Wondering if you need a rental car in Kona? Here’s what’s walkable from downtown Kailua-Kona, when a car is worth having, and the best way to explore Hawaiʻi Island.
There really isn’t a bad time to visit the Big Island, but if you’re wondering about the best time to visit Kailua-Kona, September through November has a lot going for it. Summer vacation crowds begin to ease, the water is still warm, the days are long enough to pack in plenty of exploring, and Kailua-Kona remains exactly what most people came to Hawaii for in the first place: sunshine, ocean, great food, and the ability to slow down for a while. If you’re thinking about a fa
Updated August 23, 2026 If you have an upcoming trip to Hawaiʻi and have been watching the recent weather news, you may understandably have questions. After Hurricane Lala brought destructive flooding and damaging winds to parts of Hawaiʻi earlier this month, another tropical system, Tropical Storm Moke, is now passing south of the islands. For anyone planning a stay in Kona, the headlines can be worrying. But there is an important piece of context that is easy to miss from m
Downtown Kailua-Kona, Keauhou or the Kohala Coast? Each offers a very different Big Island experience. Here's how to choose the right home base for your trip.
Explore recurring farmers markets around Kailua-Kona, beginning with the walkable Kona Farmers Market near Kona Vista Paradise and continuing to Keauhou, Hoʻoulu, and South Kona.
