The Alii Cove complex is right on the edge of town, so you can walk to beaches, food, drinks, and entertainment. No need to catch Uber or a cab back home after a night on the town. You can just walk. In the morning take a stroll down to the Kailua pier and back. Stand at the end of it and see the tropical fish RIGHT THERE. It's like standing over a salt water aquarium. You can catch breakfast at Lava Java, Fish Hopper, Kalikala, or Huggos on the way home.
Honl's Beach (where boogie boarding was born) is a 5-minute walk from the condo. Just go toward the ocean, out the gate that encloses the complex, cross Alii Drive and turn right. Honl's Beach is about 200 steps north. You can have a sunset picnic on Honl's Beach. We think that's one of the best uses for the beach chairs and cooler we provide.
If you are interested in night live, walk to Don's Mai Tai Bar (live Hawaiian music every Thursday night with an incredible ocean-side location), Huggo's, On the Rock's, Humpy's, Laverne's and more. Some places require reservations, so it's a good idea to call ahead and check.
But if you have a car, you can drive south to the volcanoes and historical areas, east to Hilo, and north to resorts and beautiful beaches. Don't miss Hapuna Beach, about 30 minutes north of the condo. The 'Turtle Beach' is about 5 miles south of the condo along Alii Drive. Great snorkeling there.
Speaking of driving...Costco with its gas station is about 15 minutes away. It has the lowest gas prices we have found. Of course, COSTCO has everything else under the sun. Near Costco you will also find Home Depot, some consignment stores, and other interesting shops.
Safeway, Target, Lowes, Walmart, and Ross are in town close to the condo.
Don't miss the Farmer's Market. It's right in town and open 5 days a week. We bought 5 papayas for $5!