Kailua-Kona Mini Guide Vacation Rentals, Nightlife, Beaches, Activities, Things To See & Do
Kailua-Kona sits on the leeward side of the Hualalai Volcano just 15 minutes south of Kona International airport. Its a very popular and exclusive holiday hub on the white silky sand shores of Big Island Hawaii, the largest of the Hawaiian archipelago.
This historic and lively village in the heart of the Kona coast offers an unforgettable vacation and is the perfect destination for a family holiday, an escape with friends, or a romantic getaway with glorious beaches and packed with things to see and do.
As a vacation hot spot, Kailua-Kona is also home to some gorgeous beachfront property where you can rent a villa or condo knowing that all the local amenities are on your doorstep.
| Top things to see and do | |
|---|---|
| Vist the observatories on Mauna Kea | ✔ |
| Hulihee Palace off Alii Drive | ✔ |
| Ahuena Heiau temple | ✔ |
| Mauna Kea ice age nature reserve | ✔ |
| Hire a 4X4 and explore the inner island | ✔ |
| Helicopter ride over the volcanoes | ✔ |
| Visit the Hawaiian Kona coffee bean plantation | ✔ |
Nightlife
Once a sleepy fishing village and retreat for Hawaiian royalty, Kailua-Kona is now a bustling seaside holiday destination where you will find an abundance of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants especially on Alii Drive.
As the sunsets, the best place to experience authentic Hawaiian nightlife is to make camp at one of the beach bars or restaurants looking on Kailua Bay and listen to live music, watch the hula dancers and dine under the stars.
Beaches
Kailua-Kona has probably been blessed with one of the best beaches on Big Island Hawaii. Whilst not a talcum powder white sandy beach, its turquoise waters are teeming with tropical fish - if you dont see a turtle, you havent been for a swim! And, close to the shore, the sea is shallow and gentle - ideal for swimming, snorkeling, sailing and diving.
Other nearby beaches....
- La'aloa Bay Beach Park
- Maunakea beach
- Mauna Lani
Featured Kailua-Kona Holiday Rentals
Kailua-Kona Vacation Rentals
Like most places in Hawaii, the accommodation options in and around Kailua-Kona cater for all budgets and tastes.
Experience the very best of Kailua-Kona by staying in a vacation rental. Many holiday homes are condos set within touching distance of the palm fringed beaches and local amenities and typically come with all the modern refinements.
Wake up in your spacious Kailua-Kona villa or apartment to breathtaking views of Kailua Bay and behind, the soaring volcanic peaks, before heading off to the uncrowded world class beaches to relax, top up your tan or do some watersports.
| Activities | |
|---|---|
| Ride an outrigger canoe | ✔ |
| Biking through the mountains | ✔ |
| Hiking through the rainforest | ✔ |
| Reef and wreck diving | ✔ |
| Ski & snowboarding | ✔ |
| Watersports - surfing, sailing, windsurfing | ✔ |
| Hire a 4X4 and explore the inner island | ✔ |
Twin centre holidays
If you are visiting Kailua-Kona, a popular option is to combine your stay with a few days relaxing by the shores at one of the other beach resorts on Big Island Hawaii or perhaps on one of the other Hawaiian islands. Popular destinations include...
Our view on Kailua-Kona
A stunning location for a romantic getaway or a family holiday. Blessed with lovely beaches and panoramic views on to the Bay, Kailua-Kona takes some beating.
Its pristine white talcum powder sandy beaches entice you back time and again. Away from the beach, the evenings can be spent relaxing at your vacation rental or enjoying the lively village nightlife.
