There’s a whole lot to learn about Kailua-Kona, but you don’t have to feel overwhelmed. Before you drive off in your rental car, let’s begin with the basic facts.This town sits 9 miles to the east of Kalaoa, and 4,785 miles west of Washington, the nation’s capital.If you’re hoping to make some new friends while you’re road tripping around this part of North Kona, you shouldn’t find it too hard. About 12,000 people reside here.