Kona, Hawaii

May 19th, 2004

On the Big Island, Kona refers to much of the leeward (west) side of the island. The area that stretches from just North of Manuka Forest Reserve to just North of Kealakekua is South Kona and from there to Anaehoomalu Bay (A-bay) (the beach the Outrigger Waikoloa sits on) is North Kona. In the middle of all this is the small town Kailua-Kona.

The bay in Kailua-Kona, along the ocean wall, looking North towards the King Kamehameha Hotel

In Kailua-Kona itself there are several hotels, a few small beaches, a couple of good surfing spots, hundreds of big-game fishing boats, and several quality restaurants. This is really the only place you would find a night-life on the Big Island.

South Kona is more country, with spectacular ocean/mountain views, coffee plantations, and mostly vacation rentals / bed and breakfasts. A great place to vacation in South Kona is on Kealakekua Bay. There is no beach, but the bay is also known as Spinner dolphin bay for good reason - if you take a kayak out you will more than likely see dolphins up close.


The bay in Kailua-Kona, along the ocean wall, looking South towards town.

North Kona is mostly black lava fields with a few luxury hotels interspersed like sparkling, green islands. Here you can find Kona Coast State Park ( with a rather rugged white sand beach) and a few other small beaches only known to those who kayak or hike in, since there are no roads down.

My votes for Best of Kona:

Kahaluu Beach
Plenty of large sea turtles, decent snorkeling, close to town.

Outrigger Keauhou Beach Hotel
One of only a few hotels in town near an actual beach. Quality rooms with a good view.

Jameson's By the Sea
Good food and fantastic ocean view.

Fair Wind Snorkeling Cruise
Large, fun catamaran boat tour with funny captain and accomodating crew, fantastic snorkeling. I've seen dolphins almost every time I've gone.