Outdoor Experiences
Retreats
Weddings
Outdoor Experiences
Retreats
Weddings
Nestled on the western coast of Hawaii’s Big Island is the beautiful Kailua-Kona. Making up two-thirds of the west side of the Big Island, the Kona District has everything from happy Kona coffee farms to historic landmarks. It’s a destination jam packed with outdoor adventure, on-the-water experiences, and rich cultural heritage. More than anything, Kona is a haven for travelers eager to soak in the regions natural beauty and other cultural authenticities. So, if you’re looking for things to do in Kona Hawaii, let us be your guide! Continue reading for some can’t-miss Kona activities and attractions.
Outdoor adventures abound here in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. From traversing active volcanoes to teeing up on an award-winning course, there are plenty of things to do in Kona Hawaii for an unforgettable day in nature. Take a look at some top outdoor attractions on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Just two-and-a-half hours southeast of Kailua-Kona is the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. One of the most awe-inspiring things to do in Kona, Hawaii, this expansive national park encompasses over 500 square miles and climbs over 13,000 feet above sea level. The park includes two volcanoes, Kilauea, which is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Maunaloa, the world’s largest active subaerial volcano.
Moreover, this ecological marvel includes six of the Earth’s climate zones, from alpine tundra to tropical rainforest, to ash-covered deserts, making it a fantastic place for a multi-day hiking trip. In fact, the Nahuku trailhead, also known as the Thurston Lava Tube, is a can’t-miss rainforest adventure, ending in a short trek through a 500-year-old lava tube. Other unmissable activities here include visiting the Halema’uma’u Crater, exploring the sulfur banks, and hiking the Devastation Trail.
Of all things to do in Kona Hawaii, checking out a few scenic trails is a no-brainer. To start, head to the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. This 2.9-mile trail is part of a network of coastal historic trails, totaling 175 miles, and meanders the coastline through sandy beach, smooth lava rocks, and rough stone. Moreover, the Pololu Valley Lookout in North Kohala is a must-see. This breathtaking site peers over the cliffs of Polulu Valley and out to the dramatic coastline. Make the twenty-five-minute hike to the black sand beach on the valley floor below for a blissful day in the sun.
Finally, for a shorter hike with a rewarding end, visit ‘Akaka Falls State Park. This destinations welcomes self-guided tours through lush tropical vegetation, dotted with beautiful overlooks to the rushing Kahuna Falls and ‘Akaka Falls. This falls plunges 442 feet into the gorge below and makes the half-mile loop hike plenty worth it. So, pack your hiking shoes and a picnic lunch; there’s a lot to explore here in Kona.
There’s more to discover. Explore breathtaking Big Island hikes to add to your Kailua-Kona itinerary with the blog below.
There’s nothing like a hot cup of coffee in the morning, and Kona may be one of the best places in the world for it. Kona coffee is rare good that is grown exclusively in north and south Kona. So, visiting one of the hundreds of coffee farms in the area should be on the top of your list of things to do in Kona Hawaii. For a glimpse of the coffee-making process, you can visit farms with available tours like Kona Coffee Living History Farm, Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation, Greenwell Farms, and others. Then, sip on a steaming cup of Kona coffee from award-winning farms and decide who makes the best cup.
If you love to golf, there’s no better vacation destination than Hawaii. The Hawaiian Islands feature over seventy signature golf courses in total. In fact, Hawaii’s Big Island is known as the “Golf Capital of Hawaii.” These award-winning, championship Big Island golf courses are known for their one-of-a-kind holes and stunning island scenery, ranging from vibrant greens to black volcanic lava fields, to cliffside fairways and churning ocean traps. So, if you hit a bad shot, you can blame it on the raw natural beauty of some of the world’s most stunning courses and surrounding luxury resorts. Some local favorites include: Hualalai Golf Course (by Jack Nicklaus), Hapuna Course at Mauna Kea Resort (by Arnold Palmer), and the Waikoloa Beach Resort courses (by Robert Trent Jones Jr.). Learn more about Big Island Golf courses today.
One thing about Kona is that there is plenty to enjoy in and around the water. With beautiful beaches, thrilling water sports, and coastline teeming with marine life, you’ll seldom run of of things to do in Kona Hawaii on the water.
You can’t visit Kona without a day at the beach. Of course, one of the most sought-after beaches is the famous Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. As one of the most beautiful beaches on the Big Island, the jet black shores of Punalu’u is a breathtaking sight. Not to mention, you’ll often find large green sea turtles basking on the shores of this beach beneath the coconut palms. Just be careful swimming in these rougher waters on the Ka’u Coast.
Moreover, there are many other stunning beaches to explore near Kona, Hawaii, one of which being Kona Airport Beach Park. Once a functioning Kona airport, the one-mile runway and other buildings were converted into an extensive beach park, complete with parking, facilities, and plenty of coastline. So, lounge around the semi-rocky shores, take advantage of the phenomenal scuba conditions off-shore, or simply enjoy a sunset picnic. Some of the other best beaches in Kona include Magic Sands Beach, White Sands Beach Park.
Of course, a trip to Kona, Hawaii, merits a fair share of snorkeling. For the best snorkeling in Kona, head to Kahalu’u Beach Park, known for its shallow, crystal-clear waters. Hawaiian green sea turtles frequent these waters for feeding, and there are plenty of tropical fish to admire. Moreover, one of the most unique, yet popular attractions in Kona is the nighttime manta ray snorkeling charters. Manta rays are docile creatures with no teeth and no stingers. They can grow up to twenty feet in width, making them a sight to behold in the illuminated waters of Manta Ray Village off the Kona Coast.
You can also get a glimpse of the abundant marine life in Kona with a scuba diving expedition. Local professionals like Jack’s Diving Locker offer both beginner and instructor training, diving charters, and rental gear so you and your family can experience a safe dive with a team of professionals at the best diving locations in Kailua-Kona. Swim among vibrant coral reefs, alongside colorful fish, sea turtles, reef sharks, and even spinner dolphins.
Ready for some thrills? The Big Island’s Kona Coast is a stomping ground for various on-the-water activities, the first of which being parasailing. Tours like UFO Parasail of Kona send you sailing hundreds of feet above the Kona Coast for a bird’s eye view of the turquoise waters below and green coastline. If you prefer your feet on solid ground, then consider booking a high-end tour on a luxury catamaran for a cruise down the sparkling coast of Kona. Paradise Sailing Hawaii is a family-run business offering this very tour. They even include morning snorkeling excursions and afternoon dolphin and whale-watching (seasonal).
Moreover, what’s a trip to Kona without a bit of surfing? If you’re new to the sport and need a bit of instruction, you can find instructors around just about every corner. Newbies may want to stick to locations with calm waters like Kahalu’u Beach Park, while more experienced surfers can catch a swell at Mauna Kea Beach or Banyans, both of which are known for their larger waves.
One of the biggest allures of Hawaii is the rich history that is ingrained in the culture. You can find countless historical sites all over Hawaii’s Big Island. From remnants of Hawaiian royalty to sacred sites deep in Hawaiian lore, and ancient petroglyph fields
Mokuaikaua Church is the oldest Christian church on the Hawaiian islands. Established in 1820, King Kamehameha II allowed Christian ministries from New England to practice Christianity and donated his home to become the first church building before Mokuaikaua was constructed in 1836. The church is still in service today, running a food pantry and offering a weekly service for members, as well as free history tours for travelers.
Speaking of Mokuaikaua Church, it can be found in the Historic Kailua Village among many other historic sites. Renowned for its rich Hawaiian history and royal heritage, this village was once the residence of King Kamehameha I and a hub for politics and trade. Today, this village is a bustling strip of art galleries, shops, and delicious local cuisine and traditional Hawaiian dishes.
You can find the Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark in the Kailua Village, as well as Hulihee Palace, both of which are landmarks of Hawaiian royalty. Kamakahonu was the 1813 residence of Kamehameha I and was located of the northern end of Kailua Bay in Kona. Hulihee Palace was built in 1838 and was the residence of Governor John Adams Kuakini; it remains as one of three palaces in the United States and is operated as a museum. So, if you’re a history buff, head to Historic Kailua Village! There are plenty of things to do in Kona Hawaii for lovers of history and culture.
Now that you have plenty of things to do in Kona Hawaii, it’s time to decide where to stay. Skip the hassle of vacation rentals and book at a beautiful boutique hotel right in the heart of Kona, Hawaii.
There’s no better place to stay in Kona than Pacific 19. As the only independent boutique hotel in Kona, Pacific 19 has an urban, laid-back atmosphere representative of the authentic local culture of Kona, Hawaii. This 1970s hotel is newly renovated and offers a stylish yet intimate escape for all your Kona adventures. On-site, you’ll find a lush garden surrounding the resort-style pool, as well as an on-site cafe and cozy lobby lounge. If that’s not enough, this hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from Kailua Bay, where you can soak in the sunshine and expansive ocean views. What’s more, as the best hotel on the Big Island, Pacific 19 provides guests with culturally rich and expert-led activities all over the Big Island. Simply visit the front desk to book your excursion!
As for Kona accommodations, suites at Pacific 19 feature premium linens and simple luxuries, such as a macro bar, high-end toiletries, private balconies, and flat-screen TVs. Suites feature either a king bed or two double beds, as well as views of the ocean, pool, town, or garden. Moreover, you can up the luxury with the Apartment Suite or the Ohana Suite. The former includes a separate king bedroom, kitchenette, and living room with a sleeper sofa, while the latter features a king bedroom, two bathrooms, a living room with a sleeper sofa, and views up the bamboo garden. So, make Pacific 19 your welcome homebase for all things to do in Kona Hawaii.
Stop searching, “things to do in Kona Hawaii,” and start experiencing them instead. And with Nook, making travel dreams come true is easy. Our collection of boutique hotels, glamping resorts, and cabin rentals take you to breathtaking outdoor destinations all across the United States. So, put nature at the forefront of your vacations, and browse Nook Outdoors‘ collection of hotels today.
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