9+ Things to Do in Kona Hawaii for Free

There are lots of fun things to do in Kona Hawaii for free, you just need to know where to look. Weʻve got you covered with our favorite free activities and budget-friendly travel hacks. 

Discover free bus routes, awe-inspiring hikes, snorkel hacks, and info on how to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for free. Weʻll also find out which coffee farm tours are free and discuss how to whale watch from shore. 

Read on to learn more!

Kona Vacation: Know Before You Go

Kona is a sprawling, scenic area on the western coast of Hawaii Island (AKA the Big Island). The town of Kailua-Kona is within the Kona district, but many people will abbreviate the town and simply call it Kona. 

Kona is home to many upscale resorts, casual hotels, and roomy condos. It also has some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Hawaii. 

Soon, weʻll share how to enjoy a free beach day in Kona and loads of other free things to do in the area. Of course, there are paid activities in Kona, but you dolnʻt have to spend money at every corner to enjoy a vacation here. 

Things to Do in Kona for Free

Are you ready to have an awesome vacation in Hawaii without dropping cash at every turn? Here are our favorite free things to do in Kona. 

Spend the Day at the Beach

Grab your swimsuit and beach gear and get ready for Hawaiiʻs best free activity. Itʻs a day at the beach, and itʻs one of our favorite things to do on any island. After all, Hawaiiʻs beaches are truly special, and Kona has some truly gorgeous shorelines. 

One thing to note: a few beaches in Hawaii do cost money to visit. This includes a few state parks, and beaches with only paid parking. Many of these beaches are worth the cost of admission, but today weʻre talking about free things to do in Kona, so here are our favorite beaches that donʻt require any admission or parking fees:

• Mahai’ula Beach, or any of the beaches within Kekaha Kai State Park
• Kamakahonu Beach (King Kam Beach) is small and popular with calm water and a fun vibe. 
• Kahaluu Beach Park is a busy, family-friendly beach in Kona. 

How to Snorkel at Captain Cook Memorial for Free

Snorkeling is one of our favorite things to do in Kona for free. But most people pay to access the Captain Cook Memorial at Kealakekua Bay. This prime snorkel spot is a popular destination for boat tours, and thatʻs certainly the easiest way to snorkel here. But itʻs certainly not the cheapest. 

If you want to snorkel Captain Cook for free, youʻll need to hike from the parking lot to the shoreline. Itʻs a 2-mile trek each way, and it has minimal shade and tricky terrain. Getting there? Not too bad. The return walk uphill when you’re tired and wet? Not so fun. 

Still, it feels like a pretty worthy travel hack to skip out on a kayak rental or boat charter, and you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful blue waters that people pay big money to access. 

Of course, this isnʻt the only place to snorkel for free in Kona. Honaunau Two Steps requires far less walking and is typically teeming with fish. 

Take a Free Coffee Farm Tour in Kona, Hawaii

Lots of vacationers want to tour a coffee farm while in Kona. And lots of vacationers are surprised to find out that many coffee farm tours are free!

• Carta Coffee offers free, two-hour tours of their gorgeous coffee farms – itʻs definitely a great value and includes a tasting. 
• Greenwell Farms has a free 45-60 minute walking tour that includes samples. 
• Mountain Thunder Coffee tours last about 20 minutes. 
• Kona Joe offers free self-guided tours with the option to pay for more immersive, guided tours. 

Take a Road Trip

The Big Island is known for its incredible sightseeing, and the best way to see it all is by hitting the open road. Scenic routes will take you across varied landscapes. Look down on verdant valleys, out toward sweeping oceans, and across toward towering waterfalls. 

Pick a tropical playlist, pack some snacks, and see where the road takes you. 

Hike Through a Cloud Forest

The Makāula ‘O’oma Trails is an absolute gem in Kona. This hiking path is part of Honuaʻula Forest Reserve, and itʻs a rare cloud forest in an otherwise dry, sunny district. 

The entire trail stretches about 4.5 miles, but you can easily enjoy a partial hike for a breezier experience. The trail is free to access and is excellent for birding. Immerse yourself in the lush, green landscape that youʻll be surprised to find in Kona. 

Free Whale Watching in Kona Hawaii

In the winter months, Kona is a great spot for whale watching. Lots of tour operators offer whale watching excursions, which is often worth the cost if youʻre up for it. 

But if youʻd rather save money while in Kona, you can simply whale watch from shore. Hereʻs our full guide to Kona whale watching. Be sure to check it out, because it has our favorite spots for free whale watching, along with some tips for getting the best view. 

Ride the Hele-On Bus

Did you know that Kona has a free bus service? This free transportation will save you money on car rentals, parking fees, and gas. Plus, itʻs better for the environment and local traffic. Now, the Hele-On Bus does have mixed reviews. It seems to run on island time and frequently canceled routes. So it may not work well if you’ve got to be in a certain place at a certain time. 

But, if you want to explore the island and donʻt want to get behind the wheel, the Hele-On Bus could be your way around Kona and all of Hawaii Island. 

Explore Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

We recommend that everybody stop by Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park during their Kona vacation. Itʻs near the airport, super scenic, and has a little bit of everything. 

The rocky shoreline has calm waters and is frequented by sea turtles. There are also historical sites, a Hawaiian hale, a hiking trail, and a visitorʻs center. Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park is a top things to do in Kona Hawaii for free.

Stroll Along Aliʻi Avenue

Aliʻi Avenue is Kailua-Konaʻs main street. This is where youʻll find all the action – oceanside restaurants, hotels, souvenir shops, and historic buildings. Spend some time at the beach or visit a farmerʻs market. There are even things to do after dark, with some bars open until 2 AM. 

When Is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Free to Visit?

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is not in Kona, but itʻs definitely worth the trip to Hilo to see this iconic destination. 

But is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park ever free? Yes! Here are ways you can enter the park without paying anything:

• Anyone with a valid America the Beautiful pass can access Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for free. Some people have to pay for the pass, but some people get it for free, including active military, gold star families, and fourth-grade students. 
• Visit during a National Park Free Entrance Day. These vary year-to-year, but they typically fall on days like Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Veterans Day, and Juneteenth. 

Budget Travel Tips for Kona, Hawaii

Choosing things to do in Kona Hawaii for free is a great way to save money on your vacation. But thatʻs not the only way to enjoy a budget-friendly trip. Here are our favorite tips for 

• Think cheap during your flight – max out your suitcase weight instead of checking 2 smaller bags (just save some room for souvenirs!). Pack a lunch instead of splurging on so-so airport food. Opt for economy parking back home. Small choices during your travels can save money you can put toward fun Hawaii activities. 
• Consider the value of a kitchen – a condo with a kitchen could save you lots of money if you opt to eat in for many of your meals. You can also BBQ in the park to have a budget-friendly, oceanfront meal. 
• Do lots of sightseeing – taking in the views is one of the best free things to do in Kona. Slow down and enjoy all the beauty around you. That gorgeous sunset doesnʻt cost a thing!
• Embrace cheap food – Sure, dining at fancy restaurants is fun. But some of Hawaiiʻs most iconic and beloved foods are also very cheap. A musubi from a gas station is a canʻt-miss cheap eat in Hawaii, and a saimin from McDonaldʻs is definitely a rare treat. Poke from the grocery store counter is a local favorite, and donʻt miss trying a classic Hawaii plate lunch from a casual diner. 

Help Planning a Kona Vacation on a Budget

Visiting Hawaii may feel like a pipedream, but it may be more in reach than you think. Sure, some things will be expensive no matter what. But with good planning, you can save a lot of money on your trip. 

At Hawaii Aloha Travel, we have a team of local travel agents eager to help you have a great vacation that fits into your budget. So whether you need help finding things to do in Kona for free, guidance on the best value hotel, or advice on rental cars and activities, we’re here for you. 

Connect with us today to see how we can help bring your Kona dreams to life!