Kona, HI, USA cruise holidays

Top landmarks and sights in Kona

 

Huliheʽe Palace

You’ll find this grand royal palace – originally built out of lava rock – centrally located on Aliʽi Drive in Kailua-Kona village, just a short stroll from where your ship’s tender will deliver you ashore.

 

Spanning six rooms and two oceanfront Lanai (outdoor spaces), set within beautifully sculpted grounds, the palace has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973 and is open to visitors on selected weekdays. Once a holiday hideaway to Hawaiian royalty, Huliheʽe Palace now operates as a museum, housing historic artefacts belonging to past monarchs.

 

Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary

A guided walk through Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary is nothing short of magical. One of the only forests of its kind in the world, this rare tropical ecosystem feels almost otherworldly with its towering trees and low-hanging mist drifting through the trails.

 

Visits are by pre-booking only and the route, peppered with endemic plant life and tree roots, features some small inclines, so hardy walking shoes are strongly recommended if you plan on visiting during your Kona port call.

 

Kekaha Kai State Park

Taking a short drive North of Kailua-Kona village brings you to Kekaha Kai State Park, where you’ll encounter some of Hawaii’s best beaches. The park is vast in scale and offers a blend of both black and white sands, depending on which beach you set your sights on.

 

Of those located within the park, Makalawena beach is considered by many to be the best. Inaccessible by road, it requires a hike to get to, but its clear and calm waters are ideal for swimming, while its out-of-the-way location has the added benefit of keeping the crowds at bay.

 

 

Things to do in Kona

 

See how the island’s famous Kona coffee is cultivated

If there’s one thing Kona in Hawaii is famous for it’s coffee. Renowned throughout the world, Kona coffee is one of the island’s biggest exports and frequently ranked among the best gourmet coffees internationally.

 

Taking a tour of a coffee farm while in Kona is the perfect way to see how this acclaimed crop makes it from bean to cup. You’ll find no shortage of coffee tours in the sweeping hillsides just a hop and a skip from Kailua-Kona village, perfect if this activity features highly on your Kona cruise itinerary.

 

Snorkel among manta rays (possible on overnight stays or late evening departures)

One of the most popular and magical Kona experiences has to be snorkelling with manta rays. Widley offered in Kona, these types of tours tend to take place at sunset or after dark when manta rays are at their most active.

 

While this activity won’t be possible on every Hawaii cruise, if your ship is due to stay in Kona late, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to give snorkelling with manta rays a try. With wingspans of up to 16 feet (5 metres) there’s nothing quite like paddling in the moonlight as these gentle giants of the marine world majestically glide by.

 

Visit the nearby town of Captain Cook

Just 12 miles south from Kailua-Kona, where your tender disembarks, you’ll find Captain Cook; a pretty Hawaiian town brimming with charm and history. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to see the island’s famous Captain Cook monument, dedicated to the intrepid British explorer who, along with his crew, sailed into Kealakekua Bay in 1779.

 

Cook was killed in conflict just a month after arriving on the island and a 27-foot white obelisk statue now stands in his honour at the Northern tip of the Bay. Visits are usually by boat tour or kayak, but hiking to the monument is also possible.

 

Eating and drinking in Kona

Hawaii is famous for a few signature dishes and a port call in Kona provides the perfect opportunity to try out one or two.

 

One of the region’s most beloved dishes is Kalua pork, a type of slow roasted pork that’s cooked in an underground oven known as an imu. Always the centrepiece of Hawaiian Luaus (a traditional party with food and entertainment), Kalua pork also features on the menus of many Kona restaurants.

 

Another Hawaiian staple, ideal for fans of seafood, is Poke. Served on a bed of rice, Poke is a cold dish composed of raw fish such as tuna, marinated with Hawaiian sea salt, soy, and sesame oil. It’s usually accompanied by garnishes such as seaweed, sesame seeds, and finely chopped vegetables.

 

If something a little sweeter appeals, Hawaii’s famous shaved ice is sure to hit the spot. The perfect treat to enjoy on a hot day, this simple delicacy (not to be underestimated) combines finely shaved ice with a choice of flavoured syrups. It’s been enjoyed in Hawaii for decades and is easily found in beach shacks and street vendors throughout Kona. 

 

 

Shopping in Kona

If a spot of souvenir shopping while in Kona sounds appealing, look no further than Aliʽi Drive. This coastal road is Kailua-Kona’s beating heart, extending from the Kuakini highway to the nearby town of Captain Cook.

 

In the section extending out from the pier (adjacent to where your tender will drop you off) you’ll find a range of souvenir shops offering a mix of traditional Hawaiian keepsakes. Typical purchases include hats and bags decorated with Water Hyacinth flowers, handmade Aloha pillows, colourful silk sarongs, and jewellery made from seashells.

 

 

Getting around, Kona transport

 

The main thoroughfare of Kona is extremely walkable from the point at which your tender drops you ashore from your ship. You’ll find the main bulk of the region’s eateries, shops, and historic attractions along Aliʽi Drive, the coastal road which runs alongside Kailua Bay. If you want to venture further afield, you’ll find plenty of organised Shore Experiences, which include coach travel.

 

Exploring Hawaii independently is also possible from Kona. The island is linked by the Hele On (Let’s Go) bus, which runs between Kona and Hilo Monday through Saturday. Taxis and popular ride share services also operate locally, and our Shore Experience team on board can also help with arranging bespoke tours and travel plans.

 

Kona port facilities

 

Cruises to Kona anchor in the Kailua Bay, just offshore from the mainland. From here, you’ll be able to take a short complimentary tender from your ship to shore. The tender will drop you at Kailua Pier, right in the heart of town. From here, the town’s main attractions, shops, and restaurants are just a hop and a skip away.

 

Kona quick tips

 

Currency

The local currency in Kona, Hawaii, is the US dollar. ATMs are widely available, and credit and debit cards are accepted in many shops, restaurants, and attractions. Should you prefer to carry a little cash with you, you can also withdraw money from our Currency Exchange on board.

 

Tipping

As a US state, tipping is commonplace in Hawaii, just as it is on the mainland. Standard practice is to tip 15% for average service or 20%-25% for exceptional service. 

 

Weather

The coast of Kona is extremely sunny and dry. In fact, it almost never rains in this part of Hawaii. August tends to be the warmest month and January the coldest. Average temperatures vary from 70˚F to 80˚F (21˚C to 27˚C).