Kailua-Kona v. Kohala?

Question

Hello. My husband and I are visiting the Big Island in two weeks (yes, very last minute!) and we’d like to get your recommendations on where to stay. We’ve been to Oahu and Maui but first time on Big Island. We’re spending a total of 7 nights (spending one night at Volcano House). We will be renting a car and our budget is around $450. Our interest are VNP, golf, and general sightseeing. We’d like a property within walking distance to a bunch of restaurants, as we like to relax and enjoy a few drinks at dinner after a long day out, without having to worry about driving or taking an Uber. When we were on Maui, we stayed at Outrigger Kaanapali and being close to Whalers Village was a big plus. Is there something like that in Kailua-Kona or Kohala coast?

Answer

For a first-time visit to the Big Island with interests in Volcano National Park, golf, sightseeing, and evening relaxation at restaurants and bars, choosing between Kailua-Kona and the Kohala Coast depends largely on your priorities for walkability versus resort amenities.

Kailua-Kona: This town offers the most convenience if you want to stay within walking distance of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and small shops. The Kailua-Kona coastline has several condo complexes, boutique hotels, and inns right near Aliʻi Drive, which is the main strip with plenty of dining and nightlife options. Staying here gives you the feeling of a small Hawaiian town with easy evening access, similar to your Maui experience near Whalers Village.

However, Kailua-Kona doesn’t have large luxury resorts with all-inclusive amenities like some parts of Maui, but for a couple who wants to explore during the day and relax locally at night, it works very well. Golf courses such as Kona Country Club and Makalei Golf Club are within reasonable driving distance.

Kohala Coast: This area is famous for its luxury resorts (Mauna Kea, Mauna Lani, Hapuna Beach, Waikoloa Beach Resort). The resorts have world-class golf courses and amenities, but most properties are spread out along the coastline. While the resorts themselves may have excellent restaurants, walkability outside the resort is very limited, and you would almost always need a car or resort shuttle for anything beyond your property. The Kohala Coast is more about resort luxury, beaches, and golf rather than a walkable “town” experience.

Kailua-Kona pros: Walkable town with restaurants and bars, easy access to shops and coffee farms, convenient evening dining, central location for sightseeing around the west coast of the island.
Kailua-Kona cons: Smaller beaches, fewer resort-style amenities, limited high-end resort options.
Kohala Coast pros: Stunning beaches, high-end resorts, world-class golf courses, luxurious pool and spa amenities.
Kohala Coast cons: Not walkable, everything requires driving or resort transport, nightlife limited to resort options.

Given your desire to be able to walk to restaurants and enjoy evening drinks without driving, Kailua-Kona is likely the better choice for your 7-night stay. You can rent a car to explore Volcano National Park, beaches, and golf during the day, and then come back to a town setting that allows for a relaxed evening stroll and casual dinners. The Kohala Coast is ideal if your focus was golf and resort-style relaxation rather than town walkability.

For your budget of around $450 per night, Kailua-Kona also offers a range of condos and small boutique hotels within that range, whereas Kohala Coast resorts may exceed this depending on availability, especially last-minute.

Kailua-Kona v. Kohala?

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