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 ฿3,096 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
฿3,096
฿6,513 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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 ...
Gingerhill Farm Retreat
Royal Kona Resort

Royal Kona Resort

3.5 out of 5
75-5852 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI
The price is ฿6,294 per night from 1 Oct to 2 Oct
฿6,294
฿8,378 total
1 Oct - 2 Oct
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! (2,652 reviews)
Birthday trip to Kona
"Loved the location and the ocean view from our room was amazing. My Prim Rib dinner was Delicious and cooked to perfection. Can't wait to bring the family."

Reviewed on 26 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 ฿5,332 per night from 1 Oct to 2 Oct
฿5,332
฿7,243 total
1 Oct - 2 Oct
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 ...
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 ...
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. ...
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 ...
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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