A visit to Hawaii Island is always a good idea! Sometimes it feels like Kona and the Big Island don’t get as much attention as other Hawaii destinations. But there are endless things to do in Kona Hawaii and throughout the island. This is where you’ll find fun adventures, beautiful scenery, spacious beaches, and plenty of dining and shopping.
Want to discover our top things to do in Kona, Hawaii? Keep reading for a full rundown of the top activities in this fantastic destination.
Where is Kona?
Kona is located on the west shoreline of Hawaii Island, the easternmost island in Hawaii. The district encompasses nearly 60 miles of coastline, complete with beautiful beaches, coffee farms, lava fields, and volcanic slopes.
Because Kona has typically dry, sunny conditions, it’s a great place to enjoy a Hawaii vacation.
The Kona district is home to the town of Kailua-Kona, which is often called simply Kona. This is where you’ll find many great hotels, condos, restaurants, shopping, and activities. There are many things to do in Kona, Hawaii, but it’s still spacious and peaceful.
Is Kona Hawaii a Good Vacation Spot?
One of the top questions we get is: Can you have a full vacation on Hawaii Island? Some people think Hawaii Island is best for island hopping, but it’s definitely a great spot for an entire vacation, whether you’re traveling with family, enjoying a romantic getaway, or jetting away on a solo adventure.
Top Things to Do in Kona Hawaii
So now you know where Kona is, and that you can plan a full vacation here. Now it’s time to dive in and explore the many activities that make this area of Hawaii so special. Here are our favorite things to do in Kona… from a priceless beach day to a grand adventure in the skies!
1. Hit the Beach
Here’s one thing you can’t miss in Kona: great beaches! This beautiful coastal area is lined with sandy beaches and bright blue water.
Whether you want to sunbathe, swim, snorkel, picnic, or all of the above, you’ll find great places to spend the day in Kona. Here are some of favorite Kona Beaches to check out:
- Manini’owali Beach (AKA Kua Bay) has a sandy ocean floor and gentle water in the summer.
- Hapuna Beach is typically great for swimming. On calm days, it’s a gentle and peaceful beach. Sometimes the shorebreaks are just right for playing in, but beware of more dangerous conditions.
- Mahai’ula Beach in Kekaha Kai State Park is a pretty crescent-shaped beach that feels secluded most days.
- La’aloa Beach Park (AKA Magic Sands Beach) is a fun spot right in downtown Kona.
2. Find Fun Things to Do in Downtown Kona Hawaii
One of our favorite spots on Hawaii Island is downtown Kailua-Kona. This is nothing like the bustling downtown you’ll find in Honolulu, and it’s perfect if you want to enjoy a peaceful, tropical atmosphere while enjoying fun things to do.
Kona’s downtown area is located on Ali’i Drive. The town’s main road features many restaurants, hotels, and beaches. But the most walkable area of Alii Drive is on the northern end of the route, near Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark.
This is also where you’ll find Kailua Pier, where you can set sail and enjoy fun things to do on Kona’s water.
We recommend starting your Kona town adventure at Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark and then walking south toward town, where you’ll find great restaurants like Honu’s on the Beach.
You can grab a bite to eat, pick up some souvenirs, walk alongside the beach, and people-watch in this fun and vibrant locale.
3. Sail at Sunset
Kailua-Kona has incredible sunset views. In fact, one of our favorite things to do in Kona Hawaii is to simply find a spot near the water and watch the sun go down. It’s completely free and unforgettable.
Still, there’s something special about watching the sunset on the water. And a sunset boat charter is a great way to set sail, relax, and take in the views. Most sunset tours have open bars, and many also serve a light dinner. Look for one with live music for an extra touch.
This is one of our favorite romantic things to do in Kona, Hawaii.
4. Swim with Manta Rays
After the sun has set, there are still great adventures awaiting you in Kona. This is one of the best places for viewing manta rays, which feed at night right off the coast. We definitely recommend a nighttime Manta Ray snorkel!
Boat excursions can take you directly to the best feeding spots, but some commercial tours access spots directly from shore.
Not one for snorkeling at night? No problem. You can view the Manta Rays from land at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay.
5. Take a Hike: Things to do in Kona Hawaii
Tie up your sneakers and hit the trail. A fresh day in Hawaii means new sights to explore. And some of the best things to do in Kona Hawaii require you to go “off-road.”
You don’t have to be an expert hiker to get in some scenic steps during your Kona vacation. There are treks for all fitness levels and ages. Check out some of these great hikes:
- Kekaha Kai State Park has multiple beaches, many of which require a hike to access.
- Hidden Craters Hike is a paid hike that takes you across exclusive parts of Hualalai, an active volcano in Kona.
- Papakōlea is a green sand beach near Kona that is only accessible via hiking.
- Maka’eo Walking Path is a short, easy walk through gardens and scenery.
6. Learn to Surf
Ready to get back in the water? Kona surf lessons are a great way to spend time in the ocean while learning a new skill. Plus, you’ll be participating in an activity that is a quintessential party of Hawaii.
Lots of surf schools operate off of Alii Drive. Kona has beginner-friendly surf spots that are perfect for lessons.
7. Visit Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is a free place to visit in Kona. This is an excellent spot for swimming, hiking, and learning about Hawaii’s history. Here, fishponds show you how Hawaiians have sustenance fished for generations.
Another highlight of Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is the many sea turtles that come to shore here. You can also see a classic Hawaiian hale, admire several native plants, and meander along a scenic trail. There is also a visitors center to check out.
8. Party at a Luau
For many, a trip to Hawaii isn’t complete without a luau. Kona offers the perfect setting for a luau: clear, starry skies, swaying palm trees, and idyllic weather.
Kona doesn’t have a ton of luau options, but many visitors enjoy Voyagers of the Pacific Lū‘au. You could also head toward the nearby area of Waikoloa to check out the Legends of Hawaii Luau, which is about 45 minutes away from Kona.
9. Snorkel in Calm Waters: Free or Guided Things to do in Kona Hawaii
Early morning is typically the best time to snorkel, so this will be a fantastic way to start another day in Kona. And if you want to swim with the fish, you have a couple of options.
If you are looking for free things to do in Kona Hawaii, carry your snorkel to the nearest calm beach and jump in.
If you want to visit more remote spots, consider booking a snorkel tour. Many Kona snorkel tours include dolphin watching and take you to prime spots where you can swim with colorful fish.
10. Drink Kona Coffee
Kona is famous for its coffee. Here, rich volcanic soil is ideal grounds for growing coffee beans. And during your Kona vacation, you can see how it’s all made. Mountain Thunder Coffee and Greenwell Farms offer free Hawaii coffee farm tours, complete with free samples.
These tours are a great way to spend a little time off the beach, learning about the unique agriculture industry in Hawaii. Plus, they are fantastic free things to do in Kona Hawaii. But there are also many coffee shops in Kona brewing up local roasts that you’ll be dreaming about for a long time.
11. … Or, Kona beer
You see Kona Brewing Co.’s beers on your local store shelves, but during your Kona vacation, you can get it straight from the source. The brewery’s original taproom is in Kailua-Kona and serves up light eats alongside their famous beers. You can also take a tour of their brand-new, sustainable brewery!
12. Golf in Paradise
Want to take a swing at Hawaii golfing? Kona has many world-class golf courses that are surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Makalei Golf Course is a popular option, but you’ll find a handful of options near Kona’s top resorts.
13. Go Deep Sea Fishing
We recently wrote about deep sea fishing in Hawaii, and revealed that Kona is the best area of Hawaii for deep sea fishing. If you are interested in big-sport fishing, being out on the water, and receiving a custom tour of Hawaii’s shoreline, a deep-sea fishing excursion in Kona is a fantastic way to spend a day here.
Choose a half- or full-day fishing charter, depending on your other plans for the day.
14. Tour the Seahorse Farm in Kona Hawaii
One of the most unique things to do in Kona Hawaii is to see how seahorses are raised. Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm in Kona raises seahorses that will be sold as pets or in aquariums. Their goal is sustainability, since offering farm-raised seahorses reduces the strain on natural resources.
You’ll spend about an hour and a half taking a guided tour of this Kona seahorse farm.
15. Go Kayaking along the Kona Coast
Another great morning activity in Kona is kayaking. You can rent a kayak for a self-guided adventure along the shoreline, or join a guided tour to better navigate the beautiful waters.
Kona’s Captain Cook monument is a popular kayaking destination and a fantastic snorkel spot.
16. Shop at the Farmers Market
The Kona Farmers Market, located on Alii Drive, is a fantastic spot to buy local produce, souvenirs, and other goodies. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday. We like to pick up some fruit and snacks before heading out on more Kona adventures. After all, there are so many fun things to do in Kona, Hawaii, and local snacks are a great way to fuel up.
17. Take a Road Trip to Find Things to Do Beyond Kona, Hawaii
There is so much to do beyond Kona. After all, this is the Big Island, and there is so much to discover at every turn. The most popular day trip from Kona is to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can drive or hike across Kilauea, an active volcano.
While near the National Park, explore Akaka Falls State Park, Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens, and Hilo town.
Access Hilo via Saddle Road, a 52-mile route that connects Kona and Hilo.
18. Parasail over Kona
Interested in getting high while in Hawaii? Parasailing is a fun way to see Kona’s coastline from new heights. Choose the length of your flight and the length of your tether, and set sail out into the ocean.
UFO Parasail operates out of Kailua Pier in Kona.
19. Fly Over Kona
If parasailing isn’t high enough for you, seeing Kona from above is another option. Helicopter tours offer incredible sunset views of Kona and allow you to experience the beauty of Hawaii Island in an adventurous way.
If you’re splurging on a helicopter tour, we typically recommend a volcano excursion that showcases otherwise unviewable areas of Kilauea and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. These tours typically depart from Hilo airport.
But, if you are up for it, a full island circle tour will allow you to see the biggest sights of the Big Island from above.
20. Stargaze Above Kona
After the sun sets on another day in Kona, Hawaii, there is one amazing thing left to do: stargaze. The bright lights from hotels inhibit stargazing right in town, but you’ll be close to one of the best stargazing sites in the world: Mauna Kea.
Mauna Kea Stargazing tours depart from Kona and take care of all the driving and logistics for you. Marvel at the night sky from atop a volcano: definitely an unmissable adventure in Hawaii.
Tips for a Kona Hawaii Vacation
Want to make the most of your Kona vacation? Working with a local travel agent will help ensure your trip is expertly planned and that you don’t miss any of the best things to do in Kona Hawaii.
Hawaii Aloha Travel can help create a custom Big Island vacation package, complete with all the things you want to do. We can’t wait to see you in Hawaii soon!
