Information
Landmark: Ali'i DriveCity: Kailua Kona
Country: USA Hawaii
Continent: North America
Ali'i Drive, Kailua Kona, USA Hawaii, North America
Overview
In a way, Ali‘i Drive winds for about 7.5 miles along Kailua-Kona’s western shore, where waves slap against black lava rock and palm trees lean toward the sea, moreover it starts at Kailua Pier in the north, where fishing boats rock gently in the water, and winds south to Keauhou Bay, a lively spot for tourism, culture, and recreation.Ali‘i Drive ranks among the Big Island’s most beloved and historic roads, where you can wander past lively shops and art galleries, pause at landmarks steeped in Hawaiian history, gaze out at waves glinting in the sun, and dive into activities from snorkeling and surfing to quiet sunset walks, then starting at Kailua Pier, the northern gateway to Ali‘i Drive, you’ll find a bustling scene of snorkelers splashing into clear water, dive boats heading out, and anglers gearing up for deep-sea fishing-this is also where the Ironman World Championship begins and ends.Funny enough, Just down the road, Hulihe‘e Palace, built in 1838, stands proudly by the ocean, now a museum filled with relics from Hawaii’s royal past, alternatively mokuaikaua Church, the state’s oldest Christian church, showcases traditional Hawaiian architecture and artifacts from the missionary era.At Magic Sands Beach, soft white sand gives way to black lava rock when the surf swells, and bodyboarders race along the shore break, what’s more kahalu‘u Beach Park brims with coral reefs and rainbow-colored fish, with honu drifting lazily nearby, and offers easy parking, restrooms, and picnic spots, for the most part Farther south, Keauhou Bay’s calm water invites kayakers and paddleboarders, while its history as King Kamehameha III’s birthplace lingers in the salty breeze, moreover along the drive, oceanfront restaurants serve fresh poke, kalua pork, or loco moco as the sun sinks behind the horizon; Kona coffee shops fill the air with a rich, nutty aroma; galleries and boutiques offer everything from hand-carved koa wood bowls to bright aloha shirts; and scattered along the route are ancient temples and archaeological sites once reserved for Hawaiian royalty.Snorkel in the clear waters at Kahalu‘u Beach Park, catch waves or glide on a paddleboard at Kahalu‘u Bay or Keauhou Bay, and hop on a boat from Kailua Pier for a manta ray night dive, dolphin cruise, or winter whale watching, in addition stroll or jog along flat, breezy Ali‘i Drive with the ocean at your side, and pause at roadside pull-offs or open-air cafés to watch the sun melt into the horizon.Parking’s scarce in busy spots, so aim for public lots, and visit early or late to dodge the crowds, while show respect at sacred sites and around marine life, keep cool with water and a reef-safe sunscreen, and expect traffic during peak hours.Nearby, explore Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau’s royal grounds, wander the Kona Coffee Living History Farm, or hike or paddle to the Captain Cook Monument for superb snorkeling, in addition ali‘i Drive blends history, culture, and Hawaii’s vivid natural beauty.Whether you’re wandering past centuries-vintage temples, skimming over turquoise waves, or just feeling the warmth of the aloha spirit, the Big Island belongs on every traveler’s list.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-09-10
