Top 10 Amazing Things To Do in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii
Kailua-Kona is the number one tourist hotspot on the Big Island. But don’t let that scare you away – it is filled with charm and Hawaiian culture. Kona, located on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. This beach side town is one of two cities you’ll fly or cruise into (the other city is Hilo which is located on the opposite side of the island).
There are many things to do in Kailua Kona that you should explore when visiting Hawaii. This includes tourist attractions, historic monuments, shopping, local restaurants, and so much more! Below I’m sharing the best things to do in Kona for first time visitors!
First, a little about Kailua Kona…
“Kona” means dry side of the island in Hawaiian which is a fitting name compared to Hilo’s wet climate. The official name of the town is Kailua-Kona, but its just referred to as “Kona” by the locals!
What should I not miss in Kailua-Kona?
Personally, my favorite two things to do in Kona are the Farmers Markets and Kona Brewing! I explain them in more detail below!
What are the best outdoor activities in Kailua-Kona?
Snorkeling and Manta Ray adventure (detailed below)
How many days do you need in Kona?
You only need 1 day to experience downtown Kona. However, I like to spend 3-4 days on that side of the coast of the Big Island as this is where you’ll find the best beaches, prettiest views, and more!
Best Things to do in Kona Hawaii
Walk along Ali’i Drive –
Talk about shops and restaurants galore! This is the main street in Kona and therefore one of the must see things to do in Kona. It parallels to the beach giving you gorgeous views of the waves and small beach town vibes. Ali’i Drive is definitely one of the top things to do in Kailua Kona.
Walk along Ali’i drive and pop in and out of stores while getting a great glimpse of the ocean. My favorite stores include Crazy Shirts and The ABC Store (which I’ll admit is a tourist trap).
I like to start with a walk down Ali’i Drive to give myself a lay of the land and explore the heart of Kona before I tackle other items on the list!
Kailua Bay –
If you arrive by cruise ship, Kailua Bay will be the first thing you see! It might not be the most awe-inspiring beach due to its very small size, but it is perfect for snorkeling! Kona’s clear waters and diverse marine life make it an ideal destination for snorkeling or scuba diving.
Since it is protected by the pier, the waves are minimal and great for kids.
This is also the start of the IRONMAN Triathlon.
Kona Farmers Market –
I love exploring the Kona Farmers Market for local trinkets or fresh produce to snack on. There are over 40 vendors here so you’ll find lots of options! My favorite thing to purchase here is fresh banana bread and locally made soaps (perfect for gifts). The market is open Wednesday – Sunday from 7AM to 4PM.
This is one of my favorite free things to do in Kona. For more ideas on FREE Things To Do in Kona, check out this post HERE.
Kona Brewery Company –
YUM! This is an absolute must every single time I visit the Big Island (which is once a year, for 20 years)! You may see Kona beers in your grocery stores back home. Well, now is your chance to see where it is made and taste it fresh!
Kona Brewery was founded in 1994 and offers a wide variety of local beers. You can take an hour long tour of Kona Brewery for $34 which include 4 samples of beer.
My family and I enjoy dining here for lunch or dinner because their pizzas are amazing (thanks to the yeast from the beer). This is one of the things to do in Kona that you cannot miss!
Kamakahonu Beach –
Kamakahonua Beach is a small beach located right in the town of Kona. Similar to Kailua Bay (listed above) it’s great for small children since the waves are minimal and the beach area is small. It may not be my favorite beach on the Big Island, but it is one of the great things to do in Kona especially with kids!
Check out my list of Top 10 Beaches on The Big Island for alternatives.
Hulilee Palace –
Travel back in time to get a glimpse at Hawaiian royalty. This palace was designed in 1838 as a summer vacation home for royalty like King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani.
For a small fee, you can explore the palace and take a tour (offered at 10AM and 1PM). Be sure to check out the gift shop as well! (Open 9AM-4PM on Mon-Sat; 10AM-3PM on Sun).
If you visit Hawaii, without spending time to learn about the culture and history, you’re doing it wrong. There is so much to learn and understand about Hawaii’s past, it’s a must do!
Related Post: 20 Mistakes to Avoid in Hawaii
Seahorse Farm Tour –
Seahorses are the cutest little animals, and now you can get up close and personal with them at the The Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm. This is technically just north of Kona. You’ll need to purchase tickets in advance (cost is about $73 per person).
Tours are available Monday through Friday 3 times a day (10 am, noon and 2 pm) during high season, fewer times during low season. It takes about an hour to explore the farm and in that time you’ll see baby seahorses, pregnant male seahorses, and over 36 other seahorses!
Kona Coffee and Tea–
Okay, call me crazy… but I don’t like coffee. In fact, I’ve never tasted it.
However, it would be erroneous for me to leave Kona Coffee off of this list. Kona is known for its delicious coffee, and there are many coffee farms in the area where you can learn about the coffee-making process and taste some of the world-renowned Kona coffee.
This coffee is grown on a single estate and small-batch roasted in Kona! You can visit their coffee shop “Kona Coffee & Tea” for a taste and amazing latte art.
Manta Ray Night Swim
WOW! I cannot say enough amazing things about the Manta Ray Night Swim. Manta Rays are typically 7ft large and love to swim around the Kona coast. It is one of the best things to do in Kailua-Kona at night.
There are many different excursions offered that will take you on a short boat ride just off the coast late at night. The reason this tour is offered late as night is because the boats will use a strong light to attract plankton which will attract manta rays to the area.
Night Manta Ray Adventure in Kona
Donkey Balls –
I love Donkey Balls and I’m not afraid to say it! 🙂 Donkey Balls is a storefront that sells unique macadamia chocolates with fun names. For instance, they have “Salty Balls” which features a macadamia nut rolled in dark chocolate and sea salt or they have “Crusty Balls” which features macadamia nut rolled in milk chocolate and toffee bits.
Not only do these Donkey Balls taste AMAZING, but they’re a fun gift to bring back to friends.
Whale Watching
Take a whale watching tour: Kona is one of the best places in Hawaii to see humpback whales, and there are many whale watching tours available.
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
Explore the history of the Big Island through the Kaloko-Honokaohau National Historical Park! It is free to enter and gives a great historical lesson on Hawaiian culture.
This is also a great place to find sea turtles in their natural habitat! Just remember – stay 10 feet away from them and use your camera zoom!
Best Hotels Near Kona:
For a full guide to the best hotels near Kona, Hawaii, check out my post on Best Resorts on the Big Island – most of them are near Kona! Otherwise, feel free to use this search box to find best deals!
Well, there you have it – my favorite things to do in Kona, Hawaii! It is such a fun beach town with so much to offer!
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Read related Hawaii posts on Wanderlust With Lisa:
BIG ISLAND:
Big Island Master Guide
Best Resorts on the Big Island
Hilo, Hawaii City Guide
FREE Things To Do On The Big Island
Top 10 Beaches on Big Island
Rainy Day Activities on the Big Island
20 Mistakes to Avoid in Hawaii
MAUI:
Ultimate Maui Guide
You may want to update your post about ticket prices to the Seahorse farm. The adult ticket is $73 (reduced), far from the $15 stated.
thank you! this has been updated!!