Kealakekua Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau

Explore a heritage village and a magnificent bay at this protected cove on the Kona Coast, where tropical fish and spinner dolphins swim among the coral.

Kealakekua is a small village on Hawai’i’s Big Island’s western coast, bordered by the volcanic mountains, Mauna Loa and Pōhaku Hanalei, to the east and the scenic Kealakekua Bay to the southwest. Visit Kealakekua Bay to discover an astonishing underwater world filled with tropical fish and coral and to see a significant historical site on the waterfront.

Kealakekua Bay is a scenic cove naturally protected by the headland that juts out from the village border. The bay is a Marine Life Conservation District and can only be reached by foot, boat or kayak. Hike from the main road and traverse a one-hour trail through volcanic rock and tall grasses down to the cove. Make sure to bring your snorkel gear, plenty of water and good hiking shoes.

Explore the clear waters by snorkeling, scuba diving or kayaking. See schools of tropical sea life and, if you’re lucky, spinner dolphins leaping out of the water. 

Find the Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park and a historic monument to the site where British explorer Captain James Cook first landed on the Big Island in the late 18th century. A white obelisk marks the site of his arrival and commemorates his death, which occurred nearby only a year later. East of the bay, find a Hikiau Heiau, or sacred temple, in honour of the Hawai’ian god, Lono.

Back in Kealakekua village, discover the island’s pioneering heritage at the Kona Historical Society and Kona Coffee Living History Farm. This museum presents a fascinating glimpse of ranching life at the turn of the 19th century and explores the history behind Hawai’i’s most revered brew of coffee.

Kealakekua village is 10.3 miles (16.5 kilometres) south from Kailua in the Kona region. The bay is 6.2 miles (9.9 kilometres) farther southeast from the village.

Gingerhill Farm Retreat

Gingerhill Farm Retreat

3 out of 5
81-6467 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HI
The price is ฿2,793 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
฿2,793
฿6,162 total
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star farm stay in Kealakekua. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Greenwell Farms and H.N. Greenwell Store Museum ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (75 reviews)
"It's a very unique place to stay and you're truly surrounded by nature. At night the frogs and insects are loud and it rained one night we were there and that was very loud! It would have been nice to have a fan in the tent since it was very hot on our first night. Bathrooms, showers, and the kitchen ..."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Gingerhill Farm Retreat
Royal Kona Resort

Royal Kona Resort

3.5 out of 5
75-5852 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI
The price is ฿6,128 per night from 5 Sept to 6 Sept
฿6,128
฿8,192 total
5 Sept - 6 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,627 reviews)
"Overall it was very nice stay. The resort needs renovated but the rooms were still clean and well stocked."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Royal Kona Resort
PACIFIC 19 Kona

PACIFIC 19 Kona

3.5 out of 5
75-5646 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI
The price is ฿5,895 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
฿5,895
฿7,910 total
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star 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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,802 reviews)
"we had a very good rest in this hotel. good location and comfortable accommodation and easy access to laundry."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

PACIFIC 19 Kona
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.
Aston Kona by the Sea

Aston Kona by the Sea

4 out of 5
75-6106 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy a beach locale, 2 meeting rooms and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,107 reviews)
"ワイキキとは違う、でも美しい海が見渡せるすばらしい景観で、お部屋も広くとても快適でした。 チェックイン可能な16時以降でしたがフロントスタッフが1名で、前に並んでいたご家族のチェックインが終わるのに30分程待ちました。 いい意味でも悪い意味でもハワイアンな時間の使い方だなぁと。"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Aston Kona by the Sea
Castle Kanaloa at Kona

Castle Kanaloa at Kona

3 out of 5
78-261 Manukai Street, Kailua-Kona, HI
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (450 reviews)
"The view of this property was simply out of this world amazing. Every single morning we felt like we were in heaven! The room was lovely with plenty of space for everyone in our party. It almost felt like we were in a place outside of time. We will definitely be coming back here."

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

Castle Kanaloa at Kona
Kona Bali Kai

Kona Bali Kai

2 out of 5
76-6246 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI
Stay at this condo in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free parking, a picnic area and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Magic Sands Beach and Kailua Pier are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (33 reviews)
"The views were stunning and the place was clean and had everything we needed and more. I would absolutely come back to this property again."

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

Kona Bali Kai
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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