Kailua-Kona sits on the sunny western coast of Hawaii's Big Island — the leeward side that receives only about 19 inches of rain per year, making it one of the driest and sunniest communities in Hawaii. Average highs of 86°F and lows of 68°F make it ideal year-round. The Big Island's extraordinary geography encompasses 11 different climate zones — from the tropical coast where your ship anchors to snow-capped Mauna Kea rising 13,800 feet above.
Kailua-Kona is a charming historic village with deep Hawaiian roots. The waterfront Ali'i Drive — where Hawaiian royalty once ruled — is lined with restaurants, shops, and historic sites. The area is famous for its world-class snorkeling and diving, sport fishing (the annual Billfish Tournament brings marlin fishermen from around the world), and the Kona coffee that grows on the volcanic slopes above town.
This is the sunnier, drier, and less visited side of the Big Island compared to Hilo — and it shows in the landscape and pace of life. Kona has a relaxed, genuine character that rewards those who take time to explore beyond the waterfront strip.
Know Before You Go
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Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – Quick Facts
Where You Dock in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Pier locations and what's available at each terminal.
Kailua-Kona is a tender port — ships anchor offshore in Kailua Bay and passengers are ferried to Kailua Pier by tender boat. The pier landing puts you directly on Ali'i Drive in the heart of the historic village waterfront — steps from shops, restaurants, and historic sites.
⚓ Kailua Pier
A small public pier in the center of Kailua village — the historic heart of Kona. The Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel is adjacent, along with the restored Ahuena Heiau (a sacred Hawaiian temple). Everything in central Kona is within easy walking distance of the tender landing.
Getting Around Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Transportation options once you're ashore.
🚶 Walking
Ali'i Drive — Kona's main waterfront strip — is entirely walkable from the tender pier. Historic sites, shops, restaurants, and Kahaluu Beach Park (about 1.5 miles south) are all reachable on foot. The terrain along Ali'i Drive is flat and pleasant.
🚕 Taxis, Uber & Lyft
Taxis are available near the pier. Uber and Lyft both operate in Kailua-Kona — the most convenient option for reaching beaches, coffee farms, and attractions further from the waterfront. Confirm pickup locations as cell service near the pier can be variable.
🚌 Hele-On Bus
The County of Hawaii's public bus system serves Kailua-Kona and surrounding areas. Inexpensive but slow — not ideal for a short port call. Best for those with unlimited time and a spirit of adventure.
🚗 Car Rental
The best way to explore the Big Island beyond Kona town — essential for reaching Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (90 min south), the Kohala Coast resorts and beaches (30 min north), coffee farms in the hills above town, and other distant attractions. Rental companies are at the airport (~7 miles) — reserve in advance and arrange a taxi or rideshare to pick up your car. Must be 21+ with a valid driver's license.
Things To Do in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Make the most of your time ashore.
🎯 Kailua-Kona offers extraordinary natural and cultural experiences on the sunny side of the Big Island:
Snorkeling at Kahaluu Beach Park — The single best activity for most cruise passengers in Kona. Green sea turtles, tropical fish, and healthy coral in calm, shallow water just 1.5 miles from the pier. Walk or take a short taxi ride. Snorkel gear rental is available on-site. Free admission.
Manta Ray Night Snorkel & Dive — One of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in Hawaii — snorkeling or diving with giant Pacific manta rays (wingspan up to 14 feet) that gather nightly near Garden Eel Cove to feed on plankton attracted by underwater lights. A deeply memorable encounter. Book through a local operator in advance.
Kona Coffee Farm Tour — The volcanic slopes above Kona town are covered in coffee farms producing one of the world's most prized beans. Most farms offer free self-guided tours and tastings — a fascinating and delicious 30-minute drive uphill from the pier. The farms are at about 1,500–2,000 feet elevation where the air is cooler and the views of the Pacific are extraordinary.
Historic Kailua Village Walk — Ali'i Drive and the surrounding streets contain important Hawaiian historical sites within walking distance of the pier. The Ahuena Heiau (restored ancient Hawaiian temple) adjacent to the pier was the residence of King Kamehameha I. The Mokuaikaua Church (1837) is the oldest Christian church in Hawaii. A self-guided historic walk takes about an hour.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — About 90 minutes south — the most extraordinary natural attraction accessible from Kona. Kilauea volcano, lava tube caves, coastal lava fields, and rainforest in one of the most geologically active landscapes on earth. Requires a rental car — a full day commitment but one of the great natural experiences in the Pacific. Check current volcano activity at nps.gov/havo.
Sport Fishing — Kona is the sport fishing capital of Hawaii — famous worldwide for Pacific blue marlin. Charter fishing excursions depart from Honokohau Harbor (about 3 miles north). Half-day and full-day charters available for marlin, ahi tuna, mahi-mahi, and wahoo. The annual Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament draws world-class anglers.
Whale Watching (Seasonal) — Humpback whales return to Hawaiian waters December through April to breed and calve. Whale watching tours from Kona during this season offer excellent sighting opportunities in the calm waters of the Kona Coast.
Beaches & Outdoors in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
The best beaches, parks, and outdoor experiences for cruise passengers.
🏖️ The Kona Coast has some of Hawaii's finest snorkeling and a variety of beach types:
Kahaluu Beach Park
About 1.5 miles south of the pier along Ali'i Drive — one of the best and most accessible snorkeling spots in Hawaii. Green sea turtles feed on the reef here daily. Excellent fish life in calm, shallow water. Restrooms, showers, lifeguards, and snorkel rentals on-site. Free admission. The single best beach for cruise passengers visiting Kona.
White Sands Beach (Magic Sands)
A beautiful white sand beach about 1 mile south of the pier. The sand famously disappears during winter swells (hence "Magic Sands") and returns in calmer weather. Good swimming when conditions are calm. Restrooms and lifeguards.
Kekaha Kai State Park (Makalawena & Mahaiula Beaches)
About 15 minutes north of Kona — wild, undeveloped beaches accessible by a short unpaved road (4WD recommended). Stunning natural beauty with almost no crowds. No facilities — bring everything you need. Worth the effort for those wanting a truly untouched Hawaii beach experience.
Kohala Coast Beaches (Hapuna, Mauna Kea)
About 30 minutes north — some of the finest white sand beaches on the Big Island. Hapuna Beach is consistently rated among the best beaches in the US. Mauna Kea Beach has excellent snorkeling. Both have resort facilities nearby. Require a rental car or taxi to reach.
Shopping in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Where to shop and what to look for.
🛍️ Kona's shopping reflects its character — Kona coffee, Hawaiian crafts, and local art alongside the typical resort retail:
Ali'i Drive Waterfront Shops
The main commercial strip steps from the tender pier — souvenir shops, clothing boutiques, jewelry stores, and galleries. A mix of tourist retail and genuine local shops. Walk the full length of Ali'i Drive for the best selection — the shops improve the further from the pier you go.
Kona Coffee
Kona coffee is one of the world's most prized coffees — grown in the volcanic soil and mild climate on the slopes of Mauna Loa above town. Buy only 100% Kona coffee (not "Kona blends" which may contain as little as 10% actual Kona beans). Excellent options are available at local roasters along Ali'i Drive and at farm tours in the hills above town. The definitive Kona souvenir.
Kona Commons & Crossroads Shopping Center
About 2 miles from the pier — familiar US chains including Target, Safeway, and various restaurants. The most practical option for everyday needs and last-minute supplies.
Local Art & Crafts
Several galleries along Ali'i Drive and in the Kona Inn Shopping Village carry work by local Hawaii artists — paintings, photography, woodwork, and jewelry. Look for pieces featuring local materials like koa wood (found only in Hawaii) for genuinely distinctive souvenirs.
Dining in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Where to eat and drink ashore.
🍽️ Kona has an excellent dining scene — fresh Pacific seafood, Hawaiian plate lunches, and farm-to-table restaurants using Big Island produce. Ali'i Drive is the main dining strip:
Da Poke Shack
76-6246 Ali'i Drive · Takeout · $
Consistently rated one of the best poké spots in Hawaii — fresh ahi tuna in creative preparations. Order at the counter and eat on the nearby seawall. An essential Kona food experience at a very reasonable price.
Umeke's Fish Market Bar & Grill
74-5599 Luhia Street · Casual · $$
Award-winning fresh fish and poké — one of the most praised seafood spots on the Big Island. Fresh catch changes daily. A slightly short walk from the pier but worth every step.
Kona Inn Restaurant
75-5744 Ali'i Drive · Oceanfront · $$$
Beautiful open-air oceanfront dining directly on Ali'i Drive — excellent for a relaxed lunch with sunset-facing ocean views. Fresh fish, seafood, and classic Hawaiian dishes. One of the most scenic dining settings in Kona.
Island Lava Java
75-5799 Ali'i Drive · Café · $$
A beloved Kona institution for breakfast and lunch — excellent Kona coffee, fresh pastries, eggs Benedict, and sandwiches on the oceanfront lanai. The best breakfast spot in central Kona and a wonderful way to start your port day.
Huggo's on the Rocks
75-5828 Kahakai Road · Beachside · $$$
Open-air bar and light dining right on the rocks above the ocean — fresh seafood, cocktails, and spectacular Pacific views. A perfect late-afternoon spot before tendering back to the ship.
Top Tours & Shore Excursions
Book before you board for best availability and pricing.
Half Day Sportfishing - Kona
⏱ 4 Hours · Easy activity
<p>This is the opportunity to go fishing for marlin, mahi-mahi, ono, tuna and other big game fish with this private tour...
Book This Tour →Kona History by Segway
⏱ 1.5 Hours · Moderate activity
<p>This 1.5 hour tour gives you a way to get around on your own personal transport. You will see the magnificent views o...
Book This Tour →Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – FAQ
Common questions from cruise passengers.
Is Kailua-Kona a tender port?
Yes — ships anchor offshore in Kailua Bay and passengers are tendered to Kailua Pier by small boat. The tender ride takes approximately 10–15 minutes. Collect your tender ticket early on busy days and watch your return time carefully to ensure you make the last tender back.
What is the best beach for snorkeling near the pier?
Kahaluu Beach Park — about 1.5 miles south of the pier along Ali'i Drive — is the best and most accessible snorkeling spot in Kona. Green sea turtles feed on the reef here daily, fish life is excellent, and the water is calm and shallow. Snorkel rental is available on-site and admission is free. It's walkable from the pier or a short taxi ride.
What is Kona coffee and where can I buy it?
Kona coffee is one of the world's most prized coffees, grown in the volcanic soil on the slopes of Mauna Loa above town. Buy only 100% Kona coffee — not "Kona blends" which may contain as little as 10% actual Kona beans. Available at coffee farms in the hills above town (most offer free tours and tastings) and at local shops along Ali'i Drive. The definitive Kona souvenir.
Can I see Hawaii Volcanoes National Park from Kona?
Yes — but it requires a full day and a rental car (about 90 minutes each way). Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the greatest natural attractions in the Pacific — Kilauea volcano, lava tube caves, and extraordinary geological landscapes. Check current volcano activity at nps.gov/havo before your port day. Only attempt this if your ship is in port for a full day.
What is the manta ray night snorkel?
One of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in Hawaii — snorkeling or diving with giant Pacific manta rays (wingspan up to 14 feet) that gather nightly near Garden Eel Cove to feed on plankton attracted to underwater lights. The experience typically begins at dusk and lasts about an hour in the water. Book through a reputable local operator well in advance as this experience is extremely popular.
Do I need reef-safe sunscreen in Kona?
Yes — Hawaii has banned certain chemical sunscreens (containing oxybenzone and octinoxate) that damage coral reefs. Only mineral-based reef-safe sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) are permitted. Bring your own from home or purchase reef-safe options at local shops. This applies at all beaches in Hawaii.
What should I not do in Kailua-Kona?
Do not take rocks, sand, or natural materials from Hawaii — it is deeply disrespectful to Hawaiian culture and illegal at protected sites. Do not use your phone while walking in crosswalks — Hawaii's distracted walking law carries fines. Do not use chemical sunscreens at the beach. Do not approach or touch sea turtles — they are federally protected and harassment carries serious fines.
What is the best time of year to visit Kailua-Kona?
Kailua-Kona is excellent year-round thanks to its dry, sunny climate — averaging only 19 inches of rain per year. The coolest month is February (average high 82°F) and the warmest is August (average high 88°F). Winter months (December–April) bring humpback whale season. Summer brings calmer ocean conditions ideal for snorkeling and diving.
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