Ali'i Drive is a scenic waterfront panorama, nestled between rows of souvenir and curio shops, sidewalk cafes, and a long lava rock sea wall. Take the time and explore Ali'i Drive. You could visit Kailua-Kona a dozen times and find something new, tucked-away along this sea-side lane. Watch the boats and fishermen at the Kailua pier. Take a walk along the sea wall, keeping an eye out for crabs, fish, sea turtles, and breaking waves. There are shady lawns along the sea wall to watch the marvelous Kona sunsets. Walk down the seaside lane and feel the lure of tempting aromas coming from the many charming open air street-side restaurants. Dining outdoors while watching the beautiful Pacific sunset is commonplace, and always spectacular.
There are plenty of shops along Ali'i Drive for your visit to Kona. The Kona Inn Shopping Village on the waterfront has over 65 shops including gift shops, Hawaiin specialty stores, art galleries and some excellent restaurants. Outdoor markets are local and tourist favorites because they have a wide variety of items from frsh produce to fresh Hawaiian flowers to sourveniers and tourist trinkets.
Perched at the edge of Kailua Bay, on Alii Drive in Kailua - Kona, Hulihe'e Palace was the vacation residence of Hawaiian royalty. Today it is a museum operated by the Daughters of Hawai'i and is a showplace of beautiful furniture and fascinating artifacts.
There are several nice beaches along Ali'i Drive. There is a small strip of white sand at the edge of the sea wall in Kailua Bay, on the south side of the pier - the waters are clear and calm, this is a great place for small kids or adults who want to swim in the protected swim area. In the mornings you will find many fitness-minded persons swimming up and down the roped-off swimming area - this is the same area that the Ironman Triathlon swim event begins!
There are several other wonderful beaches on Ali'i Drive. On the north side of Kailua Pier is Kamakahonu Beach, right in front of the King Kam hotel. Further south down Ali'i Drive is Kona Magic Sands Beach, a small white-sand beach with nice body-boarding waves. Beyond that is Kahalu'u Beach Park a perfect family beach with some of the best snorkeling on the Island.
Learn more about this Area.
Area of Alli Drive, information site
Area of Alli Drive, HI Chamber of Commerce
County of Alli Drive, official site
State of Hawaii official site