Answer: Staying at the Royal Kona Resort can be a great experience, and choosing the right tower really depends on what you prioritize — views, noise levels, or room size.

Answer: If you're looking to shower before flying out from Kailua-Kona on the Island of Hawaii, there are a few options for getting a day pass or access to shower facilities. Here are some recommendations:

Answer: Uber and Lyft are available in Kailua-Kona and are generally considered reliable for getting around the town and surrounding areas. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning to rely on ride-sharing services for an extended stay like yours:

Answer: When arriving at Kona International Airport (KOA) around 9:30 pm, you should have no problem finding a taxi, as they are typically available at the airport at all hours. However, it is always a good idea to plan ahead if you want to ensure a smooth transition from the airport to your hotel, especially if you have specific requirements or if you’re concerned about wait times during late hours.

Answer: It's understandable to be cautious when booking a rental car, especially after seeing negative reviews about specific companies. The car rental experience can vary significantly depending on the location, time of year, and even the individual branch’s management. That said, here are some tips and recommendations based on the experience of past visitors to the Kona airport (KOA):

Answer: Driving a rental car to Kua Bay is certainly possible, but it's important to keep a few things in mind, especially with a Mustang convertible. While the road to Kua Bay is primarily paved, there is a section that can be a bit bumpy and unpaved, depending on the route you take. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Answer: Happy New Year! Kona is a beautiful area to visit, and finding a great home rental will make your stay even more enjoyable. Since you’re looking for a rental within walking distance to town for four adults and two older children, there are several areas and options that would suit your needs perfectly. Here are a few suggestions for you:

Answer: Mauna Kea is one of the most stunning places on the Big Island of Hawaii, offering incredible views and an unforgettable sunset experience. As for the visibility during the Mauna Kea Summit sunset, it can vary depending on a few factors like weather, volcanic activity, and time of year. Here's some information that might help you plan for your visit:

Answer: When looking for a memorable luau experience in Kona, there are several great options to consider. Luaus are a staple of Hawaiian culture, offering a blend of traditional food, music, dance, and entertainment. Here are some top recommendations for luaus in the Kailua-Kona area on the Big Island:

Answer: Many travelers have reported issues with car rental returns at Kailua-Kona Airport, particularly with Budget. Charges for cleaning, especially sand removal, are a common complaint. While some level of cleaning fees is standard if the car is returned excessively dirty, simple sand from a beach vacation is often considered normal wear and should typically not incur additional charges.

Answer: Hi there!

Answer: If you're looking to buy some quality Hawaiian coffee in Kailua-Kona at a good price, you have several great options. Kona coffee is famous for its rich flavor, and there are many local spots where you can get freshly roasted beans. Here are some of the best places to check out:

Answer: Great question — your instincts are pretty good, and there’s a lot of nuance to Kona’s May weather. Here’s a breakdown based on climate data, local patterns, and some on-the-ground experience.

Answer: It's unfortunate that Safeway on Henry Street is closed, but there are still a few grocery stores in the Kailua-Kona area that can help you stock up on supplies. While it seems like some stores are running low on stock, here are a few other options to consider for your grocery shopping:

Answer: The Big Island is an amazing choice for your next Hawaiian adventure, and Kailua-Kona is a popular destination on the western side of the island. It offers a mix of beautiful beaches, great snorkeling, historic sites, and a more relaxed vibe compared to Oahu or Maui. While Kona is certainly a great area to stay, there are other areas on the island you might consider depending on what you're looking for. Here's a breakdown of the different areas and some resort recommendations for you:

Answer: What the Official DLNR / State Parks Website Says:

Answer: Kailua-Kona on the Big Island has a range of grocery stores catering to both locals and visitors. Whether you’re looking for a full-service supermarket, specialty items, or local produce, there are options available throughout town and nearby areas.

Answer: It sounds like you had an extremely frustrating experience with Budget Rent a Car in Kailua-Kona. Long wait times, aggressive upselling, and confusing or inconsistent policies can make car rentals stressful, especially on vacation.

Answer: For a family event near Kailua-Kona with a strong vegetarian/vegan focus, there are several excellent options for both restaurant venues and catering services that can accommodate a group of 20–30 people.

Answer: For a special occasion like a 50th birthday in Kailua-Kona, staying in a beachfront condo with great views is a top priority. Both Kona Reef and Hale Kona Kai are well-regarded options, but they have different vibes and amenities that may influence your choice depending on your preferences and whether you’ll have a car.

Answer: Visiting the Big Island with only five full days can be a bit of a logistical challenge, but with careful planning, you can have a rewarding experience without feeling rushed. Since you are staying at Mauna Lani Point, which is on the Kohala Coast, here are some thoughts for your questions:

Answer: The Four Seasons in Kailua-Kona is surrounded by several excellent dining options with beautiful views and a range of cuisines. You can enjoy restaurants right at the resort or within a 20-minute drive along the Kona coastline. Here’s a detailed overview:

Answer: If you’re flying into Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) on the Big Island and want to rent a car — especially with your Hertz membership — here’s how it works and what to expect in terms of convenience, shuttle-service vs on-site desk, and what you might want to consider.

Answer: Your situation is not uncommon for travelers arriving late into KOA (Kona International Airport). Most car rental agencies at the airport do close around 10:30 pm, which could leave you with limited options for getting your rental car right away. However, here are a few suggestions and considerations:

Answer: Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay, especially near the Captain Cook Monument, is an incredible experience due to the clear waters and vibrant marine life. Here are some tips for entry and exit points:

Answer: Your planned combination of staying 5 nights at the Fairmont Orchid and 2 nights at either King Kamehameha’s Courtyard or the Hilton Waikoloa is a solid plan, especially for a family with kids who want both luxury and convenience. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you decide and make the most of your 7-day trip in Kona.

Answer: Parking your rental car in Kailua-Kona while you're on your cruise can be a bit tricky, but there are a few options to consider. Here's what you need to know:

Answer: Using Lyft on the Big Island can work, but it is not nearly as reliable or plentiful as what you may be used to on O‘ahu or the mainland. Kailua-Kona (KOA) does have rideshare service, but it operates with a much smaller driver base, and Waikoloa in particular can experience long waits or no drivers at certain hours.

Answer: Great question! Renting a car on the Big Island for 11 days when you're coming from outside the U.S. (so, likely not covered by U.S. auto-insurance) means you’ll want a company with good service, reasonable rates, and solid insurance options. Below are some of the top rental companies to consider, plus tips and trade-offs based on recent and traveler-reported experiences.

Answer: Good question. Short answer: no, the lot directly behind where Uncle Billy’s used to be is *not* free parking anymore — it’s now a pay lot. Several recent sources from locals and travelers confirm this.

Answer: The Hele-On bus system is indeed free for all riders and can be a budget-friendly way to explore the Big Island, but traveling from Kailua-Kona to Waimea or Hawaii Volcanoes National Park via public bus is not very straightforward. The bus system primarily serves local routes, and trips to Volcano or Waimea often require multiple connections and careful planning. Here’s what you need to know:

Answer: Both Pacific 19 and Royal Kona are solid options for a 3-night stay in Kailua-Kona, and each has its unique attributes. Below is a comparison of the two to help you make an informed decision:

Answer: Kahaluʻu Beach Park in Kailua-Kona is generally open every day, but there are occasional closures for maintenance or special events. The recent updates you mentioned, including the May 11–19 closure, are specific scheduled closures. Outside of these dates, the park is typically open, including Wednesdays.

Answer: If you're looking for low-key, non-touristy coffee tours on the Big Island with a focus on tasting and educational experiences, there are several excellent, smaller coffee farms and roasters around Kailua-Kona that provide a more intimate and personalized experience. Many of these farms are family-owned and offer tours that delve into the coffee-growing process, from the cultivation of the beans to the roasting techniques, all while allowing you to sample their brews and purchase beans directly from the source. Here are some recommendations:

Answer: Aloha and welcome back to the Big Island! I’m so excited for you to explore and get to know more of what this incredible island has to offer! Staying in South Kona is a great choice – you’ll be close to lots of amazing experiences. Here's a list of must-do activities, as well as a few must-don'ts, to help make your trip even more memorable:

Answer: The Hele-On Bus, specifically Route 201 in Kona, is the public transportation option for traveling down the Kona coast, including stops like Hāhāluʻu for snorkeling. While it is a convenient and economical choice, there are several points to consider for reliability and planning:

Answer: For a relaxing anniversary trip to the Big Island in late October or early November, Kailua-Kona offers several options that can combine ocean views, comfort, and affordability. While King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel is centrally located and often promoted as a budget-friendly oceanfront option, reviews indicate that some rooms may feel dated, and the property can be busy. However, if you find a good deal under $400/night, it could still be a convenient choice.

Answer: Sea Village is a smaller, more intimate condo complex located in Kailua-Kona, which makes it appealing for travelers seeking a quieter and less crowded experience compared to larger resorts. The complex generally attracts guests who prefer a more residential feel, with fewer units and shared amenities than the larger resort-style properties.

Answer: The reason many car rental sites at Kailua-Kona Airport (KOA) indicate "shuttle" for pick-up is because some of the rental car companies operate off-site locations. While there are car rental counters inside the terminal, not all rental agencies have their vehicles available directly at the airport. For those that are off-site, they provide shuttle service to transport customers to their rental locations.

Answer: Visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park from Kona is definitely doable, whether you choose a guided tour or explore independently. The park is safe for visitors, but there are some areas with active volcanic activity, so it’s important to follow posted warnings and stay on marked trails.

Answer: Kailua-Kona has several great beachfront or near-beach casual spots that work well for families, offering good food without breaking the bank. Here are some options to consider for a party of nine:

Answer: For a first-time visit to the Big Island with interests in Volcano National Park, golf, sightseeing, and evening relaxation at restaurants and bars, choosing between Kailua-Kona and the Kohala Coast depends largely on your priorities for walkability versus resort amenities.

Answer: The Manta Ray snorkel experience is one of the most sought-after underwater adventures on the Big Island, and there are two popular sites where you can do it: the Outrigger site (near Kona) and the airport site (often referred to as the Kailua-Kona Airport or “Kona Airport” site). Both locations offer incredible opportunities to swim with manta rays, but they differ slightly in terms of the experience and conditions.

Answer: For a solo older traveler looking for quiet, cleanliness, and good air conditioning in Kailua-Kona, there are several options that might suit your needs better than the Holiday Inn or Marriott Courtyard, especially if you want to avoid the busier, resort-style experience.

Answer: If you're looking for a coffee tour experience on the Island of Hawaii with a full café or restaurant that serves lattes, cappuccinos, and food, you're in luck. The Kona Coffee Belt, particularly around Kailua-Kona, is famous for its rich coffee culture, and many coffee farms offer tours that include a café experience. Here are a few places where you can enjoy both a coffee tour and a sit-down café with food:

Answer: If you’re looking for a quieter stay on the Big Island near white sand beaches without the party scene around Magic Sands, the Kona/Kahaluu and Waikoloa areas offer several options that fit your preference for smaller, more relaxed properties.

Answer: Kailua-Kona offers a variety of hotels and resorts, ranging from luxury properties to smaller boutique stays. Your choice will depend on whether you prioritize oceanfront views, amenities, or proximity to town and dining.

Answer: Swimming with manta rays off Kailua-Kona is a unique and popular experience, but it can be intimidating for someone who is not a strong swimmer. Most manta ray night snorkel tours are designed to accommodate a range of swimming abilities, and companies typically provide some form of flotation device to help participants stay comfortable in the water.

Answer: Parking in Kailua-Kona downtown can indeed be challenging, especially during peak tourist times. The hourly lots near Ali’i Drive and main shopping streets can feel steep, but there are some alternatives to make your visit more convenient and economical.

Answer: For a convenient last night in the Kona area before an early flight, you’ll want a hotel that balances proximity to KOA airport with access to restaurants and a comfortable family-friendly environment. Early June is a good time weather-wise, so you have plenty of options within your budget of $250–$400 per night.

Answer: Great question! If you’re staying on the Kona Coast (near Magic Sands / Laʻaloa Bay), you’re well positioned to enjoy a few very good luau options. Here are some of the top luaus to consider, plus my thoughts on picking the right one for you, and some tips.

Answer: How exciting! Kona is a fantastic place for a family trip with plenty to offer for all ages. Since you’ll be staying near Magic Sands Beach, you’re already in a great location to explore the best that the Big Island has to offer. Here are some suggestions for family-friendly activities and tours that everyone will enjoy:

Answer: It’s unfortunate that you had that experience with the A/C at the Beach Villas Kahaluu condo in Kailua-Kona. While it’s not typical everywhere, there are some specific situations in Hawaii where this kind of A/C control is seen, especially in vacation rentals or condos. Let’s break it down:

Answer: Hawaii has some of the strictest mobile device laws in the U.S., and while it can feel frustrating to receive a citation right after picking up a rental car, the law has been in place statewide for years. Many visitors are unaware because rental car companies don’t always remind drivers, and signage at airports is limited. Still, the rule applies immediately the moment you begin driving—even inside or exiting a rental car lot.