"Kona Coast Visit" Top 5 Page for this destination Kailua-Kona by KiKitC

Kailua-Kona Travel Guide: 343 reviews and 768 photos

Little Blue Church - Kailua-Kona - Kailua-Kona
Little Blue Church - Kailua-Kona

We flew into the Kona airport, which is situated on a vast, barren lava field. We hopped in our car and headed south on 11. The traffis here is pretty heavy, as this is the major highway through the area. Most hotels on the Kona coast can be found on Ali'i Drive. The north end of the drive is where most of the major tourist attractions are, including the hoppin' the nightlife. It's here where you'll find the clubs, the Ironman Triathlon, the Atlantis Submarine, the King Kamehameha Hotel and Luau, and the Ahu'ena Heiau. Our hotel, the Keahou Beach Resort is down on the southern end, too far to walk for the nightlife hotspots. But on the southern end, back up on 11, there are many major stores and restaurants.

We stayed three days on this side of the island. I know I wasn't in top condition, but a week out of the hopital in Hawaii does wonders for the soul. We didn't have enough time to do everything we wanted, but made the most of it.

From this area, it is a good trip distance to the Painted Church, Pu'uhonau o Honaunau (Place of Refuge), Captain Cook's monument, and more. If you have a four wheel drive (and are competent enough to use it correctly) you can access black sand and green sand beaches down the southern end of the island. It is a pretty far drive to get down there...but hey, it's Hawaii, it's all beautiful.

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:Many historical sights within driving distance
  • Cons:I'm not too keen on traffic
  • In a nutshell:A wonderous day, and hopping night...
  • Last visit to Kailua-Kona: Jul 2005
  • Intro Updated Apr 19, 2006
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Reviews (11)

Ku'emanu Heiau at Sunset - Kailua-Kona Ku'emanu Heiau Things to Do (8)

Traveling south on Ali'i Drive, you'll come to see an altar by the side of the water. This is Ku'emanu Heiau, and there... more travel advice

BooBoo Hand by Kamakahonu Beach - Kailua-Kona Kamakahonu Beach Things to Do (8)

OK. Let's say you're staying at King Kamehameha's Beach Hotel. Right in between the Ahu'ena Heiau and the Kailua pier,... more travel advice

Bible Depictions in the "Painted Church" - Kailua-Kona "Painted Church" of Hawaii Things to Do (8)

Saint Benedict's Catholic Church is known as the "painted church" and a short visit to this church will explain why it's... more travel advice

Little Blue Church - Kailua-Kona Check out "Little Blue" Things to Do (8)

Just north of the Keauhou Beach Resort on Ali'i Drive is St. Peter's Catholic Church, or the "Litle Blue Church." This... more travel advice

Comments (15)

  • Reply
    RickinDutch's Profile Photo
    Feb 19, 2013 at 9:49 AM

    Great tips. Thanks.

  • Reply
    leigh767's Profile Photo
    Sep 10, 2009 at 7:55 AM

    Great tips, Christine. Wish every VT tip comes with phone, directions and website info just like yours!

  • Reply
    icunme's Profile Photo
    Aug 27, 2009 at 5:22 AM

    Christine, you are a trooper - still bouncing around with that bum arm. Thoroughly enjoyed this grand tour w/you. Great photos & detail. Grazie, Carol <(•¿•)>

  • Reply
    travelgourmet's Profile Photo
    Apr 25, 2009 at 6:14 PM

    Nice photos of the "City of Refuge". I took the same shot between the two tikis in 1969. BTW, those trying to reach the area did it by canoe. Aloha

  • Reply
    scottishvisitor's Profile Photo
    Nov 21, 2008 at 8:27 AM

    I liked the idea of old and new Gods together & your little blue church is just heavenly

  • Reply
    Jerelis's Profile Photo
    May 14, 2008 at 3:50 AM

    Gheee ... a nice trip back into memory lane! I like the sunset and Hulihe'e Palace! Great info and pics, thanx for sharing.

  • Reply
    hunterV's Profile Photo
    Mar 5, 2008 at 4:13 AM

    Hi, Christine!~ You have good pages here! Thanks!

  • Reply
    mvtouring's Profile Photo
    Jun 14, 2007 at 3:24 AM

    That sunset cruise looks so romantic. ;-)

  • Reply
    Mar 19, 2007 at 3:08 AM

    I love the pic "Wonderful sunset" :)) ehhh It's romantic!

  • Reply
    sourbugger's Profile Photo
    Mar 6, 2007 at 7:34 AM

    i learnt alot on these tips - great stuff

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