The Kona Coffee Belt above the town — farmed for generations by Japanese-American families — is the only place in the United States where coffee is grown at commercial scale.
Kailua-Kona was the capital of the unified Hawaiian Kingdom from 1812 to 1819 — King Kamehameha I lived at Kamakahonu and died there on May 8, 1819.
Why People Visit Kailua-Kona Hawaiʻi
Kona offers culture beside calm ocean days. Visitors enjoy palaces, petroglyphs, and bayfront sidewalks. It is sunny, walkable, and rich with island stories. Travelers find year round appeal in parks, paths, and public spaces. The setting combines natural beauty with accessible neighborhoods and landmarks. History and everyday culture sit side by side in a welcoming way. Visitors can plan relaxed mornings and unhurried afternoons without missing key sights.
