Manini'owali Beach at Kua Bay, part of Kekaha Kai State Park, is another of the very pretty Hawaii Big Island beaches, with fine white sand that slopes gently to the beautiful clear turquoise water. The swimming here is awesome when the ocean is calm, and there can be some decent snorkeling along the rocky outcroppings at either end of the beach.

During certain times of the year, particularly the summer months, the beautiful soft sand covers the entire beach from north to south. More lava rocks become exposed in the winter months as sand is carried out with the surf. Be aware of those rocks in the shallows when boogie boarding or body surfing. This is a good place to have water shoes to navigate across the rocks.
Manini'owali Beach is one of the nicer Big Island beaches that is easy to reach from Kailua-Kona. You can practically drive right to the beach, and some days it seems everyone on the Big Island knows it! If you arrive later in the day, parking can be a little crazy, especially on weekends. As you approach the beach you may see cars lined up down the road. You may have to walk down the road a bit but don't worry; there's plenty of room on the beach!

There is a rocky shoreline trail at the northern end of the beach that leads to another of our favorite Hawaii beaches, spectacular Kikaua Beach to the north. The trail winds through a lava field and across a coral beach less than a mile to scenic Kikaua Point.

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Where to stay in Kaupulehu

Find the best Kaupulehu areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Kaupulehu

Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden featuring a park and tropical scenes

Holualoa Village

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

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Kahalu\'u Beach Park featuring snorkeling, landscape views and colorful reefs

Kahaluu-Keauhou

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

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Keauhou

This ancient Hawai’ian haven on the Kona coast sits on a beautiful shoreline dotted with temples, schools of magnificent manta rays and luxurious resorts.

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Kailua Pier featuring general coastal views, tropical scenes and a bay or harbor

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 Inn Shopping Village or Kailua-Kona Wharf while you're exploring the neighborhood.

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Kahalu\'u Beach Park which includes surf, rocky coastline and tropical scenes

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.

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Top Kaupulehu Hotel Reviews

Fairmont Orchid

10/10 Excellent

"Very nice!"

Royal Kona Resort

10/10 Excellent

"I love the Royal Kona and will likely stay every time I visit the Big Island! It’s a great price point with fantastic amenities available, as well as being family-friendly. I did notice some availability issues, which is always surprising to me because it seems a touch unreasonable to overbook nowadays, especially when some folks are coming in on international flights. Most everyone on staff is professional but I can understand that particular frustration, though I was lucky to dodge that issue this time. With that small note aside, the food was amazing as usual, spa treatment was luxurious and necessary, and the pool area was well maintained like it has been on every previous visit! I’m so grateful to have been able to spend Christmas in Kona at my favorite resort :)"

Kona Coast Resort

10/10 Excellent

"What a amazing resort! My husband and I took our 80+ year old parents! They had there own condo and I can't say enough good stuff about this resort! The pool was perfect, the restaurant was delicious, the entertainment was so fun every night, the staff was unbelievable keeping my parents well taking care of and just overall each one of them was the best! It was within walking distance to groceries, tons of restaurants! Couldn't ask for a better lifetime experience for us! And we were so excited the volcano erupted while we were there! Thank u Kona resort! If I could give them a 10 it would be 11!"

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to go to Kaupulehu?

The most popular time to visit Kaupulehu is March, when the weather is warm and inviting, with temperatures averaging in the mid-80s Fahrenheit. This is an ideal time for outdoor enthusiasts to engage in activities like snorkeling, hiking, and relaxing on the beautiful beaches that the area is famous for.

During the peak season, which spans from February to April, Kaupulehu attracts visitors eager to enjoy its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. The pleasant climate during these months allows for comfortable exploration, whether you're hiking through lush trails or taking in the breathtaking coastal views. Activities such as whale watching and cultural events are also abundant, providing a rich experience that combines relaxation with adventure.

For travelers seeking a serene retreat, consider visiting in October. This month typically sees fewer crowds and offers a tranquil atmosphere, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region. It's a wonderful time to enjoy the local flora and fauna while still having access to outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?

You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, though it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if canceled within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to "My Trips", and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by "Fully refundable property" for hotels in Kaupulehu.

How can I save on a Kaupulehu hotel booking with Expedia?

With Expedia, you earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible Kaupulehu hotel bookings for every dollar you spend – just join our One Key™ travel rewards program to get started. It's free to join, and you'll unlock our lowest Member Prices as soon as you're signed in. On top of this, you could also save significantly by bundling your hotel and flights together on Expedia.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo.

How much is the nightly rate at a Kaupulehu hotel?

Prices for hotels in Kaupulehu often vary, but you can find a great deal on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by "Price: low to high" for the cheapest rate.

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Our top choices for Kaupulehu hotels

Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Royal Kona Resort

PACIFIC 19 Kona

Big Island Retreat

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Tower Waikoloa Village

Fairmont Orchid Gold Experience

Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel

Hilton Waikoloa Village

Mango Sunset Bed and Breakfast

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kings’ Land Waikoloa

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Kailua-Kona by IHG

Kona Tiki Hotel

Charming Pu'ukala Sunset - Near Hiking And Golf 1 Bedroom Home by RedAwning

OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa

Sea Village

Marriott's Waikoloa Ocean Club

Island Elegance Prime Spot

The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

Waimea Condo < 1 Mile From Mauna Lani Beach Club!

Where to stay in Kaupulehu

Holualoa Village

Kahaluu-Keauhou

Keauhou

Historic Kailua Village

Kahaluu Bay

Top Kaupulehu Hotel Reviews

Fairmont Orchid

Frequently asked questions