Once a tiny fishing village, Kailua-Kona is now a major tourist destination on Hawaiʻi Island. Despite that fact, it’s still somewhat of a small town. Kailua-Kona first became famous with the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, now in its 58th year, and many visitors today go fishing here on chartered boats to angle for marlin and ahi. Kailua-Kona is now also known for the Ironman Triathlon, a grueling competition of the world’s best elite endurance athletes. Both festivals are huge occasions for celebration here, but no matter what time of year you visit, Kailua-Kona is renowned for year-round great weather and ocean sports! Choose one of our vacation rentals in Kailua Kona Hawaii – I Love Kona.
Aliʻi Drive in Kailua-Kona is the hub of most tourist activities. It’s a beach road that heads south from the Kailua Pier, passing many small beach and surf spots on its way down to Keauhou Bay, a beautiful and historic area popular for all kinds of ocean sports. The area around the pier is great for strolling, people-watching, souvenir shopping, and catching the sunset with a cocktail in hand from an oceanfront bar. It’s also an area with a rich history: Kamehameha once lived here, on the grounds of what is now the King Kamehameha Hotel, nearby Huliheʻe Palace was a summer home of later royalty, and Mokuʻaikaua Church across the street is the oldest Christian church in Hawaiʻi. All three of these locations are excellent places to visit in order to learn something about Hawaiʻi’s past.
Kailua-Kona isn’t only for tourists, of course; there are many useful “big-box” type stores here as well, such as Costco, Wal-Mart, and Target, as well as movie theatres. Kailua-Kona is the central hub for all residents of the island’s west side, as most other towns are too small to have such an array of goods and services available. Kailua-Kona, as a seaside town, is also quite sunny and hot on most days, so choose to stay here if you’re looking for a guarantee of sunshine!
Kailua-Kona is a world-renowned visitor destination for so many reasons. Start planning your trip today! Get your hands on the Kailua Kona Hawai vacation rentals!