Kailua-Kona vacation rentals

Explore Kailua-Kona from vacation home rentals

Kailua-Kona was once the home of the Hawaiian king Kamehameha I, and with a Kailua-Kona vacation rental, you might feel pretty regal yourself. It's the vacation hub for this part of Hawaii, with water activities galore, plus good proximity to many of the area's main attractions. There's a great dining and nightlife scene in Kailua-Kona, and the surrounding area is full of old temples and other historic sites. It's also a great place to find yourself face-to-face with some of the Pacific's most charismatic marine characters, including dolphins, whales, turtles, and manta rays.

Tourist attractions near Kailua-Kona vacation homes

To get a glimpse into the life of Hawaiian royalty (presumably so you can imitate it at your own Kailua-Kona vacation rental), head to Hulihe'e Palace. A former royal vacation home, it's now a museum showcasing exhibits and artefacts. To go further back in time, you'll want to visit the Honokohau Settlement in the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. This ancient Hawaiian site features fishponds, petroglyphs (mysterious rock carvings), and religious sites. And if you're into your exploration history, you could take an excursion out to Kealakekua Bay, where Captain James Cook breathed his last.

That crab from The Little Mermaid had it right

One look at the warm waters of Kailua Bay, and you'll realise they're going to play a big part in your Kailua-Kona vacation rental. Snorkeling, diving, surfing, and sailing are all big round here, so pick your favorite and dive in. Or you could just lie back on the beach and take a dip in the shallows—we won't judge. And how do you fancy getting up close with whales and dolphins when you venture out of your Kailua-Kona vacation rental? Well, there are local boats that can sort you out, usually setting out from Honokohau Harbor.

Best time to travel to Kailua-Kona vacation rentals

Not a fan of the cold? Well you've come to the right place, because there isn't any here. All year round, Kailua-Kona is one of the warmest places in the whole of the States. It's also relatively dry in this part of Hawaii, though one thing you might encounter during your Kailua-Kona vacation rental is a local phenomenon called "vog." This "volcanic smog" is caused by the clouds of sulfur dioxide belched out by Hawaii's most active volcano, Kilauea. It turns up sometimes if the winds are blowing in the right direction, but it doesn't seem to deter the vacationers.

With coffee this good, everything's active except the volcano

Kailua-Kona is set on the west coast of Hawaii's Big Island, looking out onto the Pacific Ocean. If there's one thing most folks know about western Hawaii, it's that the volcanic activity is almost as lively as the nightlife in Kailua-Kona, but fortunately, Hualalai, the local volcano, is pretty laid-back. A big feature of the area is coffee growing, so you can bet your bottom dollar they'll do a good cup of joe round here. The crystal clear waters of Kailua Bay are home to dolphins and sea turtles, so strap on a snorkel and dive in.

Best beaches near Kailua Kona vacation rentals

Kailua Kona has an array of pristine beaches for sunbathing and swimming. Vacation rentals can be found near places like Honokohau Beach, a remote beach with calm waters and soft sand made of coral, black lava, and shells, and Honl’s Beach, a popular surf spot with a rocky shoreline and excellent breaks. You could also visit Hale Halawai Park, a waterfront park with a rocky beach, pavilion, and grassy areas in tranquil surrounds.

Traveling to and around Kailua-Kona

Fly into Kona Intl. Airport (KOA), the closest airport, located 7.2 mi (11.6 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you could also fly into Kamuela, HI (MUE-Waimea-Kohala), which is 32.5 mi (52.3 km) away.

Romantic vacation homes in Kailua Kona

Kailua Kona boasts plenty of romantic spots to explore on a getaway. Vacation homes are available near places like Hualālai, a volcano with moderate hiking trails to the summit for stunning vistas, and Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area, a scenic beach with opportunities for surfing, spearfishing, swimming, and picnicking. You'll also like the Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation, a bean-to-cup Kona coffee plantation site with roasting plant tours.