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 ₹5,741 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹5,741
₹14,408 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (73 reviews)
"Peaceful and quiet, a great place to unplug and detach from the modern world and all its amenities. The only down side is the outdoor shower. Basically you have to shower early while the sun is still out. We came back late to our cottage and opted to shower in the morning."

Reviewed on 9 Jun 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 ₹16,798 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹16,798
₹22,361 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
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! (2,620 reviews)
"A room with a large balcony so you can really enjoy the sea and breezes makes the Royal Kona a very special experience. I’m glad to see the renovations going on that will keep this hotel a landmark on the Kona coast."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 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 ₹23,689 per night from 8 Aug to 9 Aug
₹23,689
₹31,508 total
8 Aug - 9 Aug
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)
"My husband and I stayed at this resort for a week. They recently renovated it, and were doing some construction during our trip but it had minimal impact on our stay. The front desk staff, house keeping, restaurant staff and person to assist with planning trips were all amazingly friendly and extremely ..."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 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! (1,099 reviews)
"Good location"

Reviewed on 16 Jul 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (25 reviews)
"Loved the oceanfront unit, enjoyed the amazing sunset scenery from the balcony."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Kona Bali Kai
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! (445 reviews)
"We’ve stayed here many times and love it. This was the first time the room wasn’t ready at check in and we had to wait two hours for it to be cleaned. A big bummer after a 6 hour flight but staff was very gracious and gave us complimentary ac for our troubles. Wish I could say the room was clean ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Castle Kanaloa at 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.

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