Kona Coast

The Kona Coast, as locals refer to the western edge of the Big Island, is full of history. King Kamehameha spent his last years here, and you can see a replica of one of his temples in the fun and funky seaside village of Kailua-Kona. It's easy to imagine why he favored this spot on Kailua Bay. Except for the rare deluge, the sun shines year-round on the Kona Coast. Mornings offer cooler weather, smaller crowds, and more birds singing in the banyan trees. Afternoon and evenings are great for cool drinks, brilliant sunsets, and lazy hours spent gazing out over the ocean. Though there are better beaches north of the town on the Kohala Coast, the Kona Coast is nonetheless home to a few gems.