Kailua-Kona Travel Guide
City Resort town on the Kona coast of Hawaii Island
On the dry Kona coast of Hawaiʻi, Kailua-Kona pairs palm-lined shops with coffee farms on the uplands. Visitors arrive for Kona coffee tours, snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay, manta-ray night dives and the sun-bleached cafés that sell poke and shave ice.
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Why Visit Kailua-Kona? #
Kailua-Kona draws travelers for its sunny shoreline, Kona coffee and strong Hawaiian cultural flavors. Historic Kailua Village and Alii Drive offer cafes, galleries and waterfront strolls; nearby Kealakekua Bay is famed for snorkeling and the Captain Cook monument, while manta ray night dives provide a memorable marine encounter. Add a Kona coffee farm visit and a traditional luau or hula performance, and the place balances outdoor adventure with island heritage.
Best Things to Do in Kailua-Kona
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Kailua-Kona Bucket List
- Hulihee Palace - Historic seaside palace containing Hawaiian artifacts and portraits of 19th-century aliʻi.
- Kamakahonu Park and Kailua Pier - Historic harbor area with calm waters, snorkeling, and monument to King Kamehameha.
- Kona Coffee Living History Farm - Working coffee farm demonstrating traditional Kona coffee cultivation and historic processing techniques.
- Mokuaikaua Church - Oldest Christian church in Hawaii with wooden interior and interesting historical displays.
- Kona Farmers Market - Daily market selling fresh local produce, artisan goods and small-batch Kona coffee samples.
- Magic Sands Beach (Laʻaloa) - Small sandy cove favored for swimming and bodyboarding when surf conditions are calm.
- Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park - Sacred refuge site south of Kona with reconstructed heiau and coastal snorkeling.
- Mauna Kea summit (stargazing tours) - Evening summit trips for stargazing and sunrise views, require acclimatization and permits.
Best Time to Visit Kailua-Kona #
Kailua-Kona's weather is pleasant year-round; the dry season (April-October) is sunnier and calmer for ocean activities. Winter brings bigger surf and whale-watching opportunities, with a bit more rain.
Best Time to Visit Kailua-Kona #
Kailua-Kona's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 18°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1387 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (152 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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August
August is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (114 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (141 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (175 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Kailua-Kona
Kailua‑Kona is served directly by Kona International (KOA), which places the town a short taxi or rental‑car drive from the terminal. Public bus service exists but most visitors rely on rental cars, taxis or rideshares to move around the island efficiently.
Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA): The town of Kailua-Kona is served directly by Kona International (KOA) - the airport is about 8-10 km north of Kailua-Kona town. A taxi or rideshare from KOA to Kailua-Kona town typically takes 10-15 minutes and costs about USD 25-35; rental cars are available at the airport.
Alternate via Hilo (ITO): Hilo International (ITO) is on the east side of the island; travel from Hilo to Kailua-Kona is a long drive (around 1.5-2.5 hours) across the island so most visitors fly directly to KOA when possible.
Train: The Island of Hawai’i has no passenger rail service.
Bus: Hele‑On buses (The County of Hawai’i bus service) operate inter‑city routes on the island; the Kona-Kealakekua route and other main lines serve Kailua‑Kona. Single fare on Hele‑On is typically around USD 2-3 for most routes (exact fare depends on route and concessions); schedules are limited compared with driving, so check the current Hele‑On timetables.
How to Get Around Kailua-Kona #
Kailua-Kona’s waterfront downtown (Ali’i Drive) is very walkable for restaurants, shops and the pier. For exploring the Big Island you’ll likely need a rental car - distances between attractions are large and public transport is limited. County Hele-On buses serve some routes but are infrequent; taxis and rideshares operate but can be costly for longer trips. Expect car rental to be the most convenient (and sometimes the most economical) option for sightseeing.
Where to Stay in Kailua-Kona #
- Budget inns and hostels (Kona area) - Simple guesthouses and hostels
- Various budget motels - Wide island choices near Kailua-Kona
- Royal Kona Resort - Seaside resort with on-site dining
- Courtyard / King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel - Historic hotel, oceanfront location
- Upscale vacation rentals and boutique resorts - Private villas and high-end rentals
- Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (nearby) - Top-tier luxury on the Kona coast
Where to Eat in Kailua-Kona #
- Umeke's Fishmarket Bar & Grill - Fresh poke bowls and grilled island seafood.
- Huggo's on the Rocks - Waterfront dining with island-style seafood dishes.
- Kona Inn Restaurant - Historic spot serving seafood and Pacific flavors.
- Island Lava Java - Oceanfront café with local-roasted coffee.
- Kona Brewing Co. Pub - Local brews paired with casual island fare.
- Local bakeries & cafés - Morning pastries and Hawaiian-style breakfasts.
- Kona Brewing Co. Pub - Local brews and pub-style island dishes.
- Huggo's Lounge & Bar - Casual bar with sunset views and cocktails.
- Island Lava Java (evening events) - Sometimes hosts live music and late snacks.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Kailua-Kona's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Kailua-Kona #
Kailua-Kona offers a lively but relaxed evening scene with beachfront bars, brewpubs and restaurants that often have live music. Nights are friendly and tourist-oriented rather than club-focused, with many places open late for sunset drinks. For late-night dancing or a nightclub scene, options are limited on the island compared with larger cities.
- Huggo's On The Rocks - Waterfront bar-restaurant with sunset seating and live music often
- Kona Brewing Company (Kailua-Kona) - Popular brewpub with local beers and casual waterfront atmosphere
Shopping in Kailua-Kona #
Kailua-Kona’s Ali’i Drive has a cluster of souvenir shops, art galleries, apparel stores and museums catering to visitors. There are also jewelry shops selling Hawaiian and coral styles, plus coffee retailers offering Kona beans. For fresh produce and local crafts, look for farmers markets and smaller stalls in town; for larger department-store shopping, other parts of the island require driving.
