Panoramic View of
Kailua-Kona
Overview:
Royal Kona Resort
Kailua-Kona, or simply
just Kona is a wonderful little community dating back
centuries. It is considered the center of the tourist
activity on the Big Island of Hawaii and offers much to
visiting cruisers. Kona offers several hotels located
right in the downtown area and there is always bustling
activity on Ali'i Drive, Kailua's main street.
Cruise
Port Location and Information:
Ship Anchored off
Kailu-Kona and the Tender Wharf
Cruise
ships anchor right off of downtown Kailua-Kona and
tender their passengers into Kailua's tender wharf. Many
ships use the services of one of the local party boats
that carry hundreds of passengers at a time to tender
folks from the ship to the pier, but if you ship is
using their own tenders, be aware that it may take a
while to get on shore.
The Tender Wharf and
Pier in Kailua-Kona
The tender wharf is also
the main pier that dive, snorkeling, fishing and other
boats will leave from (unless you are departing from
Honokohau Marina, which is a few miles away) It is less
than a minute's walk to Ali'i Drive and Kailua's
shopping, restaurants, boutiques and bars. NOTE: if you
book a boat adventure in Kona make sure you know where
it departs from. Getting to Honokohau Marina can be a
challenge if you do not have pre-arranged transfers or a
rental car.
Exploring on Your Own:
The Moku'aikaua Church
as Seen From Your Tender
Kailua-Kona
is easily explored on your own and is begging you to do
so. From the moment you leave the tender wharf you are
right in the middle of Kona's activity. There is no need
to take a tour of any kind in Kona unless you feel more
comfortable doing so.
Shopping Tips:
The Kona Marketplace
The shopping starts right
across the street from the pier itself. Ali'i Drive is
lined with shopping centers, restaurants, boutiques,
bars and stores of all kinds.
Kona Square
There are
several shopping malls / complexes that stretch the
entire length of Ali'i Drive.
More Shopping
The amount
of shops is almost overwhelming, but they offer such a
diverse array of products that it remains quite
interesting.
Kona Shopping Village
The Kona
Shopping Center is an exceptionall interesting little
area. Dating back decades, the center has many unusual
shops and boutiques that sell island specialties that
are quite interesting.
Island Wear Shops are
Everywhere
There are
dozens and dozens of island wear shops that sell
everything Hawaiian. Look for beach wear, aloha shirts,
muumus, arts and crafts and much more.
Typical Beach Wear Shop
Virtually7
every major surf brand that is located on the mainland
is also located here along with many local island
brands.
The Kailua Village
Market
From
Wednesday through Saturday the Kailua Village Market
operates right on Ali'i Drive.
Hawaiian Wear at the
Kailua Village Market
Besides a
farmer's market, there are dozens of stalls selling tons
of things of interest to visitors at very motivating
prices.
Flowers for Your Cabin
One of the
real treats is the flower stall that sells all sorts of
Hawaiian flowers and leis. Be sure to pick up an
arrangement at reasonable prices to enjoy in your cabin.
Ali'i Drive Craft
Market
As if all
the shopping and market were not enough, if you are in
Kona when Ali'i Drive turns into a crafts fair you won't
believe the diversity of things that you can purchase.
Going on for blocks, this street fair is unbelievable.
Port
Highlights:
Hulihe'e Palace
Located
right on Ali'i Drive, Hulihe'e Palace was built as a
summer palace for the royalty of Hawaii in the mid
1800s. It is one of two royal palaces in Hawaii and
today it is a museum offering great insight into the
history of Hulihe'e Palace and Hawaii's culture. The use
of Hawaiian Koa wood throughout the palace is what makes
a visit here well worth the investment of time.
Moku'aikaua Church in
Kailua Kona
Almost
200 years old, the Moku'aikaua Church is a must see. As
the first Christian church in Hawaii, this is one of the
most beautiful historic churches in the entire state.
The church is made entirely of lava, coral, Ohia and koa
woods and exists much as it did when it was completed in
the early 1800s.
Snorkeling in Kona
The
snorkeling and diving in Kona is world famous. Its
crystal clear waters and abundant sea life make
snorkeling something everyone will enjoy. While the
coastline is subject to large surf when there is a
swell, there are several beach access spots that cruise
passengers can walk to if they have their own equipment.
This particular spot is by the Royal Kona Resort.
The Beach by the Tender
Wharf
If one
wants to simply enjoy the ocean and start their
snorkeling experence as soon as possible, there are a
couple of beaches right at the tender wharf that allow
for easy access to the ocean and great snorkeling too.
Off the
Beaten Path:
Ahhh, Beaching it Up
Kona
offers a wide variety of things to do. The fishing in
Kona is legendary, as is the SCUBA diving. There are
helicopter tours and snorkeling tours. Visit Kealakekua
Bay or a coffee farm. Hit the beaches in Waikoloa or go
surfing or boogie boarding. Kailua-Kona is just the
entrance to a world of activity.
Dining
and Drinking Suggestions:
Wasabis Sushi Bar
I have
a good friend that lives on the Hilo side of the Big
Island and he always raves about dining at Wasabi's
Sushi when he visits Kona. This tiny dining venue is not
frequented by tourists at all, but offers some of the
most interesting sushi I have ever had and I would go
back to this spot on every visit to Kailua. It is simply
awesome! They offer Hawaiian sushi and some local noodle
dishes as well. If you like sushi and want it Hawaiian
style, don't even think of going anywhere else.
Wasabi's Sushi Bar
When I
returned from my cruise I checked out the reviews on
this place and was shocked to find some horrible
reviews. My only observation is that if you love
traditional Japanese sushi, you might not like this
place. But, if you have an open mind, you will be
treated to some of the most delicious treats imaginable.
Kailua-Kona
has tons of great restaurants and many chain restaurants
that you are familiar with. So if sushi isn't your
thing, then you will have no problem finding something
suitable for your tastes.
Must Do
List:
Hulihe'e Palace Gate
Yes, no
visit to Kailua-Kona would be complete without visiting
both the Hulihe'e Palace and Moku'aikaua Church to enjoy
the historical Hawaiian sights and enjoy the
construction and wood work.
Reader
Port Reviews
(Please Click the Review you'd like to read)
