The warmest place in America holds a royal, volcanic history

Nature · Published 20 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Kailua-Kona is a land of extremes: it holds the record for the highest low temperature in the United States, yet it served as the seat of power for a unified kingdom. From volcanic slopes to royal fishponds, this tropical haven balances a rugged geological past with a sophisticated cultural legacy.

Located on the west-central coast of the island of Hawaii, Kailua-Kona is defined by its unique geography. Situated on the leeward side of the Hualalai volcano, the town is naturally sheltered from heavy rains and winds. This positioning contributes to its tropical, semi-arid climate, where it holds the distinction of being the warmest place in the United States during the month of January. Despite its warmth, the region is relatively dry, receiving an average annual precipitation of only 18.93 inches.

The area’s historical significance is rooted in the rise of the Hawaiian Kingdom. King Kamehameha I established the town as his seat of government in the early 19th century after consolidating rule over the archipelago. It served as the capital of the unified Kingdom of Hawaiʻi before the seat of power shifted to Lāhainā and eventually Honolulu. The region was also a site of early European contact; explorer Capt. James Cook landed at Kailua in 1779, an event that preceded his death on a nearby beach.

Beyond its political history, the region is a hub for diverse industries and conservation. The Kona district is famous for its coffee, grown on private plots at elevations between 1,000 and 2,000 feet on the slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa. In the late 20th century, the area transitioned from a small fishing village into a major resort destination. Today, it balances tourism with environmental preservation, including the 1,160-acre Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park and the Pālamanui Community Forest, which protects native trees.

The town also faces significant geological realities. It was the closest major settlement to the 2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake epicenter. While it enjoys a stable, warm environment most of the year, it remains subject to the island's volcanic activity, which can occasionally send vog—volcanic gas and ash—drifting across the coast depending on the winds and the activity of the Kilauea volcano.

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