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Kailua-Kona

Hawaii

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Ukeleles at Holualoa Ukulele.  Kailua Kona.

Overview

Kailua-Kona, also known as ‘Kailua,’ ‘Kona Town’ and sometimes just ‘Town,’ is a love-it-or-leave-it kind of place. On the main drag of Aliʻi Dr, along the shoreline, Kailua works hard to evoke the nonchalance of a sun-drenched tropical getaway, but in an injection-molded, bargain-priced way.

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Must-see attractions

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