Guidebook for Kailua-Kona
Food Scene
Local brewery that has grown into a nationally recognized brand. All beer on draft is made on island. Tip: Try Koko Brown and Lemongrass Luau.
226 locals recommend
Kona Brewing Company
74-5612 Pawai PlLocal brewery that has grown into a nationally recognized brand. All beer on draft is made on island. Tip: Try Koko Brown and Lemongrass Luau.
This is a no frills restaurant right behind Kona Plaza. However, it is consistently recommended for great hawaiian food, like the Loco Moco.
61 locals recommend
Big Island Grill
75-5702 Kuakini HwyThis is a no frills restaurant right behind Kona Plaza. However, it is consistently recommended for great hawaiian food, like the Loco Moco.
This is located in Waimea and is a great place to stop if you are going around to Waipio Valley. It is a small local brewery and has great food. Vegetarian, Vegan/Plant-Based options are available.
88 locals recommend
Big Island Brewhaus
64-1066 Mamalahoa HwyThis is located in Waimea and is a great place to stop if you are going around to Waipio Valley. It is a small local brewery and has great food. Vegetarian, Vegan/Plant-Based options are available.
Great views of the ocean and sunsets. Our favorite happy hour spot for Mai Tais.
69 locals recommend
Kona Inn Restaurant
75-5744 Ali‘i DrGreat views of the ocean and sunsets. Our favorite happy hour spot for Mai Tais.
Drinks & Nightlife
This is a classic dive bar, the real-deal. It is located just outside Kona Plaza. It is very no frills and popular with Kona locals. Great place for a late night drink and Karaoke.
13 locals recommend
Sam's Hideaway
75-5729 Ali‘i DrThis is a classic dive bar, the real-deal. It is located just outside Kona Plaza. It is very no frills and popular with Kona locals. Great place for a late night drink and Karaoke.
Great local brewery with ciders, beer, seltzer, and hard teas. Great food options are available. Includes plant-based and vegetarian options.
64 locals recommend
Ola Brew
74-5598 Luhia StGreat local brewery with ciders, beer, seltzer, and hard teas. Great food options are available. Includes plant-based and vegetarian options.
Arts & Culture
This palace located just outside Kona Plaza on Ali'i Dr. will provide you a great look into the history of Hawaiian Royalty.
67 locals recommend
Hulihe'e Palace
This palace located just outside Kona Plaza on Ali'i Dr. will provide you a great look into the history of Hawaiian Royalty.
Essentials
Target
74-5455 Makala BlvdSafeway
75-971 Henry StWalmart
75-1015 Henry StIsland Naturals Market & Deli Kailua-Kona
74-5444 Makala BlvdParks & Nature
VERY popular beach. It is beautiful, but it can fill up. Get there early to get a great spot.
159 locals recommend
Kua Bay
VERY popular beach. It is beautiful, but it can fill up. Get there early to get a great spot.
This is possibly our favorite hike on the island. Located North at the end of the road.
140 locals recommend
Pololu Valley
This is possibly our favorite hike on the island. Located North at the end of the road.
Not our favorite beach, but it is the closest beach and easy to walk there.
20 locals recommend
Kamakahonu Beach
Not our favorite beach, but it is the closest beach and easy to walk there.
Lifeguard, beach volleyball, beautiful white sand that sometimes disappears with high surf in the winter (Magic Sands). Great body boarding location.
181 locals recommend
Magic Sands Beach Park
Ali'i DriveLifeguard, beach volleyball, beautiful white sand that sometimes disappears with high surf in the winter (Magic Sands). Great body boarding location.
One of the United States' most amazing national parks. Hike a crater. Explore a lava tube. Check out the sea arch. See how nature creates new land.
880 locals recommend
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
One of the United States' most amazing national parks. Hike a crater. Explore a lava tube. Check out the sea arch. See how nature creates new land.
Entertainment & Activities
We recommend the afternoon snorkel cruise. It takes you to Captain Cook Monument for the best snorkeling we have ever experienced.
49 locals recommend
Fair Wind Cruises
78-7130 Kaleiopapa StWe recommend the afternoon snorkel cruise. It takes you to Captain Cook Monument for the best snorkeling we have ever experienced.
Anelakai Adventures
78-7138 Kaleiopapa StOur favorite night snorkel with the manta rays.