High 10 Issues to Do in Kona, Hawaii

We’re all the time speaking about our favourite issues to do in Hawaii and on the Massive Island. However narrowing actions all the way down to a small checklist is hard. However you’re value it! In the present day, we’re highlighting the highest 10 issues to do in Kona, Hawaii. 

This isn’t an enormous checklist that can overpack your itinerary. That is curated. Hand-picked. Totally thought of. In different phrases, we’ve finished the arduous work of narrowing down the very best issues to do in Kona, and we’re presenting our findings to you. 

And we’re curious: do you agree? Did we shock you with a few of these Hawaii actions? And what are you together with in your Kona trip checklist? 

Let’s verify all of it out collectively and see the highest 10 issues to do in Kona, Hawaii!

Kona 101

Have you ever ever been to Kona, Hawaii? In that case, it’s possible you’ll be aware of the numerous issues to do there. However if you happen to’ve by no means been to the realm, it’s possible you’ll not even know what to anticipate. So let’s take a second to interrupt down the fundamentals of Kona. 

Location

The place precisely are you able to do these high 10 issues in Kona, Hawaii? Let’s let you know in regards to the location of this lovely vacation spot!

Kona is positioned on Hawaii Island (aka the Massive Island). There are two widespread areas of Hawaii Island: Kona and Hilo.

Hilo is on the japanese facet of the island and has a quaint vibe. It’s near Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park and among the eye-catching, lush waterfall areas you’ve perhaps seen on-line. 

Kona is on the western facet of Hawaii Island, the place it’s drier and sunnier. There are many resorts and motels round Kona, together with a enjoyable oceanside avenue with retailers and eating places. Kona is the place you’ll discover many espresso farms, glistening seashores, and enjoyable issues to do. 

Hawaii Island is large (therefore the nickname), however you’ll nonetheless probably go to each areas throughout your trip. 

For first-time guests, we advocate staying in or round Kona. There are extra lodging choices, extra issues to do, and also you’re well-situated for exploring the island. 

Kona vs Kailua-Kona

Kona and Kailua-Kona are sometimes used interchangeably, however they do have completely different meanings. 

Kona is a district (or space, or moku) on Hawaii Island. A number of cities are positioned inside Kona. 

Kailua-Kona is an precise city. In dialog, it’s usually shortened to Kona. However the full identify of the city is Kailua-Kona. It’s positioned throughout the Kona district. 

So Kona is an enormous space, and Kailua-Kona is a city inside that space. 

Need to get much more confused? You’ll additionally hear in regards to the city of Kailua in Hawaii. Kailua is a city on OAHU, and isn’t close to Kailua-Kona. That’s why you by no means wish to abbreviate Kailua-Kona by simply saying Kailua. You’ll have everyone all combined up!

Vacationing in Kona

So, do you have to plan a visit to Kona? In any case, there are many islands and locations in Hawaii, and narrowing it down to at least one city might be nerve-wracking. 

Right here’s our take:

Kona is a unbelievable place to trip – even when it’s your first time to Hawaii AND even if you happen to’re not within the nationwide park. 

That’s a daring opinion, as a result of one of many largest attracts on the island is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park AND most first-time guests are drawn to Oahu for his or her trip (as a substitute of the Massive Island). 

However there’s a lot to do in Kona, you may simply have the quintessential Hawaii trip proper right here on its sunny shores. 

And we’re able to show it! Try these high 10 issues to do in Kona, Hawaii, and prepare for an incredible getaway. 

High 10 Issues to Do in Kona, Hawaii

Ditch the doubt and plan a trip you know is well worth the hype. We’ve narrowed down the highest 10 issues to do in Kona, and we’re prepared to assist extra. 

Contact Hawaii Aloha Travel for customized, locally-based trip planning that matches your distinctive imaginative and prescient, funds, and desires. 

#1 Hit the Seaside

You’re in Hawaii, so in fact it is advisable to have a unbelievable seashore day. Kona is the right spot to benefit from the relaxed, lovely environment of the islands whereas taking within the surroundings AND staying cool. 

When situations are proper, Kona is an superior place for swimming, snorkeling, bodyboarding, sunbathing, picnicking, enjoying within the sand, strolling, and people-watching. 

Listed here are just a few of our favourite seashores in Kona:

• Hapuna Seaside – a protracted, white-sand seashore with lifeguard stands, lovely water, and sometimes good swimming situations. 
• Kiholo Bay – a black sand seashore with shiny turquoise water, tide swimming pools, calm situations, and a pleasant hike.
• Mahaiula Seaside – a crescent-shaped cove that sometimes has calm situations and a pleasant shady space. 
• Manini’owali Seaside (Kua Bay) – this seashore usually feels secluded and is a well-liked spot for snorkeling
• Outdated Kona Airport Seaside Park – This seashore is simple to entry however sometimes has tough waters. It’s an amazing spot for a picnic and to look at the sundown.  

#2 Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay

I really like snorkeling, so I’m fast to place a stupendous snorkel spot on the high of any must-do journey checklist. However one of many nice issues about snorkeling in Hawaii is that a number of individuals get pleasure from it – even vacationers who aren’t particularly drawn to the water. 

Right here’s why: Snorkel excursions make the expertise enjoyable and beginner-friendly. Hop on and off the boat as wanted, gear up with their supplied masks, and easily get pleasure from. 

One other large motive why snorkeling is a lot enjoyable in Hawaii? It’s an immersive, distinctive approach to benefit from the island’s magnificence. Look underwater: attractive reefs and colourful fish. Come as much as the floor: you’re surrounded by shades of blue and inexperienced that appear painted by some greater energy. 

So there’s my shameless plug for snorkeling, and why I’ve put it at #2 on my checklist of the highest 10 issues to do in Kona, Hawaii. 

And if you wish to actually get pleasure from snorkeling, head to the Captain Cook dinner Monument at Kealakekua Bay. You possibly can entry this spot by paddling, climbing, or taking a ship tour. For many vacationers, I like to recommend the boat tour. However climbing is doable if you happen to’re match and on a funds. 

It is a attractive reef space teeming with marine life. It’s historic, it’s organic, it’s enjoyable, and it’s top-of-the-line issues to do in Kona!

#three Swim with Manta Rays

Okay, I’ll get you out of the water quickly, however first, I want to focus on one other distinctive and unforgettable expertise you may have in Kona. 

Quantity three on our checklist is… swimming at evening with Manta Rays. 

That is one other exercise that may be iffy for these less-than-comfortable within the water. However the guided excursions actually make it enjoyable and fewer overwhelming. 

What struck me about this exercise is how sudden all of it was. The rays are a lot larger than anticipated. The water is a lot extra peaceable than I anticipated. The entire expertise of snorkeling at evening is so distinctive and so value it. 

Nevertheless, if you happen to don’t wish to pay for a tour or would reasonably benefit from the rays from shore, you may watch them from above at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, which has a viewing spot. 

So, are you doing this exercise that ranks excessive on our high 10 issues to do in Kona, Hawaii?

#four Tour a Espresso Farm

Kona is likely one of the uncommon locations within the US the place espresso is commercially grown, and touring a farm is a superb factor to do in Kona. 

That is positively a must-do for any espresso drinkers. Most excursions embody samples and the possibility to buy baggage of espresso straight from the supply. 

However even when espresso isn’t your favourite factor, studying about farming strategies would possibly nonetheless be enjoyable. Plus, you get to see the numerous panorama of the Kona area. 

Better of all: many espresso excursions are free!

Greenwell Farms, Hala Tree Espresso, and Mountain Thunder Espresso Plantation provide free, guided excursions all through the week. Take a break from the water, study one thing new, and style unbelievably recent espresso!

#5 Take a Hawaii-Type Highway Journey

A highway journey? In Hawaii? On most islands, driving excursions are extra in regards to the journey than the vacation spot. However on the Massive Island, you may take a scenic drive with a worthy vacation spot! 

From Kona, you may minimize throughout the island to go to Hilo and Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park.  Or, head south alongside the coast to entry the Papakōlea Inexperienced Sand Seaside hike. 

We’re large followers of driving alongside the Kohala Coast towards Waimea, and we all the time advocate a nighttime journey to stargaze on Mauna Kea. 

Except you’re planning on a resort-bubble trip the place you keep put on the resort’s seashore and pool, you’ll probably desire a rental automotive throughout your Kona trip. There may be simply so a lot to discover on Hawaii Island, and so many unbelievable highway journeys that you simply’ll wish to embrace. 

#6 Go Deep Sea Fishing

We’re again on the water for our #6 smartest thing to do in Kona, Hawaii! Many vacationers dream of an thrilling fishing expertise in Hawaii, and Kona is the very best place for this thrilling sport. We wrote all about Hawaii deep-sea fishing on the HAT journey weblog just lately, however listed here are the largest takeaways for you: Kona deep-sea fishing is wonderful, and a chartered journey might be enjoyable for everybody. 

If you happen to’ve obtained children with you – or anybody less-than keen about fishing – you may e book a personal, custom-made constitution that features greater than rods and reels. Fishing captains usually know nice snorkel spots, whale watching hubs (throughout whale season), and scenic factors. 

However for these of us who crave the sound of a screeching rig, you’re in the appropriate place. Kona is a scorching spot for deep-sea fishing, and also you’ll have a blast discovering what lurks beneath the ocean’s floor. 

#7 Discover Ali’i Drive

In Kailua-Kona, Ali’i Drive is a hub of exercise. That is the place you may memento store, seize a chunk to eat, soak up a scenic view, board a chartered boat, have a seashore day, peruse artwork galleries, and easily get pleasure from Kona’s vigorous environment. 

The winding coastal highway is someway bustling and quaint. It will get busy, however in the easiest way. You possibly can individuals watch to your coronary heart’s content material, however I’ve by no means felt overwhelmed by crowds. 

Come within the morning for some Kona espresso and calm situations, or hit up happy hour at a seaside bar. 

Plan to discover a parking spot after which get pleasure from Alii Drive on foot. Or, lease a motorbike to catch a bit of extra pace whereas absolutely having fun with your environment. 

Alii Drive can be the place you may get pleasure from different actions on our checklist of high 10 issues to do in Kona, Hawaii. In any case, this can be a great place for a seashore day, becoming a member of a snorkel tour, or beginning your Massive Island highway journey!

#eight Golf on a Scenic Course

If you’re taken with {golfing}, Kona is the right place to e book a tee time. Golf Programs in Kona characteristic sweeping views, and there are alternatives for all ranges of golfers. 

After all, when you golf in Hawaii, you’ll be spoiled. The place else can you discover such glistening, oceanside challenges?

We particularly love Makalei Golf Club, and many fanatics are drawn to Hualālai Golf Course, which was designed by Jack Nicklaus. 

Kona is likely one of the greatest locations in all of Hawaii {for golfing}, and plenty of journey right here only for the distinctive programs. 

One factor to notice: the one municipal golf course on the island is in Hilo, so hold that in thoughts if you happen to’re in search of a funds tee time. 

#9 Hike By means of Honuaula Forest Reserve

Many vacationers assume they should head towards Hilo to expertise a lush, verdant tropical forest. However there’s a unbelievable hike close to Kona that can really feel like the last word escape into the riches of nature. 

Honuaula Forest Reserve is a high-altitude cloud forest that’s widespread amongst birders, explorers, and anybody wanting to flee the warmth and solar of Kona. 

Makaula-‘O’oma Path will most likely be the very best hike for you. The loop is about four miles and reasonably difficult, and also you’ll see a number of lovely vegetation. It feels worlds away from Kona, however the entry level is lower than 20 minutes from city. 

#10 Go to Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau Nationwide Historic Park and Kaloko-Honokohau Nationwide Historic Park

This will come tenth on our checklist of high 10 issues to do in Kona, Hawaii, but it surely’s nonetheless a must-do. Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau Nationwide Historic Park options an informative customer middle, a self-guided strolling tour, historic constructions, sacred websites, and cultural demonstrations. 

Nearer to the Kona airport, you’ll discover Kaloko-Honokohau Nationwide Historic Park, which has a pleasant climbing path, a heiau, and a relaxed space for swimming. 

Each of those parks are treasures in Kona and provide the possibility to find out about Hawaiian historical past, tradition, and nature multi functional.