Megan Shute for Only In Your State on the charming small Hawaiʻian town of Kailua Kona. Join us on our Volcano Explorer tour departing from Kailua Kona to visit the crown jewel of the Big Island, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Located along Hawaiʻi Island’s scenic Kona coast is Kailua-Kona, a historic seaside village full of natural beauty, royal history, and plenty of charm. It’s the best small town in Hawaiʻi, and we think you’ll agree! In honor of the National Parks Service’s 100th anniversary, the Smithsonian Magazine’s “Top 20 Best Small Towns to Visit In 2016” exclusively features towns near America’s greatest national parks. And, for obvious reasons, Kailua-Kona made the list for being just 22-miles from the famed Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Park. Even today this incredible small town is still one of the best small towns in visit in all of Hawaiʻi.
There are few places in all of the Hawaiʻian islands that are as charming as this incredible small town.
If you’re visiting, make sure you hit all of these great spots that make it one of the best places to see in person:
1. Best Beach: Manini’owali Beach
Manini’owali, or Kua Bay as it is often called by the locals, is a secluded and small white sand beach located near the Kona airport. The beach is a popular spot for bodysurfing, or just catching a signature Hawaiʻian sunset. Heading to this beach is one of the best things to do in Hawaiʻi.
2. Historic Establishment: Hulihee Palace
Built in 1838 by King Kamehameha I’s brother-in-law, Hulihee Palace is one of only three royal palaces in the United States. Once used as a vacation home for Hawaiʻian royalty, the Daughters of Hawaiʻi converted Hulihee Palace into a museum in 1927. Put this on your list for a fun and informative day trip in Hawaiʻi that you’ll want to explore.
3. Panoramic Views: Kailua Pier
The beautiful Kailua Pier was once the location where paniolo (Hawaiʻian cowboys) loaded cattle, and today serves as a popular destination for extreme sports and fishing alike. The pier is also the start and finish line of the Ironman Triathlon World Championship, held each October. This charming small town in Hawaiʻi is actually very famous world-wide!
4. Restaurant: Da Poke Shack
No guide to Kailua-Kona is complete without mention of Da Poke Shack – according to Yelp, this seafood joint is one of America’s greatest restaurants. That’s a pretty high honor for a seaside eatery nestled in a condominium complex known for their takeout poke, as well as local specialties and salads. You need to try a dish at this incredible spot.
5. Luxury Resort: Four Seasons Hualalai
Rated as the best hotel or resort in Kailua-Kona by Trip Advisor, the Four Seasons Hualalai is perfect for a family vacation. There are a variety of activities catered towards children and teens, including King’s Pond, a unique swimming “pool” made from lava rocks where kid’s can learn to snorkel. This is such a great place to relax and enjoy what Hawaiʻi has to offer.
6. Culturally Significant: Ahu’ena Heiau Temple
Built during King Kamehameha’s reign, Ahu’ena Heiau, was a temple dedicated to Lono, the Hawaiʻian god of fertility, peace and prosperity. The king lived many of his last years here, and though many ritual prayers took place, there was no human sacrifice.
7. Informative Tour: Historic Kailua Village Walking Tour
For a fun history lesson, consider taking a walking tour of the historic Kailua Village. It’s great exercise, you can see all the history the area offers, and soak in the Hawaiʻian culture on your way.
8. Family Friendly Activity: Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm
One of the area’s greatest tourist destinations, this unique aquarium of sorts is fun for those of all ages. This alone is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon!
9. Coolest Adult Hangout: Kona Brewing Company
For the best Hawaiʻian beer out there, hit up Kona Brewing Company for a pint – don’t forget the burger and fries! This place is legendary and definitely deserves a spot on your to do list.
10. Best Sunset Viewing: Honl’s Beach
Rated as the third best place in Hawaiʻi for sunset viewing by Hawaiʻi Magazine, Kailua-Kona provides a glimpse into old Hawaiʻian history, as well as stellar sunsets made dramatic with the dark, volcanic rocks along the coast. This is one unique place to view a sunset that you just can’t find anywhere else.
11. Crazy Adventure: Big Island Divers
For a wild adventure, head to Honokohau Harbor to embark on a night time scuba dive cruise with Big Island Divers. Opt for the two tank charters, where you will enjoy a twilight reef dive before watching the sunset and taking to the water again – where the boat’s dive lights will attract plankton and feeding manta rays. This is a rare way to experience the ocean that many people don’t get to try.
12. Best Shopping: Ali’i Drive
For the best shopping and collection of restaurants in Kailua-Kona, head to Ali’i Drive, park, and take a leisurely stroll along this seaside street. You can get everything you need for your whole vacation here, so don’t worry about forgetting anything.
13. Most Haunted Place
King Kamehameha is rumored to have been buried on or near the hotel grounds. Anyone who seeks the supernatural will want to visit the hotel’s top floor, where guests have heard sounds of battle, and apparitions of warriors. A portrait of Queen Liliuokalani, located on the ground floor, has been said to inhale and exhale before your very own eyes. We’d hate to see this in person!
14. Religious Establishment: Mokuaikaua Church
Christianity’s introduction to the Hawaiʻian Islands is an important one in island culture, and Mokuaikaua became the island chain’s first Christian congregation in 1820. Founded by Asa and Lucy Goodale Thurston, American missionaries given permission to teach their religion by King Kamehameha II, the first official structure was constructed in 1823. Though damaged by a series of fires, the current structure is still in use, and open to the public for tours.
15. Historic Park: Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
This famous national historical park was established in the 1960s, and was once the site of an ancient Hawaiʻian settlement. The archaeological site is home to ancient Hawaiʻian aquaculture fishponds, petroglyphs, house site platforms, and sites with religious significance. This is an incredible and fascinating place to visit, and one that we highly recommend.
16. Best Snorkeling: Kahaluu Beach Park
Perhaps the Big Island’s most popular snorkeling spot, the waters of Kahaluu are home to a wide variety of fish, as well as green sea turtles. Who doesn’t love to snorkel with the sea turtles?
