Kailua Kona is the hub of the Big Island's Kona Coast
Kailua Kona encompasses the western horn of the Kona Coast, on Hawai'i's leeward side. Relative to its size, the Big Island is sparsely populated compared to Maui and Oahu. "The Big Island has a more small-town vibe. We have more aloha here, as we'd call it here," says Realtor Kurtis Becker with Coldwell Banker Island Properties-Kona, a longtime Kailua Kona resident. Downtown Kailua Kona is the area's main city center, home to brands like Kona Brewing and Kona Coffee. Outside downtown, the Kona Coast is just beaches, resorts and residential communities. "The Kona Coast is my favorite spot on the islands because it doesn't get much attention," Becker says. "You get some of the most amazing ocean views in the world for a better deal than you could on Oahu, Kauai or Maui."
Ocean views from beachfront condos and hilltop mansions
The immediate incline from the shoreline to the mountains ensures that views are available from anywhere around Kailua Kona. "Almost every home has ocean and mountain views," Becker says. "It's one of my favorite things about the Kona Coast." Most people live between downtown Kailua Kona and Kahaluu-Keauhou to the south. Condos here range from leasehold units for $90,000 to $9 million luxurious hilltop villas. Leasehold is a standard system in Hawaii, in which the occupant agrees to lease the space for an extended period, while paying rent and other expenses. Single-family home prices begin between $500,000 and $1.5 million for small cottages and large ranch-style homes. Larger Hawaiian-style open-air homes can cost $1.5 million to $3.5 million, while mansions on lush resort properties range from $3.5 million to $10 million. Some of the most expensive homes on the Kona Coast are to the north in the Hualalai Resort and Kukio Golf & Beach Club, around the Four Seasons Hualalai. These expansive resort property mansions epitomize luxurious Hawaiian living, ranging from $7 million to over $20 million.
Kailua-Kona is home to the Big Island's best charter school
Students in Kailua-Kona may begin at Kahakai Elementary, rated a B-minus by Niche. They can continue at C-rated Kealakehe Intermediate and B-rated Kealakehe High. Middle and high schoolers can also apply to West Hawaii Exploration Academy, one of Hawaii's best public charter schools. The academy is 8 miles north of downtown Kailua Kona, next to the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai'i. According to Niche, it's the No. 1 public middle and high school on the Big Island and has the No. 1 public middle and high school teachers in Hawaii. These top-ranked educators combine Hawaii's standard curriculum with project-based learning that develops stewardship and critical thinking skills.
Sea turtle hangouts on the Kona Coast
The volcanic lava flow from Mauna Loa and Kilauea has shaped the Big Island's leeward side and Kona Coast into a dramatic landscape. The volcanic peaks cascade down to lush mountains and shoreline where black volcanic rock meets the Pacific's sapphire waves. The Kona Coast's north shore has popular sandy beaches, like Makalawena Beach. Kahalu'u Beach, 6 miles south of downtown Kailua Kona, is famous for green sea turtles — Honu, as they are known in Native Hawaiian. Its reef is teeming with sea turtles and other marine life, making it great for snorkeling. There are plenty more sandy and rocky beaches around Kailua Kona, and many scenic hiking trails in the mountains above.
Island eateries and farm-to-table coffee in downtown Kailua Kona
Downtown Kailua Kona is packed with shopping and dining, but the coffee shops are the prominent feature. Kona Coffee & Tea is an institution. They serve 100% Kona coffee, grown in the high forests of the Big Island. Kona Brewing has become the city's most recognizable brand. Its flagship brewery is based right here in Kailua Kona. Ali'i Drive is known for its oceanfront eateries. However, locals often opt for plate lunches at Broke da Mouth Grindz and other traditional spots in town like Umekes Fish Market. Kona Inn Shopping Village offers oceanfront shopping on Ali'i Drive, while Kona Commons and other plazas in town offer additional retail. In town, there's also a Target, Safeway and Walmart. Plus, Costco is just north of downtown.
The Kona Coast has renowned resorts, breweries and coffee purveyors
The Kona Coast's beauty is its economic lifeblood. "Most full-time residents work in Hospitality," Becker says. "There are resorts all along the Kona Coast." Hawai'i Route 19, one of the Big Island's belt roads, runs along the Kona Coast, past many hotels and resort properties. The Four Season Hualalai, 15 miles north of downtown Kailua Kona, is one of these world-renowned resorts. "We also have some well-known brands," Becker says. "Kona Brewing and Kona Coffee are based here in Kailua Kona." Residents can also drive 8 miles north of Kailua Kona to Kona International Airport, offering a 45-minute flight to Honolulu.
