Kailua-Kona

How to Get There

From Hilo (78 mi): Take HI-19 north along the Hamakua Coast, continue through Waimea, then follow HI-190 south to reach Kailua-Kona.

Overview

Kailua-Kona is the center of commerce and tourism on West Hawaiʻi, set along Kailua Bay and up the slopes of Hualālai. The “Kona” distinguishes it from Kailua on Oahu. It was established by Kamehameha I as his seat of government before he united the islands in 1795, and served briefly as capital of the unified kingdom before the seat moved to Lāhainā and then Honolulu. It remained a small fishing village until a tourism-fueled boom in the late 20th century.

Events

• Ironman World Championship triathlon (start and finish)
• Kona Coffee Festival
• Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament

Aliʻi Drive

Aliʻi Drive, the oceanfront downtown street starting at Kailua-Kona Pier, is a Hawaii Scenic Byway called “Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast,” lined with centuries-old archaeological sites.

• Kamakahonu and Ahuʻena Heiau: Kamehameha I’s royal residence and temple north of the pier, near King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel.
• Huliheʻe Palace: a royal residence used by the family until 1914.
• Churches: Mokuaikaua Church (the first Christian church in Hawaiʻi, 1820), Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church and Living Stones Church.
• Beaches: Lāʻaloa Bay (Magic Sands) and Kahaluʻu Bay, a popular snorkeling spot.
• Historic Kona Inn and shops along the street.

Coffee and Boat Tours

• Kona coffee is grown on the slopes of Hualālai and Mauna Loa. The Kona Historical Society runs the Kona Coffee Living History Farm and the H.N. Greenwell Store Museum just south of town.
• Boat tours to swim with dolphins, watch whales and fish usually depart from Honokōhau Harbor.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Kailua-Kona, Hawaii", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0