Facility Overview
Situated in the historic Keauhou district of Kailua-Kona on the Kona Coast of Hawaii\'s Big Island, the Public Parking Lot at Keauhou Bay provides vital ocean-access parking for both island residents and visitors. This surface-level, open-air parking facility offers straightforward, ground-level vehicle stalls directly adjacent to Keauhou Bay, the Keauhou Boat Harbor, and historic shoreline points. Because it is an open sky lot without overhead beams, height barriers, or multi-story structures, it easily accommodates standard compacts, rental sedans, full-size SUVs, lifted four-wheel-drive island pickup trucks, and passenger vans commonly outfitted for water sports gear.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Keauhou Bay is internationally renowned as one of the premier gathering and departure hubs on the Big Island for water-based activities and Hawaiian cultural heritage. From this parking lot, visitors are within immediate walking distance of:
- Keauhou Boat Harbor & Dive Charters: Step right to the docks for world-famous manta ray night snorkeling and scuba tours, catamaran sails, fishing charters, and dolphin excursions.
- King Kamehameha III Birthplace: A registered National Historic Landmark and memorial site honoring Kauikeaouli (Kamehameha III), situated just steps along the scenic bay shoreline.
- Keauhou Canoe Club: Adjacent launching point for traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe teams and shoreline paddling.
- Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa: Located just a brief 5-to-10 minute walk (approx. 0.3 miles) up along Kaleiopapa Street, offering oceanfront dining at Rays on the Bay and cultural walking tours.
- Keauhou Shopping Center: Located approximately 1.5 miles uphill via Kamehameha III Road, featuring groceries, pharmacies, casual eateries, and local movie theaters.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Drivers reach the parking area by following Aliʻi Drive or Mamalahoa Bypass / Kuakini Highway southward, turning onto Kamehameha III Road down toward Keauhou Bay, and proceeding along Kaleiopapa Street directly to the water. Ingress and egress are straightforward via wide two-lane asphalt approaches, though drivers should maintain cautious speeds due to pedestrians carrying scuba gear, paddleboards, and kayaks. Public transit is accessible via the islandwide Hele-On Bus service (including the Kona Tropics and South Kona routes), which services bus stops along nearby Kamehameha III Road and Aliʻi Drive, connecting travelers between Kailua Village and Keauhou.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Open-Air Surface Stalls: Unrestricted overhead clearance suitable for vehicles with rooftop surf racks, luggage boxes, and tall rental vans.
- Direct Coastal Access: Positioned immediately next to the boat launch ramp, shoreline walkways, and charter check-in booths.
- Designated Accessible Spaces: Marked ADA parking stalls positioned for level access to the harbor walkway and restrooms.
- Public Restrooms & Outdoor Showers: Basic county beach and harbor park facilities available within a short walk around the bayfront.
- Illuminated Stalls: Street lighting providing visibility during early morning fishing launches and late-evening returns from manta ray boat tours.
Ideal For
- Manta Ray Snorkel & Dive Enthusiasts: Anyone booked on evening snorkel and scuba tours departing from the harbor piers.
- Kayakers & Paddlers: Boaters launching personal paddle crafts or outrigger canoes onto the sheltered waters of Keauhou Bay.
- Cultural & Heritage Visitors: History buffs visiting the preserved royal birth site of King Kamehameha III.
- Kona Coast Sightseers: Travelers cruising south from central Kailua-Kona looking to enjoy an authentic, scenic oceanfront pause away from busy resort crowds.
Visitor & Driver Tips
Space in this lot is in exceptionally high demand between 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM, when multiple commercial tour catamarans depart for evening manta ray excursions. If you are joining a sunset or night tour, aim to arrive 30 to 45 minutes prior to check-in to secure a spot without rushing. Always lock your rental vehicle, roll up windows, and store all personal valuables, bags, and electronics completely out of sight in your trunk before heading out onto the water.
