Kailua Pier and Kamakahonu Beach, Kona

Kailua Pier and Kamakahonu Beach are dreamy spots! The water is crystal clear by the pier and it's so tempting to jump in! People swim and snorkel here on the south side of the pier and enjoy wonderful views of the church steeple and the high mountains backing the bay. On the north side of the pier is Kamakahonu Beach, a calm cove with a hei'au, Hawaiian holy temple, right there in the water. To me it almost looks like a giant chess board! This beach is also called King Kamehameha Beach because it is the beach for King Kamehameha Beach Hotel. Waves gently lap the shore while palm trees sway, and little kids play in the sand. This is a wonderful place to swim in the late afternoon, and then catch some snippets of live music from the Island Breeze Luau that takes place on the lawn. 

You can rent kayaks or standup paddleboards at the beach, or take a glassbottom boat ride from the pier (see info below). 
Kona has many homeless people, and the shower block at the pier feels unsafe at night.
This is the northernmost spot on Alii Drive, the main street of Kona town. Walk down it, checking out the shops and cafes.

Directions

Kailua Pier and Kamakahonu Beach are located on the far northern end of Alii Drive, the main oceanfront street of Kona.
Kona Glassbottom Boat, $67 per person.
Atlantis Submarines Kona, located in the King Kamehameha Beach Hotel. 
Kona Boys Rentals Shack, located at the beach. Open daily 8-5.

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