Royal Caribbean in Hawaii • Best FREE Things to Do in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii • Anthem of the Seas
Wondering what to do in Kailua-Kona without booking expensive cruise excursions? In this port guide, we show you the best free and cheap things to do within walking distance of the Kona cruise pier on Hawaii’s Big Island! Sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas, we skipped the pricey tour packages and explored Kailua-Kona on our own. From navigating the tender boat process to finding a free hidden beach and walking historic Aliʻi Drive, here is everything you need to know for a stress-free day in port. What we cover in this guide: • How the tender boat process works at the Kailua-Kona port (and why getting your ticket early matters) • Kamakahonu Beach: A free, calm-water swimming spot just steps from the pier • Walking and shopping along Aliʻi Drive: 100% Kona coffee samples, local macadamia nuts, Hawaiian chocolate, and souvenirs • Historic sites to see on foot: Huliheʻe Palace and Mokuaikaua Church • Bonus port atmosphere: Soaking in the energy of the IRONMAN World Championship • Essential Kona cruise tips: Tender all-aboard safety buffers, cash needs, and staying hydrated. Have you visited Kailua-Kona on a cruise? Did you book an excursion or explore town on your own? Let us know in the comments below! Chapters 0:00 Kailua-Kona Cruise Port Overview 0:20 Tender Process in Kona 1:33 Free Beach Close to the Pier (Kamakahonu Beach) 2:55 Exploring Aliʻi Drive on Foot 3:28 Kona Coffee & Souvenirs 4:20 Historic Sights: Huliheʻe Palace & Mokuaikaua Church 5:48 IRONMAN World Championship in Kona! 6:31 Important Cruise Tips: All-Aboard Buffer & Cash Needs 7:35 DIY Port Day vs. Shore Excursions Subscribe to CruiseAholics Anonymous for more cruise tips, ship tours, and port guides! #KailuaKona #HawaiiCruise #RoyalCaribbean #AnthemOfTheSeas #CruiseTips #BigIslandHawaii #PortGuide