With a population of about 10,000 residents, the town of Kailua is located in the North Kona District of the Island of Hawaii. However, in order to avoid confusion with the Kailua, the town on windward Oahu, the post office designates the Kailua in Kona as Kailua-Kona, even though the locals often refer to the town as just “Kona.” The town is served by the Kona International Airport and is the main center of commerce and tourist destination on the west coast of Hawaii, opposite of Hilo, which is the other large settlement on the island located on the eastern coast.

Fueled by tourism and major investments, Kailua has recently undergone substantial real estate and construction development in the past decade. Today Kailua is home to numerous attractions and hosts the annual Ironman World Championship triathlon and the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament. Kailua is also known for its variety of coffee known as Kona coffee, which is a variety of Coffea arabica cultivated on the nearby slopeds of Mount Hualalai and Mauna Loa. Many of Kailua’s popular sites of interest are located along the town’s main road, Ali’i Drive. Attractions include the Kamakahonu royal residence, Ahu’ena Heiau, Hulihe’e Palace, Mokuaikaua Church, the Sadie Seymour Botanical Gardens, La’aloa Bay and Kahalu’u Bay.