Top 10 Things to Do in Kona, Hawaii

We are always talking about our favorite things to do in Hawaii and on the Big Island. But narrowing activities down to a small list is tough. But you’re worth it! Today, we’re highlighting the top 10 things to do in Kona, Hawaii. 

This isn’t a huge list that will overpack your itinerary. This is curated. Hand-picked. Thoroughly considered. In other words, we’ve done the hard work of narrowing down the best things to do in Kona, and we’re presenting our findings to you. 

And we’re curious: do you agree? Did we surprise you with some of these Hawaii activities? And what are you including on your Kona vacation list? 

Let’s check it all out together and see the top 10 things to do in Kona, Hawaii!

Kona 101

Have you ever been to Kona, Hawaii? If so, you may be familiar with the many things to do there. But if you’ve never been to the area, you may not even know what to expect. So let’s take a second to break down the basics of Kona. 

Location

Where exactly can you do these top 10 things in Kona, Hawaii? Let’s tell you about the location of this beautiful destination!

Kona is located on Hawaii Island (aka the Big Island). There are two popular areas of Hawaii Island: Kona and Hilo.

Hilo is on the eastern side of the island and has a quaint vibe. It’s close to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and some of the eye-catching, lush waterfall areas you’ve maybe seen online. 

Kona is on the western side of Hawaii Island, where it’s drier and sunnier. There are lots of resorts and hotels around Kona, along with a fun oceanside avenue with shops and restaurants. Kona is where you’ll find many coffee farms, glistening beaches, and fun things to do. 

Hawaii Island is big (hence the nickname), but you’ll still likely visit both areas during your vacation. 

For first-time visitors, we recommend staying in or around Kona. There are more accommodation options, more things to do, and you’re well-situated for exploring the island. 

Kona vs Kailua-Kona

Kona and Kailua-Kona are typically used interchangeably, but they do have different meanings. 

Kona is a district (or area, or moku) on Hawaii Island. Several towns are located within Kona. 

Kailua-Kona is an actual town. In conversation, it’s often shortened to Kona. But the full name of the town is Kailua-Kona. It is located within the Kona district. 

So Kona is a big area, and Kailua-Kona is a town within that area. 

Want to get even more confused? You’ll also hear about the town of Kailua in Hawaii. Kailua is a town on OAHU, and is not near Kailua-Kona. That’s why you never want to abbreviate Kailua-Kona by just saying Kailua. You’ll have everybody all mixed up!

Vacationing in Kona

So, should you plan a trip to Kona? After all, there are lots of islands and destinations in Hawaii, and narrowing it down to one town can be nerve-wracking. 

Here’s our take:

Kona is a fantastic place to vacation – even if it’s your first time to Hawaii AND even if you’re not interested in the national park. 

That’s a bold opinion, because one of the biggest draws on the island is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park AND most first-time visitors are drawn to Oahu for their vacation (instead of the Big Island). 

But there is so much to do in Kona, you can easily have the quintessential Hawaii vacation right here on its sunny shores. 

And we’re ready to prove it! Check out these top 10 things to do in Kona, Hawaii, and get ready for an amazing getaway. 

Top 10 Things to Do in Kona, Hawaii

Ditch the doubt and plan a vacation you know is worth the hype. We’ve narrowed down the top 10 things to do in Kona, and we’re ready to help more. 

Contact Hawaii Aloha Travel for personalized, locally-based vacation planning that fits your unique vision, budget, and needs. 

#1 Hit the Beach

You are in Hawaii, so of course you need to have a fantastic beach day. Kona is the perfect spot to enjoy the relaxed, beautiful atmosphere of the islands while taking in the scenery AND staying cool. 

When conditions are right, Kona is an awesome place for swimming, snorkeling, bodyboarding, sunbathing, picnicking, playing in the sand, walking, and people-watching. 

Here are a few of our favorite beaches in Kona:

• Hapuna Beach – a long, white-sand beach with lifeguard stands, beautiful water, and typically good swimming conditions. 
• Kiholo Bay – a black sand beach with bright turquoise water, tide pools, calm conditions, and a nice hike.
• Mahaiula Beach – a crescent-shaped cove that typically has calm conditions and a nice shady area. 
• Manini’owali Beach (Kua Bay) – this beach often feels secluded and is a popular spot for snorkeling
• Old Kona Airport Beach Park – This beach is easy to access but typically has rough waters. It’s a great spot for a picnic and to watch the sunset.  

#2 Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay

I love snorkeling, so I’m quick to put a beautiful snorkel spot at the top of any must-do travel list. But one of the great things about snorkeling in Hawaii is that lots of people enjoy it – even vacationers who aren’t especially drawn to the water. 

Here’s why: Snorkel tours make the experience fun and beginner-friendly. Hop on and off the boat as needed, gear up with their provided masks, and simply enjoy. 

Another big reason why snorkeling is so much fun in Hawaii? It’s an immersive, unique way to enjoy the island’s beauty. Look underwater: gorgeous reefs and colorful fish. Come up to the surface: you’re surrounded by shades of blue and green that seem painted by some higher power. 

So there’s my shameless plug for snorkeling, and why I’ve put it at #2 on my list of the top 10 things to do in Kona, Hawaii. 

And if you want to really enjoy snorkeling, head to the Captain Cook Monument at Kealakekua Bay. You can access this spot by paddling, hiking, or taking a boat tour. For most vacationers, I recommend the boat tour. But hiking is doable if you’re fit and on a budget. 

This is a gorgeous reef area teeming with marine life. It’s historic, it’s biological, it’s fun, and it’s one of the best things to do in Kona!

#3 Swim with Manta Rays

Ok, I’ll get you out of the water soon, but first, I need to highlight another unique and unforgettable experience you can have in Kona. 

Number three on our list is… swimming at night with Manta Rays. 

This is another activity that can be iffy for those less-than-comfortable in the water. But the guided tours really make it fun and less overwhelming. 

What struck me about this activity is how unexpected it all was. The rays are so much bigger than expected. The water is so much more peaceful than I expected. The whole experience of snorkeling at night is so unique and so worth it. 

However, if you don’t want to pay for a tour or would rather enjoy the rays from shore, you can watch them from above at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, which has a viewing spot. 

So, are you doing this activity that ranks high on our top 10 things to do in Kona, Hawaii?

#4 Tour a Coffee Farm

Kona is one of the rare places in the US where coffee is commercially grown, and touring a farm is a great thing to do in Kona. 

This is definitely a must-do for any coffee drinkers. Most tours include samples and the chance to purchase bags of coffee straight from the source. 

But even if coffee isn’t your favorite thing, learning about farming techniques might still be fun. Plus, you get to see the varied landscape of the Kona region. 

Best of all: many coffee tours are free!

Greenwell Farms, Hala Tree Coffee, and Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation offer free, guided tours throughout the week. Take a break from the water, learn something new, and taste unbelievably fresh coffee!

#5 Take a Hawaii-Style Road Trip

A road trip? In Hawaii? On most islands, driving tours are more about the journey than the destination. But on the Big Island, you can take a scenic drive with a worthy destination! 

From Kona, you can cut across the island to visit Hilo and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  Or, head south along the coast to access the Papakōlea Green Sand Beach hike. 

We are big fans of driving along the Kohala Coast toward Waimea, and we always recommend a nighttime trip to stargaze on Mauna Kea. 

Unless you’re planning on a resort-bubble vacation where you stay put at the hotel’s beach and pool, you’ll likely want a rental car during your Kona vacation. There is just so much to explore on Hawaii Island, and so many fantastic road trips that you’ll want to embrace. 

#6 Go Deep Sea Fishing

We’re back on the water for our #6 best thing to do in Kona, Hawaii! Many vacationers dream of an exciting fishing experience in Hawaii, and Kona is the best place for this thrilling sport. We wrote all about Hawaii deep-sea fishing on the HAT travel blog recently, but here are the biggest takeaways for you: Kona deep-sea fishing is amazing, and a chartered trip can be fun for everyone. 

If you’ve got kids with you – or anyone less-than enthusiastic about fishing – you can book a private, customized charter that includes more than rods and reels. Fishing captains often know great snorkel spots, whale watching hubs (during whale season), and scenic points. 

But for those of us who crave the sound of a screeching rig, you’re in the right place. Kona is a hot spot for deep-sea fishing, and you’ll have a blast discovering what lurks below the ocean’s surface. 

#7 Explore Ali’i Drive

In Kailua-Kona, Ali’i Drive is a hub of activity. This is where you can souvenir shop, grab a bite to eat, take in a scenic view, board a chartered boat, have a beach day, peruse art galleries, and simply enjoy Kona’s lively atmosphere. 

The winding coastal road is somehow bustling and quaint. It gets busy, but in the best way. You can people watch to your heart’s content, but I’ve never felt overwhelmed by crowds. 

Come in the morning for some Kona coffee and calm conditions, or hit up happy hour at a seaside bar. 

Plan to find a parking spot and then enjoy Alii Drive on foot. Or, rent a bike to catch a little more speed while fully enjoying your surroundings. 

Alii Drive is also where you can enjoy other activities on our list of top 10 things to do in Kona, Hawaii. After all, this is a great spot for a beach day, joining a snorkel excursion, or starting your Big Island road trip!

#8 Golf on a Scenic Course

If you are interested in golfing, Kona is the perfect place to book a tee time. Golf Courses in Kona feature sweeping views, and there are options for all levels of golfers. 

Of course, once you golf in Hawaii, you’ll be spoiled. Where else can you find such glistening, oceanside challenges?

We especially love Makalei Golf Club, and lots of enthusiasts are drawn to Hualālai Golf Course, which was designed by Jack Nicklaus. 

Kona is one of the best places in all of Hawaii for golfing, and many travel here just for the unique courses. 

One thing to note: the only municipal golf course on the island is in Hilo, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for a budget tee time. 

#9 Hike Through Honuaula Forest Reserve

Many travelers think they need to head toward Hilo to experience a lush, verdant tropical forest. But there is a fantastic hike near Kona that will feel like the ultimate escape into the riches of nature. 

Honuaula Forest Reserve is a high-altitude cloud forest that’s popular among birders, explorers, and anyone wanting to escape the heat and sun of Kona. 

Makaula-‘O’oma Trail will probably be the best hike for you. The loop is about 4 miles and moderately challenging, and you’ll see lots of beautiful plant life. It feels worlds away from Kona, but the access point is less than 20 minutes from town. 

#10 Visit Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park and Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

This may come tenth on our list of top 10 things to do in Kona, Hawaii, but it’s still a must-do. Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park features an informative visitor center, a self-guided walking tour, historic structures, sacred sites, and cultural demonstrations. 

Closer to the Kona airport, you’ll find Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, which has a nice hiking trail, a heiau, and a calm area for swimming. 

Both of these parks are treasures in Kona and offer the chance to learn about Hawaiian history, culture, and nature all in one.