Kealakekua

Travel 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 honor 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 kilometers) south from Kailua in the Kona region. The bay is 6.2 miles (9.9 kilometers) farther southeast from the village.

Gingerhill Farm Retreat
Gingerhill Farm Retreat
3 out of 5
81-6467 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HI
The price is €191 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
€191
includes taxes & fees
22 Mar - 23 Mar
Stay at this 3-star farm stay in Kealakekua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Greenwell Farms and H.N. Greenwell Store Museum ...
9/10 Wonderful! (57 reviews)
"The property was gorgeous, tucked back off the beaten path! It had everything we needed to relax while adventuring on the big island!"

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2025

Gingerhill Farm Retreat
HALEKII SUNSET: BEAUTIFUL 4 BEDROOM HOME IN LUSH KEALAKEKUA
HALEKII SUNSET: BEAUTIFUL 4 BEDROOM HOME IN LUSH KEALAKEKUA
Kealakekua
Stay at this vacation home in Kealakekua. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Magic Sands Beach and Aloha Performing Arts Center are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
Good Place to Stay
"We were very comfortable in this home. The location was convenient. It was very clean. Communication with the rental agent was excellent."

Reviewed on 14 Feb 2025

HALEKII SUNSET: BEAUTIFUL 4 BEDROOM HOME IN LUSH KEALAKEKUA
Royal Kona Resort
Royal Kona Resort
3.5 out of 5
75-5852 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI
The price is €238 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
€238
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,529 reviews)
"It was fine."

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2025

Royal Kona Resort
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.
HALEKII SUNSET: BEAUTIFUL 4 BEDROOM HOME IN LUSH KEALAKEKUA
HALEKII SUNSET: BEAUTIFUL 4 BEDROOM HOME IN LUSH KEALAKEKUA
Kealakekua
Stay at this vacation home in Kealakekua. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Magic Sands Beach and Aloha Performing Arts Center are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
Good Place to Stay
"We were very comfortable in this home. The location was convenient. It was very clean. Communication with the rental agent was excellent."

Reviewed on 14 Feb 2025

HALEKII SUNSET: BEAUTIFUL 4 BEDROOM HOME IN LUSH KEALAKEKUA
Royal Sea Cliff Kona by OUTRIGGER
Royal Sea Cliff Kona by OUTRIGGER
3 out of 5
75-6040 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI
Stay at this condo in Kailua-Kona. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (500 reviews)
"Will definitely go back. Our room was spacious with three sliding doors onto two big decks. One deck was covered for meals and one open for sun tanning. Clean, great tv channels is always a bonus. Staff very friendly. Complex just gorgeous. Pool was great too."

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2025

Royal Sea Cliff Kona by OUTRIGGER
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! (1,066 reviews)
"We had a great beach view."

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2025

Aston Kona by the Sea
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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