FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Perched above the lava-rock cliffs of the Kona Coast of Hawaii's Big Island, Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa is located 15 miles south of Kona International Airport (KOA). The drive is about 30 minutes by auto or Uber depending on the time of day.

Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa offers island-inspired dining and culinary experiences with fresh seafood, tropical drinks, and ocean views. Enjoy Hawaiian and American fare made from the freshest island ingredients and live music at Wailele Café. Lounge in the sun with local food and drinks from the Holua Poolside Bar and Lounge. The resort also offers event catering, In-room dining (returning soon) and the best happy hour in Kona.

Yes. The Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa features the largest convention center on the Kona Coast. The resort offers a stunning ballroom for receptions, weddings and events, ocean-view meeting rooms, a garden courtyard, and the dramatic Pa‘aki Point. The grand lawn overlooking Keauhou Bay is the perfect place for parties and live entertainment.

Events are supported by an expert staff, state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and catering that uses the freshest ingredients sourced from Big Island farmers and fishermen. Visit our meeting and events page for easy planning.

Hawaii offers two commercial airports that serve the travelers, including Kona International Airport on the west side of the island, and Hilo International Airport. Kona International Airport is closest to the Outrigger Resort and Spa.

To drive around the Island of Hawaii will take about eight hours. If you follow the coast, it's about 300 miles to drive around the Big Island. If you want to stop and explore, or cut across, the drive will take longer.

Uber ride sharing is offered in Kona and throughout the Big Island of Hawaii, with service to both international airports on island. Uber has designated pick up locations at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) and Hilo International Airport (ITO).

The original Kona Brewery in located in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. The famous Kona Brewing Co. offers two taprooms - the Kona Brewpub right next to the brewery and one on the island of Oahu. The Kona Brewpub offers fresh Kona beer, local food, and aloha spirit, just 8 miles (20 minutes) north of the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa.

Yes! Kona is safe for travelers and residents and crime rates are much lower than most cities across the United States. While Kona is very safe to travel around, visitors should always follow these safety tips:

• Use a credit card or bank card to avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Leave your valuables in your hotel room safe
• Don't leave items unattended on the beach
• Don't share too much information about yourself with strangers
• If you are keeping items in the trunk of your car, put them in before your destination
• Keep your hotel door and glass door to the lanai locked
• Always keep your cellphone and charger with you
• Use front pockets for your wallet and key cards
• Travel in groups and plan your itinerary ahead of time

The sun-kissed Kona Coast is a vacation paradise on the western shores of the Big Island of Hawaii. This beautiful region offers exciting attractions, cultural sites, beaches, waterfalls, golf courses, volcanoes, and endless adventures. Our favorite things to do in Kona include:

• Snorkeling with manta rays in Keauhou Bay
• Touring Kona coffee farms
• Historic Kailua Village shopping and dining
• Tasting local beer at the Kona Brewing Company and Ola Brewing Co.
• Cruising to Kealakekua Bay and its spectacular coral reef
• Flying over Volcanoes National Park and the Ring of Fire
• Stargazing at the Mauna Kea summit
• Experiencing Hawaiian culture at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

Located on the Big Island's west coast, Kailua-Kona and the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa are 76.6 miles or a 1:45 minute drive from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park via HI-11/Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, to Kaleiopapa St. Our concierge can assist with transportation and directions.

The best place to see dolphins and swim with these amazing creatures is on the Kona Coast of the Island of Hawaii. Spinner dolphins in Hawaii rest in the shallow, sandy-bottom bays along the Kona Coast during the day (10 am - 2 pm). The bays provide protection from deep-water predators and rich offshore feeding grounds at night. The Kona Coast offers several dolphin tours, which can be reserved through Outrigger's concierge. 

The best places to see dolphins in Kona are: 

Makako Bay, next to Kona International Airport

Kealakekua Bay, south of Kona and one of the best snorkeling spots on the island

Honaunau Bay, a great snorkeling spot next to Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Park

Kauhako Bay, 23 miles south of Kona above Ho'okena Beach Park

The climate above the resort is ideal for coffee with many farms just 15 minutes away

Kona Country Club is a championship 18-hole course with stunning ocean views, located adjacent to the resort. The course is one of the top-ranked golf courses in Hawaii with lush wide fairways, natural lava rocks, and blue water.

Keauhou Bay and Harbor is an easy 5-minute stroll from the resort and feature a marina for boating, fishing and manta ray tours.

Downtown Kona with various shops and Oceanside restaurants is a 15 minute drive from the hotel