Kailua-Kona
Kona in Focus: Beach Park Battles, Humane Society Buzz & Coffee Controversies Brew!
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Kona in Focus: Beach Park Battles, Humane Society Buzz & Coffee Controversies Brew!
Dive into Kona adventures, events, local spotlights & Kona Coffee—see our photo of the week!
Kona Beat

Kona Beat

Aug 10, 2026

Trivia Question❓

Kahaluʻu Beach Park's ancient lava rock breakwater was built by early Hawaiians — but what was its original purpose?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Kahaluu Bay in Kailua-Kona offers an inviting blend of vibrant marine life, calm waters, and easy accessibility, drawing snorkelers and surfers year-round.

 

Locals and visitors flock here to encounter green sea turtles and colorful fish gliding through the crystal-clear shallows, sheltered by a natural lava reef that keeps waters safe for beginners.

 

Convenient rentals and surf lessons sit just steps from the sand, with recent upgrades enhancing both access and amenities for families and solo adventurers alike.


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Upcoming Events

Each autumn, Kailua-Kona comes alive as the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival returns, filling the town with renewed energy and pride.

 

Locals and visitors gather to honor generations of coffee growers and artisans whose dedication has brought Kona coffee global acclaim.

 

For many families, it’s an emotional celebration of both heritage and the land that sustains their way of life.


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Food Truck Friday at Old Kona Airport Beach Park

Date: Aug 15
Time: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM (some trucks @ 1:00 PM)
Location: Old Kona Airport South Runway, 75-5500 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona

Admission: FREE
Details: Kona's biggest weekly community gathering returns — 20+ local food trucks serving everything from barbecue and Thai to island shave ice and desserts, right on the oceanside runway of Old Kona Airport Park. Part of the County-supported pilot program running through September. Great for families. For more information, please visit the website here.

Kokua Kailua Monthly Village Stroll on Ali'i Drive

Date: Aug 16
Time: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Ali'i Drive, Historic Kailua Village

Admission: FREE
Details: Ali'i Drive closes to cars and becomes a pedestrian-only outdoor marketplace for Kona's beloved monthly village stroll — 100+ vendor booths, local artisans, live music, and waterfront dining. Leashed dogs welcome. Free entertainment on the lawn at Huliheʻe Palace from 4:00 PM. For more information, please visit the website here.

The animal community center in Kailua-Kona is emerging as a beloved gathering spot for west-side residents and their pets.

 

Nestled in Holualoa amid sweeping ocean views and cool breezes, the center’s inviting grounds provide a tranquil respite from central Kona.

 

Spanning over a dozen acres, the campus features Scruffee’s Cat Barn, which offers rescued cats both indoor comfort and safe outdoor enclosures.


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Business Spotlight

Kona coffee is a cherished symbol of Kailua-Kona, deeply rooted in local tradition and community pride.

 

On Holualoa’s fertile slopes of Mount Hualalai, dedicated farmers hand-pick cherries, sun-dry the beans, and roast small batches, capturing the area’s unique volcanic climate in every cup.

 

For more than 25 years, local families have perfected their 100 percent Kona coffee craft, passing down knowledge and stewardship through generations.


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Photo of the Week

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
The ancient lava rock breakwater at Kahaluʻu Bay was built by early Hawaiians as a fishpond wall — not for snorkeling, but to trap and raise fish for the community. By constructing a semi-circular stone barrier across the mouth of the bay, Hawaiian fishermen could control water flow, keep fish contained within the calmer inner bay, and harvest them more efficiently. The breakwater also happened to dramatically calm the waves inside the bay, making it the sheltered snorkeling haven it is today. The Kuʻemanu Heiau (a nearby temple dedicated to the gods of surfing) overlooked the same bay — making Kahaluʻu one of the only known sites in Hawaiʻi associated with both a fishpond and a surfing temple.
Kona Beat

© 2026 Kona Beat.

Kona Beat is your island-inspired community newsletter, sharing the pulse of Kailua-Kona. With a breezy, welcoming tone, it brings together local news, events, hidden gems, and stories that highlight the heart of Hawaii’s Big Island.

© 2026 Kona Beat.