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 ₹7,999 per night from 23 Oct to 24 Oct
₹7,999
₹18,668 total
23 Oct - 24 Oct
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! (77 reviews)
"I loved my stay in the bamboo cabin at Gingerhill Farms! The staff was so sweet and helpful and the cabin suited my purposes perfectly. The grounds are a gorgeous lush forest full of fruit trees that is so lovely to walk around. I would recommend it to everyone who has an appreciation of nature and ..."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Gingerhill Farm Retreat
Royal Kona Resort

Royal Kona Resort

4 out of 5
75-5852 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI
The price is ₹17,116 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
₹17,116
₹22,784 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,705 reviews)
"The room was outdated and had a strong musty smell, probably from the carpet. Otherwise the room and resort overall were clean and we enjoyed our stay very much."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Royal Kona Resort
OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa

OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa

4 out of 5
78-128 Ehukai Street, Kailua-Kona, HI
The price is ₹20,497 per night from 20 Nov to 21 Nov
₹20,497
₹27,809 total
20 Nov - 21 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star golf resort in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Great property. Away from the busy Kailua area but close enough to enjoy the town. Great staff. Clean rooms and property. Amazing pool. Plenty of parking"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa
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! (1,125 reviews)
"The property was in a quiet location just south of Kona downtown. Within 1.5 miles of Kona downtown and multiple eating options. We did not enjoy the parking! Depending on where you parked in the same parking lot (under the Blue signs or under the Black signs ) you either had 90 minutes free with ..."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Aston Kona by the Sea
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (50 reviews)
"Everything was great"

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Kona Bali Kai
Sea Village

Sea Village

2.5 out of 5
75-5992 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI
Stay at this condo in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Kailua Pier and Magic Sands Beach are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (105 reviews)
"Everything was perfect. Thank you!"

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Sea Village
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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