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.
There are few places in all of the Hawaiian islands that are as charming as this incredible small town.
Prayitno/Flickr 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:
- Best Beach: Manini’owali Beach
Hitchster/Flickr 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.
- Historic Establishment: Hulihee Palace
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr 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.
- Panoramic Views: Kailua Pier
Geekgiant/Flickr 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!
- Restaurant: Da Poke Shack
Kirk K/Flickr 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.
- Luxury Resort: Four Seasons Hualalai
Aaron Feen/Flickr 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.
- Culturally Significant: Ahu’ena Heiau Temple
Kevin Lam/Flickr 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.
- Informative Tour: Historic Kailua Village Walking Tour
Keiko Adachi/Flickr 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.
- Family Friendly Activity: Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm
Leiko ac/Flickr 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!
- Coolest Adult Hangout: Kona Brewing Company
Bismo Beerbelly/Flickr 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.
- Best Sunset Viewing: Honl’s Beach
Steve Dunleavy/Flickr 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.
- Crazy Adventure: Big Island Divers
Nick Olino/Flickr 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.
- Best Shopping: Ali’i Drive
Ken Lund/Flickr 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.
- Most Haunted Place
Gabi L./Flickr 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!
- Religious Establishment: Mokuaikaua Church
J Brew/Flickr 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.
- Historic Park: Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
John Menard/Flickr 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.
- Best Snorkeling: Kahaluu Beach Park
Vlad Butsky/Flickr 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? If you’re looking to explore more charming towns in Hawaii, check out this list of some of our most photogenic neighborhoods.
Prayitno/Flickr
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:
Hitchster/Flickr
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.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
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.
Geekgiant/Flickr
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!
Kirk K/Flickr
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.
Aaron Feen/Flickr
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.
Kevin Lam/Flickr
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.
Keiko Adachi/Flickr
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.
Leiko ac/Flickr
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!
Bismo Beerbelly/Flickr
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.
Steve Dunleavy/Flickr
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.
Nick Olino/Flickr
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.
Ken Lund/Flickr
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.
Gabi L./Flickr
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!
J Brew/Flickr
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.
John Menard/Flickr
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.
Vlad Butsky/Flickr
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?
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Address: Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Small Town In Hawaii August 10, 2021 Megan McDonald Does Hawaii have a lot of small towns? Yes! In fact, the Hawaiian islands are primarily made up of small towns. It’s a wonderful way to live on the islands, and places importance on the community feel that each town has. What is the biggest city on Hawaii? Honolulu wins this title, with a population of 348,985. It’s the largest city on any of the islands, and the capital! It’s located on Oahu.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Small Town In Hawaii
August 10, 2021
Megan McDonald
Does Hawaii have a lot of small towns? Yes! In fact, the Hawaiian islands are primarily made up of small towns. It’s a wonderful way to live on the islands, and places importance on the community feel that each town has. What is the biggest city on Hawaii? Honolulu wins this title, with a population of 348,985. It’s the largest city on any of the islands, and the capital! It’s located on Oahu.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Yes! In fact, the Hawaiian islands are primarily made up of small towns. It’s a wonderful way to live on the islands, and places importance on the community feel that each town has.
What is the biggest city on Hawaii?
Honolulu wins this title, with a population of 348,985. It’s the largest city on any of the islands, and the capital! It’s located on Oahu.
