Kailua-Kona Travel Guide: Beaches, Activities & Local Tips

Kailua-Kona is the Big Island’s main hub for visitors, and it earns that role on practical grounds: the airport is 15 minutes away, the weather is reliably sunny, and the town puts manta ray dives, Kona coffee farms, and decent snorkeling within easy reach. Aliʻi Drive, the main strip running south from the pier, has the density of shops and restaurants you would expect from a tourist town.

It is not the most dramatic part of the island. That distinction belongs to Kīlauea and the Kohala coast. But Kona is where most people stay, and it works well as a base for the western side: beaches to the north and south, coffee country in the hills above town, and historical sites scattered between. The better experiences are usually a short drive out.

This guide covers what is actually worth doing, where to stay at each price point, and the logistics that matter: parking, weather patterns, and how to get around.

Downtown Kailua and Kailua Bay. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman

Weather in Kailua-Kona: What to expect year-round

The Kona district is located on the leeward side of the Big Island, which means that weather here is in general excellent: sunny and dry. You can find pleasant temperatures year round, with sunny mornings, overcast afternoons and an occasional afternoon shower.

If you want to know more about the weather in Kailua have a look at our monthly average weather guide for Kona from which we have taken the illustration below. At that page you can find in-depth information about the average temperature, the number of hours of sunshine, the amount of cloudy days, and the amount of rain in the Kona districts.

The weather here is in general warm and dry with sunny mornings and afternoon clouds. Read more about the yearly weather in Kailua-Kona.

Activities in and Around Kailua-Kona

Kailua-Kona is the hot spot for sunny outdoor adventures on the Big Island. There are bucket-list activities all over the Kona coast (see e.g. our 5 favorite highlights in Kailua), but you definitely also should spend some time downtown cruising along Aliʻi drive:

Aliʻi drive in central Kailua-Kona is a great place for a short walk. Any of the restaurants or cafes with a view of the horizon are a great place to watch the sun set below the ocean.

While spending time in Kailua-Kona you could try some of the following:

• Get up early for some sunrise snorkeling at King Kam beach. Already been there? Go to one of the many other good snorkeling spots in the Kona district.
• Take an afternoon stroll over the “see-and-be-seen” Aliʻi Drive. You can end your walk at the Kailua pier or at any of the restaurants along the seaside to watch the sunset. Try out a local favorite, the Mai-Tai, or one of the many local specialties, such as the Kona Brewing Company’s handcrafted ales.

Outside the city limits you can find many beautiful beaches, interesting historical sites, and countless places to go play outside. Have you already heard about the Manta Ray night dive? About the local seahorse farm, or about the lush coffee country (coffee tours!), botanical gardens, and national parks on the Kona coast?

Below follow the two most popular activities for people staying on the Kona coast. For more, see our complete list of things to do in and around Kailua-Kona.

Manta Ray Night Snorkeling

One of the more unusual things you can do anywhere in Hawaii. After dark, boats anchor above underwater lights that attract plankton, and manta rays follow. You float on the surface and watch them feed within a few feet of you. Tours run about two hours and cost $99–$135 per person. Best for anyone comfortable in the ocean at night — no diving experience needed, snorkeling gear is provided.

Kona Coffee Farm Tours

The slopes above Kailua-Kona produce some of the most expensive coffee in the world, and most farms welcome visitors. A basic tour walks you through the growing and processing steps and ends with a tasting. Expect to pay $20–$45 per person depending on the farm and how in-depth the tour goes. Good fit for food and agriculture enthusiasts, or anyone who drinks a lot of coffee and wants to understand where it comes from.

From free 20-minute farm tastings to a $190 ATV coffee tour, read our 17 recommendations for Kona coffee tours across Kona, Kaʻū, and the Hamakua coast.

One of the great things about Kona is the proximity of some of the best beaches on the west side of the island. Kua bay, for example, is only a 30 minute drive away from Aliʻi drive.

Beaches Near Kailua-Kona

The beaches near Kailua-Kona range from a tiny downtown cove you can walk to from your hotel, to wide white-sand bays a 30-minute drive up the coast. Here are the three worth knowing. for more, see our list of 10 favorite Kona beaches.

Kahaluʻu Beach Park

Kahaluʻu Beach Park is the most practical snorkeling beach close to town, about 5 miles south on Aliʻi Drive. The bay is protected by a lava shelf that keeps the water calm, and sea turtles rest on the rocks near the breakwater most mornings. Parking is free but the lot fills by 9 a.m. on weekends. The beach itself is rocky rather than sandy, so water shoes help. A lifeguard is usually on duty.

King Kam Beach (Kamakahonu)

King Kam Beach (Kamakahonu) sits right in the heart of downtown next to the pier. It is small, protected, and calm — the best option if you want to swim or snorkel without driving anywhere. Snorkeling near the offshore rocks can turn up fish and the occasional turtle. Not a beach for waves or open-ocean swimming.

Kamakahonu (King Kam beach) is a small, family-friendly, beach in the heart of Kona

Kua Bay (Maniniʻōwali)

Kua Bay (Maniniʻōwali) is the standout white-sand beach on this stretch of coast, about 30 minutes north of town on the Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway (Hwy 19). Clear water, minimal crowds on weekdays, and the kind of sand that photographs well. The shore break can be strong in winter. The free parking lot fills by 10 a.m. on weekends; arriving before 8 a.m. or after 3 p.m. gives you a reasonable chance at a spot.

The Kua bay beach is close to the airport and a great place to watch your last Hawaiian sunset if you have a late flight

Eating in Kailua-Kona

Kona has more restaurants per block than you would expect for a town this size, which makes the choice harder rather than easier. Most visitors end up at the same few spots near the harbor. Some are fine. Several are not worth the time or money.

The short version: for breakfast with an ocean view, The Fish Hopper on Aliʻi Drive is the benchmark. For takeout and a sunset picnic, Magic’s Beach Grill across from Magic Sands Beach is the most consistent choice for most groups. For poke, Da Poke Shack handles takeout and Umekes handles sit-down. Big Island Grill is the value pick at lunch: big portions of local food at honest prices, open Tuesday through Saturday. For coffee and a pastry in the morning, Arise Bakery is worth the stop.

If you are driving south toward Captain Cook, Kaaloa’s Super J’s serves authentic Hawaiian plate lunch and is worth the 20 minutes. The Coffee Shack has a porch with an ocean view that is better than most of what you get downtown.

See our full Kailua-Kona restaurant guide for the complete list, quick picks by situation, and a map.

Farmers Markets on the Kona Coast

Six farmers markets and farm stands stretch along the Kona coast from Aliʻi Drive south to Captain Cook, 19 miles away. At least one is open every day of the week.

If you are after fresh produce (local fruit, vegetables, fish, and eggs), go to the Keauhou Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. Run by the Kona County Farm Bureau, everything sold is 100% Big Island grown. It sets up in the parking lot in front of Ace Hardware at the Keauhou Shopping Center, about 6 miles south of downtown on Aliʻi Drive. Arrive before 10 a.m.; popular items sell out well before the noon close.

The Kona Village Farmers Market on Aliʻi Drive is the most central option, open Wednesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. It leans toward arts, crafts, and souvenirs rather than produce. Good for browsing; less useful if you are stocking a kitchen for the week.

Most vendors at all six markets prefer cash. Bring small bills.

See our full Kona farmers market guide for hours, locations, and a map of all six.

Shopping in Kailua-Kona

The Big Island is not the best place in the state to go on a shopping spree. With only 1/5th  of the inhabitants of Oʻahu (202,906 vs 1,000,890 in 2021, source) there just are not enough people around for lots of shops to exist. Having said that, Kailua-Kona is the best place to go shopping for souvenirs while you are on the Big Island because of the many cruise ships stopping by and because of its role as tourist-capital of the island.

The best place to look for shops is Aliʻi drive. There are many shops selling everything from cheap souvenirs and t-shirts to expensive jewelry, locally made art, and anything in between. Most shops are located on the 1-mile stretch going south from the pier in Kailua bay to the Royal Kona Resort.

Further inland you can find some smaller shopping centers and there is a Costco close to the Kona airport.

Where to stay in and around Kailua Kona

Kailua-Kona town has the widest range of options on this side of the island. Vacation rentals and condo-style units within walking distance of Aliʻi Drive typically run $150–$250 per night. B&Bs and smaller hotels sit in a similar range. If you’re on a tighter budget, there are hostels and shared accommodations from around $50–$80 per night.

The large resort hotels are mostly 20–30 minutes north on the Kohala coast (Waikoloa and Kohala). Expect $400–$700+ per night there, with full beach club access and on-site dining. They’re a different experience from staying in town.

If beach access and walkability matter, stay in Kona. If you want a pool, resort amenities, and calmer beaches, look at Waikoloa or Kohala.

Not sure which area fits your trip? The full accommodation guide breaks down options by traveler type — families, solo travelers, beach seekers, and first-timers — each with high-end, mid-range, and budget picks. Find your match in the Kona accommodation guide.

Getting Around Kailua-Kona

The main practical concern in Kona is sun exposure. The weather is often warm and sunny, so do not forget to wear plenty of reef-safe sunscreen. If you venture out to one of the many beaches or hikes, remember to take plenty of water.

Parking in Kailua-Kona

It can be difficult to find good parking spots close to the water because Kailua has grown so much in the last decades.

There are several parking lots (some free, others requiring a hefty fee) between Aliʻi drive and the Kuakini Hwy (one street up) for example. Drive around to find them, see if the concierge at your hotel can point you in the right direction, or have a look at what your navigation app of choice has to offer.

Directions to Kailua-Kona

Kailua-Kona is a 15 minute drive (without traffic) away from the Kona International Airport. Hilo (driving distance: 86 miles, driving time: 2 hr 20 min), Waimea (driving distance: 40 miles, driving time: 1 hr 10 minutes), and Volcano Village (driving distance: 95 miles, driving time: 2 hr 15 min) are all easily reachable by car.

The public transport service the Hele-On bus can take you from Kailua-Kona all over the island but only if you are not in a rush.

Kailua Bay, as seen from uphill (Ma Uka). Photo credits: Travis Thurston

Interactive Map of Kailua-Kona

We have added what we think are the most important stops and activities in and around Kailua-Kona on an interactive map. This map lists our highlights for the 40+ mile stretch of coast between Captain Cook and the Waikoloa resorts. Click any icon to find more information about that local activity, shop, or hotel/vacation rental.

Map with our Kailua-Kona favorites

Are you looking for the map of another part of the Big Island? We also have interactive maps of:

• Waimea
• Volcano Village
• Kaʻū
• Hilo