Kailua-Kona, HI

Travel Guide

A beachside restaurant named 'Kona Boys' with surfboards and bicycles.
A beach with palm trees, a thatched-roof hut, and several traditional boats.
A coastal town with a prominent church steeple, lush greenery, and a beach.
A coastal village with thatched-roof buildings, a stone pier, and palm trees.
A traditional stone structure with a thatched roof, surrounded by a wooden fence and palm trees.

Discover cultural landmarks, relaxing beaches, and local shops while exploring the charming neighborhoods of Kailua-Kona.

Kailua-Kona is an ideal destination for outdoor, adventure travelers. You can visit Moku‘aikaua Church, which offers a glimpse into the area's cultural heritage, or take a stroll along the Kailua Pier for scenic views. For those looking to relax, Kamakahonu Beach provides a perfect spot to unwind. In addition to these attractions, the Kona Inn Shopping Village offers various shopping options, while the Kona Brewing Company is a local brewery worth checking out. You can also enjoy aquatic activities at the Kona Community Aquatic Center or try your swing at the Swing Zone.

Spend some time exploring the different neighborhoods of Kailua-Kona. Holualoa Village is known for its outdoor and adventure experiences, featuring places like Dovetail Gallery and the Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden. Likewise, Kahaluu Bay also offers outdoor activities and is home to the Kona Le'a Plantation. Another area to explore is Historic Kailua Village, where you can visit the Kona Farmers Market or the Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark. Each of these neighborhoods provides unique experiences that contribute to the overall charm of Kailua-Kona.

The best time to visit Kailua-Kona depends more on rain than temperature, as the weather stays warm and fairly constant throughout the year. Rain tends to be heavier from April to September, which may affect outdoor plans. While demand remains steady year-round, it tends to be a bit busier in January and from March to April, with quieter periods in October to December. This means you can choose your timing based on your preference for crowds and rain levels.

Where to stay in Kailua-Kona

Find the best Kailua-Kona areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Kailua-Kona
Learn more about Kailua-Kona

Historic Kailua Village

Visitors to Historic Kailua Village rave about its stunning beaches, island views, and popular shops. You might also want to make some time to see Kona Brewing Company or Kamakahonu Beach while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Holualoa Village

While visiting Holualoa Village, you might make a stop by sights like Honl's Beach and Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden.

Kahaluu-Keauhou

While visiting Kahaluu-Keauhou, you might make a stop by sights like Keauhou Shopping Center and Keauhou Bay Beach.

Kahaluu Bay

Kahaluu Bay is a destination visitors seek out for is beaches, seaside views, and pristine golf courses. You might want to check out attractions like Kahalu'u Beach Park or Magic Sands Beach while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Alii Kai

While Alii Kai might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Magic Sands Beach and Honl's Beach.

Royal Kona Resort

Royal Kona Resort

4 out of 5
75-5852 Alii Dr Kailua-Kona HI
$219 nightly
The price is $261 total per night from Nov 16 to Nov 17
$261 total
Nov 16 - Nov 17
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,041 reviews)
"Walking distance to shopping and dining"

Reviewed on Nov 14, 2026

Royal Kona Resort
Kona Coast Resort

Kona Coast Resort

3.5 out of 5
78-6842 Alii Dr Kailua-Kona HI
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Kona Coast Resort
Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel

Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel

3.5 out of 5
75-5660 Palani Road Kailua-Kona HI
$252 nightly
The price is $299 total per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
$299 total
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Big Island is always short of sand beach. This hotel has sand beach onsite, it is a very good feature on big island. Breakfast service is very slow."

Reviewed on Nov 14, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aston Kona by the Sea

Aston Kona by the Sea

4 out of 5
75-6106 Alii Dr Kailua-Kona HI
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy a beach locale, 2 meeting rooms, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
Aston Kona by the Sea
Kanaloa at Kona by OUTRIGGER

Kanaloa at Kona by OUTRIGGER

4 out of 5
78-261 Manukai St Kailua-Kona HI
Book a stay at this golf condo in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Magic Sands Beach and Keauhou Bay Beach ...
Kanaloa at Kona by OUTRIGGER
Castle Kanaloa at Kona

Castle Kanaloa at Kona

3 out of 5
78-261 Manukai Street Kailua-Kona HI
Stay at this apartment in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.8/10 Good! (495 reviews)
"Staff was super friendly and the condo had newer furniture and flooring and was well maintained. Would definitely come back!"

Reviewed on Sep 27, 2026

Castle Kanaloa at Kona
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Kailua-Kona attractions

Things to do

Frequently asked questions

Is Kailua-Kona worth visiting?
Kailua-Kona is worth visiting for its beautiful Magic Sands Beach and the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Golf Course. Travelers can explore distinct areas like Historic Kailua Village and Holualoa Village, while enjoying diverse dining with Asian and North American cuisine options.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Kailua-Kona?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Kailua-Kona depend on what you want to see:

  • Historic Kailua Village is great for travelers interested in the Kailua Pier, Kona Brewing Company, and Kamakahonu Beach.
  • Holualoa Village offers art experiences with the Donkey Mill Art Center, Dovetail, and Studio 7 Gallery.
  • Kaupulehu features the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Golf Course, Kailua-Kona Beaches, and Kikaua Point Beach Park.
  • Keauhou is home to Keauhou Bay Beach, Keauhou Shopping Center, and Kona Country Club.
  • Kalaoa provides access to Mahai'ula Beach, Honokōhau Harbor, and Kohanaiki Beach Park.

What is Kailua-Kona known for?
Kailua-Kona, known as 'Kona Hawaii', is known for its beautiful Magic Sands Beach, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Golf Course, and historic Kailua Pier. Travelers can also find a strong Asian food culture in this scenic Hawaiian destination.
What is a good itinerary length for Kailua-Kona?
A good itinerary length for Kailua-Kona is three to four days to explore Historic Kailua Village, relax at Magic Sands Beach, and experience a Manta Ray Night Snorkel. For an extended stay of five to seven days, travelers can also enjoy the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Golf Course, visit Holualoa Village, and take a Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour of Hawaii. See Kailua-Kona Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Kailua-Kona?
Kailua-Kona offers beautiful beaches, unique marine life, and outdoor activities for travelers:


How do I plan a trip to Kailua-Kona?
To plan your trip to Kailua-Kona, consider staying in areas like Historic Kailua Village or Holualoa Village. Book flights and a rental car in advance, especially during peak times. Allow time for activities such as night snorkeling with manta rays, visiting Magic Sands Beach, or exploring Kailua Pier.
What cuisines can you find in Kailua-Kona?
In Kailua-Kona, travelers can find Hawaiian cuisine, featuring dishes such as poke, kalua pig, lau lau, and lomi salmon. You'll also discover Asian options like Japanese, Thai, and Chinese, plus Italian, Mexican, and fresh seafood.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Kailua-Kona?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Kailua-Kona by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Kailua-Kona with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Kailua-Kona trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Kailua-Kona?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Kailua-Kona can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Kailua-Kona trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Kailua-Kona trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Kailua-Kona trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Kailua-Kona trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Kailua-Kona?
If it's your first trip to Kailua-Kona, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Kailua-Kona hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Kailua-Kona hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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