Looking for the best way to spend quality time with your family and enjoy all Kona has to offer? Here’s how to make your trip unforgettable! Get ready for adrenaline-filled water sports, paradisiacal beaches, and cultural events that celebrate the local Aloha spirit.

Discover the best things to do on the Big Island in Kona, Hawaii with this guide.

Photo by Steve Boland is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

 

Best Things to Do in Kona, The Big Island of Hawaii

 

Relax at Kua Bay Beach

Kona features some of Hawaii's most beautiful beaches, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. For instance, Kua Bay, on the Kona Coast, has clear water for swimming and snorkeling. Part of Kekaha Kai State Park, it's easy to reach and great for beachcombing and bodyboarding.

Magic Sands Beach is among the best Hawaiian beaches with its soft, pure white sand and clear waters. Likewise, snorkeling fans love Kahaluu Beach Park for its colorful sea life. In contrast, Manini offers relaxation away from the crowds if travelers want quiet.

 

Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay

Snorkel among coral reefs and marine life at Kealakekua Bay in Hawaii, where you'll find the Captain Cook Monument. Many visitors join boat tours or paddle to reach the best spots, as the bay has limited land access. Kealakekua Bay is also known for its clear waters and for being a popular snorkeling destination on the Big Island.

 

Taste Beers at Kona Brewing Co.

Visit Kona Brewing Co. to taste their local beers brewed on-site, including the popular Big Wave Golden Ale and Longboard Lager. You can take a tour to see the beer-making process and grab a meal at the brewpub. This is one of the best things to do in Kona, Hawaii: explore its beer culture while learning about sustainable brewing practices.

Photo by Steve Mohundro is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

For more craft beers and ciders, stop by Ola Brew Company nearby.

 

Watch Whales in Kona (Dec-May)

Humpback whales migrate to Kona’s warm waters from December to May. This is the best time for visitors to see them from shore or take a boat tour to get closer. Bring binoculars to spot them breaching and tail-slapping.

Take a Helicopter Tour of Mauna Kea

Book a helicopter to fly over Mauna Kea to see volcanoes, lava, and a panoramic view. Tours often include sights of craters, green valleys, and the Kona coast. Some flights offer sunset views or add visits to other spots on the Big Island.

 

Drive from Kona to Hilo

The drive from Kona to Hilo (about 80 miles) is a great way to experience the entire Big Island in a single journey. The route passes sunny coastal areas, volcanic landscapes, and rainforests. We recommend stopping at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea, Waipio Valley, and Akaka Falls. Be aware that the trip can take 2-3 hours, plan breaks to explore waterfalls, farms, and local food markets.

Kona’s scenic drives are not just over yet! One of the best things to do in Kona, Hawaii, is to visit Pololu Valley for high-lookout views of rugged shores and green valleys— the island’s best views. These spots are perfect for photos and peaceful reflection.

 

Attend a Luau in Kona

Join a luau in Kona to enjoy traditional Hawaiian food, dance, and music. Some luaus include storytelling, fire shows, an all-you-can-eat buffet, and Mai Tais. It’s a fun way for families to learn about Hawaiian culture and taste local dishes. Reserve your spot early, as these events can fill up fast.

Photo by Karl Schultz is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

 

Surf at Kahaluu Bay

Surf at Kahaluu Bay is great for both beginners and skilled surfers. The bay has a reef break for lessons, and rentals are close by. The bay’s shallow waters allow for learning without going far from shore.

Photo by dolanh is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

 

Early morning is the best time for fewer people and smaller waves. Most importantly, follow local rules about the reef and marine life.

 

Camp at Beach Parks Near Kona

Camp at Spencer Beach Park or Ho‘okena Beach Park near Kona, both with coastal views, water access, and some basic facilities. Camping gives quick access to places like Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Park and Kona’s coffee farms.

Bring all your needs since stores are far from the parks. In addition, both parks need permits, so book early.

Photo by dolanh is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

 

Visit Seahorse Farm in Kailua-Kona

Go to the Seahorse Farm in Kailua-Kona to watch baby seahorses and pregnant males up close and even hold a seahorse during the tour. The visit teaches you about marine conservation efforts and views of unique species. This is definitely one of the best things to do for families or anyone interested in marine life on Kona Island, Hawaii.

 

Explore The Botanical Gardens

Visit the botanical gardens near Kona to see native Hawaiian plants and tropical flowers. Go to the Amy B. H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in South Kona or the lush gardens along the Kohala Coast. These places help you learn about tropical plants, their uses, and local biodiversity while enjoying views.

 

Spot Dolphins off Kona Coast

Take a boat tour along the Kona Coast to see spinner dolphins in the wild. Such tours keep a safe distance, so you can watch the dolphins play without scaring them. You might also see them near bays like Kealakekua or Honaunau from the shore or on a boat tour.

 

Snorkel the Reefs at Two-Step Beach

Kona Coast's clear, warm waters are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving with an excellent variety of marine life. In places like Two-Step Beach, near Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau, it's easy to access coral reefs teeming with diverse sea creatures.

Photo by MatthiasKabel is licensed under CC-BY 2.5 and GFDL

 

For a more adventurous dive, explore the lava tubes at Garden Eel Cove, home to strange sea creatures and unique rock formations.

 

Paddleboard Along Kona’s Coast

For those who prefer to stay shallow, rent a paddleboard from a local shop and explore Kona’s waters at your own pace. You can start near Kahaluu Bay or Keauhou Bay to see sea turtles and dolphins as you glide through clear waters. Some shops even provide lessons for new paddlers.

Early morning or sunset trips are the best to have less noise and fewer people. Just check ocean conditions before going out.

 

Join a Manta Ray Night Dive

The manta ray night dive is one of the best unique things to do in Kona, Hawaii.  Get on a guided boat, jump into the water, and swim with manta rays in Kona after dark. This is the closest view of manta rays feeding beneath underwater lights. The lights attract plankton, drawing in mantas for feeding.

 

Visit Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Park

Kona is rich in cultural history, with many historic landmarks and petroglyph sites. Visit Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Old Park, an ancient Hawaiian place of refuge, discover Hawaiian culture, and see historic structures and temples. The site also offers history, coastal views, and nearby snorkeling spots.

Photo by Carmen is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

 

Another must-visit place in Hawai Kona Island is the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve. There, you can wander among hundreds of ancient carvings to get insights into Aloha State’s past.

 

Explore Kona Coffee Farms

No visit to Kona is complete without going to its world-famous coffee. Tour Kona’s coffee farms like Greenwell Farms and Kona Coffee Living History Farm to learn about the coffee-making process and enjoy some of the world's highest-quality coffee. Such tours will guide you through every step, from bean harvesting to roasting.

Photo by sk is licensed underCC BY-ND 2.0.

 

Browse Old-Fashioned Hawaiian Markets

Old-fashioned Hawaiian markets offer fresh produce, Kona coffee, tropical fruits, and handmade crafts. For example, visit the markets in Kailua-Kona for local fish, tropical flowers, and authentic Hawaiian food. Or the Kona Farmers Market, in downtown Kona, for fresh produce, and local treats.

Shop for souvenirs, try new fruits, and meet locals. Seriously, do not miss the chance to try Hawaiian treats like poke, malasadas, and tropical smoothies. Farmers’ markets typically operate between Wednesday and Sunday.

 

Hike in Honuaʻula Forest Reserve

Kona offers excellent hiking and walking options, from beaches to verdant trails. Walk around Honuaʻula Forest Reserve's trails through lava fields and forests. Hikers can see native plants, birds, and views of the Big Island. Do not worry, these trails suit all skill levels, offering a space for nature walks and birdwatching.

Photo by John Menard is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

 

Also, visit the leafy trails of the Kaloko-Honokohau National Old Park, its ancient Hawaiian fishponds, and sacred sites.

For a more challenging hike, hike the Mauna Kea Summit for stunning views from Hawaii’s highest point. The trails are recommended to both avid hikers and casual walkers.

 

Volcano Tours and Lava Tubes Exploration

The Big Island of Hawaii has some of the world’s most active volcanoes. So, why not them with a guided tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park? Walk through active lava tubes, witness steam vents, and learn about the geology of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Tours often cover recent lava flows and insights into the island's ongoing volcanic activity.

 

Savor Local Food Like Kalua Pork

From volcanic views to an exotic food scene, Kona is full of many fun experiences. While there, don't skip on the kalua pork at traditional luau events or local eateries. It’s slow-cooked in an underground imu oven, giving it a smoky flavor. Pair it with poi or Hawaiian sweet bread. Many luau shows near Kona offer it alongside hula performances.

Photo by dolanh is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

 

 

Best Things to Do in Kona Hawaii for Free

Walk Through Waikoloa Petroglyph Fields

Visiting Waikoloa Petroglyph Fields is free. It’s a self-guided walk where you’ll see many petroglyphs on lava rock. The site is open to everyone during the day.

 

Walk Ali’i Drive

Walk along Ali’i Drive to explore shops, restaurants, and cafes by the Kona coast without spending a dime. This main street is a central place for food and fun in Kailua-Konahas with quick access to historic sites, ocean views, and cultural spots. Some activities like boat tours may require a fee.

 

Visit Kailua Pier

Begin your day here by the ocean. Take a boat tour, go snorkeling, or try fishing. Walk the pier, watch boats, or rent a kayak. This is also where the Ironman World Championship starts. Access to the pier is free for sightseeing, fishing, and boat-watching, though some tours or trips from there may have fees.

 

Attend Free Hula Shows

Watch free hula shows at public places in Kona. Many take place at public spots like malls and cultural sites. Visitors can enjoy Hawaiian dance without paying for a luau. Check local schedules for times and places of these shows.

 

Tour the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Park on a Free Day

Visit Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau on a free day to see ancient Hawaiian sacred grounds. Walk by royal fishponds, temples, and reconstructed structures that used to be refuges in times of conflict. Bring snorkeling gear to swim at Two Step, a well-known spot next to the park.

 

Sunbathe at Magic Sands Beach

Kona's beautiful beaches are perfect and what's more, they offer a lot of free activities. Magic Sands Beach and Kahaluu Beach Park in Kona are good places for sunbathing and swimming. You can access the shore for free and try snorkeling near the reefs. These spots are easy to reach. Isn't that a great plan for a free day at the beach?

 

Walk Through Kona Cloud Forest Park

Another great free thing to do in Kona is hiking the trails at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park and walking through the greenery in Kona Cloud Forest Park. These trails let you enjoy Kona's natural beauty and get some outdoor exercise.

Photo by Armin Rodleris licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

 

Sample Fresh Produce at Farmers' Markets

Experience local culture through free events and farmers' markets. You can visit the Kona, Hawaii Farmers Market, and similar markets to sample local foods and buy unique crafts. Also, look for free listings of hula performances and traditional Hawaiian ceremonies.

Photo by Matt Kowalczyk is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

 

 

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