Welcome to Kailua-Kona
Perfectly Positioned for an Ocean Lifestyle
The beating heart of the west (leeward) side of the island, the Kailua-Kona neighborhood exudes a laid-back island vibe with access to all the amenities one could wish for - all while giving you a front-row seat on the gorgeous Pacific Ocean. (There’s a heady sense of history here, too - Kailua Kona was once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii under King Kamehameha I.)
For those who crave a bustling, walkable neighborhood on the dry side of the island (as opposed to wetter Hilo), this is the place – it’s easy to stroll over to your favorite restaurant or bar, run errands, and hit the beach. Kailua-Kona can feel busy at times, so for the most exclusive setting, consider one of the upscale, ocean-view residences and townhomes that show off some of the most beautiful land and seascapes in Hawaii.
What to Love
- Incredibly scenic
- Easy access to outdoor activities, shopping, and dining
- Positioned well for investment properties and second homes
Local Lifestyle
Let’s face it: the Kona area can be busy, especially during the high season for tourism. Thankfully, there are Kailua-Kona waterfront homes, townhomes, and condos that are close to everything you want, but feel just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of town. The plus side is that residents here are rarely without something fun to do, whether it’s a lively festival, live music, snorkeling, or checking out a new restaurant.
Add to this the myriad outdoor activities that are available, from beaches to hiking trails, and Kailua-Kona moves even higher on the list of cool places to live on the Big Island. Residents know just which shops and restaurants are quieter and locally owned and by frequenting these establishments and hanging out with friends and neighbors in private oceanfront communities, they can make Kailua-Kona feel more like a small town.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
As we’ve said, Kailua-Kona is the epicenter of life on this side of the Big Island, so you won’t want for things to do and convenient amenities. You have all the biggies, from Costco to Target to Starbucks, but there are numerous locally owned businesses to be found – these are the very places that make you feel that Kailua-Kona is your true home, not just a vacation destination.
Local favorites include Kona Coffee & Tea, with its 100% Kona coffee grown right on the Big Island, and the Pure Kona Green Market, where you can pick up island produce every Sunday. Lava Java is another great coffee option - they serve 100% Kona coffee, too. Shop for Kona-made soaps and tour the coffee and chocolate farm at the Kona Natural Soap Company. For a larger farmers market, head to Kona Farmers Market Wednesdays through Sundays on Alii Drive, right in the center of Kailua-Kona. You’ll find locally grown produce, handmade art and crafts, and more. Or, enjoy the fresh air and convivial atmosphere of the open-air Kona International Market with a farmers market, Asian market, international food court, live music, and more.
For a casual night out, head to Huggo’s on the Rocks, next to the Huggo’s flagship restaurant. This laid-back, toes-in-sand spot offers island specialties and refreshing cocktails in a lively atmosphere. To really taste the flavors of Hawaii, locals love Foster’s Kitchen. Embrace the “slow-food” movement here (be patient) - your reward will be innovative, from-scratch meals based on local fruits, vegetables, and meats. There’s locally made ice cream, too!
Things to Do
Another huge plus when it comes to living in Kailua-Kona - you’ll have access to all the best outdoor activities on the Kona coast. Number one is the beach and there are countless options – favorites include Manini'owali Beach and Kamakahonu (King Kam) beach, as well as the green-sand beach of Papakolea and black-sand beach at Punaluu. Go snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay, where Captain Cook first landed in the Hawaiian islands, or Kahalu’a Beach Park, also a great surfing spot.
Go hiking at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, where not only can you stretch your legs but also learn about the history and culture of the ancient Hawaiians through sacred temples and petroglyphs. If it’s fairways that are calling your name, you’re in luck: the Big Island is known for its golfing prowess, perhaps the most famous of which is Mauna Kea, ranked #19 in Golf Magazine’s list of top 100 courses. Most courses on the island are on the west side, convenient to Kailua-Kona. No matter what your game or your interest, Kailua-Kona can deliver it.