Location is everything in real estate, and the Big Island is so vast, with so many different areas, that where you buy really matters. This blog is the next in the series of Big Island Areas, and I am highlighting Kona, specifically the neighborhoods close to downtown and Aliʻi Drive.
Kona is so different than the Kohala Coast. A lot is going on, and you are close to everything. That is one of the best things about living in Kona, Hawaii.
Location
Kona is one of the two largest population centers on the island; the other is Hilo. It feels more like a normal residential town, not a resort area, though Kona also has plenty of resort-like communities. People actually live here, go to work, and do their daily business. Of course, there are a lot of tourists, but tourism doesn’t feel like the town’s main vibe.
The town is fairly large and stretches from Kaloko mountainsides down to the ocean and south towards Captain Cook. In Kona, you can be close to the ocean and still have Costco, Target, Walmart, Long’s Drugs, grocery stores, medical services, schools, banks, and all the normal things you need close by.
Close To the Ocean
If you are in the main part of town, near Alii Drive, the beaches are right there.
Driving along this famous oceanside road in Kona, you will pass Magic Sands, Kahaluʻu, Lyman’s, Banyan’s, and little beach access points here and there. There are places to swim, snorkel, paddle, surf, have a picnic, or sit and watch the sunset. So many different spots to explore and enjoy that you never really get tired of it!
Two well-known surf breaks, Lyman’s and Banyan’s, are located right here. Many famous Hawaiian surfers started there.
History Is Everywhere
This part of Kona also has a lot of history. You may see ancient wall remnants, temple ruins, and other historical sites, often unmarked landscapes left by people living here hundreds of years prior.
Kāmoa Point and Lyman’s Beach are nearby. A compound run by powerful Hawaiian chiefesses once occupied the area, where only women were allowed.
Kamehameha I, along with other members of Hawaiian royalty, is said to have surfed here and entertained the ladies; legend has it surfing actually originated here, and Lyman’s is still surfed today.
Oftentimes you drive by, see people in the water, and so much history sits right there in front of you.
Continue on Alii Drive towards downtown, and you see historical churches, Huliheʻe Royal Palace, marketplaces, and the blue ocean, ever-changing yet always there for centuries.
Kona Coffee
Hōlualoa and Kona coffee country sit right above town and are another part of Kona history and present.
Just a short drive away are beautiful coffee farms, cooler air, winding roads, and coffee trees. Some farms offer tours and tastings, so you can drink Kona coffee where it is actually grown.
Heavenly Hawaiian is one of the best farms to visit and delivers some of the best Kona coffee. Their medium roast Kona Joy is definitely worth the short drive.
Farmers’ Markets, Fresh Food, and Events
The Keauhou Farmers Market on Saturday morning is another favorite. Fresh produce, flowers, honey, breads, macadamia nuts, Kona coffee, and lots of local things at reasonable prices. Go early before the good stuff sells out, and enjoy the market, live music, talking to vendors, and tasting their goodies.
Kona also has plenty of restaurants, food trucks, coffee shops, markets, fairs, music, and events during the year. Arise Kona Bakery in the Kona Industrial Area is the best place for fresh bread and pastries, Fireart Cuisine serves the best Chinese food on the island, and Royal Kona Resort offers an amazing oceanfront setting for lunches, dinners, and tropical cocktails.
Kona Stroll Market happens every second or third Sunday of the month and is absolutely the best place to find local artisanal goods and gifts.
You really don’t have to go far.
Living in Kona, Hawaii: This Home Is Right In the Middle of It
That’s why this property’s location is so great.
Beautifully renovated, ocean-view, single-level home in Keauhou View Estates!
Just 3 blocks from the beach, this home offers blue ocean views and sits in a sweet little neighborhood close to everything!
Three bedrooms, two baths, a detached 2-car garage, new appliances, Quartz countertops, luxury vinyl flooring, freshly painted, and split AC in the bedrooms and the spacious great room.
Loaded with a 24-panel photovoltaic owned system and Tesla Powerwall & inverter!
That is a big plus here.
The Seller has created a path to ownership with a $5,000 credit to the Buyers in escrow with an acceptable offer.
Ready to move in and enjoy.
And the location really speaks for itself.
This is your chance to own your own home in beautiful Kailua-Kona!
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