Staying in Kailua-Kona & Waikoloa?

Question

Hi, we can’t decide between staying in Kailua or Waikoloa. Both sound like they have things to offer. We will be on the island for 8 nights. Would it make sense to split our time between both places? (We are flying in/out of Kona, and plan to only spend a day in Hilo.) Thank you.

Answer

Aloha! It's great that you're planning to spend 8 nights on the Big Island – there's so much to explore, and both Kailua-Kona and Waikoloa are fantastic bases with unique advantages. Here's a breakdown of each area and whether it makes sense to split your time between both:

Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona is a lively town located on the west coast of the island. It’s known for its vibrant atmosphere, shopping, dining, and historic sites. It’s also a great spot for beaches and water activities. Some key highlights:

Shopping & Dining: Kona has a wide range of restaurants, from casual eateries to upscale dining. There are also plenty of shops and local markets where you can pick up souvenirs and enjoy the atmosphere.
Beaches & Water Sports: Kailua-Kona is home to some beautiful beaches, like Kailua Beach and Magic Sands Beach, which are great for snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing.
Historic Sites: You can visit landmarks like the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park and the Kona Coffee Living History Farm, both offering a glimpse into the island’s history and culture.
Touring: Kailua-Kona is a good base for many tours, including boat trips to see dolphins, snorkel with manta rays, or explore coffee plantations. It's also the departure point for many night-time manta ray snorkel tours.

Waikoloa
Waikoloa is located further north along the coast, near some of the most luxurious resorts and stunning beaches. It’s quieter and more relaxed than Kailua-Kona, but still offers plenty to do. Key highlights of staying in Waikoloa:

Resorts & Spas: Waikoloa has several luxury resorts, including the Hilton Waikoloa Village and the Waikoloa Beach Marriott. These resorts offer extensive amenities, including pools, spas, golf courses, and beautiful beachfront areas.
Beaches: Waikoloa has some of the best beaches for swimming and snorkeling, such as Anaeho'omalu Bay (A-Bay) and the nearby Beach 69. These beaches are less crowded compared to Kailua-Kona’s beaches.
Quiet and Scenic: Waikoloa is more laid-back and less touristy than Kailua-Kona, making it a perfect choice if you’re looking for relaxation and access to nature, with hiking trails and scenic spots like the Waikoloa petroglyph fields.
Golf: If you’re into golf, Waikoloa is home to some of the best courses on the island, including the Waikoloa Beach Course and the Kings’ Course at the Waikoloa Beach Resort.

Should You Split Your Time Between Both Locations?
Given that you have 8 nights, it could make sense to split your time between Kailua-Kona and Waikoloa, especially if you want to experience both the lively atmosphere of Kailua-Kona and the tranquility of Waikoloa. Here’s a suggested split:

4 nights in Kailua-Kona: You can enjoy the town’s vibrancy, visit historic sites, and explore the beaches and water activities. Kailua-Kona is a great base for activities like manta ray snorkeling, boat tours, and exploring coffee farms.
4 nights in Waikoloa: Enjoy the luxury resorts, quiet beaches, and a slower pace. Waikoloa is perfect for more relaxing activities, with easy access to scenic spots like the petroglyph fields and A-Bay, and you can enjoy hiking in nearby areas.

Alternatively: If you prefer not to move between two locations, you can pick one base, either Kailua-Kona or Waikoloa, and do day trips to explore the other area and nearby attractions like the beaches, waterfalls, and Volcano National Park. For example, Waikoloa is about a 30-minute drive from Kailua-Kona, so you can easily visit the other area without much hassle.

In Conclusion: Both Kailua-Kona and Waikoloa offer distinct experiences, so splitting your time would give you the best of both worlds – lively town life and peaceful relaxation. However, if you prefer staying in one place for the entirety of your stay, either option will still provide a great base for exploring the island. Enjoy your trip to the Big Island!