🇺🇸 Kailua-Kona, USA — Cruise Port Guide
On the Big Island's sunny west coast, Kona is famed for its coffee farms, calm snorkeling bays, and unforgettable manta ray night dives.
Updated September 2026
Quick facts
Getting ashore
When to visit Kailua-Kona
Dry season (roughly May-October) is generally best; summer highs run mid-to-high 80s°F, winter mid-70s to low 80s°F, with occasional showers November-April.
Getting back to the ship on time
Tender lines back to the ship can back up quickly late in the day, especially after a remote volcano or waterfall tour, so aim to be at the pier at least an hour before the last tender.
All-aboard is ship's time — check it in the daily programme, and set your watch to it.
Things to do in Kailua-Kona
Kona coffee farm tour
Tour a hillside plantation and taste world-famous Kona coffee at the source.
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay
Snorkel crystal waters and the Captain Cook Monument marine reserve.
Manta ray night snorkel
Watch giant manta rays glide beneath you on an evening ocean trip.
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau
Explore the sacred 'Place of Refuge' national historical park and temples.
Historic Kailua village
Stroll Aliʻi Drive, Huliheʻe Palace, and Mokuʻaikaua Church.
Kahaluʻu Beach snorkel
Snorkel a calm bay with sea turtles and abundant reef fish.
Popular excursions
Place of Refuge & Painted Church
Sacred Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau royal grounds, tikis and coastal lava.
What to eat
- Kona coffee
- Poke
- Kalua pork
- Loco moco
- Malasadas
Weather by month
Best time to visit: Year-round
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 82° | 64° | 1.6" |
| Feb | 82° | 64° | 1.4" |
| Mar | 82° | 65° | 1.7" |
| Apr | 83° | 66° | 1.4" |
| May | 84° | 68° | 1.4" |
| Jun | 85° | 70° | 1.2" |
| Jul | 86° | 71° | 1.5" |
| Aug | 87° | 71° | 1.9" |
| Sep | 87° | 70° | 1.7" |
| Oct | 86° | 70° | 1.6" |
| Nov | 84° | 68° | 1.4" |
| Dec | 82° | 66° | 1.5" |
Local phrases
A little history
Kona is Hawaii's coffee capital; the volcanic-slope 'Kona belt' produces prized single-origin beans.
The 'aloha spirit' shapes daily life — kindness, patience, and respect for others.
Tipping is standard US-style — 15–20% at restaurants and for tour guides.
This is a tender port; ships anchor offshore and small boats ferry guests ashore.