25 Best Things To Do In Kona, Hawaii

Kona, Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kona is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some of the best beaches in the world. With its laid back attitude, tropical climate, and amazing outdoor activities, there’s plenty to do in Kona. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous vacation or simply want to relax, Kona has it all. From amazing beaches and water sports to historic sites and delicious food, here are 25 of the best things to do in Kona, Hawaii.

Explore Kealakekua Bay

Kealakekua Bay is one of the most beautiful places in Kona. Located on the Big Island’s south coast, this protected bay is home to a variety of marine life and coral reefs. Visitors can snorkel and explore the bay’s underwater world, or take part in a guided kayaking tour. For an even more unique experience, you can take part in a traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe tour.

Take a Hike in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Kona. This park is home to Mauna Loa, one of the world’s largest active volcanoes, and visitors can explore the vast lava fields and craters. There are numerous hiking trails to choose from, ranging from easy to strenuous. You can also take part in ranger-guided hikes and learn about the park’s unique ecosystem.

Visit Pu’uhonua o Honaunau

Pu’uhonua o Honaunau is a national historical park located on the Big Island. This park is home to numerous archeological sites, including ancient temples, petroglyphs, and a royal fishpond. Visitors can take part in guided tours or explore the park on their own. There are also plenty of outdoor activities available, such as snorkeling and kayaking.

Snorkel with Manta Rays

Manta rays are one of the most majestic creatures in the ocean, and Kona is the perfect place to snorkel with them. Every night from late August to early April, hundreds of manta rays gather around lights in the water to feed on plankton. Visitors can take part in a guided snorkeling tour and observe these majestic creatures up close.

Visit Hulihee Palace

Hulihee Palace is a historic home located on Alii Drive in Kona. Built in 1838 by King Kamehameha III, this palace was used as a summer retreat for Hawaiian royalty, including Queen Liliuokalani. Today, it serves as a museum and visitors can learn about Hawaiian culture and history while exploring the palace’s beautiful grounds.

Experience Water Sports

Kona is a mecca for water sports enthusiasts. From surfing and stand-up paddle boarding to kayaking and snorkeling, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. There are plenty of rental companies located along the shore where visitors can rent equipment for a day or longer.

Take a Catamaran Cruise

Catamaran cruises are one of the best ways to explore Kona’s coastline. Visitors can take part in a guided tour or charter their own private catamaran for an unforgettable experience. Catamaran cruises offer stunning views of the shoreline and marine life, including dolphins, whales, and sea turtles.

Explore Captain Cook Monument

Captain Cook Monument is located at Kealakekua Bay and pays tribute to the famous British explorer. This monument is considered to be one of the most important historical sites on the Big Island and a visit here will give you a better understanding of Hawaiian history and culture.

Visit Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve

Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve is home to a collection of prehistoric rock carvings that date back centuries. These carvings tell stories about Hawaiian culture and history, and visitors can explore the preserve by foot or take part in a guided tour.

Visit Kahaluu Beach Park

Kahaluu Beach Park is one of Kona’s best public beaches. This beach offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and offers excellent snorkeling and swimming opportunities. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops located nearby for visitors to explore.

Explore Kailua-Kona Town

Kailua-Kona Town is the perfect place for visitors to explore local culture. Located on the western coast of the Big Island, this charming town has plenty of shops, restaurants, and galleries for visitors to enjoy. Stroll along Alii Drive and take in the sights, sounds, and flavors of this unique area.

Attend a Luau

A Luau is one of the most popular activities in Hawaii. This traditional Hawaiian feast includes traditional music and dances as well as a delicious spread of local cuisine. Visitors can attend a luau at any time of year for an unforgettable experience.

Take a Helicopter Tour

A helicopter tour is one of the best ways to explore Kona from above. Visitors can take part in an aerial tour and get amazing views of the Big Island’s landscapes, including its volcanoes, waterfalls, and beaches. There are also plenty of helicopter tours that offer sunset or sunrise flights for an even more spectacular experience.

Visit Historic Sites

Kona is home to several historic sites that offer insight into Hawaiian culture and history. The Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site is a temple built by King Kamehameha I that was used for human sacrifice during ancient times. Mookini Heiau State Historic Site is another temple located near Kailua-Kona Town that dates back centuries. Both sites offer guided tours for visitors to learn more about Hawaiian culture and history.

Visit Mauna Kea Summit

Mauna Kea Summit is located on Mauna Kea volcano and offers stunning views of the Big Island from above. Visitors can take part in an organized tour or drive up the volcano on their own for an unforgettable experience. Be sure to dress warmly as temperatures can get very cold at higher altitudes.

Go Whale Watching

Kona is one of the best places in Hawaii for whale watching. From December to April, humpback whales migrate through these waters on their way back to Alaska, offering visitors an unbeatable wildlife viewing opportunity. There are plenty of whale watching tours available that offer close-up views of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Visit Puako Sea Arch

Puako Sea Arch is a natural rock formation located near Puako Bay on the west coast of Hawaii Island. This arch was created by lava flows that eroded away over millions of years to create this spectacular view of the ocean below. Visitors can take part in a guided tour or explore this area on their own for an unforgettable experience.

Shop at Kailua-Kona Farmers Market

The Kailua-Kona Farmers Market is one of the best places to find fresh local produce and handmade products from local artisans. This market takes place every Saturday morning at Alii Drive and offers visitors a chance to sample some delicious food and browse some unique gifts from local vendors.

Visit Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is home to numerous archaeological sites that offer insight into Hawaiian culture and history. The park includes a fishpond constructed by ancient Hawaiians over 700 years ago as well as several heiau (temples). Visitors can explore these sites on their own or take part in a guided tour for an even more immersive experience.

Visit Mokuaikaua Church

Mokuaikaua Church is one of Hawaii’s oldest churches and is located in downtown Kailua-Kona Town. Built in 1837 by American Christian missionaries, this church offers visitors a chance to learn more about Hawaiian culture as well as admire its beautiful architecture.

Go Swimming with Dolphins

Swimming with dolphins is one of the most incredible experiences you can have in Kona. There are several companies that offer dolphin swim tours where you can get close to these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. Be sure to book your tour early because spots fill up quickly!

Explore Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park

Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park offers visitors a chance to explore ancient Hawaiian culture and history up close. This park is home to numerous archaeological sites as well as some beautiful natural scenery including lava fields, tropical forests, and sandy beaches. Visitors can explore these sites on their own or take part in a guided tour for an even more immersive experience.

Take a Surf Lesson

Kona has some incredible waves that are perfect for surfing! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, there are plenty of surf schools that offer lessons for all skill levels. Book a lesson with a professional instructor for an unforgettable experience!

Go Shopping at Alii Drive Shopping Center

Alii Drive Shopping Center is one of Kona’s premier shopping destinations with plenty of stores offering everything from souvenirs to high-end designer goods. Shop till you drop at this popular shopping center located right on Alii Drive!

Attend an Outdoor Concert or Movie Night

Kona has several outdoor events taking place throughout the year including concerts, movies nights and more! Check out what’s happening while you’re in town for an unforgettable evening under the stars!

Visit Laaloa Beach Park (Magic Sands Beach)

Laaloa Beach Park (also known as Magic Sands Beach) is located near Kailua-Kona Town and offers some spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. This beach has some great swimming and snorkeling opportunities as well as some excellent bodyboarding waves!

Explore Kiholo Bay State Park Reserve

Kiholo Bay State Park Reserve is located on the western coast of Hawaii Island and offers visitors some spectacular views of its rocky coastline as well as some amazing wildlife viewing opportunities including spinner dolphins and sea turtles!

Take a Coffee Tour

Hawaii produces some amazing coffee beans and Kona is no exception! Take a tour of one of Kona’s coffee farms and learn about how coffee is grown and processed as well as sample some delicious coffee!

Visit Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is home to numerous archaeological sites that offer insight into Hawaiian culture and history. The park includes a fishpond constructed by ancient Hawaiians over 700 years ago as well as several heiau (temples). Visitors can explore these sites on their own or take part in a guided tour for an even more immersive experience

Popular Tours:

Book a Snorkeling Tour in Kona Here

Kona offers some incredible snorkeling opportunities with crystal clear waters that are teeming with marine life including reef fish, dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, whales, and much more! Booking a snorkeling tour offers visitors an up-close look at these amazing creatures in their natural habitat! Many companies offer half or full day tours that include snorkeling gear (mask, fins & snorkel), transportation to/from your hotel/resort, snacks/refreshments, lunch (for full day trips), professional guide/instructor, & much more! Depending on availability you may also have the chance to swim with dolphins! Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity!

Book a Hiking Tour in Kona Here

Kona’s terrain offers some incredible hiking opportunities with trails that vary from easy/moderate to strenuous/difficult! From exploring historic sites like Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park & Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park to breathtaking views from Mauna Kea Summit & Puako Sea Arch there’s something here for hikers of all skill levels! Hiking tours typically include transportation to/from your hotel/resort & professional guide/instructor who will be able to answer any questions you may have along your journey! Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity!

Book a Kayaking Tour in Kona Here

Kayaking is one of the best ways to explore Kona’s coastline! Enjoy stunning views of tropical landscapes & marine life such as sea turtles & dolphins while paddling along crystal clear waters! Kayaking tours usually include transportation to/from your hotel/resort & professional guide/instructor who will be able to answer any questions you may have along your journey! Depending on availability you may also have the chance to kayak through sea caves & explore local reefs & fishponds! Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!