Keauhou Resort Area

The Keauhou Resort area has emerged as one of the Big Island’s great affordable destinations, anchored by the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa, the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort and the Outrigger Kanaloa at Kona, which features condo suites. The area is bordered on the south coast by the ancient Likelike Burial Grounds, and on the north coast by beautiful Kahaluu Bay, with the famous Kona coffee country just up the mountain slope.

Outrigger Keauhou Beach. Photo courtesy Big Island Visitor's Bureau.

Keauhou is rich with Hawaiian history and blessed by sunny weather, but also gets enough rainfall to keep the upcountry coffee and fruit farmers happy. Contemporary island traditions such as excellent golf, snorkeling, kayaking and scuba diving abound in this beautiful area south of Kailua-Kona.

Sheraton Keauhou. Photo courtesy Big Island Visitor's Bureau.

Snorkelers and scuba divers won’t want to miss the show put on most nights right offshore of the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa. Gentle manta rays feed near shore in fairly shallow water on microscopic sea life attracted to the hotel lights. Scuba and snorkeling charters offer night boat trips so you can see them up close. Or stay dry and watch them from shore from the Sheraton’s Crystal Blue lounge.

Another great spot to observe sealife without getting wet is the popular honu (green sea turtle) hangout in the shallow tidepools that surround the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort. It’s easy to see why Hawaiian royalty, including the “Merrie Monarch” King David Kalakaua, adored this area. The Outrigger’s replica of King Kalakaua’s summer house is one of the resort’s hidden treasures most people miss.

Captain Cook monument. Photo by Aloha Kayak Co., Big Island Visitor's Bureau.

Within the Keauhou Resort is another historical (and often overlooked) area, the Burial Grounds of Lekeleke and Battle of Kuamoo site. This is where “the ancient religion died in a blaze of musket fire,” according to the signage. A battle erupted after Kamehameha I died and before the missionaries came, fought between Hawaiians: those who wanted to keep the old religious traditions and kapu (taboos) alive, and those who wanted to banish them. Some 300 people lost their lives, and viewing their lava rock burial mounds brings a good case of “chicken skin” (goose bumps). Kamehameha III was born nearby at Keauhou Bay.

At the Sheraton Keauhou, you can get a dramatic glimpse into Hawaiian mythology and history at Kamahao, a show under the stars which captivates audiences several nights a week. Acrobatic interpretations of the volcano goddess Pele, her sister, the snow goddess Poliahu, and other compelling deities and legends, enliven the evening. A scrumptious luau-style dinner is offered during the performance.

A seaside massage at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa. Courtesy of Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa/Ho'ola Spa

You can work off that great meal and others all around the Keauhou Resort area in the Sheraton’s spa and fitness center. The Outrigger Keauhou also has a fitness room, and both Outrigger properties have tennis courts. All three resorts have swimming pools.

All this makes the Keauhou Resort area a great homebase for exploring Kona.