Trinh’s guidebook
City/town information
Kailua-Kona is a sunny town on the west coast of Hawaii Island (the Big Island). Located in downtown Kailua-Kona, you can find the famous and historic places Hulihee Palace and Mokuaikaua Church.
Hulihee Palace is a former royal vacation home dating from 1838. Mokuaikaua Church, from the 1800s, is Hawaii’s oldest Christian church.
North of Kailua-Kona where the weather gets dryer you can find gorgeous beaches, the resort coast, and world- famous golf courses. Towards the South you can find many of our favorite snorkeling spots. The climate in the South Kona is more humid and perfect for the lush forests that surround the world-famous Kona coffee plantations.
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Kailua
Kailua-Kona is a sunny town on the west coast of Hawaii Island (the Big Island). Located in downtown Kailua-Kona, you can find the famous and historic places Hulihee Palace and Mokuaikaua Church.
Hulihee Palace is a former royal vacation home dating from 1838. Mokuaikaua Church, from the 1800s, is Hawaii’s oldest Christian church.
North of Kailua-Kona where the weather gets dryer you can find gorgeous beaches, the resort coast, and world- famous golf courses. Towards the South you can find many of our favorite snorkeling spots. The climate in the South Kona is more humid and perfect for the lush forests that surround the world-famous Kona coffee plantations.
The Kona farmers market is located on Ali’i drive just south of Kailua Bay in the heart of Kailua Kona. It is open Wednesdays through Sundays between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. The Kona Farmers Market is a large market located in the heart of Kona close to Kailua Bay. You can find plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers and hand-made local arts and crafts. This is a good place to stock up on healthy snacks (apple bananas or lilikoi are very handy to pack) for a day trip or to buy gifts to take home.
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Kona Farmers Market
75-5767 Ali‘i DrThe Kona farmers market is located on Ali’i drive just south of Kailua Bay in the heart of Kailua Kona. It is open Wednesdays through Sundays between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. The Kona Farmers Market is a large market located in the heart of Kona close to Kailua Bay. You can find plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers and hand-made local arts and crafts. This is a good place to stock up on healthy snacks (apple bananas or lilikoi are very handy to pack) for a day trip or to buy gifts to take home.
The Keauhou farmers market is held at the parking lot of the Keauhou Shopping Center. This is a smallish farmers market with a good selection of e.g. fruits, bread, fish, flowers and Kona coffee. You can listen to live music while you have your breakfast at the market, or drink a freshly squeezed glass of juice. This market is open on Saturdays between 8:00 AM and 12 PM (noon).
Keauhou Farmer's Market
The Keauhou farmers market is held at the parking lot of the Keauhou Shopping Center. This is a smallish farmers market with a good selection of e.g. fruits, bread, fish, flowers and Kona coffee. You can listen to live music while you have your breakfast at the market, or drink a freshly squeezed glass of juice. This market is open on Saturdays between 8:00 AM and 12 PM (noon).
Sightseeing
Hulihee Palace is a former royal vacation home dating from 1838. It was converted to a museum run by the Daughters of Hawaiʻi, showcasing furniture and artifacts. It is located at 75–5718 Aliʻi Drive, Kailua-Kona
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Hulihe'e Palace
Hulihee Palace is a former royal vacation home dating from 1838. It was converted to a museum run by the Daughters of Hawaiʻi, showcasing furniture and artifacts. It is located at 75–5718 Aliʻi Drive, Kailua-Kona
Come and visit Moku’aikaua Church. The oldest church in the Hawaiian Islands, Moku’aikaua Church was founded in 1820 by American Christian Missionaries, but after several fires, the stone structure still seen today was constructed. The church is located in downtown Kona, By Alii Dr.
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Mokuaikaua Church
75-5713 Ali‘i DrCome and visit Moku’aikaua Church. The oldest church in the Hawaiian Islands, Moku’aikaua Church was founded in 1820 by American Christian Missionaries, but after several fires, the stone structure still seen today was constructed. The church is located in downtown Kona, By Alii Dr.
Kamakahonu Beach is alsocalled King Kam Beach. One side is The Kailua-Pier and the other side is dense rocks. This is a small and popular public beach within the hear of Historic Kailua Village. With calm water and small waves, this beach is best for children and anyone wants to learn stand-up paddle boarding.
Kamakahonu Beach, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Verenigde Staten
Kamakahonu Beach is alsocalled King Kam Beach. One side is The Kailua-Pier and the other side is dense rocks. This is a small and popular public beach within the hear of Historic Kailua Village. With calm water and small waves, this beach is best for children and anyone wants to learn stand-up paddle boarding.
Kahalu’u Beach Park’s better known for its snorkeling and surfing than its beach. Well-protected from aggressive waves and boasting shallow, crystal-clear waters, this is a great place for beginners to get used to the water or for experienced snorkelers seeking a perfect underwater shot. With its convenient location right in Kailua-Kona, it’s easy to fit in a quick morning snorkel before you head out for other adventures. Green Sea Turtles tend to like feeding in this area so you have a pretty good chance of running into some.
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Kahaluu Bay
Ali‘i DriveKahalu’u Beach Park’s better known for its snorkeling and surfing than its beach. Well-protected from aggressive waves and boasting shallow, crystal-clear waters, this is a great place for beginners to get used to the water or for experienced snorkelers seeking a perfect underwater shot. With its convenient location right in Kailua-Kona, it’s easy to fit in a quick morning snorkel before you head out for other adventures. Green Sea Turtles tend to like feeding in this area so you have a pretty good chance of running into some.
This snorkeling site is incredibly popular, and for good reason – it’s among the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island. Two Step derives its name from the natural rock step at the water’s edge that serves as a perfect access point for fin-wearing visitors. The Snorkeling here is incredible with large schools of fish, lots of varied terrain, healthy coral and a wide variety of other sea life.
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Two Step diving & snorkeling
This snorkeling site is incredibly popular, and for good reason – it’s among the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island. Two Step derives its name from the natural rock step at the water’s edge that serves as a perfect access point for fin-wearing visitors. The Snorkeling here is incredible with large schools of fish, lots of varied terrain, healthy coral and a wide variety of other sea life.
Known as one of the finest beaches on the Big Island, Kaunaoa Beach (also called Mauna Kea Beach) stretches over a quarter of a mile and offers sandy-bottomed shores, less than 10 feet deep, for perfect and lengthy bouts of playing in clear, turquoise waters.
Fringed with leafy palm trees and fine, white sand, this beach is considered one of the Big Island’s best beaches. It is no wonder that Kaunaoa Bay has consistently ranked among the top five beaches in the U.S. “Perfect” has been used to describe Kaunaoa Bay on several occasions, and one look is enough to see why. This hidden jewel of a beach is considered by many to be the best on the Big Island. Mauna Kea Beach has earned the accolade on The Travel Channel’s “The World’s All-Time Best Beaches” list.
Kaunaoa Beach
Known as one of the finest beaches on the Big Island, Kaunaoa Beach (also called Mauna Kea Beach) stretches over a quarter of a mile and offers sandy-bottomed shores, less than 10 feet deep, for perfect and lengthy bouts of playing in clear, turquoise waters.
Fringed with leafy palm trees and fine, white sand, this beach is considered one of the Big Island’s best beaches. It is no wonder that Kaunaoa Bay has consistently ranked among the top five beaches in the U.S. “Perfect” has been used to describe Kaunaoa Bay on several occasions, and one look is enough to see why. This hidden jewel of a beach is considered by many to be the best on the Big Island. Mauna Kea Beach has earned the accolade on The Travel Channel’s “The World’s All-Time Best Beaches” list.
One of Hawaii’s – and the world’s – most iconic beaches, Hapuna Beach is consistently ranked among the “world’s best beaches” for a good reason. Hapuna offers some of the best conditions for swimming, bodyboarding, and sunbathing in the Hawaiian Islands. It is popular with residents and visitors alike as one of the largest white sand beaches located along the Big Island’s Kohala Coast. It offers nearly a half mile of immaculate white sand and continuous shore break that is great fun to play in.
On the clear day, you can see Maui island from Hapuna beach.
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Hapuna Beach
One of Hawaii’s – and the world’s – most iconic beaches, Hapuna Beach is consistently ranked among the “world’s best beaches” for a good reason. Hapuna offers some of the best conditions for swimming, bodyboarding, and sunbathing in the Hawaiian Islands. It is popular with residents and visitors alike as one of the largest white sand beaches located along the Big Island’s Kohala Coast. It offers nearly a half mile of immaculate white sand and continuous shore break that is great fun to play in.
On the clear day, you can see Maui island from Hapuna beach.
The Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station (VIS) is open 9 am to 9 pm daily, these hours are subject to change, please
check the VIS website for updates or the Maunakea Stewardship website.
Visitors can stargaze from the area around the VIS, or drive to the summit for hiking and sunset views (a 4wd vehicle is a must, you will not be allowed beyond the VIS without 4wd). If you do not have a 4 wheel-drive vehicle or do not want to drive to the top yourself, many tours to the area are available that include both watching the sunset and stargazing. With many of the Mauna Kea tour companies providing telescope viewing as part of their experience, they are a pretty great option.
Stargazing from Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s tallest volcano provides visitors an incredible opportunity to find the best views of the heavens above.
Mauna Kea Observatory
The Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station (VIS) is open 9 am to 9 pm daily, these hours are subject to change, please
check the VIS website for updates or the Maunakea Stewardship website.
Visitors can stargaze from the area around the VIS, or drive to the summit for hiking and sunset views (a 4wd vehicle is a must, you will not be allowed beyond the VIS without 4wd). If you do not have a 4 wheel-drive vehicle or do not want to drive to the top yourself, many tours to the area are available that include both watching the sunset and stargazing. With many of the Mauna Kea tour companies providing telescope viewing as part of their experience, they are a pretty great option.
Stargazing from Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s tallest volcano provides visitors an incredible opportunity to find the best views of the heavens above.
Commonly known as “A-Bay" beach. It is a great location for families to swim and play in the water. The long crescent-shaped beach is a mixture of salt and pepper sand, protected by a generous reef that calms the waters within.
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ʻAnaehoʻomalu Beach
69-275 Waikōloa Beach DrCommonly known as “A-Bay" beach. It is a great location for families to swim and play in the water. The long crescent-shaped beach is a mixture of salt and pepper sand, protected by a generous reef that calms the waters within.
Honokohau Beach is 3.7 miles north of Kailua-Kona Hawaii. Within a short distance from Kailua-Kona, the area is relatively flat with well-marked trails and is a great place to take a walk, check out the historic sites and see turtles all in a 1.5 mile stretch with two nice beach areas.
Honokohau Beach
Honokohau Beach is 3.7 miles north of Kailua-Kona Hawaii. Within a short distance from Kailua-Kona, the area is relatively flat with well-marked trails and is a great place to take a walk, check out the historic sites and see turtles all in a 1.5 mile stretch with two nice beach areas.
This Historical State park is located 12.5 miles south from Kailua Kona. The park is next to "Two step" beach. This is an important cultural site surrounded by a massive ancient stone wall, Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau served as a place of refuge and forgiveness for lawbreakers, warriors, and non-combatants during times of war. Outside the wall, several generations of powerful chiefs lived on the grounds outside the pu’uhonua. Visitors to the site can see temple platforms, fishing areas, a massive stone sledding track, and some coastal village areas complete with replica temples and thatched structures.
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Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park
State Highway 160This Historical State park is located 12.5 miles south from Kailua Kona. The park is next to "Two step" beach. This is an important cultural site surrounded by a massive ancient stone wall, Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau served as a place of refuge and forgiveness for lawbreakers, warriors, and non-combatants during times of war. Outside the wall, several generations of powerful chiefs lived on the grounds outside the pu’uhonua. Visitors to the site can see temple platforms, fishing areas, a massive stone sledding track, and some coastal village areas complete with replica temples and thatched structures.
Mauna Loa is one of five volcanoes that together make up the Big Island of Hawaii, which is the southernmost island in the Hawaiian archipelago. It is not the tallest — that title goes to Mauna Kea — but it’s the largest and makes up about half of the island’s land mass.
Mauna Loa last erupted in 1984. On November 27, 2022 night around 11:30pm. The eruption began
Lava is shooting 100 feet to 200 feet (30 to 60 meters) into the air as Hawaii’s Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, erupts for the first time in nearly 40 years.
Thousands of people are flocking to see Mauna Loa's lava flow. Spectators are asked to park at designated parking areas.
This volcano is about 71 miles from Kailua-Kona town.
It takes about one hour of driving from Kona to the visiting center.
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Mauna Loa Volcano
Mauna Loa is one of five volcanoes that together make up the Big Island of Hawaii, which is the southernmost island in the Hawaiian archipelago. It is not the tallest — that title goes to Mauna Kea — but it’s the largest and makes up about half of the island’s land mass.
Mauna Loa last erupted in 1984. On November 27, 2022 night around 11:30pm. The eruption began
Lava is shooting 100 feet to 200 feet (30 to 60 meters) into the air as Hawaii’s Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, erupts for the first time in nearly 40 years.
Thousands of people are flocking to see Mauna Loa's lava flow. Spectators are asked to park at designated parking areas.
This volcano is about 71 miles from Kailua-Kona town.
It takes about one hour of driving from Kona to the visiting center.
Food scene
Krua Thai Cuisine is located in the heart of Kailua-Kona. They are a family based Thai restaurant, offering 60+ Menu selections. This is one of the best Thai food in town. The waiting line for dinner may be long. Plan ahead for at lest 30 minutes waiting time during the high season.
14 lokale inwoners raden aan
Krua Thai Cuisine
75-5705 Kuakini HwyKrua Thai Cuisine is located in the heart of Kailua-Kona. They are a family based Thai restaurant, offering 60+ Menu selections. This is one of the best Thai food in town. The waiting line for dinner may be long. Plan ahead for at lest 30 minutes waiting time during the high season.
Exclusively Vietnamese restaurants are very rare in Kona. Pho Kim Anh is the city's best maker of pho--the famous Vietnamese beef and noodle soup. Located in a quiet shopping center, this small restaurant provide fast delivery and great service.
PHO KIM ANH
Exclusively Vietnamese restaurants are very rare in Kona. Pho Kim Anh is the city's best maker of pho--the famous Vietnamese beef and noodle soup. Located in a quiet shopping center, this small restaurant provide fast delivery and great service.
Sakura Japanese restaurant is one of the best Japanese restaurant in Kailua-Kona. It is a secrets restaurant, located far away from the strip area. It is not the place for tourist if you do not have a car. If you want to avoid the tourist traps and come here. Sakura has excellent food, menu options, prices, and service. However, the waiting line for Friday night and weekends can be over 30 munities, plan ahead.
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Sakura
75-1027 Henry StSakura Japanese restaurant is one of the best Japanese restaurant in Kailua-Kona. It is a secrets restaurant, located far away from the strip area. It is not the place for tourist if you do not have a car. If you want to avoid the tourist traps and come here. Sakura has excellent food, menu options, prices, and service. However, the waiting line for Friday night and weekends can be over 30 munities, plan ahead.
If you are a seafood lover, come check this out. All the meals were tasty. Crab cakes and clam chowder are the best. Enjoy your meal with ocean view. Check it out
Fish Hopper Kona
If you are a seafood lover, come check this out. All the meals were tasty. Crab cakes and clam chowder are the best. Enjoy your meal with ocean view. Check it out
Cool place to eat right on the water in Kona! Live music, hula dancer were performing on the sand to add to the great ambiance. Put yourself on the wait list at least an hour before you plan to eat at peak times though. Food was decent and the service can be slow but on the positive, the view is beautiful, the live music is really nice.
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On the Rocks
75-5824 Kahakai RdCool place to eat right on the water in Kona! Live music, hula dancer were performing on the sand to add to the great ambiance. Put yourself on the wait list at least an hour before you plan to eat at peak times though. Food was decent and the service can be slow but on the positive, the view is beautiful, the live music is really nice.
This restaurant is using locally sourced ingredients. Including grass fed Big Island Beef, local organic lettuce, Puna Chick's Chicken, Big Island goat cheese and more...All the food is prepared fresh everyday to the highest standards. My favorite are Fish Taco and the BBQ ribs. House-Made Guava Lemonade is the best drink for non alcoholic person.
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Island Lava Java
75-5801 Ali‘i DrThis restaurant is using locally sourced ingredients. Including grass fed Big Island Beef, local organic lettuce, Puna Chick's Chicken, Big Island goat cheese and more...All the food is prepared fresh everyday to the highest standards. My favorite are Fish Taco and the BBQ ribs. House-Made Guava Lemonade is the best drink for non alcoholic person.
Reizigersadvies
Vervoersmogelijkheden
Shared Public transportation (bus) is limited.
Hawaiʻi County also offers free mass transit via the Hele On (Let’s Go) Bus. There are stops all around the island of Hawaiʻi, with service between Kona and Hilo offered Monday through Saturday. Because it's a large island, we recommend a rental car for flexibility and ease, and we strongly suggest booking before you arrive.
Wat je moet meenemen
Shorts and T-shirts or Sweater
You will be in the tropics. Bring casual and comfortable clothes. You will need a sweater or warm cloth if you plan to visit Mauna Kea.
Don’t worry about forgetting something at home.
Hawaii is full of convenience stores, Costco, Target, grocery stores, and shops for you to purchase a toiletry you forgot, extra reef-safe sunscreen, or aloe in the event you get burned at the beach!
Manieren om te besparen
Going on a low season
1. Going on the slow season. Starting from April to June or August to November.
2. Avoid doing island hoper. Most of the place will charge a cleaning fee on your stay. Therefore, staying on the same island or only choose the two islands to visit per trip can save you money. Plus you do not need to pay extra for the inter-island flights.
3. Search for free parking play to stay because you will need a car rental during your trip.
4. Do not spend your money on resort fee if you do not plan to stay in the hotel for most of your trip.
5. Try to bundle your booking for car and accommodations