Kailua-Kona is a tender port, since the bay (Kailua Bay) is relatively shallow. The tender boats drop you at Kailua Pier, which is walking distance to a small town that's home to many shops and restaurants. You can also find water sports vendors on the pier who can take you on a boating or jet ski tour. If you want to relax on the beach, there's Kamakahonu Beach within walking distance. Kailua-Kona might be one destination, however, where you choose to rent a car and explore the beaches of the island. One cool thing to see is the black sand beach of Punaluu, but it's about an hour away from the cruise pier by car. A closer beach destination is Kahaluu Beach, which is good for snorkeling; it's about five miles from the town area.

Weather for Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Kailua-Kona Shore Excursions

Kailua-Kona shore excursions include helicopter tours, sailing, snorkeling, rafting, botanical tour, submarine dives and more. You can view and book shore excursions through your cruise line, or through a third-party excursion provider. To request information on third-party excursions, please email us.