamehameha I, was located at the north end of Kailua Bay in Kailua-Kona on Hawaiʻi Island.
Body of water • Park • Archaeological site
Kahaluʻu Bay
Kahaluʻu Bay is a historic district and popular recreation area on the Kona coast of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi.

Sacred and religious sites • Church
Mokuaikaua Church
Mokuaikaua Church, located on the "Big Island" of Hawaii, is the oldest Christian church in the Hawaiian Islands. The congregation dates to 1820 and the building was completed in 1837.
Surf spot • Archaeological site
Holualoa Bay
Hōlualoa Bay is a historic area between Kailua-Kona and Keauhou Bay in the Kona District of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. The community now called Hōlualoa is uphill from this bay.
19°35'40"N • 155°58'18"W
Magic Sands Beach Park
-
19°38'22"N • 155°59'49"W
Kailua Pier
-
Cemetery • Keauhou 2 Ahupua`a
Kuamoo Burials
The Kuamoʻo Burials is an historic Hawaiian burial site for warriors killed during a major battle in 1819. The site is located at Kuamoʻo Bay in the North Kona District, on the island of Hawaiʻi, United States.
19°48'41"N • 156°0'32"W
Kua Bay Beach
Beach
Botanical garden • Garden • Park
Sadie Seymour Botanical Gardens
The Sadie Seymour Botanical Gardens are nonprofit botanical gardens located on the grounds of the Kona Educational Foundation Center at 76-6280 Kuakini Highway, Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi island, Hawaiʻi. Coordinates are 19°36′49.5″N 155°58′6″W.
Temple
Kona Hawaii Temple
The Kona Hawaii Temple is the 70th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The temple is located in Kailua-Kona on the island of Hawaii and is the second temple built in Hawaii, along with the Laie Hawaii Temple. It is the sixth temple built in the Pacific Islands.
Harbor • Kealakehe Ahupua`a
Honokohau Harbor
Honokohau Harbor is a marina in Kailua Kona, Hawaii, United States It was built during the 1960s on the lava seashore of western Hawaii Island.
19°36'52"N • 155°58'52"W
Ali'i Gardens Marketplace
Shopping • Shopping centre • Flea market
19°43'24"N • 156°3'22"W
OceanRider Seahorse Farms
Market • Shopping • Aquarium
Beach
La'aloa Bay
Laʻaloa Bay is a popular recreation area in Kailua-Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. Also known as "Magic Sands" or "White Sands Beach", the official name is "Laʻaloa Beach County Park". During calm weather, it is one of the only fine white sandy beaches in the Kailua-Kona area.
19°38'13"N • 155°59'28"W
St. Michael the Archangel Church
Church
Church • Holualoa Ahupua`a
Hale Halawai O Holualoa
Hale Halawai O Holualoa is the former name of Living Stones Church located in the Kona District on the Big Island of Hawaii.
19°41'52"N • 155°58'5"W
Hoof Beats of Hawaii
Zoo • Ranches
19°38'36"N • 156°0'29"W
Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area
Park

Things to See and Do in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

Shopping

Kona Inn Shopping Village
North Kona, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
ShoppingShopping centreShop
Ali'i Gardens Marketplace
North Kona, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
ShoppingShopping centreFlea marketPuapuaa 2 Ahupua`a
Kona Commons
North Kona, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
ShoppingShopping centreKeahuolu Ahupua`a
Kona Coast Shopping Center
North Kona, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
ShoppingShopping centreKeahuolu Ahupua`a

Active

Hawaii Forest & Trail
North Kona, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Hiking trailHikingNature and wildlife toursKaloko Ahupua`a
Holualoa Bay
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Surf spotArchaeological site
Ocean Course
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Scuba and snorkelingDolphin and whale watchingOutdoor activities
Kona Country Club
North Kona, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Outdoor activitiesGolfKeauhou 1 Ahupua`a

Other categories

Park

Day trips

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Kīlauea (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park), Mauna Loa (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park), Lake Waiau (Mauna Kea State Recreation Area).

48 milesE
Natural attraction, Nature, Volcano
Kīlauea, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Kīlauea, the legendary shield volcano nestled within the expansive Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, stands as a testament to the raw power and beauty of nature's creation. As one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, Kīlauea provides a unique opportunity for visitors...
28 milesE
Largest active volcano on the planet
Mauna Loa, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Mauna Loa, the colossal volcano situated within the diverse landscape of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, is one of the most iconic natural landmarks of the United States. Towering above the Pacific Ocean, this massive shield volcano is not only one of the largest on...
35 milesE
Natural attraction, Temple, View point
Lake Waiau, Mauna Kea State Recreation Area
Lake Waiau is a high-elevation lake located at 3,970 m above sea level on Mauna Kea, on the island of Hawaiʻi. It is arguably one of the highest lakes in the United States.
34 milesNE
Museum, Art gallery, Shopping
Isaacs Art Center, Waimea
The Isaacs Art Center is an art museum and retail gallery in Waimea on the Island of Hawaii. It is operated by and for the benefit of the Hawaii Preparatory Academy; all proceeds benefit the school's scholarship fund.
30 milesN
Museum, Sacred and religious sites, History museum
Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, Waimea
Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site is a United States National Historic Site located on the northwestern coast of the island of Hawaiʻi. The site preserves the National Historic Landmark ruins of the last major Ancient Hawaiian temple, and other historic sites.