Nestled along the western coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, the quaint seaside town of Kailua-Kona is a must-stop on any visit to America’s 50th state. Here are six travel tips to help you enjoy your stay in this Pacific Paradise.
How to Get There and Find Your Way Around
Before you can enjoy all that Kailua-Kona has to offer, you will need to get there in one piece. Flying into Kona International Airport is the obvious choice, although you might decide to travel by the Pride of America cruise ship. Car rentals are available at the airport. If you want a break from driving, the Keauhou Honu Express Shuttle and area taxis offer convenient, local transportation.
Choose the Perfect Hotel for Your Budget
Image via Flickr by Ken Lund
Kailua-Kona is not short of a luxury hotel or two. If you would like a spot of pampering during your stay, book a room at premier Kailua-Kona hotels such as Royal Kona Resort, and the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa. If you are looking for something a little cheaper, there are plenty of mid and low-cost options on offer. Look out for deals on hotels such as Holualoa Hostel and Uncle Billy’s Kona Bay Hotel.
Decide Where to Eat
While it is tempting to live off shave ice while in Hawaii, at some point you will need something more substantial to eat. For a budget bite, head to Bongo Ben’s Island Cafe next to the Coconut Grove Market Place, or Pancho and Lefty’s on Alii Drive. Mid-priced fare is on offer at Big Island Grill and BaLe Kona. If you want to treat yourself, head to the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. behind Wyland Galleries.
Where to Relax Over a Drink
When you have satisfied your appetite, it might be time to relax over a drink or two. The Lava Lounge is the perfect spot to enjoy a traditional island cocktail. If you are more of a beer fan, head to Humpy’s Big Island Alehouse. If you would like the fun to continue, head to a local nightspot such as the Hilo Town Tavern and Huggo’s on the Rocks.
What to See and Do While You are Here
Image via Flickr by DrBjorn
With so many things to see and do in Kailua-Kona, you can pack so much fun into your stay. There are the obvious attractions at the beach, where as well as swimming and surfing, you can book snorkeling and rafting tours. As well as beach activities, you will want to visit Hulihee Palace, Mokuaikaua Church, and the Kona Coffee Living History Farm.
Explore the Surrounding Areas
Aside from the attractions within Kailua-Kona itself, it pays to devote time to explore the surrounding areas. There is just so much to discover. Visit stunning local spots such as Pu’uhonua o Honaunau, Mauna Kea, and the Waipi’o Valley. Further afield is the spectacular Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and you might also like to take a Hawaii island tour.
Perhaps you have your own stories to share about the beautiful town of Kailua-Kona. Why not use the comments section below to share your tips with like-minded travelers?
Author Bio: Linda Forshaw likes to write about local haunts and far-flung places. She lives in Liverpool, England, and spends her free time exploring new places, going to live gigs, and planning her next adventure. She is currently writing for the #HipmunkCityLove project.