Guidebook for Kailua-Kona
Parks & Nature
This is the closest swimming beach and only a 5 minute drive! There are always people in the water here and the boogie boards are fun to play in the waves.
23 locals recommend
Kona Magic Sands
77-6452 Ali‘i DrThis is the closest swimming beach and only a 5 minute drive! There are always people in the water here and the boogie boards are fun to play in the waves.
Kahalu'u is one of the favorite spots for snorkeling on the island. Nestled right on Ali'i drive, Kahalu'u is a gorgeous bay filled with calm, shallow water. Even more attractive than the water is the fish. A rainbow of these sea creatures swim through the cool water every day. Eye-catching fish such as the yellow tang are common in these bright, electric blue waters. If you're lucky, you might even see the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a, the state fish of Hawaii.
Kahaluu is another site to see the “Honu" (turtles)! Kahalu'u is also famous for being a great spot to find a multitude of green sea turtles laying out in the sun or slowly gliding through the water. Just please don't touch them! Th
239 locals recommend
Kahaluu Bay
Ali‘i Drive Kahalu'u is one of the favorite spots for snorkeling on the island. Nestled right on Ali'i drive, Kahalu'u is a gorgeous bay filled with calm, shallow water. Even more attractive than the water is the fish. A rainbow of these sea creatures swim through the cool water every day. Eye-catching fish such as the yellow tang are common in these bright, electric blue waters. If you're lucky, you might even see the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a, the state fish of Hawaii.
Kahaluu is another site to see the “Honu" (turtles)! Kahalu'u is also famous for being a great spot to find a multitude of green sea turtles laying out in the sun or slowly gliding through the water. Just please don't touch them! Th
From Paradise Sailing: "Sunset Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour
Snorkel with the mantas at the world-famous “Manta Ray Village” outside of Keauhou Bay. Snorkeling with these gentle giants is sure to be the highlight of your trip to Hawaii."
Paradise Sailing Hawaii
74-380 Kealakehe PkwyFrom Paradise Sailing: "Sunset Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour
Snorkel with the mantas at the world-famous “Manta Ray Village” outside of Keauhou Bay. Snorkeling with these gentle giants is sure to be the highlight of your trip to Hawaii."
Two Step
This is often said the be the best snorkeling on the Big Island.
Arts & Culture
This is a historical site.
The City of Refuge: Ancient Hawaiian Sanctuary Protected Law Breakers from Death Sentence
For the ancient people living on the Hawaiian Islands, kapu was a major factor in their day-to-day lives. Kapu was a system of laws that governed political and religious affairs as well as lifestyle choices and gender roles. Anyone caught guilty of breaking kapu was sentenced to death. The only refugee a kapu rule-breaker could find was at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau, a sanctuary that also protected defeated warriors and civilians in times of war. No one could be harmed while they were within the sacred walls of Puʻuhonua.
11 locals recommend
Keala O Keawe Road
Keala O Keawe RoadThis is a historical site.
The City of Refuge: Ancient Hawaiian Sanctuary Protected Law Breakers from Death Sentence
For the ancient people living on the Hawaiian Islands, kapu was a major factor in their day-to-day lives. Kapu was a system of laws that governed political and religious affairs as well as lifestyle choices and gender roles. Anyone caught guilty of breaking kapu was sentenced to death. The only refugee a kapu rule-breaker could find was at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau, a sanctuary that also protected defeated warriors and civilians in times of war. No one could be harmed while they were within the sacred walls of Puʻuhonua.
St Benedict Catholic Church
84-5140 Painted Church RdCharming local church on a beautiful road.
Shopping
This is a small local mall with a wonderful local farmers market on Saturdays, a Grocery store, drug store, multiple restaurants, coffee shop, tap room, movie theater and even an urgent care facility. Very handy for so many needs
58 locals recommend
Keauhou Shopping Center
78-6831 Ali‘i DrThis is a small local mall with a wonderful local farmers market on Saturdays, a Grocery store, drug store, multiple restaurants, coffee shop, tap room, movie theater and even an urgent care facility. Very handy for so many needs
Food Scene
Fabulous location! It's right next to magic Sands beach. Try the Ul'u fries!
91 locals recommend
Magics Beach Grill
77-6452 Ali‘i DrFabulous location! It's right next to magic Sands beach. Try the Ul'u fries!
Island Lava Java
75-5801 Ali‘i DrThere is a beautiful view and it's solid food. Nice happy hour!
Kenichi Pacific
6831 Ali‘i DrGood happy hour and sushi rolls are 40% off. So convenient!
Original Thai Cuisine LLC
75-5629 Kuakini HwyGood Thai food!
On the Rocks
75-5824 Kahakai RdRight on the beach so we stop in for happy hour!
Seiji insists on preparing only the freshest fish and vegetables available. Ahi, ono, kampachi, and snapper come right off the boat, as well as other special fish that is caught and brought in to the harbor. They choose vegetables that are the freshest the local farmer's market has to offerthe freshest the local farmer's market has to offer.
Best sushi!
Seiji's Sushi
75-5669 Ali‘i DrSeiji insists on preparing only the freshest fish and vegetables available. Ahi, ono, kampachi, and snapper come right off the boat, as well as other special fish that is caught and brought in to the harbor. They choose vegetables that are the freshest the local farmer's market has to offerthe freshest the local farmer's market has to offer.
Best sushi!
Kaya's Kawanui Inc
79-7300 Hawaiʻi Belt RdGood Coffee and all gluten free deserts!
This is a local place with great fish! Don't let the place's exterior fool you - it's great fish.
12 locals recommend
Kona Grill House
75-1027 Halekii StThis is a local place with great fish! Don't let the place's exterior fool you - it's great fish.
Local brewery with good beer and cider made from local fruits.
There are small plates available too.
64 locals recommend
Ola Brew
74-5598 Luhia StLocal brewery with good beer and cider made from local fruits.
There are small plates available too.
Keei Cafe
79-7511 Hawaiʻi Belt RdWonderful food at a local restaurant. Understated exterior.
Nice second story location with Ocean views and good food. One of my fav's for sure!
100 locals recommend
Foster's Kitchen
75-5805 Ali‘i DrNice second story location with Ocean views and good food. One of my fav's for sure!