Kailua-Kona, often referred to as "Kona" by the locals, is nestled at the bottom of the Hualalai Volcano. It is the main town on the western side of the Big Island of Hawaii, but with a population of about 20,000 (plus a few thousand more in neighboring suburbs) it is hardly a metropolis. Kona has become known for sport fishing, snorkeling, sunsets and coffee, which is cultivated on the slopes of Mount Hualalai.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
In ancient times, the area was considered the premier place to live due to the excellent weather and good water. Many kings made their homes here. Later, missionaries built churches and residences, turning the tiny fishing village into a small seaport. It was the home of King Kamehameha I, who united the Hawaiian Islands. Because the mountains block the northeasterly trade winds, Kona gets very little rain and enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year. Kona is also home to the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament and the Ironman Triathlon World Championship.
Traffic is congested. Driving in tourist-oriented areas can be slow, but the town is generally not large enough to have serious problems. Walking is a manageable way to travel in town, but you should rent a car if you want to get to resorts, beaches and other cultural locations. Kailua-Kona is a place for ocean and outdoor recreational activities. Surfing, fishing, diving, boating, snorkeling and swimming are all popular sports in Kailua-Kona, as are hiking, biking, caving, and four wheeling.
Coffee plantations. Coffee plantations abound, see for example Bayview Farms, which has a short free tour and samples of the Kona coffee. 1 Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park (Kaho NHP), ☏ +1 808-326-9057. 8:30AM-4PM. [1] Honokohau Beach usually has plenty of Hawaiian green sea turtle (Honu) basking in the sun to see (keep 20 ft/6 m away). You can also snorkel in the 'Ai'opio fishtrap, the canoe house and the historic Hawaiian sites. Beach is best accessed from the South side. Has petroglyphs and walking/hiking trails. The visitor center, Hale Ho'okipa, is located half a mile north of the entrance to Honokohau Harbor.
Kona Manta Ray Snorkel Tours, 78-7138 Kaleiopapa St, ☏ +1 808-313-1116. Get up close and personal with manta ray inhabitants of the Hawaiian coastline. Yoga Hale, 77-6530 Naniloa Dr, ☏ +1 808 938-9980. Offers two class sessions daily in our relaxing home studio. Studio can accommodate up to 15 people per class in a comfortable poolside environment. Yoga mats are available (nominal fee) as well as props & towels. Offering 4 types of classes, Yoga Hale provides a calming environment and class structure that novices and yoga experts can enjoy. $20. Kona Mike's Surf Adventures, Kahaluu' Beach, Kahalu'u Rd, ☏ +1 808 334-0033. Learn to surf with instructors.
1 The Coffee Shack, Hwy 11 in Captain Cook (between mile markers 108 and 109). Great food and awesome views in this tiny little restaurant overlooking Kealakekua Bay. Breakfast and Lunch items. If you're on you're way to Volcano National Park, be sure to get up early and to make this a stop on the way. 2 Habaneros, 78-6831 Alii Dr, #K4 (in the Keauhou Shopping Center near the movie theaters), ☏ +1 808 324-4688. A cute little restaurant that serves authentic Mexican for lunch and dinner. 3 Pancho and Lefty's, 75-5719 Alii Dr, ☏ +1-808-326-2171. Tu-Sa 11AM-9PM. Great Mexican food on the Big Island, right on one of Kona's main strips. Service is so-so, but food is great and the price is good.
Huggo's. Another good place to hang out, especially Huggo's on the Rocks, which is next door and usually has a band. It's right on the water with great sunsets. Jamba Juice. Kona Brewing Company, 74-5612 Pawai Pl. 11AM-10PM. A pub known for great hand spun pizzas, local organic salads and fresh beers on draft that you can't find anywhere else. Every Sunday evening local musicians provide live entertainment. They can be very crowded on weekends. Happy hour is M-F 3-5PM. (updated Mar 2019) Quinn's Almost By The Sea. Known for their fish sandwiches.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Jul, Kailua-Kona typically sees ~28°C daytime highs and 21 rainy days.
Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-07-26. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.
stayonomy