Top Things to do in Kailua-Kona
10 Beaches in Kailua-Kona That You Shouldn't Miss
Coffee drinkers will recognize Kona as the source of some of the best beans in the world. Get your blood pumping with a walk along the “Royal Footsteps” waterfront stretch of Alii Drive, or take stargazing to the next level with a nighttime visit to the summit of Mauna Kea. Waterfalls, volcanoes, and soft black sands are just some of the natural features that make Kailua unique. Shimmy your hips at a hula-filled luau, or get an eyeful of native history at the Kamakahonu compound.
Restaurants in Kailua-Kona
1. Keike Beach (Queen's Bath)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
2. White Sand Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 404 reviews
Hawaii beach with white sand and good surf.
Reviewed By Chowa-Rides-Again - Bend, United States
This beach is also known as magic sands. Depending on storms there is either super soft sand or lots of exposed lava rock. The sand is multicolored white, gold and black but is lovely. Can be crowded. Good parking across street. In Nov 2019 there was plenty of sand. But after a big storm it can take weeks to come back.
3. Kona Coast State Park
4. Makalawena/Pu'u Ali'i
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 385 reviews
Reviewed By takemeaway23
I went here on a Friday and when I left at 2:00pm, I stopped counting when I hit 100 people. I thought I read that there are hardly any people that come here. Well not on Friday’s. It was still a nice day! It takes about 15mins to drive down to Mahailua beach, and then you walk to Makalawena beach. You don’t have to walk along the water. I did this going there, which is beautiful, but coming back I took the trail and it was much faster. It’s about a 30min walk to Makalawena beach. I hit it lucky, too, saw a monk seal and a turtle, resting on the beach!
5. Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,373 reviews
Reviewed By DaveDons148
Epic white sand beach, crystal clear electric blue water, saw two green sea turtles and lots of beautiful fish snorkeling... what more could you want???
6. Mahai'ula Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By jbellour
Yes, the drive in is terrible. Potholes abound, but everyone driving in has to take their time... easing between each side of the roadway, easing up a slope cautiously hoping another vehicle is coming up the slope from the other side. But it is worth it. You will see mostly SUVs taking the route, but I got there safely in a Mustang GT, so it can be done. There is a paved parking area with bathroom faciities. A 5 minute walk past some ancient fishponds will take you to the incredible beach. To the right the beach extends maybe a mile around the bay. Big surf when we ere there and very blue waters with many sandy stretches on the shore. Great mix of people: families with kids playing, tourists (awestruck by the beach), locals stretched in beach chairs chatting beneath palms amidst the beauty. And numerous surfers. To the left is a stretch of rockier beach which attracted a number of fisherman with lines as well as toss nets. You can feel that this area is important to the Hawaiian not only in the past, but currently as well. The good part about the bad road is that the beach is not crowded. Agree with your significant other who will be driving and have faith. It is worth it.
7. Wawaloli Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By 733carriep - Indianapolis, United States
We needed a place in the area to waste an hour or so between tours. This little beach park was recommended to us and turned out to be the perfect spot to explore for an hour. We walked around the lava rocks and explore all of the little tide pools and found a hole in the rocks where the waves splashed up, it was beautiful. There's also a nice view of the volcano from the beach. I would definitely recommend stopping by if you have time.
8. Kikaua Point Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By SharonS304 - Spring Valley, United States
Access to this park is via Kuki'o Nui Rd (so of mile marker 87 on Hwy 19. it's behind the golf/tennis club. Ask for beach access pass at the guard booth. There are only 27 parking spaces, so best to go during the week. After a short walk you get to beautiful park with grass, powdery sand, and lots of shade. We have seen turtles here every time. There is sheltered sandy beach for kids, plus lava rocks for tidepools. Great spot.
9. Magic Sands
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 906 reviews
Reviewed By Alohajess74
Good waves for body surfing, many turtles in the water and lifeguards are great about making people aware of the rocks and current. Stunning beach.
10. Banyan's Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
