This coastal town on Hawaii's Big Island is known for its Kona coffee farms, snorkeling beaches, and annual Ironman World Championship. The former royal residence still stands downtown.
Kailua-Kona stretches along Hawaii's Big Island coastline, where you can watch humpback whales breach from shore, taste coffee at mountain plantations, and explore the 1838 Hulihee Palace. The town extends from Kailua Bay to the slopes of Hualalai volcano at 8,271 feet. You can snorkel among yellow tangs and parrotfish at Kahaluu Bay, step inside the coral-block walls of Mokuaikaua Church, or join night dives to watch manta rays feed on plankton beneath the surface.
Swimming with Marine Life in Kailua Bay
Manta rays gather near the shore each evening to feed on plankton, and you can join guided night tours to swim alongside them. From December to May, humpback whales migrate through these waters - you can spot them from boat tours leaving Kailua Pier. Green sea turtles and spinner dolphins frequent the bay year-round, making this area rich in opportunities for snorkeling and underwater photography.
Exploring Kona's Coffee Country
Coffee plants thrive on the volcanic slopes above Kailua-Kona at elevations between 600 and 2,500 feet, where afternoon cloud cover and mineral-rich soil create specific growing conditions. At Thunder Mountain and the Old Hawaiian Chocolate Factory, farmers show you how they grow, harvest, and roast the beans. You can taste different roasts and buy beans directly from the farms.
Beaches and Snorkeling Spots
The sand at La'aloa Bay (Magic Sands Beach) shifts with the seasons - winter waves can strip the beach bare while summer brings calm swimming conditions. At Kahaluu Bay, just south of town, the protected waters host over 100 species of fish. You'll find rental equipment shops nearby, and lifeguards watch the bay during daytime hours.
Historical Sites Along Ali'i Drive
Ali'i Drive follows the oceanfront past several royal residences and temples. Inside Hulihee Palace, built in 1838, you can see koa wood furniture and artifacts from Hawaii's monarchy period. Mokuaikaua Church stands nearby, built from black lava rock and local koa wood in 1820. At the north end of the bay, you can walk through Kamakahonu, King Kamehameha I's former residence, and see the restored Ahuena Heiau temple complex.
Getting Around and Transportation
Kona International Airport sits 15 minutes north of town by car. While you can use taxis and ride-sharing services, a rental car helps you reach coffee farms and beaches along the coast. The drive to Hilo takes 2 hours and 20 minutes, and Volcano Village is 2 hours and 15 minutes away. You can walk to most restaurants and shops along Ali'i Drive in town.
