Welcome to Kailua-Kona
Vibrancy meets sophistication in this coastal jewel
Located at the base of the Hualalai Volcano, Kailua-Kona has transformed from an ancient fishing village into a global destination and one of the most coveted places to live in the entirety of Hawaii. Divine weather, superb shopping and dining, and ample opportunities to play in the ever-present sunshine define this bustling beach town, where splendid surfing spots are found mere miles away from some of the finest nightlife on the Big Island. An abundance of cultural sites amplifies the city’s allure, while stunning vistas of the Pacific make life feel like a lovely, never-ending vacation.
What to Love
- Proximity to Kona International Airport and the neighboring islands
- Ample opportunities for outdoor activities
- World-renowned as one of the best places for fishing
- Upscale townhomes and unique properties with unparalleled views
- Liveliness and tranquility in equal measure
Local Lifestyle
Kailua-Kona may have the quaint charm of Hawaii’s most beloved spots, but it’s also revered for its upbeat, contemporary atmosphere. The region’s bright, idyllic climate and profusion of watersports appeal to a wide range of residents, from young professionals who work in the hospitality industry to multiple generations of families. Artists, writers, retirees, avid scuba divers, and people searching for a touch of privacy — all are drawn to Kailua-Kona’s sweet balance between city and country, historical and modern, and casual and elegant.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
Given Kailua-Kona’s reputation as one of the leading tourist destinations in the Aloha State, it ought to come as no surprise that it boasts an exceptional array of high-end restaurants, first-rate bars, iconic cafes, and welcoming coffee shops. Residents and visitors alike flock to Kona Mountain Coffee shortly after the sun rises, where you’ll find ultra-fresh bean-to-cup Kona coffee that’s 100% house-grown and roasted, a full espresso bar, and a collection of fine chocolates, including dark chocolate-dipped pineapple and Hawaiian macadamia nut butter toffee.
Residents also take full advantage of Hawaii’s access to succulent seafood at
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill, an old-school, popular poke shop, restaurant, and tavern that offers small-batch, excellent poke, fish tacos with pineapple Lomi salsa, and a range of high-quality plate lunches. For locally-crafted artisan beers in a booming setting, head straight for
Kona Brewing Co’s Kona Pub; it’s the perfect place to sip on a lemongrass luau while watching one of the Big Island’s exquisite settings.
And for celebrations both big and small, there is no place more satisfying than
Huggo’s — a seaside gem that serves island cocktails, Cajun-seared sashimi, Kailua Bay cioppino, and the chef’s fresh catch, among other delectable options. As famous for its mile-high Hualalai Kea cream pie as its unobstructed ocean views, this venue highlights Kailua-Kona’s high-spirited ethos.
First-class shopping and island-style entertainment are found in spades on
Ali’i Drive, a coastal road extending from Kamakahonu Beach at the King Kamehameha Hotel to the intimate hamlet of Keauhou, which flourishes with retailers, restaurants, and glorious beaches.
Things to Do
The Big Island’s sublime growing conditions deliver some of the best organic produce, coffee, plants, and flowers in Hawaii, all of which you can find at Kailua-Kona’s farmers’ markets.
Kona’s daily farmers’ market features fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, baked goods, and an impressive assortment of locally-made arts and crafts, while the
Keauhou Farmer’s Market, which is helmed by the local farm bureau and held on Saturdays, is a more intimate affair, complete with live music and the chance to “talk story” with Big Island purveyors.
Kailua-Kona is also a magnet for several of the island’s top annual events. Chief among them is the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival. Established more than 50 years ago, the yearly fete celebrates the java that made Hawaii famous, displays an impressive collection of music, food, and art, and culminates in a riveting cupping competition that has shot past winners straight into professional stardom. The question is less, what is there to do in Kailua-Kona? and more, where shall I begin?