North Kona Furnished Rentals
Kailua-Kona, Keauhou, and the coffee village of Hōlualoa: the Big Island’s sunniest, busiest, and most convenient place to settle in for a month or more.
North Kona in brief: the dry, sunny west side of the Big Island, centered on Kailua-Kona. It has the island’s largest choice of furnished condos and homes, its biggest airport, and most everyday shopping within a short drive. Expect higher rents than the east side, a car for most errands, and occasional vog.
Last reviewed November 2026 · By the Hawaii Monthly Rental team
North Kona at a Glance
| Good fit for | First-timers, remote workers, snowbirds, and anyone who wants shops, beaches, and the airport close by |
|---|---|
| Main areas | Kailua-Kona, Keauhou, Hōlualoa, and the neighborhoods near the airport in Kalaoa |
| Climate | Hot, dry, and sunny at the coast; cooler, greener, and cloudier in the afternoons upslope |
| Getting around | A car for most errands; limited Hele-On bus service |
| Airport | Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA), about 15 minutes north of Kailua-Kona |
| Health care | Kona Community Hospital in Kealakekua (South Kona), plus urgent care clinics in Kailua-Kona |
| Everyday shopping | The island’s widest choice: Costco, Target, Safeway, KTA, and farmers markets |
| Internet | Cable and fiber are common in town; ask about speeds in rural upslope homes |
| Rental terms | Listings start at 30 days, and each owner sets their minimum. See rental rules by island . |
Living in North Kona
Most people who come to the Big Island for a while start here, and it’s easy to see why. Mornings are reliably sunny, the ocean is a few minutes from almost everywhere, and you can run every errand in one trip to town. Kona International Airport sits just north of Kailua-Kona, with direct flights to the West Coast.
Where you stay shapes your days. Living makai (toward the ocean) means heat, sunsets, and walkable beaches. Living mauka (toward the mountain) means cooler nights, afternoon clouds, and more room for the money.
Neighborhoods
- Kailua-Kona and Aliʻi Drive: oceanfront condos, the historic village, restaurants, and the busiest part of the coast.
- Keauhou: quieter resort and condo communities at the south end of Aliʻi Drive, near Keauhou Bay.
- Hōlualoa and upslope: homes on the slopes of Hualālai among coffee farms and galleries, cooler and greener than the coast.
- Kalaoa, near the airport: residential neighborhoods with more single-family homes and a short drive to the northern beaches.
Worth your time
Highlights
- Historic Kailua Village on Aliʻi Drive, including Huliheʻe Palace
- Kahaluʻu Beach Park in Keauhou, one of the island’s easiest snorkel spots
- Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park , with fishponds, petroglyphs, and resting sea turtles
- White sand beaches at Kekaha Kai State Park , north of the airport
- Hōlualoa’s coffee farms and art galleries
Before you sign
Good to Know
- Rents run higher here than on the east side of the island.
- Traffic on Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway and Aliʻi Drive can be slow at rush hour.
- When Kīlauea is active, vog (volcanic haze) often drifts to Kona. Check the vog dashboard if you’re sensitive to it.
- Many oceanfront condos sit in the tsunami evacuation zone. Note your route out.
- Ask which utilities are included. Electricity costs far more here than on the mainland.
North Kona Listings
We’re welcoming our first North Kona owners and property managers now. Furnished homes and condos will appear here with the monthly rate, the owner’s minimum stay, and availability up front.
Own a furnished rental in North Kona? List it at no cost during our launch .
North Kona FAQ
Is North Kona a good base for a month or more?
For most people, yes. It has the most furnished rentals on the island, reliable sunshine, the main airport, and the widest choice of groceries, gyms, and restaurants. If you want quieter, greener, or cheaper, look at South Kona, Hāmākua, or the Hilo side.
How long are rentals here?
Our listings start at 30 days, and each owner sets their own minimum. County rules shape how long many homes in residential areas can rent for, so see our rental rules by island for the general picture.
Do I need a car in North Kona?
Almost certainly. A few spots along Aliʻi Drive are walkable, but beaches, groceries, and the airport are spread out. The county’s Hele-On bus runs limited routes.
Where is the nearest hospital?
Kona Community Hospital is in Kealakekua, about 25 minutes south of Kailua-Kona. Urgent care clinics in town handle most everyday needs.
Coast or upslope: which is better?
It depends on how you like your weather. The coast is hot, dry, and close to the water. Upslope homes in Hōlualoa and above are cooler and greener, often with more space, but expect afternoon clouds and a longer drive to the beach.