Kailua-Kona Pier

Welcome to the Kailua-Kona Pier. I am pleased to be your guide as we explore the absolute epicenter of the Kona district. …

Just steps away from the bustling activity of the main pier lies a site of profound political and cultural importance: the Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark. The name Kamakahonu translates to 'the turtle eye,' referencing a…

Immediately adjacent to the historic royal compound is Kamakahonu Beach, affectionately known by locals as Kids Beach. This small, pristine crescent of sand is shielded from the open ocean by the protective arm of the Kailua Pier…

Turning our backs to the ocean and looking across Alii Drive, we are confronted by a structure that represents a monumental paradigm shift in Hawaiian history: Mokuaikaua Church. The towering spire and the stark, solid walls of…

Directly across the street from Mokuaikaua Church, sitting elegantly on the waterfront, is Hulihee Palace. The physical proximity of these two historic structures is no accident; together, they formed the religious and royal…

Let us return our focus to the water, specifically the commercial activity radiating outward from the main structure of the pier. Kailua-Kona has masterfully adapted its historic harbor to serve the modern appetite for marine…

As evening approaches, the sensory profile of the pier area shifts dramatically. The smell of salt and diesel fuel is gradually replaced by the rich, savory aromas of roasting meat and tropical fruits. …

As the sun finally dips below the horizon, casting brilliant shades of gold and violet across Kailua Bay, our scholarly tour of the pier and its immediate surroundings concludes. Take a final moment to stand by the water's edge…