Kailua-Kona, Census-designated place in Hawaii County, United States.
Kailua-Kona sits along the western shore of Hawaii Island with Mount Hualalai as its backdrop, featuring coastlines of dark volcanic rock. The settlement spreads primarily between the ocean and the mountain slopes, with homes, restaurants, and shops distributed throughout the waterfront zone.
The area served as the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom under King Kamehameha I during the early 1800s before the government relocated to Honolulu. This period as a seat of power left lasting marks on how the settlement developed.
The area holds deep roots in Hawaiian royalty and displays this heritage through structures like Hulihee Palace, where visitors encounter traditional furnishings and royal family artifacts. The royal past remains woven into how locals view their community and how it is built.
Visitors arrive through Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, which handles regional flights to the area. Most lodging, dining, and shops cluster near the waterfront, keeping services within easy reach.
Coffee plants grow on the mountain slopes at elevations around 300 to 600 meters (1,000 to 2,000 feet), producing the world-known Kona coffee variety. Local farms welcome visitors to observe how they cultivate and process their crops.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
