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Kailua-Kona: when your ship stops here

A royal coast street, clear water for snorkeling, and the home of Kona coffee.

Facts checked Nov 6, 2026, each with its source. No prices on this page.

Kailua-Kona, usually called just Kona, is the second largest settlement on the island of Hawaii after Hilo, and the largest on the west side. It had 19,713 people at the 2020 census. Our sources do not say whether ships tie up at a pier or send passengers ashore by tender boat, so check with your ship.

Sources: Wikipedia: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; CruiseMapper (a cruise port guide site): Kailua-Kona

Top 3 things to do

  1. 1. Alii Drive and the old royal sites

    The oceanfront street of downtown, starting at Kailua-Kona Pier, named a Hawaii Scenic Byway, Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast. North of the pier are the Kamakahonu royal residence and Ahuena Heiau. Hulihee Palace was used by the royal family until 1914, and Mokuaikaua Church is the first Christian church in Hawaii.

    Tip: Our sources give no walking times along the drive, so go in one direction and leave time to return.

    Sources: Wikipedia: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; CruiseMapper (a cruise port guide site): Kailua-Kona

  2. 2. Snorkel at Kahaluu Bay

    Wikipedia calls Kahaluu Bay a popular snorkeling spot, and a cruise port guide says it has some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii. Laaloa Bay, also called Magic Sands or White Sands Beach, is another beach park.

    Tip: Our sources give no distance from the pier to either bay, so ask how to get there before you leave the ship.

    Sources: Wikipedia: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; CruiseMapper (a cruise port guide site): Kailua-Kona

  3. 3. Kona coffee

    Kona coffee grows on the slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa. The Kona Historical Society runs the Kona Coffee Living History Farm and the H.N. Greenwell Store Museum just south of Kailua-Kona.

    Tip: Our sources give no hours or travel time for the farm, so check before you set out.

    Sources: Wikipedia: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; CruiseMapper (a cruise port guide site): Kailua-Kona

What to skip

  • Honomalino Bay on a ship day

    A cruise port guide says this half mile black sand beach on the southwest coast is reached only by boat or on foot from Milolii, through rainforest and across lava flows, and has no facilities. It is not a quick beach stop.

    Source: CruiseMapper (a cruise port guide site): Kailua-Kona

Before you go ashore

You do not have to book a tour: you are free to go ashore on your own. Royal Caribbean sets the all aboard time about 30 minutes before the ship sails, posts it near the gangway, and says the ship does not wait for guests touring on their own.

Source: Royal Caribbean FAQ: Do I need to book a shore excursion?

Back-to-backs that stop in Kailua-Kona

Back-to-back cruises from these home ports have a stop in Kailua-Kona, from the Royal Caribbean sailings we track:

Sources

Read on Nov 6, 2026. Opening days, hours and rules change: check with the place itself before you go. legtolegcruises.com is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Royal Caribbean International or any place named here.

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