Everyone In Hawaii Needs To Visit This One Small Town This Summer
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Megan Shute
Author
Located along Hawaii Island’s scenic Kona coast is Kailua-Kona, a historic seaside village full of natural beauty, royal history, and plenty of charm. It’s the best small town in Hawaii, and we think you’ll agree! In honor of the National Parks Service’s 100th anniversary, the Smithsonian Magazine’s “Top 20 Best Small Towns to Visit In 2016” exclusively features towns near America’s greatest national parks. And, for obvious reasons, Kailua-Kona made the list for being just 22-miles from the famed Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Park. Even today this incredible small town is still one of the best small towns in visit in all of Hawaii.
If you’re visiting, make sure you hit all of these great spots that make it one of the best places to see in person:
Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay), Kalaoa, HI 96740, USA
Manini’owali, or Kua Bay as it is often called by the locals, is a secluded and small white sand beach located near the Kona airport. The beach is a popular spot for bodysurfing, or just catching a signature Hawaiian sunset. Heading to this beach is one of the best things to do in Hawaii.
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Hulihe‘e Palace, 75-5718 Ali'i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Built in 1838 by King Kamehameha I’s brother-in-law, Hulihee Palace is one of only three royal palaces in the United States. Once used as a vacation home for Hawaiian royalty, the Daughters of Hawaii converted Hulihee Palace into a museum in 1927. Put this on your list for a fun and informative day trip in Hawaii that you’ll want to explore.
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Kailua Pier, Kaahumanu Pl, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
The beautiful Kailua Pier was once the location where paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) loaded cattle, and today serves as a popular destination for extreme sports and fishing alike. The pier is also the start and finish line of the Ironman Triathlon World Championship, held each October. This charming small town in Hawaii is actually very famous world-wide!
Da Poke Shack, 76-6246 Ali'i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
No guide to Kailua-Kona is complete without mention of Da Poke Shack – according to Yelp, this seafood joint is one of America’s greatest restaurants. That’s a pretty high honor for a seaside eatery nestled in a condominium complex known for their takeout poke, as well as local specialties and salads. You need to try a dish at this incredible spot.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, 72-100 Ka'upulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Rated as the best hotel or resort in Kailua-Kona by Trip Advisor, the Four Seasons Hualalai is perfect for a family vacation. There are a variety of activities catered towards children and teens, including King’s Pond, a unique swimming "pool" made from lava rocks where kid’s can learn to snorkel. This is such a great place to relax and enjoy what Hawaii has to offer.
Kaneaki Heiau, 84-1229 Alahele St, Waianae, HI 96792, USA
Built during King Kamehameha's reign, Ahu'ena Heiau, was a temple dedicated to Lono, the Hawaiian god of fertility, peace and prosperity. The king lived many of his last years here, and though many ritual prayers took place, there was no human sacrifice.
Historic Kailua Village, 75-5766 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
For a fun history lesson, consider taking a walking tour of the historic Kailua Village. It’s great exercise, you can see all the history the area offers, and soak in the Hawaiian culture on your way.
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Ocean Rider Inc, 73-4388 Ilikai Place, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
One of the area's greatest tourist destinations, this unique aquarium of sorts is fun for those of all ages. This alone is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon!
Kona Brewing Co., 74-5612 Pawai Pl, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
For the best Hawaiian beer out there, hit up Kona Brewing Company for a pint - don't forget the burger and fries! This place is legendary and definitely deserves a spot on your to-do list.
Honl’s Beach, Holualoa, HI 96740, USA
Rated as the third best place in Hawaii for sunset viewing by Hawaii Magazine, Kailua-Kona provides a glimpse into old Hawaiian history, as well as stellar sunsets made dramatic with the dark, volcanic rocks along the coast. This is one unique place to view a sunset that you just can’t find anywhere else.
Big Island Divers, 74-5467 Kaiwi St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
For a wild adventure, head to Honokohau Harbor to embark on a night time scuba dive cruise with Big Island Divers. Opt for the two tank charters, where you will enjoy a twilight reef dive before watching the sunset and taking to the water again - where the boat's dive lights will attract plankton and feeding manta rays. This is a rare way to experience the ocean that many people don’t get to try.
Ali‘i Drive, Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
For the best shopping and collection of restaurants in Kailua-Kona, head to Ali'i Drive, park, and take a leisurely stroll along this seaside street. You can get everything you need for your whole vacation here, so don’t worry about forgetting anything. Oh, and it's also a foodie paradise with practically every time of cuisine imaginable!
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King Kamehameha is rumored to have been buried on or near the hotel grounds. Anyone who seeks the supernatural will want to visit the hotel’s top floor, where guests have heard sounds of battle, and apparitions of warriors. A portrait of Queen Liliuokalani, located on the ground floor, has been said to inhale and exhale before your very own eyes. We’d hate to see this in person!
Moku‘aikaua Church, 75-5713 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Christianity’s introduction to the Hawaiian Islands is an important one in island culture, and Mokuaikaua became the island chain’s first Christian congregation in 1820. Founded by Asa and Lucy Goodale Thurston, American missionaries given permission to teach their religion by King Kamehameha II, the first official structure was constructed in 1823. Though damaged by a series of fires, the current structure is still in use, and open to the public for tours.
Kaloko-Honok?hau National Historical Park, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
This famous national historical park was established in the 1960s, and was once the site of an ancient Hawaiian settlement. The archaeological site is home to ancient Hawaiian aquaculture fishponds, petroglyphs, house site platforms, and sites with religious significance. This is an incredible and fascinating place to visit, and one that we highly recommend.
Kahaluu Beach Park
Perhaps the Big Island’s most popular snorkeling spot, the waters of Kahaluu are home to a wide variety of fish, as well as green sea turtles. Who doesn’t love to snorkel with the sea turtles?
Do these 16 places of interest in the best small town in Hawaii make you want to put this charming beach town on your summer bucket list? What are your favorite things to do in Kailua-Kona? Share them with us in the comments below!
And for our top things to do on each Hawaiian Island, be sure to check out this handy guide.
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More to Explore
Things to do in Kailua-Kona
What are some things to do on each Hawaiian island?
With so many fantastic islands to explore, planning a trip to Hawaii, or even just a weekend getaway to a neighboring island, can be difficult – especially on a tight schedule and budget. In reality, it would take years to explore everything just one Hawaiian Island has to offer, but unfortunately, most of us only have time for the highlights. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with the three things you need to do on each Hawaiian Island.
For the best things do to on Hawaii Island, check out:
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This 523-square-mile park contains some of the world’s most awe-inspiring wonders, not to mention the two active volcanoes
- Mauna Kea. Mauna Kea measures in at 13,796 feet above sea level, the highest point in the state of Hawaii. In fact, when measured from its oceanic base deep in the vast Pacific, the mountain measures in at more than 33,000 feet tall – that’s higher than Mount Everest.
- Akaka Falls. Located along the northeastern Hamakua Coast, Akaka Falls State Park is home to two gorgeous waterfalls fed by the Kolekole Stream: Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. At more than 400 feet in height, Akaka Falls is perhaps the most famous waterfall on Hawaii Island – and for good reason.
Looking for fun things to do on Maui? How about checking out:
- Maui’s Road to Hana, which is perhaps the most popular scenic drive on the island – and possibly all of Hawaii.
- Haleakalā National Park.Translating to “House of the Sun,” Haleakala rises more than 10,000 feet above sea level, comprises 75 percent of Maui Island, and is home to desert-like conditions, rainforests, and everything in between.
- Ka'anapali Beach, one of the island’s most popular expanses of white sands, surrounded by luxury hotels and resorts.
Of course, this is just the beginning of the fun that awaits when you visit the Aloha State... check out this guide for more bucket-list adventures on each of the Hawaiian islands!
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Kailua-Kona, HI, USA