Hawaiʻi Guide

Island of HawaiʻiKona Coast

Sights on the Kona Coast

Kona's dry leeward shore holds some of Hawaiʻi's most important historical sites alongside its clearest snorkeling water.

Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park

Marine sanctuary where Captain Cook landed — and the island's clearest water.

<p>A protected bay ringed by 600-foot cliffs, with the white Captain Cook Monument marking the spot where Cook was killed in 1779. The water is a marine life conservation district; reaching the monument side requires a permitted kayak, a boat tour, or the steep Kaʻawaloa trail.</p>
Time
Half day
  • history
  • snorkel
  • marine sanctuary
19.4808° N · 155.9327° W

Huliheʻe Palace

Seaside royal vacation residence in the middle of Kailua-Kona.

<p>Built in 1838, this oceanfront palace on Aliʻi Drive served Hawaiian royalty as a summer home and now displays Victorian-era furnishings and royal artifacts.</p>
Time
1 hour