Kona (Kailua-Kona)

The basics

Many Kona (Kailua-Kona) tours include stops to take in roadside lava tubes, the former royal summer residence at Hulihee Palace, the Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay, ancient Hawaiian heiau (temples) at the Place of Refuge National Historical Park, and coffee-tasting excursions.

Some also visit points north and south of town—for example, to stargaze atop Mauna Kea or stroll along striking black- and green-sand beaches. Popular activities on this side of the Big Island include submarine tours of local reefs, night snorkeling with manta rays, fishing charters, luaus, helicopter tours, and surfing and stand-up paddleboarding lessons.

Things to know before you go

• Kailua-Kona serves as an ideal starting point for first-time visitors to the Big Island.

• Hawaii does not recognize daylight saving time like the rest of the US (nor does the majority of the state of Arizona).

• Dozens of hotels line the water in Kona, with a match for every budget.

• Kona typically serves as a home base for couples and families with kids looking for a beach vacation, but it’s also a convenient starting point for outdoor adventurers and culture buffs looking to explore the rest of the Big Island.

How to get there

Downtown Kailua-Kona, opposite Kailua Bay, is eight miles south of Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport. A coastal road, Route 19 (Queen Kaahumanu Highway), connects the town to points north, while Route 11 (Mamalahoa Highway) connects it to points south. Highway 190 runs up through the mountains and links the town via Saddle Road to Hilo and the island’s windward side.

When to get there

Though Kona enjoys balmy beach weather year-round, winter (November through March) does bring slight temperature dips and occasional afternoon rains. These months, however, also coincide with some popular annual visitors: migrating humpback whales, visible on whale watching tours departing from Kailua Pier and harbor. The annual Ironman World Championship triathlon draws huge crowds and fills hotels throughout the region for weeks leading up to the October event.

Visiting volcanoes from Kona

The Big Island is home to five volcanoes, and you’d be remiss not to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kilauea Volcano, one of the world’s most active volcanoes to see the active lava flows. Though closer to Hilo on the island’s eastern side, a number of land-based and helicopter tours (usually 30 minutes long) depart from Kona daily.

If driving, plan to spend at least two hours getting to the national park. There are two routes: the high, central Saddle Road and the slow and winding southern coastal roads. Closer to Kona, Mauna Kea Summit & Observatory offers visitors 13 telescopes and incredible stargazing with nightly programs illustrating constellations.

Ways to explore

Kailua-Kona is the jumping-off point for nearly every adventure on the Kona Coast, from the Big Island’s best coffee farm tours and superb reef and manta ray snorkeling expeditions to all levels of hiking. There are several attractions where you can experience ancient Hawaiian culture, too, including Huliheʻe Palace, the Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay, and Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. Explore downtown’s seaside shops and excellent dining, or summit the slopes of Mauna Kea for spectacular views. Really, you can’t go wrong around Kona.

Accessibility

Accommodations vary; selected beach parks around Kona are accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Reef-safe sunscreen, protective clothing such as hats and sunglasses, a camera, plenty of water

What to wear

Casual attire is the norm—shorts, T-shirts, tank tops, and sandals are fine. Consider packing one nicer outfit for upscale dining.

Not allowed

Follow all posted signs and warnings, including staying away from wildlife.

Amenities

Everything you could possibly need

Address

Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole is just a few minutes from downtown. However, some visitors will arrive at Hilo International Airport and make the roughly 90-minute drive across the island. Either way, renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility and ease of travel.

Driving

If you’re driving from Hilo, the fastest route is via HI-190 and the Daniel K. Inouye Highway. That takes about 90 minutes. Or, drive the southern route down Highway 11 and through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a roughly 3-hour journey.

Public transportation

Hele-On buses run from the Mo’oheau Bus Terminal in downtown Hilo to Kailua-Kona every four hours or so. The ride takes about three hours—download the Token Transit app to buy bus passes and board with your phone.

Best times to visit

Early mornings in and around Kona are quite lovely, thanks to fewer crowds, calm waters, and golden light.

Best days to visit

If you want to experience local culture and the island’s fresh produce, plan your visit to include a Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday when the popular farmers markets operate.

Best months to visit

Kailua-Kona enjoys consistently warm weather year-round, so it’s pleasant to visit any time. However, visit September through November—the fall shoulder season—to find reasonable room rates, fewer tourists, and still-pleasant temps.

Special events

In November, check out the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, Hawaii’s oldest food festival, for coffee tastings, farm tours, cultural events, and the Lantern Parade.