Our Wonderful Vacation Rentals on Kona Coast, Hawaii
Stretching from Kona International Airport to Kealakekua Bay, the Kona Coast is a world-renowned visitor destination. People come here to bask in the perpetual sunshine, enjoy ocean sports of every stripe, and venture out to explore the entire island. Kona has all the amenities that visitors could possibly need, yet no part of it feels like a big city in any way. Choose one of our great vacation rentals in Kona Coast, Hawaii and get ready for your Hawaiʻi Island adventure!
Kailua-Kona, the main town here, has grown over the last 30 years from a small fishing village to a major tourist destination. However, it’s still charmingly small, with a great walking area along downtown Aliʻi Drive. Though today it’s full of hotels, condos, and souvenir shops, the deep history of the area is still prevalent and accessible. Many of the island’s chiefs and royals once lived here or spent time in the area; the King Kamehameha Hotel is built where the king himself used to live, and Huliheʻe Palace, a home of later royalty, stands just nearby as a museum. The history of early missionaries is also apparent, as Mokuʻaikaua Church, the oldest Christian church in Hawaiʻi, stands just across the street from the palace.
As you head south from Kailua-Kona, you’ll pass through the cooler uplands, which are full of fragrant coffee fields. The weather is different here from in “town,” and afternoon showers are common (and refreshing!). The small towns in this area are adorable, historic, and artsy, from Holualoa to Hōnaunau. One of the most popular attractions on the whole island is Kealakekua Bay, the place where Captain Cook first landed on Hawaiʻi Island, and where he later met his death. This bay is absolutely astounding for snorkeling. There are two companies running kayak tours in the bay, and you can also get there via snorkel boat from Keauhou pier. Nearby, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is an incredible place to learn about traditional Hawaiian culture.
Relax on the Beaches of Kona Coast
Of course, if you’re headed to Hawaii, it’s likely that you’re hoping to get in some quality beach time. The Big Island’s Kona Coast is home to some of the island’s most beautiful white sand beaches, with easy access to dozens of beaches all along the western coastline. The lovely Hapuna Beach is located just north of Kona and is consistently rated among the best. This expansive stretch of sand is the longest on the island and joins impeccably clear waters ideal for swimming. Experienced snorkelers have plenty of room to roam, with the option to venture nearly a mile down the coast toward Wailea Bay. Snorkelers will also enjoy Kona’s Maniniowali Beach, swimming alongside sea turtles and tropical fish will open your eyes to the vast diversity of Hawaii’s vibrant marine life. The turquoise waters at Maniniowali Beach are often calm in the mornings, also creating tranquil swimming conditions along the crescent shoreline.
To seek some solitude and claim your own private slice of paradise, make the 20-minute hike to nearby Makalawena Beach from our Kona Coast, Hawaii vacation homes. A rugged lava path leads to a soft swath of powdery sand for those willing to make the trek. Lounge in the sand, take a dip in the clear waters, or pack your snorkel mask to explore yet another top-notch snorkel destination. To catch some of the island’s wave action, grab a boogie board and head to Mauna Kea Beach, where a natural rock reef provides some protection from the larger surf but still offers consistent waves ideal for boogie boarding. This crescent beach extends for nearly a quarter mile of pristine white sand backed by tropical greenery. There is no shortage of top-notch beaches to explore along and near the gorgeous Kona Coast!
The Kona Coast: your jumping-off point for a great Hawaiʻi vacation!
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Book one our Kona Coast, Hawaii vacation homes today! At I Love Hawaii, we have a variety of vacation rentals available on the Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. Whether you’re exploring nature at its rawest at Volcano National Park on the Big Island, surfing in Oahu’s Waikiki, catching the sunrise at Haleakala on Maui, or gazing out over the Grand Canyon of the Pacific on Kauai, our vacation rentals will ensure complete comfort during your island stay. Many of our rentals offer full kitchens, island-inspired décor, breezy lanais, and swimming pools. Please contact us to get started on planning your ideal Hawaiian getaway and to book one of our vacation rentals in Kona Coast, Hawaii!
