Ali'i Drive
Ali'i Drive
4
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
202 within 5 kms
Attractions
104 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
951 reviews
Excellent
414
Very good
367
Average
126
Poor
34
Terrible
10
RCdeCruiser
Ashland, OR151 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
All'i Drive is a really nice walk from the Marriott for several blocks to the south. Lots of shopping and places to eat. Farmer's market is walking distance from Marriott. Another farmer's market is much further south on All'i Drive, accessible by car unless you want a long walk. Very pleasant walk with historic buildings in the first stretch from the Marriott. Highly recommend to those visiting Kona, especially if coming via cruise ship, as cruise ship tenders put in right at Marriott.
Written 31 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
G C
Anchorage, AK1,000 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
This seaside road winds its way along the coast from the Marriott at the north end, southward to the Sheraton (and continues all the down to Napoopoo Rd in Kealakekua)... most of the shops and eateries are located towards the northern end, and are easily visited on foot (or via the inexpensive Honu Trolley — their schedule is available on the web). Gift stores, coffee shops, historic sites, art galleries, tour operators, cafes/restaurants, bars, etc are all here :)) We especially like to stroll at sunset and during the evenings, when you can listen to live music while walking beneath the big old trees... In the central area, look for parking (free or paid) to the east a block behind the main thoroughfare (note: finding a parking spot can be challenging during the busy mid day period). Enjoy!
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jeff178
Princeton, WV203 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
1st time to
after a long frustrating 7 hour flight I hoped to began seeing the beautiful island and enjoy all the money we had saved.
It was about 7pm and as we turned up this street, all we could see was homeless ice heads hanging out and roller skating out in front of our car. What the....?
We finally got to or condo and settled in. The next day we
walked about a half mile back down Alii to the shops. It is breathtaking and beautiful. But the homeless still just chilling on their phones and mumbling to ya as you walk past. Made us very
uncomfortable and unsafe.
The shops were nice and prices reasonable, I thought. This was a one time trip for us so we wanted to.explore. Just beware, I think if they removed the icee's it would be much better.
after a long frustrating 7 hour flight I hoped to began seeing the beautiful island and enjoy all the money we had saved.
It was about 7pm and as we turned up this street, all we could see was homeless ice heads hanging out and roller skating out in front of our car. What the....?
We finally got to or condo and settled in. The next day we
walked about a half mile back down Alii to the shops. It is breathtaking and beautiful. But the homeless still just chilling on their phones and mumbling to ya as you walk past. Made us very
uncomfortable and unsafe.
The shops were nice and prices reasonable, I thought. This was a one time trip for us so we wanted to.explore. Just beware, I think if they removed the icee's it would be much better.
Written 5 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
P_from_97222
4 contributions
Oct 2022
We have been annual visitors to the shops and store on Ali’s Drive. Loved hitting the restaurants to watch a sunset or two.
We went for the first time this year and all the public parking is gone. Only pay lots. The cost is $12/hr and none of the businesses have the authority to validate.
$12 an hour, is the management company trying to kill tourism? I am not going back.
We went for the first time this year and all the public parking is gone. Only pay lots. The cost is $12/hr and none of the businesses have the authority to validate.
$12 an hour, is the management company trying to kill tourism? I am not going back.
Written 19 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
114maryeliz
Garland, TX3 contributions
Jun 2022
We stayed 8 days and nights in a wonderful condo called Kona Bali Kai on Ali'i Dr. Actual address was Honolua but also Kona. Right next to it was Da Pioke' Shack, delicious fresh poke! There was a lovely pool in the courtyard of the condo, a quiet place to stay, very clean and well kept place. Our condo had 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. We drove to Volcano Nat'l Park, toured a coffee farm, drove to the Southernmost point of the island Ka''le ( Naalehu). Also drove up North to Hawi village. Went to Hilo and drove up North and around back to Kona. Ate 3 times in Kona at Magics Beach Grill- delicious food and great ocean view. Had a great meal at Huggo's, too. Loved Kona, would like to move there! Wonderful kind, polite nice respectful friendly people everywhere! Also went to 4 thrift shops in Kona!
Written 16 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cloning D
16 contributions
May 2022
First time there we went to the public lot near the farmers market. I found the $28 for two hours of parking absolutely ridiculous. Found free parking in subsequent visits. Not sure why the vendors in the markets would tolerate having tourists pay that much to visit their typical tourist shops,
Written 2 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
warrenbruin
Tehachapi, CA158 contributions
Dec 2024 • Friends
Even though the traffic can slow things down, it actually makes it easier to notice all the interesting activity going on constantly as you cruise along this shoreline thoroughfare.
Parking can be confusing, so if you have to pay, go where the shops validate for 90 minutes free when a modest $10 is spent. We parked behind the ABC Store at Coconut Grove Center. There was a public bathroom (with a code to get in provided by any seller in the area), and a great gelato place (Gypsea Gelato) right there as well.
This is a lively street most of the day and night, so enjoy some fast-paced fun here!
Parking can be confusing, so if you have to pay, go where the shops validate for 90 minutes free when a modest $10 is spent. We parked behind the ABC Store at Coconut Grove Center. There was a public bathroom (with a code to get in provided by any seller in the area), and a great gelato place (Gypsea Gelato) right there as well.
This is a lively street most of the day and night, so enjoy some fast-paced fun here!
Written 24 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda C
Moorpark, CA1,041 contributions
Jan 2020
Having seen all the major sights on Kona during a previous trip. we decided to spend our cruise ship day walking and relaxing on the main street, where there are shops, restaurants, a palace, a church, flea market, and art galleries. Hulihee Palace is especially nice and the drinks by the water at Kona Inn were good. It's a very easy walk from where the cruise ships tender.
Written 24 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RainSeattleMom
Issaquah, WA523 contributions
Apr 2021
Family with two teens spent an afternoon here, and loved it! We parked in the free lot across from the Farmers Market, which we enjoyed. We went to a couple thrift shops, the beautiful Kona Inn Shopping Village, walked past the palace and church, and ended up having lunch at the Kona Brewery. My 16 year-old said it was her favorite day. We bought lots of stuff. I was pleasantly surprised to see it is rebounding from the pandemic, and most things were open. Merchants were all super nice. I recommend doing research before coming here so that you have a plan and some idea of what you want to do. We walked all over so wear comfortable shoes and cool clothing. And don't forget your mask.
Written 20 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry Vraniak
2 contributions
Feb 2021
Every time of day on Ali'i Drive is different. Early morning, walkers, runners, bikers and just characters. Midday, heavy traffic, slower pace but easier to enjoy the surroundings including the different ocean openings along the road. Evening, late walkers, different light shows along the way at hotels, rentals and homes. Lastly, beautiful sunsets at various locations along the way.
Written 22 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yes right up the hill going towards town, you can even rent a Harley by the day have fun!
Written 6 September 2019
Hello,
Looking for recommendations:
My husband and I will be bringing our 9 month old to the Kona area in October. We haven't booked accommodations yet and are looking for recommendations. The Kailua-Kona area and Ali'i road sounds great but further details or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
We'd like a location that allows us to walk to the beach as well as have an evening stroll near commercial area for dinners and cocktails.
Thank you,
Written 11 June 2019
With a 9 month old, one might consider staying at King Kamehameha’s Courtyard Marriott. The hotel is literally steps from Kona’s calmest, most protected beach, with a shallow sandy bottom, very family friendly. The hotel also has a family friendly swimming pool, featuring a pool bar and grill with convenient poolside service. Rooms have minifridges, and there is a laundry facility on site (bring quarters). There are several in house places to eat, get light fare or coffee. All in all very convenient for a family with small children. The King Kam is also on Alii Drive, a short walk to the Kona Brewery, a wide variety of shops and restaurants, and several historical pointes of interest. We have stayed there many times, and love the quiet atmosphere and convenience.
Written 12 June 2019
If you are referring to the street fair that takes place every month, I believe it is held on the third Sunday of each month on Ali'i Drive.
Written 13 January 2019
Hello. Does anybody have details about a hop on hop off bus in Kona please?
Written 6 July 2017
Google Kona Trolley for the schedule of pickup and drop off points along Alii Drive.
Written 26 April 2018
Open Wednesday through Sundays 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. This site will now allow me to send you the link for the market so Google Kona Farmer's Market, they have a web site with pictures.
Written 28 March 2017
hamstercos
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Is this in walking distance from the area where the NCL cruise ships dock?
Written 2 February 2017
Aloha :) The large cruise ships anchor offshore of downtown Kona, and they use small boats to ferry passengers to shore -- they land at the Kona Pier, which is at the northern starting point for Ali'i Drive, and many shops, eateries, and historic sights are nearby this spot (= EZ to reach on foot :). If you want to venture further south on Ali'i Drive, there's a public trolley which can take you all the way down to Keauhou Bay (it will pass by White Sands Beach, etc.)... this is an alternative means of transport vs. taxis, etc. Enjoy your Kona visit!
Written 2 February 2017
How late are shop open till on
Weekends?
Written 5 September 2016
most shops open late ..depending on how many people are around..usually open til 9...bars stay open till midnight..
Written 5 September 2016
How long would it take to walk this Drive? I read people driving it and it's also walkable. Avoiding the driving if it's too crowded. walking is probably best.
Written 20 March 2016
I agree with everyone, although we were at the far, far end (Sheraton Kona) so we didn't walk it ourselves.
Written 21 March 2016
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