Updated Guidebook for Kailua-Kona
Essentials
Keauhou Shopping Center is walking distance from the casita. Take a right on our street, then a left on Kam III, you will see a shopping center at the stop light with Alii Drive. There is a grocery store (KTA) and a Pharmacy (Longs). There are also numerous OK restaurants, a coffee shop (Peaberry) a post office, a few shops, and some tour companies as well. There is a great organic farmers market on Saturday mornings.
58 locals recommend
Keauhou Shopping Center
78-6831 Ali‘i DrKeauhou Shopping Center is walking distance from the casita. Take a right on our street, then a left on Kam III, you will see a shopping center at the stop light with Alii Drive. There is a grocery store (KTA) and a Pharmacy (Longs). There are also numerous OK restaurants, a coffee shop (Peaberry) a post office, a few shops, and some tour companies as well. There is a great organic farmers market on Saturday mornings.
Keauhou Urgent Care Center
78-6831 Ali‘i DrSaturday morning in the Keauhou Shopping Center
Pure Kona Green Market
82-6160 Mamalahoa HwySunday morning Farmer's Market in Captain Cook.
Shopping
Boutique great for unique bathing suits, jewelry (our friend Hannah is the jeweler!) and natural beauty products. Lots of local designers and they also carry kiddo stuff and clothing.
7 locals recommend
Quill & Feather
75-159 Lunapule RdBoutique great for unique bathing suits, jewelry (our friend Hannah is the jeweler!) and natural beauty products. Lots of local designers and they also carry kiddo stuff and clothing.
FOOD AND DRINKS
The best organic Kona coffee and homemade breakfast spot. Friendly staff and laid back vibe. We love to go here for Kombucha and a vegan baked good. They make everything in house and are on the way to your South Kona adventure.
57 locals recommend
Kaya's Kawanui Inc
79-7300 Hawaiʻi Belt RdThe best organic Kona coffee and homemade breakfast spot. Friendly staff and laid back vibe. We love to go here for Kombucha and a vegan baked good. They make everything in house and are on the way to your South Kona adventure.
Fresh poke bowls to go next to surf break Banyan's. Grab your food and beer and go to the beach.
132 locals recommend
Da Poke Shack
76-6246 Ali‘i DriveFresh poke bowls to go next to surf break Banyan's. Grab your food and beer and go to the beach.
Make a reservation for this Four Seasons restaurants and bring a full wallet.. it is pricey but worth the $$ for the food and view.
28 locals recommend
Beach Tree Bar
72-100 Kaupulehu DrMake a reservation for this Four Seasons restaurants and bring a full wallet.. it is pricey but worth the $$ for the food and view.
Natural food store with a deli and food bar. An economical way to grab healthy yum food to go on the way to the beach.
61 locals recommend
Island Naturals Market & Deli Kailua-Kona
74-5444 Makala BlvdNatural food store with a deli and food bar. An economical way to grab healthy yum food to go on the way to the beach.
Poi Dog Deli
75-1022 Henry StSandwiches and salads in this cute, locally owned deli.
This is in the Keauhou Shopping Center just up the road at the stop light. This is Japanese fusion food and it tends to be good. The happy hour is popular with 50% off the sushi menu in the bar. That is from 4:30-6 pm every day.
43 locals recommend
Kenichi Pacific
6831 Ali‘i DrThis is in the Keauhou Shopping Center just up the road at the stop light. This is Japanese fusion food and it tends to be good. The happy hour is popular with 50% off the sushi menu in the bar. That is from 4:30-6 pm every day.
Magics Beach Grill
77-6452 Ali‘i DrOn the water and not bad.
Shaka Tacos
Taco truck on your way down South.
Delicious locally made gelato with local flavors like white pineapple, lilikoi, etc... They also have baked goods and a coffee shop.
27 locals recommend
Gypsea Gelato
79-7491 Hawaiʻi Belt RdDelicious locally made gelato with local flavors like white pineapple, lilikoi, etc... They also have baked goods and a coffee shop.
The top shave ice place on the West Side, organic and locally made flavors. Try the coconut, lilikoi, lemongrass, ginger, etc.. Kids will love it.
24 locals recommend
One Aloha Shave Ice Co.
75-5711 Kuakini HwyThe top shave ice place on the West Side, organic and locally made flavors. Try the coconut, lilikoi, lemongrass, ginger, etc.. Kids will love it.
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
74-5599 Pawai PlPOKE POKE POKE POKE POKE
Kaaloa's Super J's
83-5409 Mamalahoa HwyAuthentic Hawaiian lau lau - they run out every day.
HiCO - Hawaiian Coffee
74-5599 Pawai PlCoffee! They also have a South Kona location.
Simple fried food, local spot, easy with kids! Sometimes there is live music outside which is fun.
20 locals recommend
Willie's Hot Chicken
74-5599 Pawai PlSimple fried food, local spot, easy with kids! Sometimes there is live music outside which is fun.
Drinks & Nightlife
Huggo's
75-5828 Kahakai RdDrinks on the ocean in the heart of Kailua-Kona.
Gertrude's Jazz Bar
75-5699 Ali‘i DriveMusic and drinks in the heart of town.
Local brews - high quality stuff, the location is just OK but the product is tops.
64 locals recommend
Ola Brew
74-5598 Luhia StLocal brews - high quality stuff, the location is just OK but the product is tops.
Beaches
Easy 20 minute hike down to this gorgeous valley and beach. For more adventure hike into the second valley.
89 locals recommend
Pololu Valley Lookout
52-5100 Akoni Pule HwyEasy 20 minute hike down to this gorgeous valley and beach. For more adventure hike into the second valley.
Manini Beach
Manini Beach RoadPerfect picnic spot at the beach in South Kona.
White sand beach north of the airport. The Hawaii beach you have been thinking of.
159 locals recommend
Kua Bay
White sand beach north of the airport. The Hawaii beach you have been thinking of.
The point at Kukio is the best place for small kids on a rough ocean day. Tell the guys at security at Kukio that you want a beach pass for the point. Bing your picnic and cooler.
Kikaua Point
The point at Kukio is the best place for small kids on a rough ocean day. Tell the guys at security at Kukio that you want a beach pass for the point. Bing your picnic and cooler.
The Green Sands beach and South Point are a must see down South. You can hike to the beach or take the local taxis down there. Out of this world scenery.
74 locals recommend
South Point Park
South Point RoadThe Green Sands beach and South Point are a must see down South. You can hike to the beach or take the local taxis down there. Out of this world scenery.
Another iconic Big Island view. Hike down, or take a tour to this wild beach and gorgeous valley. Not to be missed.
201 locals recommend
Waipio Valley Lookout
Another iconic Big Island view. Hike down, or take a tour to this wild beach and gorgeous valley. Not to be missed.
Beautiful bay South of our house with lots of possibilities for amazing kayak trips and/or snorkel adventure. Head down there with Kona Boys for a guided tour, or Fairwinds or Sea Paradise for a boat trip out of Keauhou Bay (next door to the house!).
89 locals recommend
Kealakekua Bay
Beautiful bay South of our house with lots of possibilities for amazing kayak trips and/or snorkel adventure. Head down there with Kona Boys for a guided tour, or Fairwinds or Sea Paradise for a boat trip out of Keauhou Bay (next door to the house!).
Although usually packed with visitors, you can't beat the easy entrance for an into to snorkeling in Hawai'i. Also, Kahalu'u is less than two minute drive from the house. There are also a number of surf schools operating out of this area to learn to surf.
239 locals recommend
Kahaluu Bay
Ali‘i DriveAlthough usually packed with visitors, you can't beat the easy entrance for an into to snorkeling in Hawai'i. Also, Kahalu'u is less than two minute drive from the house. There are also a number of surf schools operating out of this area to learn to surf.
Fun beach park with volleyball courts, and great boogie boarding waves. Super close to the house as well, a just a few miles north on Ali'i drive.
181 locals recommend
Magic Sands Beach Park
Ali'i DriveFun beach park with volleyball courts, and great boogie boarding waves. Super close to the house as well, a just a few miles north on Ali'i drive.
Sightseeing
Can't miss this incredible historical site on the water. The snorkeling next door at Two Step is nice too!
270 locals recommend
Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park
State Highway 160Can't miss this incredible historical site on the water. The snorkeling next door at Two Step is nice too!