The west coast of Hawaii is know as the “Kona Side”. Due to the local weather conditions this side of Hawaii is almost always dry and sunny, and there are numerous white sand beaches perfect for sunbathing, snorkeling and swimming! The Kona side of the Island is also known for its lush green golf courses that form an unearthly contrast with the black lava they are build upon and attract top-players from around the world.
→ Directions | Interactive map | Weather forecast | Practicalities ←
The bay of Kailua Kona, as seen from up hill (Mauka). Photo credits: Travis Thurston
In the middle of the Kona coast, a few miles south of the Kona International Airport (KOA), lies the historic seaside town of Kailua-Kona. In the last couple of decades, this formerly sleepy coffee and fishing village has transformed into a hustling and bustling city with a thrilling atmosphere!
Kailua Kona (also referred to both as “Kailua” or “Kona”) has shops of every description and restaurants for every taste. It is a good home base to explore this side of the island. Relax and look at the waves crashing over the black lava rocks while sipping from a cup of the world-famous Kona coffee, or have some freshly caught ahi (tuna) while recovering from your busy day.
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- you can find the official swim start and run finish of the ironman marathon in Kailua Kona on the Big Island
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- There are many ways to get wet and active in Kailua Kona
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- Christmas in Kona
If you are staying here, don’t forget to get up early one day to go for some sunrise-snorkeling at King Kam beach on Ali’i drive.
While you are in Kona, don’t forget to stroll up the “see-and-be-seen” Ali’i Drive, and see the many fish in the bay. End at the Kailua pier or any of the restaurants along the seaside to see the perfect sunset. Why not also take a mai-tai, or one of the many local specialties, the Kona Brewing Company’s handcrafted ales? (back to top)
Directions to Kailua Kona:
Kailua-Kona is the landing place for most visitors to the Big Island through the Kona International Airport. The hele-on bus can deliver you all over the island for free if you have the time. Hilo (86 miles, 2 hr 20 min), Waimea (40 miles, 1 hr 10 minutes), and Volcano Village (95 miles, 2 hr 15 min) are all easily reachable by car. (back to top)
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- Yellow tang are one of the most common and easily recognized fish in Hawaiian reefs. You can see them on nearly every dive, both individually, in small groups, and in large schools. This photo was taken in Kona bay, in front of Ali’i drive in Kailua Kona.
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- Moku’aikaua Church in Kailua-Kona
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- The view over Kona bay
Practicalities:
Weather in Kailua Kona is warm and sunny, so do not forget to wear plenty of sunscreen. If you venture out to one of the many beaches or hikes, remember to take plenty of water! (back to top)
The Weather Forecast for Kailua Kona:
Today 05/24/2013 05/25/2013 05/26/2013 05/27/2013 
Kona lies in the leeward side of the Big Island, which means that weather in Kona is in general sunny and dry. You can find pleasant temperatures year round, with sunny mornings but sometimes cloudy afternoons.
If you want to see what the Kona weather means for your visit to Hawaii (average temperature, hours of sunshine, cloudy days and precipitation), check out the monthly average weather for Kona.
Interactive Map of Kailua Kona:
This is out map of Kailua Kona with clickable icons. The icons denote information on this website about local activities, shops and vacation rentals. Clicking an icon will display more information. (back to top)
Are you looking for the map of another part of the Big Island? We also have interactive maps of Waimea, Volcano Village and Hilo!