Kalaoa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

After a very bad road of 2 miles in between lava fields, you get tovthid amazing black sand beach, with nearly no-one, just a few turtles 🐢
After a very bad road of 2 miles in between lava fields, you get tovthid amazing black sand beach, with nearly no-one, just a few turtles 🐢
Beautiful spot to watch the dolphins play. #Adventure
Beautiful Sunset
#blue 50 Shades of Blue - Manini'owali Beach at Kua Bay, part of Kekaha Kai State Park, is another of the very pretty Hawaii Big Island beaches, with fine white sand that slopes gently to the beautiful clear turquoise water. The swimming here is awesome when the ocean is calm, and there can be some decent snorkeling along the rocky outcroppings at either end of the beach. During certain times of the year, particularly the summer months, the beautiful soft sand covers the entire beach from north to south. More lava rocks become exposed in the winter months as sand is carried out with the surf. Be aware of those rocks in the shallows when boogie boarding or body surfing. This is a good place to have water shoes to navigate across the rocks. Manini'owali Beach is one of the nicer Big Island beaches that is easy to reach from Kailua-Kona. You can practically drive right to the beach, and some days it seems everyone on the Big Island knows it! If you arrive later in the day, parking can be a little crazy, especially on weekends. As you approach the beach you may see cars lined up down the road. You may have to walk down the road a bit but don't worry; there's plenty of room on the beach! There is a rocky shoreline trail at the northern end of the beach that leads to another of our favorite Hawaii beaches, spectacular Kikaua Beach to the north. The trail winds through a lava field and across a coral beach less than a mile to scenic Kikaua Point.

Popular places to visit

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park featuring tropical scenes, general coastal views and a sandy beach

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

4.5/5(11 reviews)

Learn all about the ancient culture and traditions of native Hawaiian populations at this fascinating national park, home to both archaeological and natural wonders.

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
After a very bad road of 2 miles in between lava fields, you get tovthid amazing black sand beach, with nearly no-one, just a few turtles 🐢

Makalawena Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Makalawena Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Makalawena. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's sunsets.

Makalawena Beach
We discovered this serene little beach last month. After turning off the highway there is a 2 mile drive over rocky unpaved terrain, but if you take it slow any kind of car should be able to traverse it. Our compact rental car did great. There is a parking area, and then a trail through the lava fields to the beach

Mahai'ula Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Mahai'ula Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Kailua-Kona. Wander the seaside or discover the area's sunsets.

Mahai'ula Beach
#blue 50 Shades of Blue - Manini'owali Beach at Kua Bay, part of Kekaha Kai State Park, is another of the very pretty Hawaii Big Island beaches, with fine white sand that slopes gently to the beautiful clear turquoise water. The swimming here is awesome when the ocean is calm, and there can be some decent snorkeling along the rocky outcroppings at either end of the beach. During certain times of the year, particularly the summer months, the beautiful soft sand covers the entire beach from north to south. More lava rocks become exposed in the winter months as sand is carried out with the surf. Be aware of those rocks in the shallows when boogie boarding or body surfing. This is a good place to have water shoes to navigate across the rocks. Manini'owali Beach is one of the nicer Big Island beaches that is easy to reach from Kailua-Kona. You can practically drive right to the beach, and some days it seems everyone on the Big Island knows it! If you arrive later in the day, parking can be a little crazy, especially on weekends. As you approach the beach you may see cars lined up down the road. You may have to walk down the road a bit but don't worry; there's plenty of room on the beach! There is a rocky shoreline trail at the northern end of the beach that leads to another of our favorite Hawaii beaches, spectacular Kikaua Beach to the north. The trail winds through a lava field and across a coral beach less than a mile to scenic Kikaua Point.

Kekaha Kai State Park

Enjoy a trip to Kekaha Kai State Park and popular activities such as snorkelling in Kailua-Kona. Discover the beautiful sunsets and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Kekaha Kai State Park

Kohanaiki Beach Park

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Kohanaiki Beach Park during your trip to Kailua-Kona? Stroll along the area's seaside or simply enjoy its cafes.

Kohanaiki Beach Park

Hawaii Gateway Energy Center

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Hawaii Gateway Energy Center during your trip to Kailua-Kona. Wander the seaside or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

Hawaii Gateway Energy Center

Activities

Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch

Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch

AU$148
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch
Kona Underwater Submarine Adventure

Kona Underwater Submarine Adventure

AU$197
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Kona Underwater Submarine Adventure
Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island

Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island

AU$143
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Kona, Big Island
Captain Cook Reef Snorkeling of Kealakekua Bay

Captain Cook Reef Snorkeling of Kealakekua Bay

AU$116
per adult
Captain Cook Reef Snorkeling of Kealakekua Bay
The Glassbottom Boat

Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour

AU$104
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour
Dolphin, Sea Cave & Captain Cook Snorkel Combo in Kealakekua Bay

Dolphin, Sea Cave & Captain Cook Snorkel Combo in Kealakekua Bay

AU$121
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Dolphin, Sea Cave & Captain Cook Snorkel Combo in Kealakekua Bay
See all activities in Kailua-Kona

Our pick of the best Kalaoa Hotel Deals

Stunning Ocean Views + Designer Designed Kona Home

Stunning Ocean Views + Designer Designed Kona Home

Kailua-Kona HI
Stay at this golf holiday home in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Golf Course ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (106 reviews)
A wonderful place to stay. We love waking up every morning and looking at the weather on the coast.

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026

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Stunning Ocean Views + Designer Designed Kona Home
Beautiful Pool with Stunning Ocean and Sunset Views

Beautiful Pool with Stunning Ocean and Sunset Views

Kailua-Kona HI
Stay at this holiday home in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a garden. Popular attractions Kailua Pier and Lyman Kona Coffee Farms are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (74 reviews)
Absolutely loved our stay here. The place is exactly how it looks in the pictures..which is amazing!!! Great location just north of Kona and south of the good beaches. Perfect for avoiding any traffic but still close to all of the amenities. The sunsets from this place are amazing! Which brings us ...

Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026

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Beautiful Pool with Stunning Ocean and Sunset Views
Afforable & quaint upstairs 2Bedroom 1Bath apartment with lanai and Ocean views

Afforable & quaint upstairs 2Bedroom 1Bath apartment with lanai and Ocean views

Kailua-Kona HI
Stay at this holiday home in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Kailua Pier and Lyman Kona Coffee Farms are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (56 reviews)
Great location, easy check in and out. The home was clean and comfortable

Reviewed on 29 Jan 2026

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Afforable & quaint upstairs 2Bedroom 1Bath apartment with lanai and Ocean views
Royal Kona Resort

Royal Kona Resort

4 out of 5
75-5852 Alii Dr Kailua-Kona HI
The price is AU$368 per night from 17 Feb to 18 Feb
AU$368
17 Feb - 18 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,829 reviews)
Room was clean and the staff was very helpful and friendly.

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026

Royal Kona Resort
PACIFIC 19 Kona

PACIFIC 19 Kona

3.5 out of 5
75-5646 Palani Rd Kailua-Kona HI
The price is AU$310 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
AU$310
16 Feb - 17 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,276 reviews)
Good restful environment; gracious and kind staff.

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026

PACIFIC 19 Kona
Hilton Waikoloa Village

Hilton Waikoloa Village

4 out of 5
69-425 Waikoloa Beach Dr Waikoloa HI
The price is AU$579 per night from 26 Feb to 27 Feb
AU$579
26 Feb - 27 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Waikoloa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,095 reviews)
Waikoloa village is an oasis in the lava fields. The grounds of the Hilton are nice and the campus is massive. The tram to get from one end of the campus to the other was broken 3 out of 5 days. The gondolas that go the same thing more romantically, were completely out of service. That meant long ...

Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026

Hilton Waikoloa Village
See all 5,699 properties in Kalaoa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Other neighbourhoods around Kalaoa

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Kona Palisades

When in Kona Palisades, you can plan a visit to Hula Daddy Kona Coffee Plantation and Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Kona Palisades
Turtle in Hawai'i. Really nice beach to hang out, white sand and clear water!

Kaupulehu

Unique features of Kaupulehu include the beaches and spas. Make a stop by Kailua-Kona Beaches or Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Golf Course while you're exploring the area.

Kaupulehu
Kailua Pier featuring general coastal views, tropical scenes and a bay or harbor

Historic Kailua Village

Are you interested in stunning beaches, island views and popular shops? A visit to Historic Kailua Village might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Kailua-Kona Wharf and Kamakahonu Beach.

Historic Kailua Village
Aerial view of Kahikolu Congregation Church, Kealakekua Bay, Big Island, Hawaii, United States of America, North America

Holualoa Village

While visiting Holualoa Village, you might make a stop by sights like Honl's Beach and Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden.

Holualoa Village
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Alii Kai

While there might not be top attractions in Alii Kai, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden and Magic Sands Beach.

Alii Kai
Rugged Lava Shoreline Along Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA

Alii Heights Mauka

While there might not be top attractions in Alii Heights Mauka, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Magic Sands Beach and Kahalu'u Beach Park.

Alii Heights Mauka

Kalaoa Travel Guide

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