By: Nicole Rosania, travel content creator and writer at The Abroad Blog

Kailua-Kona is the main town in the Kona region of the Big Island of Hawaii. Located on the west coast of the island, this area is famous for its white sand beaches, manta ray excursions, and history. Plus, Kona has the island’s largest international airport, the Kona International Airport.

How Big Is Kona?

The region of Kona is the largest part of the island, however, the town is only about 20 square miles in size. It is recommended to have a car so you can access the beaches up and down the west coast of the Big Island, and so you can venture to the east coast where the town of Hilo is located. 

However, the town of Kailua-Kona is pretty walkable! Ali’i Drive is the main road that runs through the town that hugs the coast. Here you can find plenty of shops, restaurants, and nightlife options. Several historic sites are also located here, including the Huliheʻe Palace and Mokuʻaikaua Church. Seeing these sites and taking a walking tour are definitely two of the top activities in Kona!

Best Places To Stay In Kona

There’s a few things to consider if you’re wondering about the best places to stay in Kona. First, since the town and area are so walkable and easy to access from the international airport — just about a 10 minute drive, you should base yourself near the town.

The Mango Sunset BnB is a quaint bed & breakfast located just a 15 minute drive from the airport, making it a convenient place to stay before a flight out. Additionally, the BnB offers authentic coffee farm tours, delicious and homemade farm-to-table breakfasts, and one of the most serene stays on the island — consider basing yourself here for your entire duration on the Big Island.

Mango Sunset BnB is a newly restored and renovated boutique hotel in Kona, Hawaii. It’s located up a private driveway on a hill, on a lush Kona coffee farm. If you’re looking for a tranquil escape from downtown Kona that is still within a close proximity of the area’s top sights, restaurants, bars, and shops, definitely stay here!

The BnB offers Hawaiian-inspired guest rooms that face both the ocean and a tropical garden. I was able to tour both types of suites during my recent visit to the Big Island and was so impressed by the decor, views, and cleanliness of the property.

When considering the best places to stay in Kona, you should also factor in homemade breakfast! While there are a few cafes in downtown Kona, I recommend taking advantage of the homemade breakfast that is served at the Mango Sunset BnB. Each morning, guests can expect a TWO course, unique breakfast — included with your stay! Ingredients are sourced locally from the farm.

Some of my favorite meals included banana pancakes, the omelet, and a delicious French toast casserole. Guests can also enjoy several cups of Kona coffee each morning at breakfast, which is served in a lush tropical garden.

Where To Stay In Kona: Near The Restaurants

Aside from enjoying the activities in Kona, it will be helpful to be within walking distance or close driving distance of the town for meals! During my recent trip to Kona, I ended up going out to dinner most nights in downtown Kona. 

Some of my favorite restaurants here were:

• Sushi Sam: This was the BEST sushi I’ve ever had, hands down. You must come here at least twice during your vacation to Kona, Hawaii.

• Huggo’s On The Rocks: This casual, seaside restaurant is one of my top picks for watching the sunset on the Big Island. 

• Kai’s: Another seaside restaurant located off Ali’i Drive in downtown Kona. This place is affordable, delicious, and has incredible oceanfront views. They have a full cocktail bar and also have the best pizzas and fish tacos. The owners of Mango Sunset BnB recommended this restaurant to my friend and I, and now I want to recommend it to you!

• Greenflash Coffee: Go here and order a latte with their macadamia nut coffee syrup and coconut milk… it tastes so Hawaiian!

All of these restaurants are located within the downtown Kona area and are about a 10-15 minute drive from the Mango Sunset BnB.

Where To Stay In Kona: Near The Kona Activities

Another reason why the Mango Sunset BnB is the best place to stay in Kona is because of its close proximity to the best Kona activities! From the Mango Sunset BnB, you can access the marina where the manta ray diving takes place.

Swim With Manta Rays

This HAS to be at the VERY top of my list of the best things to do in Kona, Hawaii! Did you know that Kona, Hawaii is the only place in the world where you can snorkel and swim with wild manta rays? 

These tours run nightly. Once at the marina, you’ll board a boat and travel for 15 minutes in the dark until you reach the manta’s feeding spot. Here, your guides will provide wetsuits, snorkel equipment, anchor the boat, and use blue light to attract plankton, which in turn — attracts the rays. 

You can hold onto noodles and a raft as you watch the gentle giants dance and twirl right below you!

Go To The Beach

From the Mango Sunset BnB, you’ll also be within 10-15 minutes to some of the prettiest beaches in the world. Some of my favorites were Queen’s Baths and Magic Sands!

For a more robust list of things to do during your vacation to the Big Island, check out this complete guide to the best activities in Kona. 

Ready to book your stay at the Mango Sunset BnB? Head to the website to secure your reservation — P.S., you’ll save $$$ by booking direct!