Kailua-Kona, HI

Travel Guide

Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona
“E komo mai Kona!” That means “Welcome to Kona!” in the native Hawaiian language, and you’ll hear it a lot when you escape to this fabulous tropical rock in the Pacific Ocean. Where is Kona, anyway? It’s on the eastern side of the island of Hawaii, and it’s a perfect destination for your next trip. Why? Because Kona holidays will get you lei’d the second you walk off the plane.

Things to Do in Kona

Since you’re on an island during your Kona holiday, and islands are surrounded by water, jump in. Reserve a spot on a charter boat for a swimming adventure with dolphins that will knock your swim fins off. You’ll be able to swim alongside the gentle marine mammals and see how they operate in their natural state. Just be careful—they’re known to be very playful.

When you’re done frolicking in the deep blue sea, use your lastminute.com.au Kona car hire and head to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park to see what an active lava spitting mountain looks like up close. Next, stop by the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum to learn about the history of scientific exploration on the slopes of Kilauea.

Shopping, Dining and Nightlife

The city centre is a great place to do your island shopping. Take a walk, bike ride or drive down Ali’i Drive and visit as many shops as you can. Everything from high-end stores to cute souvenir shops are spread out along this oceanfront strip. Pick up a set of koa wood bowls, brightly coloured aloha shirts and a melodic ukulele. Don’t want a ukulele? Well, one of your friends back home will. You need to bring them some presents, after all.

Are you ready to stuff your face with some of the finest food in the islands? If you’re debating whether or not to buy a Hawaiian shirt, do it over a traditional plate lunch of lau lau, kalua pork, lomi lomi salmon, rice and poi. There’s more to this plate lunch, but you’ll have to spend a holiday in Kona to find out what else. Don’t forget about the Kona Farmers Market that’s held Wednesday through Sunday, where you can sample 100 percent Kona coffee and a fresh poke bowl.

You’re on holiday, so you definitely deserve to let loose for a night or two. Any one of the major resorts in town have lobby bars that turn it up when the sun goes down. Kona Brewing Company beers are local favourites, but when you visit Hawaii you’ve got to suck down a couple of mai tais and lava pits.

What’s Next

What are you waiting for? Pack your thongs and cozzie and get the heck out dodge. Browse through lastminute.com.au’s selections of Kona packages to book a hotel and flight together in order to save big bucks for other activities. One of our Hawaii holiday packages is bound to be perfect for you!

Where to stay in Kailua-Kona

Aerial view of Kahikolu Congregation Church, Kealakekua Bay, Big Island, Hawaii, United States of America, North America

Holualoa Village

While visiting Holualoa Village, you might make a stop by sights like Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden and Honl's Beach.

Holualoa Village
Panorama, coconut palms on golf course fairways

Keauhou

Keauhou is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Keauhou Shopping Center and Keauhou Bay Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Kailua-Kona.

Keauhou
Historic Kailua Village

Historic Kailua Village

Visitors to Historic Kailua Village rave about its stunning beaches, island views, and popular shops. You might also want to make some time to see Kailua-Kona Wharf or Kamakahonu Beach while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Historic Kailua Village
Aerial panorama of the Kona coast on the Big Island in Hawaii. Area of the surfing spot named Pine Trees.

Kahaluu-Keauhou

While visiting Kahaluu-Keauhou, you might make a stop by sights like Keauhou Shopping Center and Keauhou Bay Beach.

Kahaluu-Keauhou
Kahaluu Bay

Kahaluu Bay

4.5/5(223 area reviews)

Kahaluu Bay is a destination visitors seek out for is beaches, seaside views, and pristine golf courses. You might want to check out attractions like Kahalu'u Beach Park or Magic Sands Beach while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Kahaluu Bay
Kalaoa

Kalaoa

Unique features of Kalaoa include the coffeehouses and seaside views. Make a stop by Hawaii Gateway Energy Center or Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park while you're exploring the area.

Kalaoa
PACIFIC 19 Kona

PACIFIC 19 Kona

3.5 out of 5
75-5646 Palani Rd Kailua-Kona HI
The price is ¥27,925 per night from May 13 to May 14
¥27,925
¥37,816 total
May 13 - May 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,585 reviews)
The staff were very friendly and helpful and they were kind enough to upgrade my room to an ocienview that had a nice balcony. Would definitely stay again if I return to the Big Island.

Reviewed on May 11, 2026

PACIFIC 19 Kona
Royal Kona Resort

Royal Kona Resort

4 out of 5
75-5852 Alii Dr Kailua-Kona HI
The price is ¥27,529 per night from May 13 to May 14
¥27,529
¥37,316 total
May 13 - May 14
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,939 reviews)
When I checked in, I told the front desk clerk that I was just in town for work and didn’t particularly care about views and the like. I was there alone. To my surprise, she put me on the top floor in a corner room that had remarkable views overlooking the ocean on 2 sides, with large glass doors ...

Reviewed on May 12, 2026

Royal Kona Resort
OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa

OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
78-128 Ehukai Street Kailua-Kona HI
The price is ¥38,778 per night from Jun 12 to Jun 13
¥38,778
¥52,544 total
Jun 12 - Jun 13
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf resort in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,059 reviews)
Super nice Ocean front room we could see the Manta Ray dives at night from the balcony. . Staff was very nice and helpful. Would definitely recommend.

Reviewed on May 11, 2026

OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aston Kona by the Sea

Aston Kona by the Sea

4 out of 5
75-6106 Alii Dr Kailua-Kona HI
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy a beach locale, 2 meeting rooms, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,233 reviews)
The condo had a very authentic Hawaiian feel to it. We had an ocean view, which was lovely — falling asleep and waking up to the sound of the ocean was so relaxing. The location was peaceful and quiet, making it the perfect place to unwind, and the pool and hot tub were a lovely bonus. My daughters ...

Reviewed on May 11, 2026

Aston Kona by the Sea
Kona Bali Kai

Kona Bali Kai

2 out of 5
76-6246 Alii Drive Kailua-Kona HI
Stay at this condo in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free parking, a picnic area, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Magic Sands Beach and Sadie Seymour Botanical ...
8/10 Very Good! (90 reviews)
It had adequate parking and plenty of towels. Wish we had noticed a beach chair in one of the closets. Check in and out was super easy. I thought it'd be a little closer to all the shops and restaurants but oh well. It had a window unit AC in the living room only so the bedroom could get a little ...

Reviewed on May 12, 2026

Kona Bali Kai
Sea Village

Sea Village

3.5 out of 5
75-5992 Ali‘i Dr Kailua-Kona HI
Stay at this aparthotel in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Magic Sands Beach and Honl's Beach are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (147 reviews)
Property was well kept and checkin went well when at property but emailed instructions were not helpful and phone number was incorrect.

Reviewed on May 11, 2026

Sea Village
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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