“Hawaii is not a state of mind, but a state of grace.” — Paul Theroux, an American novelist and travel writer
Need a tropical island escape with sunshine, coffee, and volcanoes? Head to Kona! Located on the sunny west coast of the Big Island of Hawai‘i, Kona offers beaches, snorkeling, coffee farms, and ancient Hawaiian sites. Whether you're after adventure or relaxation, Kona brings a warm aloha spirit and natural beauty everywhere you turn.
Kona, HI Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Snorkel with manta rays at night – Take a guided boat tour to see majestic manta rays glide by in glowing waters.
- For History Buffs: Explore Pu?uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park – Step into a sacred place of refuge with temples, royal fishponds, and petroglyphs.
- For Shoppers: Browse Ali?i Drive in Kailua Village – Pick up Hawaiian crafts, beachwear, and local art in this oceanfront shopping district.
- For Couples: Take a sunset sail on Kailua Bay – Cruise past lava-rock shores and toast with mai tais as the sun dips into the Pacific.
- For Families: Relax and swim at Kahalu?u Beach Park – A shallow, calm beach great for snorkeling with colorful tropical fish and sea turtles.
Best Time to Visit Kona, HI
The best time to visit Kona is from November through May for ideal weather and lower humidity. This season is perfect for beach days, whale watching (December–March), and exploring volcanoes and coffee farms without the summer crowds.
How to Get to Kona, HI
- If you are traveling by air: Kona International Airport (KOA) is the main gateway, with direct flights from major U.S. cities.
- By Car: Rent a car to explore Kona’s coast, farms, and parks—the island’s top attractions are spread out.
- By Cruise: Kona is a common stop on Hawai‘i cruise itineraries and offers easy access to the waterfront.
Where to Stay in Kona, HI
- Recommended for Families: Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa – Ocean-view rooms, lagoon pools, and manta ray viewing platforms make it a hit with families.
- For Couples: Holualoa Inn – A peaceful luxury B&B nestled in a coffee estate with stunning sunsets and spa tubs.
- For a Boutique Hotel Stay: Kona Tiki Hotel – Oceanfront charm, retro vibes, and intimate rooms near Kailua Village.
Best Things to Do in Kona, HI
1. Kailua Village
Walk along oceanfront shops and explore historic sights on a relaxing trip.
Kailua Village is the historic heart of the Big Island, located on the coastline of Kona, 15 minutes south of the Kona airport. The village was once a quiet little fishing village but is now a vibrant coastal town that offers a variety of accommodation, dining, shopping, and leisure options. Kailua Village is also home to several historic places that date back to the 1800s – you can easily visit several of these on a self-guided walking tour of the area. Historical highlights include Hulihee Palace (the summer residence of the Hawaiian royalty) and Mokuaikaua Church (the oldest Christian church on the island), both of which were built in the early 1800s.
Kailua Village, 75-5766, Kuakini Highway, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740,
2. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
See ancient fishponds and admire coastal trails on an easy cultural outing.
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is the ideal place to combine outdoor activities with learning about the fascinating history and culture of the ancient Hawaiians. At the visitors center you can get all the information you need to follow hiking trails that will lead you to see four ahupuaa (mountain to sea land divisions), several sacred temples, and some very old petroglyphs. You can marvel at the advanced engineering skills that enabled these settlers to construct Hawaiian fish ponds and then you can relax along the beach, where you may be lucky enough to see a sea turtle or monk seal. The park is located just south of Kona Airport.
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, 73-4786 Kanalani St, #4, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 808-329-6881
3. Puuhonua-o-Honaunau National Historical Park
Visit sacred grounds and discover Hawaiian history on a meaningful weekend.
An ancient place of refuge, Puuhonua-o-Honaunau National Historical Park is one of Hawaii’s most sacred historic sites. You can learn about Hawaiian culture and history as you take a self-guided tour of this deeply spiritual site. Highlights of your visit will include the Great Wall, which is up to 17 feet thick in places, and the fierce-looking Kii (wooden totem-like images of the gods who protect the sacred temple). You will also be able to see the royal canoe landing beach and ancient fishing pools. The park offers daily ranger talks, which will greatly enhance your visit and deepen your understanding of the history and culture that surround you.
Puuhonua-o-Honaunau National Historical Park, 1871 Trail, Honaunau, HI 96726, Phone: 808-328-2326
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
4. Kanaloa Octopus Farm
Explore marine science and see octopuses up close on an unusual tour.
You can learn all about cephalopods (octopus and squid) at the unique Kanaloa Octopus Farm, where octopus and squid are sustainably raised for aquariums, research, and saltwater aquarium hobbyists. The facility is located right on the beach, where fresh seawater can be easily pumped into the breeding tanks. You can learn all about the process by booking one of the guided tours, which are offered every day at 10.00am and 2.00pm. You will have some time to interact with the octopuses and even feed them. Bookings are only done online, and each tour is restricted to 35 visitors, so you are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.
Kanaloa Octopus Farm, 73-4460 Queen Kaahumanu Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 808-747-6895
5. Hulihee Palace
Admire royal artifacts and walk through history on a quick spring visit.
At the Hulihee Palace (built in 1838) you can step back in time to the era of the Hawaiian monarchy and see how the royals used to live in the 1800s, when the palace was built to serve as a summer vacation home for the king. The lovely Victorian-style home is filled with beautiful furniture, ornaments, and Victorian relics and is now operated as a museum. Ask about guided tours, Hulihee Palace Concert featuring the Hulihee Palace Band and the Merry Monarchs Chorale. After you tour you can visit the on-site gift shop.
Hulihee Palace, 75-5718 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 808-329-1877
6. Keauhou Bay
Go kayaking or spot manta rays during a fun summer trip with family.
Keauhou Bay is located a short drive south of Kailua Village and is another of Kona’s cultural areas, having formerly been a favorite vacation destination for Hawaiian royalty. Besides enjoying a multitude of watersports on the calm, protected waters of the bay, you can also take a cultural tour of all the historical sites, including several restored temples. A highlight of any visit to the Keauhou coastline is the opportunity to swim and snorkel with the many giant manta rays that are attracted close to the shore to feed on microscopic plankton at night. During the day you can enjoy snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking or try your hand at fishing with the locals.
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
7. Atlantis Adventures
Dive below the surface and discover underwater sights on an exciting submarine tour.
Imagine drifting silently through a 25-acre natural coral reef as a multitude of colorful marine creatures surround your comfortable air-conditioned submarine. Atlantis Adventures give even the most ardent landlubber the chance to experience the magical underwater wonderland of Hawaii on board a safe, silent, and eco-friendly submarine. Your unique adventure will take you to depths of up to 100 feet, surrounded by sharks, stingrays, eels, turtles, and a multitude of colorful tropical reef fish. Your journey takes around 45 minutes and is a marvelous way to enjoy the spectacular marine life without having to get your feet wet, and the adventure is particularly great for younger children who cannot dive or snorkel.
Atlantis Adventures, 75-5660 Palani Rd, 304 Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 808-326-7939
8. Big Island Air
Soar above volcanoes and see epic views on a romantic sightseeing flight.
One of the most unforgettable ways to see the Big Island is from the air on a scheduled tour or private charter with Big Island Air. The company has been in existence for over 30 years and operates a fleet of nine-seater Cessna Caravans, which guarantee each passenger a window seat. You can look forward to seeing miles and miles of rugged coastline, sensational beaches, deep verdant valleys, waterfalls, rainforests, and five of Hawaii’s volcanoes, including the active Kilauea Volcano. Big Island Air offer a selection of different tours, including a sunset option, when the twilight affords spectacular views of the red-hot lava fields below.
Big Island Air, Kona International Airport Commuter Terminal, 73-103 U’u Street, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 808-329-4868
9. Big Island Divers
Explore coral reefs and dive with sea life on a thrilling weekend adventure.
The lure of Hawaii’s underwater wonderland is what draws thousands of visitors to the island each year. Big Island Divers is one of the most trusted and popular outfitters on the Big Island, specializing in turning your diving dreams into unforgettable scuba and snorkeling adventures. If you have never tried scuba diving before, you can enroll in lessons and get your certification on site. For more experienced divers, the company offers some pretty unique diving opportunities, including various day-time scuba excursions and the unique Blackwater Night Dives. If you prefer to snorkel, you can go on the Dolphin Watch or the Manta Ray Snorkeling Adventure or simply enjoy reef snorkeling. The company also offers equipment rental, including kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and GoPro underwater cameras.
Big Island Divers, 74-5467 Kaiwi St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 808-329-6068
Where to Eat in Kona, HI
- Recommended for Families: Island Lava Java – Beachside café with breakfast favorites, fresh seafood, and live music.
- For Hawaiian Cuisine: Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill – Casual setting with award-winning poke and Hawaiian plates.
- For a Casual Meal: Big Island Grill – Local favorite for comfort food, hearty breakfasts, and island-style dishes.
If you are interested in local events:
- For Sports Fans: IRONMAN World Championship (October) – Watch world-class triathletes compete in this iconic endurance race.
- For Coffee Lovers: Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (November) – Celebrate Kona’s coffee heritage with farm tours, tastings, and parades.
- For Families: King Kamehameha Day Celebration (June) – Enjoy a colorful parade and hula performances honoring Hawai‘i’s first monarch.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Kona, Hawaii:
- For Culture and History: Hulihe?e Palace (in town) – Explore this former royal vacation home with Hawaiian artifacts and Victorian furniture.
- For Nature Lovers: Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park (10–15 min) – Hike past ancient fishponds and spot sea turtles on a quiet beach.
- For Beach Relaxation: Magic Sands Beach (10 min) – Swim, boogie board, or catch a sunset at this popular white sand beach.
- For Scenic Views: Honl’s Beach (5 min) – Small surf spot with views of cruise ships and dolphins offshore.
- For Snorkeling: Kahalu?u Beach Park (15 min) – Great for beginners, this reef teems with colorful fish and green sea turtles.
- For a Farm Visit: Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation (20–25 min) – Tour cloud forest coffee orchards and sample estate roasts.
- For a Unique Stop: Painted Church (30 min) – St. Benedict’s Catholic Church features colorful murals and peaceful grounds.
- For a Beach Walk: Old Kona Airport State Park (5–10 min) – Long beach with tidepools, picnic areas, and low crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is the Kona district located?
- The popular Kona district stretches along almost two-thirds of the west coast of the island of Hawaii.
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What makes the Kona district a great destination?
- This area is filled with stunning natural wonders and offers nearly every adventure activity you can imagine.
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What unique wildlife experiences are available in Kona?
- Visitors can enjoy unparalleled adventures, such as swimming with wild dolphins, sea turtles, or manta rays.
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What water activities can visitors try in Kona?
- You can learn to scuba dive, surf, or stand-up paddle.
- For a unique experience, explore the underwater wonderland from the comfort of a submarine.
Plan Your Trip