Guidebook for Kailua Kona
Food Scene
Daily Happy Hour and extensive happy hour menu with great sushi and drinks. They are closed on Mondays and Happy Hour is 4:30-6:00 so go early to get a seat and stay the whole time.
43 locals recommend
Kenichi Pacific
6831 Ali‘i DrDaily Happy Hour and extensive happy hour menu with great sushi and drinks. They are closed on Mondays and Happy Hour is 4:30-6:00 so go early to get a seat and stay the whole time.
This is a great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner with ocean views and the sound of the waves as you eat. We splurge on the ribeye and it's always enough for 2 people.
163 locals recommend
Island Lava Java
75-5801 Ali‘i DrThis is a great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner with ocean views and the sound of the waves as you eat. We splurge on the ribeye and it's always enough for 2 people.
A famous local chef who's menu and food won't disappoint. This spot is tucked away up on the hill above the Keauhou Shopping Center. The fish selection is wonderful. Great ocean view to enjoy a sunset dinner without the crowds along Ali'i Drive.
75 locals recommend
Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
78-6831 Ali‘i DrA famous local chef who's menu and food won't disappoint. This spot is tucked away up on the hill above the Keauhou Shopping Center. The fish selection is wonderful. Great ocean view to enjoy a sunset dinner without the crowds along Ali'i Drive.
Best Lua'u is located at Marriot King Kamehameha Hotel located at the north end of Ali'i Drive in downtown Kona. There is also a beach at this hotel open to the public and it has zero waves and is great for little kids.
28 locals recommend
Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
75-5660 Palani RdBest Lua'u is located at Marriot King Kamehameha Hotel located at the north end of Ali'i Drive in downtown Kona. There is also a beach at this hotel open to the public and it has zero waves and is great for little kids.
Drinks & Nightlife
Huggo's
75-5828 Kahakai RdGreat food and drinks.
Parks & Nature
Seeing the volcano park is a must see. Plan to take a day to do this. The trip down to the park will take you about 2.5 hours to drive but the scenery is breathtaking. Take a light jacket because sometimes it can be cooler and a little rainy once you get down there. Water bottles and snacks in a backpack or tucked away in the car are also a good idea for your hike or drive back to Kona. You can arrange tours if you're looking for a more scheduled extensive trip.
Crater Rim Drive
Crater Rim DriveSeeing the volcano park is a must see. Plan to take a day to do this. The trip down to the park will take you about 2.5 hours to drive but the scenery is breathtaking. Take a light jacket because sometimes it can be cooler and a little rainy once you get down there. Water bottles and snacks in a backpack or tucked away in the car are also a good idea for your hike or drive back to Kona. You can arrange tours if you're looking for a more scheduled extensive trip.
Great beach that once was listed on the Top 10 Beaches in the world. It's much hotter on this side of the island so be prepared. Calm waters which are great for kids and those just wanting to float in the water and soak up the Hawaii life. The park charges for parking ($5 )
174 locals recommend
Hapuna Beach State Park
Old Puako RoadGreat beach that once was listed on the Top 10 Beaches in the world. It's much hotter on this side of the island so be prepared. Calm waters which are great for kids and those just wanting to float in the water and soak up the Hawaii life. The park charges for parking ($5 )
See the stars like never before. You'll need a pair of pants and closed toed shoes. Also, make sure you book this trip through a vendor because the road is narrow and rough and your rental car isn't allowed up the road.
161 locals recommend
Mauna Kea
See the stars like never before. You'll need a pair of pants and closed toed shoes. Also, make sure you book this trip through a vendor because the road is narrow and rough and your rental car isn't allowed up the road.
Only 2 miles south of the condo. There are SO MANY different kinds of fish right there in the lagoon. Turtles love to eat off the rocks at this beach and will be snorkeling with you too. No waves which make it perfect for snorkeling.
239 locals recommend
Kahaluu Bay
Ali‘i DriveOnly 2 miles south of the condo. There are SO MANY different kinds of fish right there in the lagoon. Turtles love to eat off the rocks at this beach and will be snorkeling with you too. No waves which make it perfect for snorkeling.
Shopping
Wonder outdoor vendor market. Great snow cones, beautiful photography galleries, locals selling handmade items and a great place to buy souvenirs. This is our favorite place we like to shop. Open Tues - Sun 10-5
22 locals recommend
Alii Gardens Marketplace
75-6129 Ali‘i DrWonder outdoor vendor market. Great snow cones, beautiful photography galleries, locals selling handmade items and a great place to buy souvenirs. This is our favorite place we like to shop. Open Tues - Sun 10-5
Keauhou Farmer's Market is on Saturdays from 9am-1pm in the shopping center. It's about 2.5 miles south of the condo. Drive south on Ali'i Drive until you come to the stop light, go through the lights and up the steep hill and you will be in the shopping center. There is also a little grocery store (KTA Grocery) and drug store (Long's Drug) there too.
58 locals recommend
Keauhou Shopping Center
78-6831 Ali‘i DrKeauhou Farmer's Market is on Saturdays from 9am-1pm in the shopping center. It's about 2.5 miles south of the condo. Drive south on Ali'i Drive until you come to the stop light, go through the lights and up the steep hill and you will be in the shopping center. There is also a little grocery store (KTA Grocery) and drug store (Long's Drug) there too.
Essentials
Costco Wholesale
73-5600 Maiau StTarget
74-5455 Makala BlvdKTA Super Stores
74-5594 Palani RdEntertainment & Activities
Fair Wind Cruises
78-7130 Kaleiopapa StBest Snorkel Cruise on the Island!