Kailua Pier has been a hub of local ocean activity since 1918. Although most fishing boats now use Honokohau Harbor, charters and cruises still launch from this facility, and recreational, shopping and dining opportunities abound.
Construction of the pier and its seawall originally began in 1900. The stones used here were recycled from ancient Hawaiian royal palace walls and gun-turreted forts. When the structures were rebuilt in 1950, stones were scavenged from the enormous stonewall that once surrounded Ahu'ena Heiau Temple. Concrete pylons were poured at that time, too, and trees were planted along the pier to help beautify the downtown area. The most recent renovations were completed 2003-2004.
The seawall runs all the way from the pier to the Old Kona Inn. It is not unusual to see children and old-timers cast lines from the wall, as the fishing is especially good in this area and particularly so behind the Hulihee Palace and the Inn. The seawall also affords protection to the shore during heavy seas and big storms, when waves of up to twenty feet high come crashing in from the Pacific.
From several points along the seawall, the "boil'' of undersea springs can be seen about 20~60 feet offshore. These springs derive from fresh water discharged by aquifers that collect it from the mountains and convey it all the way to their intersection with the seafloor. In ancient times, Hawaiian divers would take sealed gourds down into these springs to collect fresh water. Nowadays, giant sea turtles can sometimes be seen swimming in it, which helps kill the parasites and algae that grow on their skin and shells.
One enduring feature of Kailua Pier is Kamakahonu Rock, a huge boulder that served as the landing point for Congregationalist missionaries from Boston in 1820. It is sometimes referred to as the "Plymouth Rock'' of Hawaii. Its name means "eye of the turtle'' and it can still be accessed beneath the modern-day pier, where it serves as a footing.
From Kailua Pier, outrigger canoe teams launch their craft for practice sessions, paragliders set off for their skyward adventures, tour boats depart daily, and cruise lines pull in for tourists to disembark. Every day around 4pm, the local catch of the day is brought in, usually huge marlin, including many record setters. Swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking are possible right next to the pier, too.
Each October some 1,500 international athletes dive into the waters from the pier as part of the 2.4-mile swim that starts the annual Ironman Triathlon. The Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament takes place here in July. This is a busy, fully functioning port throughout the year, with all manner of souvenir shops and restaurants close at hand.
Among the many businesses offering services from Kailua Pier are Blue Sea Cruises with their glass-bottom Spirit of Kona, Evening on the Reef Dinner Cruises, AM and PM Dolphin Adventures, Whale Watches, and Wet n Wild Sea Adventure for snorkelers. For sunset views and seaboard meals, Captain Beans' Polynesian Dinner Cruise and the Island Grill Sunset Fun Cruise launch from the pier daily. And Kailua Bay Charter Company offers tours hourly, beginning at 10:30am each day, aboard the 36-foot glass-bottom Marian.
Kailua Pier is located next to King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel and the seawall runs between the pier and Hulihee Palace on Alii Drive. The address is 75-5660 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740. Limited free parking is available.
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