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Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Kailua-Kona is tourist hub with a small-town feeling.  Although abuzz with visitors, cruise passengers, and tourists from all over the world, Kailua-Kona is not thought of as a large city.  In fact, you won't find the shore lined with high-rise hotels and many of the nearby beaches are still only sparsely populated.  Visitors will stay busy exploring the stores, attractions, and activities, but it is still a sleepy town with the bars and restaurants closing around 9:00PM each evening.

Ali'i Drive
Ali'i Drive is the oceanfront main thoroughfare, weaving from Kailua Pier all the way south to Keauhou Bay.  It is a splendid mix of curio stores, restaurants, sidewalk cafes, art galleries, and souvenir stands.  All of this on the picturesque Kona coast, where you will find the most remarkable sunsets in the backdrop of azure-blue waters.  Check out our Ali'i Drive page for more detailed information, attractions, and photos.

Kona Accomodations
Kailua-Kona is generally regarded as the tourist district and hotels here are not as extravagant as they are along the Kohala Coast.  You can find bargains on hotel rooms and vacation rentals - rates as cheap as $78 per night.  Check out our Kona Hotels Finder for a focused search of Kona Hotels, sorted by price.  We also offer an extensive listing of over 100 Big Island vacation rentals, most are near Kailua-Kona.  From economic beachfront one bedrooms, to large condos for multiple families. 

Kailua Pier
Kona is home to the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament and Ironman Triathlon World Championship.  The Ironman Championships first event is the 2.4 mile swim which begins at the Kailua Pier and stretches out into the bay.  Ocean activities, tours, and dinner cruises depart from Kailua Pier.  Unlike piers in other cities, the waters alongside Kailua Pier are pristine, clear, and inviting.  In fact you will often see people swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking right next to the pier.  A fitness-oriented town, you will find many people of all ages jogging or swimming as early as sunrise.

Restaurants
From the casual and economical deli or lunch-counter meals, to the most exquisite in fine dining, you will find a menu that will please any palate.  Kona restaurants are a unique mix of traditional Hawaiian, Pan-Asian cuisine, seafood, and a motley of other ethnic blends.  Check out our Kailua-Kona Restaurants guide.  Of course, don't forget the one of a kind Hawaiian Luau - an experience you will never forget!

Shopping
On the Big Island, don't expect to find any sprawling shopping malls.  Chain boutiques and sprawling shopping malls are nowhere to be seen on the Big Island.  Instead, you will find groups of eclectic shops, outdoor scenic shopping venues, and open-air markets.  Find bargains and the best shopping venues in our Big Island Shopping Guide.  Don't know what to buy?  Check out our Hawaiian Souvenirs Guide.

Kailua-Kona is the hub for your Hawaii activities.  The boating, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing in Kona are among the best anywhere. You'll see dive flags sprinkled throughout town, marking the dozens of dive stores.  Here you will find an assortment of full-service outfitters for snorkeling, SCUBA diving, biking, and hiking.  Browse our Kona Snorkeling Guide for details and underwater photos.  Check out our new Big Island Travel Planner with articles and resources to help you plan your next Hawaiian vacation.  Sign up in advance and save money - check out our Kona Activities Guide.

Directions
From the Kona Keahole Airport, Rte 19 South will take you into Kailua.  Turn right on Palani Road, which will lead you downtown to Ali'i Drive and the Kailua Pier.

Related Topics:

• Ali'i Drive Attractions
• Kona Hawaii Activities
• Kona Restaurants Guide
• Kona Shopping Guide

Interactive Kailua-Kona Attractions Map
 
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Royal Kona Resort
With A Dramatic Oceanfront Setting Overlooking Picturesque Kailua Bay, The Full-service Royal Kona Resort (Formerly Kona Hilton) Is Just Eight Miles From The Keahole-kona International Airport And Offers Great Value. This Hotel Is Conveniently Located Within Walking Distance Of The Quaint Fishing Village Of Kailua-kona With Its Many Fine Restaurants, Shops, Historical Sites, And Activities. The Resort Features A Natural Salt-water Swimming Lagoon And Sandy Sunning Area, In Addition To A Split-level Freshwater Pool.

King Kamehameha Hotel
Location is key when staying at the King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel.  The hotel located right on Alii Drive in downtown Kailua-Kona.  It boasts it's own beach adjacent to the sea wall and pier of Kailua-Kona.  Alii Drive is the heart of  the shopping district and restaurants. The great number of amenities, facilities and extras this hotel features makes it an enjoyable place to stay.  Although not as opulent as the other resorts in Kohala, location for this hotel is key.
Check our rates for the King Kamehameha Hotel.

Kona Hawaii Activities

Kona Golf Courses
There are numerous world-class golf courses that you can play while on vacation to the Big Island.  Check out our discount tee times for golf courses in Kohala.  We offer tee times at the best Big Island Golf courses including: Big Island Country Club, Kona Country Club, Makalei Golf Club, Volcano, and Waikoloa golf courses.  Make your reservations early to guarantee your preferred date and time - use our online reservation tool and save money now. 

Snorkeling Tours of the Big Island
We offer a variety of guided snorkel tours for all ages and abilities.  Designed for beginners and adventurers alike, you’ll paddle along the scenic Kohala Coast and enjoy excellent snorkeling in warm, clear Hawaiian waters.  Discover the Big Islands most remote snorkeling spots along the pristine Kohala Coast, Pawai Bay, Kealakekua Bay, and more.  Check out our large sail and snorkel tours and our exciting zodiac tours for smaller groups.

Deep Sea Fishing
Explore Kona's world-famous fishing grounds aboard the Sea Wife II, and keep your catch! Without a doubt, this is the best sportfishing value on the Big Island.  Share a trip or on an Exclusive Charter, the Captain and crew of Sea Wife Charters are friendly, experienced and will work hard to find that fish you are looking for! You can expect to catch Mahi Mahi, Ono, tuna, short nose spearfish, striped marlin or smaller blue marlin and much more.

Atlantis Submarine Adventure Kona
Descend 100 feet to explore a 25-acre natural Hawaiian coral reef and its inhabitants aboard a 48-passenger submarine!  Every dive is unique and you never know what you will see... beautiful, vibrant reef fish, eels, lobster... maybe even a turtle or a reef shark!

Island Breeze Luau
Held under the stars on the grounds of Kamehameha the Great's former estate, the Island Breeze Luau is a truly royal Hawaiian experience.  It has been rated the best luau on the Big Island by visitors, locals and travel writers!   The highlight of the evening is the spectacular Island Breeze Polynesian Revue. From the Fijian and Maori dances of war to the gracefulness of Hawaiian hula hands, they bring you and your family a fun-filled evening.

Capt. Beans' Sunset Dinner Cruise
The conch shell blows and hips begin to sway as you head out to sea on one of the largest double-hulled canoes in the world!  Feast on delicious food, experience the hula and take in the gorgeous sunset while enjoying live Hawaiian and contemporary music.

Kona Hotels
From $78