Guidebook for Kailua-Kona

Sherry
Guidebook for Kailua-Kona

Drinks & Nightlife

Fun place in town for drinks and appetizers. They have live music and the location is upstairs and open air looking out to bay.
60 locals recommend
Gertrude's Jazz Bar
75-5699 Ali‘i Drive
60 locals recommend
Fun place in town for drinks and appetizers. They have live music and the location is upstairs and open air looking out to bay.
New brewery in town...worth checking out! They use island grown fruits ciders like: White Pineapple Cider and Dragonfruit and Lychee Cider. So good!
64 locals recommend
Ola Brew
74-5598 Luhia St
64 locals recommend
New brewery in town...worth checking out! They use island grown fruits ciders like: White Pineapple Cider and Dragonfruit and Lychee Cider. So good!
226 locals recommend
Kona Brewing Company
74-5612 Pawai Pl
226 locals recommend
At Magic/White Sands beach - great spot on the water with waves actually breaking on the restaurant Great for sunsets!
91 locals recommend
Magics Beach Grill
77-6452 Ali‘i Dr
91 locals recommend
At Magic/White Sands beach - great spot on the water with waves actually breaking on the restaurant Great for sunsets!
Go at sunset and grab a seat for an incredible view - food, cocktails, live music and also luau's on certain evenings.
38 locals recommend
Don's Mai Tai Bar
75-5852 Ali‘i Dr
38 locals recommend
Go at sunset and grab a seat for an incredible view - food, cocktails, live music and also luau's on certain evenings.
At the Four Seasons - Absolutely Beautiful Spot
28 locals recommend
Beach Tree Bar
72-100 Kaupulehu Dr
28 locals recommend
At the Four Seasons - Absolutely Beautiful Spot
A little drive away but worth it!
31 locals recommend
Napua at Mauna Lani Beach club
68-1292 S Kaniku Dr
31 locals recommend
A little drive away but worth it!
Delicious mai tai's right on the beach. Worth the drive to see the grounds and best beach with restaurants
Hau Tree
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr
Delicious mai tai's right on the beach. Worth the drive to see the grounds and best beach with restaurants
Live music, dance, no roof so listen to music under the stars, but with good sound
54 locals recommend
Blue Dragon Restaurant and Coastal Cuisine
61-3616 Kawaihae Rd
54 locals recommend
Live music, dance, no roof so listen to music under the stars, but with good sound

Food Scene

Walk just 2 complexes down for early coffee or treat before everyone wakes up! Great coffee, smoothies, wraps and sandwiches.
30 locals recommend
Green Flash Coffee
75-6000 Ali‘i Dr
30 locals recommend
Walk just 2 complexes down for early coffee or treat before everyone wakes up! Great coffee, smoothies, wraps and sandwiches.
Great for watching the Kona sunset! It's outdoors and some tables are right in the sand. Good fish tacos and Mai tai's! Live music in evenings and sometimes you will see a hula dancer too.
149 locals recommend
On the Rocks
75-5824 Kahakai Rd
149 locals recommend
Great for watching the Kona sunset! It's outdoors and some tables are right in the sand. Good fish tacos and Mai tai's! Live music in evenings and sometimes you will see a hula dancer too.
Coffee, food, trendy place right in town
163 locals recommend
Island Lava Java
75-5801 Ali‘i Dr
163 locals recommend
Coffee, food, trendy place right in town
Really cute tea and coffee and lunch place....desserts too! Walking distance!
20 locals recommend
Tea:licious Cafe
75-159 Lunapule Rd
20 locals recommend
Really cute tea and coffee and lunch place....desserts too! Walking distance!
FEATURED on Goop website: https://goop.com/restaurants/hawaii/big-island/holualoa/holuakoa-cafe/ . Trendy, good food,
61 locals recommend
Holuakoa Gardens and Cafe
765897 Kona Belt Rd
61 locals recommend
FEATURED on Goop website: https://goop.com/restaurants/hawaii/big-island/holualoa/holuakoa-cafe/ . Trendy, good food,
It sits atop the mountainside with sweeping views! Great coffee and food...perfect place to stop on your day of exploring.
137 locals recommend
The Coffee Shack
83-5799 Mamalahoa Hwy
137 locals recommend
It sits atop the mountainside with sweeping views! Great coffee and food...perfect place to stop on your day of exploring.
Okay, they have the BEST COFFEE I've ever had. A great drive inland to Waimea/Kamuela. Check it out for sure...and on Saturday mornings, the Farmers Market too!
46 locals recommend
Waimea Coffee Company
65-1279 Kawaihae Rd
46 locals recommend
Okay, they have the BEST COFFEE I've ever had. A great drive inland to Waimea/Kamuela. Check it out for sure...and on Saturday mornings, the Farmers Market too!
Great place for fish...you can take out fresh and barbecue at home or eat there.
154 locals recommend
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
74-5599 Pawai Pl
154 locals recommend
Great place for fish...you can take out fresh and barbecue at home or eat there.
Known for great Mexican food!
12 locals recommend
El Maguey
74-5563 Kaiwi St
12 locals recommend
Known for great Mexican food!
Take a drive into the horse country to Waimea on Saturday mornings for the Parker School Farmers Market. Delicious food finds and while you're in town, stop at the Waimea Coffee Co. just around the corner--best coffee ever and great food.
19 locals recommend
Waimea Town Market at Parker School
65-1224 Lindsey Rd
19 locals recommend
Take a drive into the horse country to Waimea on Saturday mornings for the Parker School Farmers Market. Delicious food finds and while you're in town, stop at the Waimea Coffee Co. just around the corner--best coffee ever and great food.
Feet in the sand and great food and drinks--lovely setting!
171 locals recommend
Lava Lava Beach Club
69-1081 Ku'uali'i Pl
171 locals recommend
Feet in the sand and great food and drinks--lovely setting!
Excellent fish + Fantastic sweeping ocean views + Sports bar!
8 locals recommend
Tropics Tap House - Keauhou
78-6831 Ali‘i Dr
8 locals recommend
Excellent fish + Fantastic sweeping ocean views + Sports bar!
Delightful Waimea restaurant with Hawaiian and Asian dishes.- make a reservation.
51 locals recommend
Red Water Cafe
65-1299 Kawaihae Rd
51 locals recommend
Delightful Waimea restaurant with Hawaiian and Asian dishes.- make a reservation.
Formerly 'Daylight Mind"
106 locals recommend
Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar
75-5770 Ali‘i Dr
106 locals recommend
Formerly 'Daylight Mind"
Delicious food - wonderful Hawaiian decor.
47 locals recommend
Bamboo Restaurant & Gallery
55-3415 Akoni Pule Hwy
47 locals recommend
Delicious food - wonderful Hawaiian decor.
Pretty good tacos!
16 locals recommend
Killer Tacos
74-5483 Kaiwi Street
16 locals recommend
Pretty good tacos!
Amazing food!
14 locals recommend
Krua Thai Cuisine
75-5705 Kuakini Hwy
14 locals recommend
Amazing food!
Jackie Rey's - delicious, maybe the best, food, but not the greatest ambience
127 locals recommend
Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Kona
75-5995 Kuakini Hwy
127 locals recommend
Jackie Rey's - delicious, maybe the best, food, but not the greatest ambience
Delicious Food at Mauna Lani
24 locals recommend
CanoeHouse
68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr
24 locals recommend
Delicious Food at Mauna Lani
Good food and fun --- In Town!!
100 locals recommend
Foster's Kitchen
75-5805 Ali‘i Dr
100 locals recommend
Good food and fun --- In Town!!
Fave Sushi and IN TOWN!
36 locals recommend
Sushi Shiono
75-5799 Ali‘i Dr
36 locals recommend
Fave Sushi and IN TOWN!
Really good Poke!
132 locals recommend
Da Poke Shack
76-6246 Ali‘i Drive
132 locals recommend
Really good Poke!
Nice spot -- could do for special dinner or anytime really
Hualalai Grille
72-100 Kaupulehu Dr
Nice spot -- could do for special dinner or anytime really

Essentials

Great spot for all your natural foods....Really good hot food bar and salad bar too. Yummy gluten free and vegan too.
61 locals recommend
Island Naturals Market & Deli Kailua-Kona
74-5444 Makala Blvd
61 locals recommend
Great spot for all your natural foods....Really good hot food bar and salad bar too. Yummy gluten free and vegan too.
Chain store like we have in California except with some different Hawaiian foods!
130 locals recommend
Safeway
75-971 Henry St
130 locals recommend
Chain store like we have in California except with some different Hawaiian foods!
These stores don't have big signs, so you have to really look to see where it actually is. They have everything you need and more--including the occasional rooster in the parking lot :)
156 locals recommend
KTA Super Stores
74-5594 Palani Rd
156 locals recommend
These stores don't have big signs, so you have to really look to see where it actually is. They have everything you need and more--including the occasional rooster in the parking lot :)
Great Target store, not far away and you can get everything you need during your stay.
70 locals recommend
Target
74-5455 Makala Blvd
70 locals recommend
Great Target store, not far away and you can get everything you need during your stay.
You will see several of these stores around Kona--very convenient and they have fun Hawaiian stuff too.
16 locals recommend
ABC STORES
75-5744 Ali‘i Dr
16 locals recommend
You will see several of these stores around Kona--very convenient and they have fun Hawaiian stuff too.
Hit Costco right near the airport on the way in :)
153 locals recommend
Costco Wholesale
73-5600 Maiau St
153 locals recommend
Hit Costco right near the airport on the way in :)

Arts & Culture

Quaint artist community up the mountainside only 15 mins away. Little boutiques and cafe's.
57 locals recommend
Holualoa
57 locals recommend
Quaint artist community up the mountainside only 15 mins away. Little boutiques and cafe's.
This is a real Kona coffee farm where they have guided tours daily. So much fun to sample coffee, ride on an open air jeep through the orchards and pick all sorts of different fruit growing. They have parrots outside in a cage and chickens roaming the land.
7 locals recommend
Buddha's Cup
78-1377 Bishop Rd
7 locals recommend
This is a real Kona coffee farm where they have guided tours daily. So much fun to sample coffee, ride on an open air jeep through the orchards and pick all sorts of different fruit growing. They have parrots outside in a cage and chickens roaming the land.
A honey farm! This place is a must see....sample honey, go on a tour of the hives and learn so much about beekeeping. Great to take the kids too! From the website: BEEKEEPING MUSEUM & HONEY STORE: NOW OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 10- 4, Saturdays 10-2 Tours of the Beehives by reservation 10:00 , 12:00 , 2:00
17 locals recommend
Big Island Bees
82-1140 Meli Rd
17 locals recommend
A honey farm! This place is a must see....sample honey, go on a tour of the hives and learn so much about beekeeping. Great to take the kids too! From the website: BEEKEEPING MUSEUM & HONEY STORE: NOW OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 10- 4, Saturdays 10-2 Tours of the Beehives by reservation 10:00 , 12:00 , 2:00
Must visit coffee farm!
43 locals recommend
Greenwell Farms Inc
81-6581 Mamalahoa Hwy
43 locals recommend
Must visit coffee farm!

Parks & Nature

Very historic place. Different ways to get there including by boat.
55 locals recommend
Captain James Cook Monument
55 locals recommend
Very historic place. Different ways to get there including by boat.
Gorgeous--not to miss! Hapuna is often said to be Hawaii's most beautiful beach! BIG stretch of WHITE SAND and snorkel areas make it great for everyone. Not a far drive, only 30 mins or less.
174 locals recommend
Hāpuna Beach State Park
Old Puako Road
174 locals recommend
Gorgeous--not to miss! Hapuna is often said to be Hawaii's most beautiful beach! BIG stretch of WHITE SAND and snorkel areas make it great for everyone. Not a far drive, only 30 mins or less.
Love this beach! Close to the airport (about 3 or so miles north)--turn LEFT when you see the Veteran's sign on the right)...you can go as soon as you hop off the plane :) White sand beach, lava rock and pristine waters. Restrooms on site. There is sometimes a really good food truck at the parking lot too!
159 locals recommend
Kua Bay
159 locals recommend
Love this beach! Close to the airport (about 3 or so miles north)--turn LEFT when you see the Veteran's sign on the right)...you can go as soon as you hop off the plane :) White sand beach, lava rock and pristine waters. Restrooms on site. There is sometimes a really good food truck at the parking lot too!
Nicked named because the lava shows on the beach among the sand and sometimes there's no sand!! White Sand/Magic Sand Beach is great also because it is so close by. A 5 min. drive South with parking across the street and bicycle rentals too. When you wake up early, go and enjoy the beauty :)
181 locals recommend
Magic Sands Beach Park
Ali'i Drive
181 locals recommend
Nicked named because the lava shows on the beach among the sand and sometimes there's no sand!! White Sand/Magic Sand Beach is great also because it is so close by. A 5 min. drive South with parking across the street and bicycle rentals too. When you wake up early, go and enjoy the beauty :)
Pack a lunch and hike into this beach...great afternoon of sun and fun! A must do if you have the time!
80 locals recommend
Makalawena Beach
Hawaii 19
80 locals recommend
Pack a lunch and hike into this beach...great afternoon of sun and fun! A must do if you have the time!
Quaint and historic town up the Kohala coast--check out this website for info: https://www.hawaiimagazine.com/content/hawi-guide-hawaii-islands-funky-town-and-historic-sites
88 locals recommend
Hawi
88 locals recommend
Quaint and historic town up the Kohala coast--check out this website for info: https://www.hawaiimagazine.com/content/hawi-guide-hawaii-islands-funky-town-and-historic-sites
Sea turtles and black sand https://www.lovebigisland.com/big-island-beaches/punaluu/
175 locals recommend
Punalu‘u Beach
175 locals recommend
Sea turtles and black sand https://www.lovebigisland.com/big-island-beaches/punaluu/
Quaint and gorgeous little cove at Kealakekua Bay in Captain Cook. Manini Beach has a small park with great shade trees, picnic table and just a great place to swim, kayak and snorkel! Very picturesque!
27 locals recommend
Manini Beach
Manini Beach Road
27 locals recommend
Quaint and gorgeous little cove at Kealakekua Bay in Captain Cook. Manini Beach has a small park with great shade trees, picnic table and just a great place to swim, kayak and snorkel! Very picturesque!
Such a great long white sandy beach - typically less busy and great waves for boogie boarding. Free parking yet limited.
70 locals recommend
Kaunaʻoa (Mauna Kea) Beach
70 locals recommend
Such a great long white sandy beach - typically less busy and great waves for boogie boarding. Free parking yet limited.
Visit the Visitor Center first to get info on where to go within the park. Tons of hikes and trails - petrogylphs - rainforest trail -at times the active lava can be seen. Definite must see on your trip to the island!
71 locals recommend
Volcano
71 locals recommend
Visit the Visitor Center first to get info on where to go within the park. Tons of hikes and trails - petrogylphs - rainforest trail -at times the active lava can be seen. Definite must see on your trip to the island!
About an hour hike in or take a truck for $20 roundtrip. Good waves for body surfing. Just very beautiful and picturesque - a must see for sure!
148 locals recommend
Papakolea Green Sand Beach
148 locals recommend
About an hour hike in or take a truck for $20 roundtrip. Good waves for body surfing. Just very beautiful and picturesque - a must see for sure!
192 locals recommend
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
27-717 Mamalahoa Hwy
192 locals recommend

Entertainment & Activities

Pick up your gear and check out all the great snorkel spots in and around Kona!
16 locals recommend
Snorkel Bob's Kona
75-5831 Kahakai Rd
16 locals recommend
Pick up your gear and check out all the great snorkel spots in and around Kona!
Though I have not done this yet, I've heard it is amazing fun riding the rim: "One of those stops is the overlook of Hi’ilawe Falls, and another is at the back of the valley at a waterfall swimming hole that is actually upstream from Hi’ilawe Falls. The water here is constant at about 72 degrees and it is about chest-deep". Sounds wonderful--so I wanted to add this here :)
Waipi'o Ride The Rim ATV
48-5416 Kukuihaele Rd
Though I have not done this yet, I've heard it is amazing fun riding the rim: "One of those stops is the overlook of Hi’ilawe Falls, and another is at the back of the valley at a waterfall swimming hole that is actually upstream from Hi’ilawe Falls. The water here is constant at about 72 degrees and it is about chest-deep". Sounds wonderful--so I wanted to add this here :)
Fabulous snorkeling!
30 locals recommend
Honaunau Bay
30 locals recommend
Fabulous snorkeling!
Another excursion I've not done and heard great things about!
341 locals recommend
Akaka Falls State Park
875 Akaka Falls Rd
341 locals recommend
Another excursion I've not done and heard great things about!
Fun place to visit if you're down in Mountain view area
Great organic lava links farm- disc golf
11-3363 Apele Rd
Fun place to visit if you're down in Mountain view area

Shopping

Checkout local fruits, clothing and gifts..even ukelele's here at the market.
68 locals recommend
Kona Farmers Market
75-5767 Ali‘i Dr
68 locals recommend
Checkout local fruits, clothing and gifts..even ukelele's here at the market.