West-facing, Kailua Pier is a great place to grab a Hawaiian sunset. Many of Kailua-Kona’s restaurants, shops, and bars can also be found right here alongside historical gems like Hulihee Palace—so when you come here, make a day of it.
Even beyond outfitters, views, and history, this area offers some of Kona’s most accessible snorkeling and diving. You can access a small coral reef right off the shore, filling the waters with tropical creatures. If you do snorkel here, go with a buddy, and rent a dive flag before heading out to avoid trouble with boats.
Cruise ships are allowed at Kailua Pier on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Avoid those days if you’d like to avoid larger crowds.
Snorkeling is allowed off the beaches around the pier. That being said, boats tend to call the shots here, so make sure you have a dive flag to stay safe.
There’s no parking on the pier itself, but there are several nearby lots and plenty of street parking around the area.
The pier has public showers and restrooms.
Most visitors will drive to Kailua Pier or walk from their hotel (the Courtyard by Marriott is right here). Right in Kailua-Kona, the pier is easily accessible from the Hawaii Belt Road (HI-19), about 7 miles (11 kilometers) south of the Kona International Airport. If you’re here for an excursion with an outfitter, they’ll likely give you specific directions on where to park.
If you’re here for a scheduled adventure, be sure to arrive early to find parking, locate your destination, and mill around; you might want to spend a few minutes checking out Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark, the thatched residence of King Kamehameha I. Get here after 4pm and you might spot people weighing their massive catches of the day.
Though boats certainly still take advantage of Kailua Pier, this area has grown into a destination for many besides captains and anglers. Kona’s biggest events take place here, from the annual IRONMAN World Championship and Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament to the Kona Surf Film Festival and Kona Brewers Festival. You might just run into a party when you visit.
