Kona Area

Kailua began life as a tiny fishing village and farming community. Today, as Kailua-Kona (to distinguish it from Kailua, Oahu for the post office) it is an interesting little “beach town” that offers seaside dining, a vast number of small souvenir shops and ancient Hawaiian historic sites. Walk along Alii Drive next to Kailua Bay to get a feel for this busy little town. Have a bite to eat at one of the small restaurants like Huggos on the Rocks or sip coffee from the patio of Lava Java. Watch the dolphins at play in the bay or see the glorious colors of the Hawaiian sunset as day fades to night. Enjoy an ocean going excursion from the Kailua Bay dock or visit the ancient sites of some of Hawaii’s most powerful kings. It’s all here to do right inside Kailua-Kona. Here are 5 not-to-be-missed things to see and do while in the Kailua-Kona area.

If royal history is what you seek, you will find the Ahu’ena Heiau just north of the Kailua-Kona pier. This was King Kamehameha’s personal heiau or temple. Walk around this area to get a feel for the place where King Kamehameha, the island’s most powerful ruler, spent his later years.  Further up Alii Drive you will find Hulihe’e Palace which was built b y Governor Kuakini in 1838. This palace, now a museum, served as a summer house for vacationing Hawaiian royalty until 1914. Across from the palace is Mokuaikaua Church, the first Christian church built in the islands in 1820. The church was originally built as a thatched roof and then upgraded to the current building in 1837. While you will pay a small admission fee for the first two attractions, you are welcome to visit the church at no charge.

If water adventure is what you crave, Kailua-Kona offers water sports of all types from fishing to diving and snorkeling the crystal blue Hawaiian reef areas, to parasailing and whale watching. Local tour consolidators (Don’t worry – they sell at the same price as the merchant.) dot Alii Drive and can easily advise you on how to book whatever adventure you may want and provide information on which tours may suit your needs and your budget. At the current time due to the economic downturn, many tour providers are offering 2 for 1 or half price deals on local tours and activities. That being said, it is a great time to take advantage of as many activities as your budget may allow.

Just south of town along Highway 11,  lie over 600 specialty coffee farms, mills and roasters which produce the world famous Kona coffee blend. Here, you can learn about the art of coffee growing and roasting, sample various brews and take home packages of coffee bargain prices to enjoy at home. The Kona Coffee Living History museum in Captain Cook has a wealth of information on the topic. In addition to the coffee farms, you will also find macadamia nut farms in this picturesque area.