Kailua-Kona, located on the western coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, is known for its sunny weather, historic charm, and world-class snorkeling. Visitors can sip Kona coffee at a plantation, explore ancient Hawaiian landmarks, or relax on lava-rock-lined beaches. Accommodations range from beachfront condos and plantation-style homes to luxury villas with sweeping ocean views. Whether you’re here for a romantic escape or a family vacation, Kailua-Kona offers an unforgettable tropical experience.
Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona blends modern convenience with deep cultural roots and awe-inspiring natural beauty. Guests can hike across lava fields, snorkel in clear bays, or attend a luau showcasing traditional Hawaiian music and dance. The town also offers excellent shopping, diverse cuisine, and access to marine adventures like manta ray dives. With its laid-back atmosphere and dramatic coastal setting, it’s an ideal base for exploring the Big Island.
Where to look for an Airbnb in Kailua-Kona
Ali’i Drive
Ali’i Drive is the main coastal thoroughfare, lined with oceanfront condos, resort-style villas, and walkable beach access. Vacation rentals here provide stunning sunsets, easy access to dining and shops, and proximity to top beaches like Magic Sands and Kahalu’u Bay. Guests can walk along the scenic road or enjoy snorkeling right outside their rental.
Holualoa
Perched in the hills above Kona, Holualoa is a lush artists’ village surrounded by coffee farms and forested slopes. Airbnb options include serene bungalows, plantation homes, and hideaways with panoramic views of the coast. Visitors can explore galleries, sip freshly brewed Kona coffee, and enjoy a cooler climate away from the heat.
Keauhou
Keauhou, located just south of Kailua-Kona, is a peaceful resort area with family-friendly accommodations and recreational amenities. Vacation rentals include condos, townhouses, and luxury homes near golf courses and Keauhou Bay. Guests can kayak, snorkel with manta rays, or visit the historic Keauhou Bay Heiau.
Old Kona Town
Old Kona Town is the historical heart of the area, offering quaint shops, local eateries, and heritage landmarks. Rentals here include charming studio apartments, walk-up condos, and vintage homes with oceanfront lanais. Visitors can walk to Huliheʻe Palace, Mokuaikaua Church, and farmers markets while soaking up the town’s character.
Kaloko
Kaloko is a quieter, rural area located just north of the airport, offering secluded homes and jungle retreats. Airbnb listings here feature larger properties, tropical gardens, and space for group stays or long-term visits. Guests can enjoy peaceful mornings with birdsong, hikes through nearby Kaloko-Honokōhau National Park, and scenic drives down to the shore.
Must-visit places and attractions in Kailua-Kona
Kailua Pier
Kailua Pier is a central point in town and the starting line of the world-famous Ironman Triathlon. Visitors can fish, take boat tours, or enjoy coastal views and sunsets from the pier. It’s also close to historical sites and waterfront restaurants.
Hulihe’e Palace
This beautifully preserved royal residence dates back to the 1800s and showcases Hawaiian monarchy history. Guests can tour rooms furnished with Victorian antiques, learn about the aliʻi (chiefs), and stroll the seaside gardens. The palace also hosts cultural events and music performances.
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
This expansive park protects ancient fishponds, petroglyphs, and lava rock trails once used by native Hawaiians. Visitors can hike scenic paths, spot sea turtles on the beach, and learn about traditional aquaculture practices. The park combines cultural education with natural beauty.
Kona Coffee Living History Farm
This working farm and museum offers insight into the lives of early 20th-century Japanese immigrants and the Kona coffee industry. Guests can watch roasting demonstrations, walk through historic homes, and sample freshly brewed coffee. The guides share engaging stories of plantation life and Hawaiian agriculture.
Kahalu’u Beach Park
This calm, reef-protected bay is one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. Visitors can swim with colorful fish, spot sea turtles, and relax under shaded pavilions. The beach has lifeguards, gear rentals, and restrooms for convenience.
Manini’owali Beach (Kua Bay)
Located north of Kailua-Kona in Kekaha Kai State Park, this beach boasts powdery white sand and turquoise waters. Guests can swim, sunbathe, or body surf in crystal-clear waves. The scenic surroundings and lava-rock contrast make it a photographer’s dream.
Captain Cook Monument and Kealakekua Bay
Accessible by kayak or boat tour, this marine sanctuary offers some of the best snorkeling in all of Hawaii. The monument commemorates British explorer Captain James Cook and sits on a sacred site rich in history. Coral reefs teem with marine life beneath towering cliffs.
Mauna Kea Summit (Day Trips)
While not in Kailua-Kona itself, many visitors take a guided day trip to the summit of Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s tallest mountain. The summit offers unparalleled stargazing, lunar-like terrain, and a spiritual connection to native Hawaiian traditions. Sunset tours and observatory visits are popular and unforgettable.
Where to find a vacation rental near Kailua-Kona
Hilo, Hawaii
Approximately 90 minutes east, Hilo offers a lush, rainforest-covered side of the island with stunning waterfalls and volcanic landscapes. Guests can explore Liliʻuokalani Gardens, Rainbow Falls, and the nearby Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Renting a house in Hilo gives guests a peaceful, green retreat close to gardens and dramatic nature trails. Vacation homes include tropical cottages, rainforested retreats, and homes with views of Mauna Kea.
Volcano, Hawaii
Roughly two hours southeast, Volcano is a unique village situated near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visitors can hike across lava fields, view crater steam vents, and visit the Kīlauea Visitor Center. Choosing a cabin in Volcano gives travelers a quiet and cool retreat surrounded by rainforest and volcanic landscapes. Vacation rentals range from rustic cabins to rainforest lodges surrounded by native flora and fauna. Volcano offers an otherworldly landscape and cooler climate, making it an intriguing counterpoint to Kailua Kona’s tropical coastal appeal.
Waimea, Hawai’i
Just over an hour north, Waimea is a picturesque ranch town surrounded by rolling green pastures and misty mountains. Visitors can explore Parker Ranch, browse local farmers markets, and enjoy cooler temperatures than coastal towns. Renting a vacation home in Waimea offers a peaceful upcountry experience with sweeping views and paniolo charm. Airbnbs and vacation homes in Waimea range from traditional paniolo-style cottages to modern countryside retreats. Waimea’s blend of cowboy heritage and upcountry charm offers a tranquil alternative to the energy of Kailua Kona.
Key West, Florida
Both Key West and Kailua Kona are tropical, oceanfront destinations with a relaxed island atmosphere. They’re known for their vibrant sunsets, water sports, and lively local culture. Like Kailua Kona, Key West features colorful historic architecture, coral reefs, and easygoing charm. Enjoy sunset views and conch-style cottages from a vacation rental in Key West close to the marina and old town.
Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz shares a surf-centered lifestyle and a deep connection to ocean conservation, similar to Kailua Kona. Both towns have a mix of beachgoers, organic food lovers, and eco-conscious travelers. Kailua Kona’s manta ray night dives echo Santa Cruz’s famous coastal marine experiences. A stay in an airbnb in Santa Cruz offers access to waves, wildlife, and vibrant boardwalk scenes.
Explore more of the United States' natural beauty and pristine beaches
Kailua Kona, adorned with volcanic landscapes and lush greenery, serves as a gateway to myriad natural wonders of the United States. Venture beyond to witness the densely forested regions of airbnb in Arkansas, where you can find serenity in its vast wilderness. Alternatively, the allure of vacation rentals in Broken Bow offers an ideal vantage point to explore the placid waters and untouched natural beauty of Nebraska. For an inspiring retreat in the heart of ethereal geothermal springs and majestic peaks, immerse yourself in the rejuvenating atmosphere of Pagosa Springs airbnb. Meanwhile, the unique tranquility of the desert and reservoir at airbnb Elephant Butte captures the essence of New Mexico's stark beauty and allure.
From the sun-dappled shores, let the call of the waves guide you towards the enchanting coastal havens of the United States. Embrace the laid-back island vibe at a stay in Islamorada, where Florida's azure waters and coral reefs promise endless aquatic adventures. Along California's sun-kissed coast, airbnb Imperial Beach offers spectacular oceanfront views and thrilling seaside activities. Meanwhile, the charming southern ambiance of rentals in Folly Beach invites you to savor South Carolina's historic coastal landscape, rich in maritime culture and southern charm.
