Beach & Island

Kailua Pier

📍 Kailua-Kona, HI, USA

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4/ 5.0

★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location: USA, Big Island
Category: Beach & Island
Duration: 1-2 hours
Opening Hours: Pier open anytime; shops and restaurants vary
Ticket Price: Free to walk the pier
Address: Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Coordinates: 19.6634, -155.9564

Introduction

Kailua Pier stands on Kailua Bay in the Kona district of the Big Island, the most historic landmark of this seaside town. Built in the early 20th century to serve fishing boats and sugarcane shipping, the pier is now the iconic start and finish of the Ironman World Championship, where every October thousands of athletes leap into the blue Pacific to begin the 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike, and 42 km run. The pier area is lined with seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and craft stalls, with free hula and Hawaiian music most evenings in a warm, friendly vibe. Manta ray night dive boats also depart from here, one of the world's most renowned night dives. Whether or not you race the Ironman, Kailua Pier is the best starting point to feel the rhythm of Kona's seaside life.

✨ Highlights

Ironman Start

The iconic start and finish of the Ironman World Championship, drawing elite athletes each October.

Century Fishing Pier

Built in the early 1900s for fishing and sugarcane, the pier holds Kona's maritime economic memory.

Manta Night Dive

Manta ray night dive boats depart here, one of the world's most famous night dives.

Kailua Bay Sunset

Facing the bay, the pier offers Kona's best sunset with fishing boat silhouettes.

Hula Evenings

Restaurants nearby host free hula and Hawaiian music most evenings, warm and lively.

Seafood Hub

Pier-side restaurants serve fresh catch and island fare, Kona's top dining stretch.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best Time：October Ironman or evening sunset

→Transport：Central Kailua-Kona, walkable or by car

→Duration：About 1 to 2 hours

→Night Dive：Manta dive needs advance booking, about $120

→Opening Hours：Pier open anytime; shops and restaurants vary

→Ticket Information：Free to walk the pier

💡 Tips

• Manta night dive is a must; popular slots book 1-2 weeks out, choose a reputable operator.

• October Ironman fills hotels; book six months ahead to watch, or avoid that week.

• Arrive by 5 PM for sunset, browse stalls, and hear music for authentic Kona evening life.

• Pier edges and wet rocks are slippery; keep back from the edge in big waves, watch kids and belongings.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Kailua Pier?

Pier open anytime; shops and restaurants vary

How much is the admission for Kailua Pier?

Free to walk the pier

Any practical tips for visiting Kailua Pier?

Manta night dive is a must; popular slots book 1-2 weeks out, choose a reputable operator. October Ironman fills hotels; book six months ahead to watch, or avoid that week.