Home to some of the most stunning beaches, attractions and natural wonders in all of Hawaii, the city of Kailua-Kona on the Big Island is a perfect place to visit for sun worshippers and anyone with a penchant for relaxation. You can rent a car from Kona International Airport and be experiencing all this picturesque, sun-soaked and vibrant destination has to offer in no time at all, with its rich history, breathtaking scenery and amazing local cuisine all to be explored.
A former vacation home for Hawaiian royalty, the Hulihe'e Palace offers a glimpse into the luxurious side of Hawaii and is a great attraction for anyone with a taste for the finer things in life. Complete with stunning architecture, furniture and artifacts, the property is open to the public and can be found in the heart of Kailua-Kona.
When you rent a car in Kona it opens up a whole world of options to explore. One of the best natural wonders to be seen in the area is the impressive Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. It offers educational tours delving into the history of Hawaii's indigenous people, as well as delivering stunning scenery that will leave you breathless.
Offering white sandy beaches that are perfect for sun worshippers, the Magic Sands Beach Park also offers snorkelling and plenty of big waves for surfing enthusiasts. There's also bodyboarding and boogie boards for the kids, with the beautiful surroundings a fantastic place to simply hang out and soak up the glorious Pacific sun.
The highest point in the state of Hawaii, Mauna Kea Summit offers amazing views for guests and rises to a staggering 14,000 ft above sea level. You can reach the summit using your Kona car rental in approximately four hours, but be prepared that the air gets thin when you reach the top. Mauna Kea was once an active volcano, but its last eruption is estimated to have happened around 4,000 years ago. Today, however, it remains a stunning viewpoint and a must-visit during any trip to the Big Island.
Located in the west of Hawaii's Big Island and around a two-hour drive from Kailua-Kona, the village of Honomu is a step back in time for visitors and provides a glimpse into the past of Hawaii. Guests can enjoy everything from locally-grown coffee to picking up a perfect Hawaiian souvenir, before heading off to the nearby Akaka Falls to sample the amazing and picturesque cascades that are just a short hike from the village.
Ensconced in a rocky outcrop just 20 minutes north of Kailua-Kona, the white sandy shores of Manini'owali Beach offer some of the best opportunities for visitors to catch a glimpse of local marine wildlife. Turtles and dolphins are regularly seen in the nearby waters, while the soft, white sand and clear, blue ocean make this a fantastic place to simply kick back and relax on a hot Hawaiian afternoon.
With glorious sunshine throughout the year, renting a convertible can be a perfect way to experience all that Hawaii has to offer.
Kona International Airport
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July, with 294 hours on average.
September, with 88 mm on average.
Kona Coffee Festival, Ironman World Championships, Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament