This charming seaside town dates back to the early 1800s. Here are 45 spectacular things to do in Kona, Hawaii. Kona is one part of the Hawaiian Islands that has made a clear effort towards sustainability. Parker Ranch is the largest community of paniolos in the islands. Seahorse, octopi, and abalone – oh my! For years, it was estimated to be 1,400 feet high! The path to get there requires following an unclear path, navigating on the side of a very steep cliff, and even marching through a tunnel filled with water. Hillawe Falls is the most famous waterfall in the Waipio Valley. West Hawaii/Kona is full of unique adventures and fun things to see and do! The best place to see petroglyphs is on the Big Island of Hawaii, as many of these images have been carved into lava rock. If you get inspired by the view at Pololu Valley Lookout and want a closer look, why not hike through Pololu Valley? Yes, there is a 35-foot waterslide in the middle of the Big Island forest. See historic Kona town. (Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm does NOT sell seahorses to residents of the Hawaiian Islands.). The fresh, real flavors and the soft ice texture of Ululani’s makes it undoubtedly the one you should try. With experienced guides and horses, a horseback riding tour may actually be the safest way to get into Waipio Valley. In other words, each of their jars of honey is made from the pollen of just one rare Hawaiian flower. Wander around Kailua Village Today we are traveling through Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. Even better, it might be flowing right into the ocean! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. If you’re looking for a coffee farm with both tastings and tours, Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation, Kona Coffee Living History Farm, Greenwell Farms, and Hula Daddy Coffee are all great options. Kealakekua Bay houses some of the most stunning coral reefs, sea turtles, and endless schools of colorful tropical fish. Or you can take a horseback riding tour. 10. This ranks number one on our list of the top ten things to do in Kona Hawaii. Abalone, a type of edible mollusk, is considered to be a delicacy in some parts of the world. In addition to the colorful coral and fish, you may also see some dolphins hanging out! Petroglyphs were the Native Hawaiians’ pictorial form of writing. Most car rental companies do not allow you to go to the summit of Mauna Kea, according to the rental car contracts. In order to get to reach the black sand beach, you’ll start at Pololu Valley Lookout and then take Pololu Trail (also known as Awini Trail) down to the black sand beach shore. Of course, one of the top things to do on this island is to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where, for $15 per vehicle or $8 per individual, you can spend an entire day or more hiking through Thurston Lava Tube, visiting the overlook at Halema‘uma‘u Crater, learning about volcanoes at the Jagger Museum and visitor center, and even traversing the largest petroglyph field in the Pacific. This is the place where Hawaii’s royal family would come to spend their summers. The Kohala Canopy Adventure is three hours of nearly non-stop ziplining and stunning views! Ali’i Drive is the Kona shopping district – the hot spot for restaurants, nightlife, clothes shopping, and more. In the past, Hulihee Palace was used as the summer home of Hawaiian royalty. Typically, the big island is split into the Hilo and Kona sides. more, Things to Do in Kailua-Kona, HI - Kailua-Kona Attractions. If you’re an adrenaline junky, a Kohala Zipline tour should be high on your list of things to do in Kona. Enjoy an aerial perspective of the Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes and stunning views of the most geologically active environment on earth. If you love astronomy, you definitely should add the W. M. Keck Observatory to your list of things to do (along with stargazing on Mauna Kea). So let’s talk shopping. Every Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., volunteers are available to explain the ins-and-outs of the W. M. Keck Observatory, as well as the other observatories on Mauna Kea. Many visitors come to Hawaii and get caught up with the relaxing beaches, stunning hikes, and delicious food. Here are all of the other stunning black sand beaches in Hawaii. Banyans is one of the best places to surf in Kona. One of our favorite things to do in Hawaii, boogie boarding is a fun and exhilarating way to enjoy the waves, and considerably easier to learn than surfing. If you’re looking to learn, Kahaluu Bay Surf & Sea, Kona Town Surf Adventures, and Hawaii Lifeguard Surf Instructors are all fantastic options. Best Things to Do in Kona: Where to Shop. Kona coffee is a thing, and there are lots of coffee plantations around that you can visit to have a sampling of Kona coffee. The most popular things to do in Kailua-Kona with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Kailua-Kona, Hotels near Mauna Loa Helicopters Kailua Kona, HI, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park: Tickets & Tours, Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm: Tickets & Tours, Honokohau Marina & Small Boat Harbor: Tickets & Tours, Things to do near Kona Historical Walking Food Tour, Things to do near Lealao Ocean Adventures, Things to do near Discount Fabric Warehouse, Things to do near Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Things to do near Club Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort, Things to do near Club Wyndham Royal Sea Cliff, Things to do near Club Wyndham Mauna Loa Village, Things to do near Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, Things to do near Outrigger Royal Sea Cliff, Things to do near Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, See all attractions in Kailua-Kona on Tripadvisor, See all outdoor activities in Kailua-Kona on Tripadvisor, Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Sightseeing, History, Mauna Kea Summit and Stars Small-Group Adventure Tour, Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour, See all day trips from Kailua-Kona on Tripadvisor, See all kid friendly things to do in Kailua-Kona on Tripadvisor. Fun things to do in Kona. If kayaking isn’t quite your think, but you still want to see the dolphins in Kealakekua Bay, you can always take a snorkeling tour on a catamaran. On the Kona side you’ll find all kinds of stores to meet your needs. Posted Sep 18, 2019 . Puuhonua O Honaunau National Park was a place of refuge for the ancient Hawaiians. In the case of the manta ray snorkel tours, the tours have a floating device that creates this light. Are you up for trying to find it? That said, if you do happen to catch the falls after a drenching rain, you may be able to catch Hiilawe Falls in its former glory. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Discover all the best things to do in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, where to stay, and the best Kona beaches by top Hawaii blog Hawaii Travel with Kids! Take time to journey into this beautiful island in a high-roof and climate-controlled tour van. Coffee Trees Growing in Kona You can’t leave the Big Island of Hawaii without getting your caffeine fix at one of the world’s most famous coffee towns. The top attractions to visit in Kailua-Kona are: What are the best outdoor activities in Kailua-Kona? Patrons rave of the ‘good times’ provided by this tour company. You’ll also be able to purchase their special local honey! Choose coffee from over 30 different Kona Coffee farms, learn about the history of Kona Coffee, watch an international panel of judges pick the best cup of Kona Coffee, and even take part in a Kona Coffee Lantern Parade. Why not add lobster to your list of sea creatures to see in Kona at Kona Cold Lobsters! It’s so good that I included it in Part 2 of the Hawaii Food Bucket List! It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a quick bite or groceries or whatever, there are plenty of stores all around. While much of this list of things to do on Hawaii’s Big Island is focused on nature exploration and immersing yourself in island culture, every now and then you might just want some creature comforts and a more laid back, slower-paced day. Located just above Kealakekua Bay, The Coffee Shack has stunning views, in addition to fantastic food, coffee, and service. This guide from a Hawaii local has everything you need to know about the wonderful west side of the Big Island. The best place to spot them in Kona is at Honaunau Bay. Also, remember to dress warmly! We are going to be breaking down everything you need to know about the Kona side, where you can expect stunning beaches and a variety of incredible water activities. From algae growing to ocean conservation, the community is doing what they can to keep the Hawaiian Islands – and the world – as beautiful as possible. 2. The Best of Kona, Hawaii + the Kohala Coast . If you prefer your Kona activities to include a healthy mix of outdoors and ancient Hawaiian culture, then this national park is the ideal spot for that. Kona Brewing Co. is one of the most popular beers brewed in the Hawaiian Islands. Book Here: Night Manta Ray Adventure Tour. Join us for a unique and personal snorkeling excursion along the South Kona Coast at pristine and remote locations. Unbeknownst to many people, Hawaii has their own version of cowboys called paniolos. Do you have any other recommendations for things to do in Kona that should be on this list? Today, it serves a place to learn about the Puuhonua as well as Hawaiian culture. What are the top attractions to visit in Kailua-Kona? If you happen to be lucky enough (in other words, if it has rained enough recently), Kaluahine Falls might be flowing in Waipio Valley. This section of land on the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast is one of the most isolated parts of the island, making it a remote paradise. If you are set on stargazing from the summit of Mauna Kea, your only option is to take a tour. There are two options for stargazing at Mauna Kea: at the visitor center or at the summit. Even if you’ve never tried it, many of the beaches on the Big Island are a perfect place to learn, with everything from gentle surf to big waves. Because the summit is nearly 14,000 feet high, the altitude makes the Hawaii weather cool enough for snow! The other option is to take a tour to the summit of Mauna Kea. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. Try locally-produced honey and meat. The Best Things to Do in Kona 1. Deep sea fishing is simply a type of fishing that occurs in extremely deep waters (at least 30 meters). After that, we’ll cover some more low cost things to do in Kona on a budget. There are roughly 600 coffee farms in the Kona area, and … Fun Things to Do in Kona. It now a museum that showcases Victorian artifacts from the time period of King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani. 2. Time and time again, I’ve written about how Ululani’s has the best shave ice in the Hawaiian Islands. If you’re looking for a beach on the Kona coast with amazing swimming and snorkeling conditions, Mahaiula Beach is the beach for you! If you had broken the laws or if there was simply a war in progress, no one could be hurt within the boundaries of Puuhonua O Honaunau. The waters of Kona are shielded from the winds by Maunaloa, making it a perfect place to snorkel, scuba dive or dive with the manta rays at night. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii on Tripadvisor: See 216,553 traveller reviews and photos of Kailua-Kona tourist attractions. Just because it’s Hawaii, doesn’t mean it’s warm everywhere. In addition, there is a free stargazing program at the visitor center four nights per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday) from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Kona Hawaii has more miles of coastline than any of the other Hawaiian islands which makes the things to do in Kona on the water endless. Things to do in Kona Hawaii. If you would like to try some deep-sea fishing of your own in Kona, check out Kona Deep Sea Fishing or Hawaii Deep Sea Fishing. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. Between the 4WD, extremely steep roads, hikes, and rainy weather, there are a lot of factors that may not work in your favor. In 1779, Captain James Cook became the first westerner to land in the Hawaiian Islands – and that just happened to be at Kealakekua Bay. In celebration of this declaration, King Kamehameha II planned a huge feast with both men and women. Although the Hilo side of the Big Island is known for its waterfalls, Kona has a few that are worth your time. When you visit their facility in Kona, you’ll be able to take a beekeeping tour, sample different types of honey, and visit their honey museum. Kailua-Kona Beaches - Play catch with the young ones or kick back and soak up the sun at this delightful coastal spot. You can also take a one-hour tour of their brewery in Kailua-Kona (which includes four 4-ounce beer samples for those 21+). We have reviews of the best places to see in Kailua-Kona. (It’s kind of like humans in the morning – we need a little time to wake up too!). So grab a kayak (or a snorkel mask) and explore Kealakekua Bay! It's a cinch to occupy yourself in Kona Coast without spending a cent. Just take in the breathtaking picture of the blue Pacific Ocean, black sand beach, and plant-laden cliffs. The workers at Big Island Bees (including the 120 million bees) put a TON of work into creating single-floral raw and organic Hawaiian honeys. Honaunau Bay is known to locals to have some of the best snorkeling on the islands. Find tickets … Take a tour, learn about the history of the ranch, and wander around the paniolo museum at the ranch. These seahorses can cost anywhere from $75 to $400 each. Hey Must Do Travelers! Are you looking for a list of the best things to do in Kona? We are moving out of the direct area of town. This spectacular state is considered as one of most sought after tourist destinations for the tourists of all around the globe. Just north of Kailua-Kona on the Big Island is a bay where manta rays come nightly to feed. *Note: For the safety and health of the animals, you are only allowed to visit one sea creature farm per day. Groceries. For Mauna Kea stargazing tours, please refer to the next point. Despite this wait time, customers consistently say that Hayashi’s is worth it. If you would like to drive to the summit yourself, there are a few things you should know. Although not everything on this list is actually in Kona town, quite a few of them are! Activities and attraction that are specific to the Kona region. Historically King Kamehameha spent his final years in Kailua-Kona. Fly over Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on a scenic helicopter flight from Hilo. Companies including Waipio on Horseback, Naalapa Stables, and Paniolo Adventures are all great options. They can enjoy their beautiful natural home, and you can watch them enjoy it! The palace is constructed from lava rock, and it’s easy to … That said, watching the surfers at Banyans can be almost as awe-inspiring at experiencing the waves yourself! Do note that getting to Waipio Valley can be quite the challenge. These tours are usually for stargazing, but you will likely reach the peak just before sunset. The Kohala Zip & Dip includes a bit of ziplining, views of three waterfalls, and even a quick dip in one of those waterfalls! You’ll also be able to view models of the twin 10-meter Keck Observatory telescopes and even learn about their most recent discoveries! As a matter of fact, the abalone from Big Island Abalone is used in dozens of restaurants on the Big Island, Oahu, and even parts of the mainland U.S. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 12:15 p.m., you can take part in a guided tour of the abalone farm! Until the mid-1980s, The Coffee Shack roasted coffee for the many local coffee farms in the area. This list of all of the Kona farmers markets, their locations, and their hours should be helpful. However, you can go all the way to the visitor center. Once you get to the top, there are NO telescopes available for public use, and you will not be able to enter the buildings. And remember: what you go down, you must come up! It’s important to give back to the places that bring you so much joy. Visit the world’s first octopus farm. That’s why it made it onto our Hawaii Bucket List. For 31 years, Sea Quest Hawaii has been exploring the unseen Hawaii. Mauna Kea is one Hawaii’s most amazing mountains. These tours, which average around $225 – $250 per person, typically last around seven to eight hours. The Hilton Waikoloa Village, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, is one of the most elaborate hotels in the world, not just on the Big Island of Hawaii. Hawaii was the one place I returned to repeatedly as a child. Best Snorkeling in Kona. Thinking about traveling to Kona, Hawaii sometime soon? The wonderful North Shore Beach Tour breaks travelers out of Waikiki and up to Hale’iwa on the north coast of Oahu for an all-day sun and surf adventure. The snow in Hawaii before it gets dark come nightly to feed you love seahorses, coffee. Even purchase locally-created jewelry made of flowers or shells them their space things you should know and. See Tripadvisor 's 98,885 traveler reviews and photos of Kailua-Kona on the Kona shopping district – hot. Is split into the ocean directly next to a black sand beaches to delicious food, there are options... 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