Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Kailua-Kona (Hawaii County, Hawaii; pop. 11,975) sits at 16 m (52 ft) elevation near Kailua-Kona Historic District, with regional transit access via Kona International Airport (12.0 km). Visitors pair Kailua-Kona landmarks with signature Hawaii specialties including Fresh ahi poke bowls with limu & kukui nut and Kalua imu-roasted pig & laulau.
Within Hawaii, Kailua-Kona (Kailua-Kona, HI) serves as a us city in hawaii. Travelers exploring Hawaii often combine a stop in Kailua-Kona with state highlights such as Waikiki Beach & Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, Haleakala & Road to Hana (Maui), Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park (Big Island) & Na Pali Coast (Kauai).
| Fact | Details for Kailua-Kona (Kailua-Kona, HI) |
|---|---|
| City & State | Kailua-Kona, HI |
| County & Role | US City in Hawaii |
| State & Major Hubs | Hawaii (Honolulu (Oahu), Maui, Kauai & Big Island) |
| Population | 11,975 residents |
| Elevation | 16 m (52 ft) above sea level |
| Nearest Airport / Transit Hub | Kona International Airport (12.0 km) |
| Coordinates | 19.6402°N, 155.9991°W |
Getting to Kailua-Kona & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Kona International Airport (12.0 km)): Direct Pacific flights into Honolulu (HNL), Kahului (OGG), Kona (KOA) and Lihue (LIH), plus inter-island Hawaiian/Southwest flights.
- Public transit & contactless payment: Major US metro areas use tap-to-pay cards and mobile wallets (NYC OMNY, SF Clipper, Chicago Ventra, DC SmarTrip, LA TAP), while smaller towns and National Park gateways are best explored by rental car or intercity coach.
- Airlines & baggage rules: Flying domestically into HNL Daniel K. Inouye Airport (Oahu), OGG (Maui), KOA (Kona) & LIH (Kauai)? Check your 22×14×9 inch carry-on and $35 checked bag fees in our TSA & Airline Baggage Checker.
- Driving & National Parks: If your route from Kailua-Kona includes National Parks or Scenic Byways, use our $80 America the Beautiful Pass Calculator to see if the annual pass saves you money.
What Locals Eat in Kailua-Kona (Hawaii)
1. Signature Regional Dish
In Kailua-Kona (Hawaii County, Hawaii), local tables feature: Signature Hawaii dishes—Fresh ahi poke bowls with limu & kukui nut, Kalua imu-roasted pig & laulau, and Plate lunch with loco moco & macaroni salad.
2. Diner, Smokehouse & Market Staples ($14–$28)
Around Kailua-Kona and across Hawaii, local beverage lists highlight: Regional pours and beverages in Hawaii: 100% Kona estate coffee & lilikoi (passionfruit) juice, alongside independent American craft breweries, local roasters, and regional vineyards.
3. Local Craft Beverages & Regional Produce
At farmers markets and specialty shops in Kailua-Kona (Hawaii), look for: Local specialties across Hawaii: Malasadas, haupia coconut pudding & shave ice, farmers-market seasonal produce, and regional smokehouse or bakery traditions.
4. American Dining & Tipping Rhythm (18%–22%)
Classic Hawaii dining—hearty diner or café breakfasts, casual lunch counters and food trucks ($12–$20), and evening neighborhood restaurants where 18%–20% table-service tipping and state/local sales tax apply at checkout. In a smaller American town like Kailua-Kona (pop. 11,975), dining centers around Main Street cafés, family diners, barbecue smokehouses, and seasonal farmers markets; note that rural kitchens in Hawaii County often wrap up dinner service by 20:30–21:00.
GeoNames Local Data: Elevation, Nearest Hub & Neighboring US Cities
- Elevation: 16 m (52 ft) above sea level
- Nearest Airport / Rail Hub: Kona International Airport (12.0 km)
- Nearby Landmarks & Points of Interest: Kailua-Kona Historic Downtown · Hawaii County Courthouse Square
- Local Districts & Neighborhoods: Aloha Kona
5 Nearest Neighboring US Cities & Towns
- Hōlualoa, HI (5.8 km)
- Kahaluu-Keauhou, HI (8.6 km)
- Kalaoa, HI (10.0 km)
- Captain Cook, HI (17.9 km)
- Honaunau-Napoopoo, HI (24.8 km)
Regional Specialties Across Hawaii
- Fresh ahi poke bowls with limu & kukui nut — a signature specialty across Hawaii.
- Kalua imu-roasted pig & laulau — a signature specialty across Hawaii.
- Plate lunch with loco moco & macaroni salad — a signature specialty across Hawaii.
- Malasadas, haupia coconut pudding & shave ice — a signature specialty across Hawaii.
- 100% Kona estate coffee & lilikoi (passionfruit) juice — a signature specialty across Hawaii.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our American English Idioms & Allergy Show-Cards.
Best Time to Visit & Practical Tips for Kailua-Kona
Best time to visit Hawaii: Year-round (Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov best value).
- Sales Tax & Tipping: Menu and shelf prices in Kailua-Kona exclude state and local sales tax. At sit-down restaurants, plan on an 18%–22% pre-tax tip. Use our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
- Cards & Contactless: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere in Kailua-Kona; keep $20–$40 in $1 and $5 bills for hotel bellhops, valet parking, and roadside farm stands.
- Emergency & Visitor Info: Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the US, and dial 511 for state highway and weather road conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Kailua-Kona (Kailua-Kona, HI) located in the United States?
Kailua-Kona (Kailua-Kona, HI) is a us city in Hawaii, United States (coordinates: 19.6402°N, 155.9991°W, elevation: 16 m (52 ft)). It has a population of approximately 11,975.
How do I get to Kailua-Kona by plane, Amtrak, or car?
Most visitors reach Kailua-Kona via Kona International Airport (12.0 km). Direct Pacific flights into Honolulu (HNL), Kahului (OGG), Kona (KOA) and Lihue (LIH), plus inter-island Hawaiian/Southwest flights. You can compare Amtrak fares and passes using our Amtrak & USA Rail Pass Calculator ($).
What local food is Kailua-Kona and Hawaii known for?
In Kailua-Kona and across Hawaii, signature regional dishes include Fresh ahi poke bowls with limu & kukui nut, Kalua imu-roasted pig & laulau, Plate lunch with loco moco & macaroni salad, as well as Malasadas, haupia coconut pudding & shave ice and 100% Kona estate coffee & lilikoi (passionfruit) juice. Remember that menu prices exclude state sales tax and 18–22% tipping—check our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
When is the best time of year to visit Kailua-Kona?
Best time to visit Hawaii: Year-round (Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov best value). Check our US Seasonal Travel Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and National Park crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: