Kailua-Kona
Tropical Kona week of ocean thrills, lava history, and sunsets
Highlights
Snorkel after dark with graceful manta rays just off Kona’s coast for an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Stroll a waterfront strip lined with royal sites, seaside bars, street markets, and classic Kona views.
Cycle through lush Holualoa coffee farms and sample world-famous Kona coffee at the source.
Explore rugged lava shores and ancient fishponds where Hawaiian history and wild nature meet.
Swim, snorkel, and relax at white-sand and pocket beaches perfect for photos and easy adventure.
Fuel up on poke, fresh fish, and island-style plates alongside locally brewed Kona beers.
Where to Stay
3 picks
Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
Large beachfront hotel with direct access to Kamakahonu Beach, a pool, and easy walking distance to Ali‘i Drive restaurants and the pier.
Royal Kona Resort
Resort-style property perched on lava rock with oceanfront pool, tiki-bar vibes, and sunset-facing balconies.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kailua-Kona
Modern, budget-friendly hotel a few blocks mauka from Ali‘i Drive with a pool and included breakfast.
Where to Eat
21 picks
Basik Acai
Grab tropical açaí bowls topped with fresh fruit and granola; the perfect light start before ocean time.
Foster’s Kitchen Kona
Order fresh catch, island-style plates, or fish tacos with an ocean view from the open-air dining room.[5]
Kona Brewing Co.
Try local drafts like Longboard Lager with kalua pork sliders, pizzas, or fish sandwiches in the beer garden.[1][5]
HiCO Hawaiian Coffee
Sip locally roasted coffee and grab a light pastry or breakfast sandwich in a modern, tropical café setting.
Harborfront Food Truck or Café (near Honokohau Harbor)
Refuel with fish tacos, plate lunches, or burgers from casual harbor-side spots popular with boat crews.
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
Order signature poke bowls, fresh-catch plates, and local-style sides in a lively, contemporary setting.[1]
Kona Farmers Market Breakfast Graze
Pick up fresh fruit, baked goods, and snacks from stalls at the central market-style area along Ali‘i Drive.[5]
The Fish Hopper Seafood & Steaks
Enjoy clam chowder, seafood platters, or fresh fish with open-air ocean views right on the bay.[5]
Huggo’s On The Rocks
Sink your toes in the sand at this casual oceanfront spot with live music, cocktails, and island-style plates.[5]
Kona Coffee Café (central Ali‘i Drive)
Start with Kona coffee drinks and simple breakfast plates or pastries overlooking the bay.
Holualoa Café or Coffee Farm Snack
Refuel with sandwiches, salads, or pastries at a local café, plus more Kona coffee in the cooler upland air.
Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill Kona
Enjoy creative island-inspired dishes, seafood, and steaks in a warm, neighborhood tropical setting.[5]
Basik Acai (repeat or similar bowl spot)
Grab another quick bowl or smoothie to keep the morning light before paddling or surfing.
Da Poke Shack
Pick up fresh poke bowls or plates from this beloved spot close to shoreline condos and small beaches.[5]
Killer Tacos or Local Plate-Lunch Spot (near central Kona)
Grab casual tacos or plate lunches to keep dinner simple before your evening adventure.
Local Bakery or Coffee Bar Grab-and-Go
Pick up pastries, musubi, and strong coffee early for the road before your day trip departure.
Quick Late Lunch / Snack Stop on Return
Grab a simple burger, poke, or sandwich at a convenient spot as you roll back into Kailua-Kona.
Ultimate Burger
Enjoy hearty burgers made with local beef plus fries and shakes in a casual, modern space.[5]
Local Coffee Stand Near Lodging
Ease into your final day with Kona coffee and a simple breakfast near your stay.
Gypsea Gelato (Kona location)
Treat yourselves to island-inspired gelato flavors and a light snack instead of a big lunch.[5]
Huggo’s Restaurant
Celebrate your final night with a sit-down oceanfront meal featuring fresh seafood and sunset views.[5]
What to Do
22 picks
Kailua Bay Waterfront Walk
Stroll the seawall and small beaches along Ali‘i Drive, scouting photo spots and getting oriented to central Kona.
Hulihe‘e Palace (exterior & small museum)
Visit the historic oceanfront former royal vacation home; tour the small museum if open and photograph the grounds.
Kona Inn Shopping Village & Waterfront
Browse boutiques, galleries, and souvenir shops in a historic oceanfront complex and watch waves from the lawn.[1]
Ali‘i Drive Sunset & Bar Hopping
After dinner, wander back toward the water, pause for sunset, and sample a cocktail at a seaside bar or two.
Morning Guided Scuba or Intro Dive
Join a local dive operator from the harbor for a 2-tank certified dive or intro scuba experience along the Kona coast.
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
Walk coastal trails past ancient fishponds, petroglyphs, and quiet beaches where honu (sea turtles) often rest.[1]
Craft Beer or Dessert Crawl (Pawai Place Area)
Wander between nearby breweries/bars and sweet spots, sampling a beer flight or local dessert before calling it a night.
Self-Guided Ali‘i Drive Historic Walk
Visit historic churches, royal sites, and small plaques along the waterfront, pausing at viewpoints and pocket beaches.
Honl’s Beach Relax & Photography Time
Walk or short drive south along Ali‘i Drive to this small beach for swimming, lounging, and sunset-leaning photo time.
Seaside Live Music & Drinks
Stay put for another round or stroll to a nearby waterfront bar for live music and people-watching.
Holualoa Art Village & Coffee Country Cycling
Head up mauka (upland) to Holualoa; rent bikes nearby or bring your own to cycle rolling roads between coffee farms and small art studios.
Holualoa Galleries & Village Stroll
Wander the main street, popping into small art galleries and studios featuring local artists and island themes.
Relaxed Evening at Lodging or Short Ali‘i Drive Walk
Wind down with a short walk near your stay or a quiet drink, resting up for the next adventure-heavy days.
Kahalu‘u Bay Surfing or Snorkeling Session
Join a local surf school for beginner/intermediate lessons or rent gear to snorkel this reefy bay known for turtles and fish.
Magic Sands Beach Park
Hang out at this small white-sand beach for swimming, bodyboarding when surf permits, and golden-hour photography.[5]
Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Join a guided night-boat trip to snorkel above lights that attract manta rays, watching them glide just below you.[1]
Day Trip: Zipline & Waterfalls in North Kohala
Join a guided zipline tour and short rainforest hikes to multiple waterfalls in lush North Kohala, about 1.5 hours from Kona.[3]
Easy Coastal Stroll or Pool Time
After returning from the day trip, unwind with a gentle walk near your lodging or a relaxed swim.
Kona Commons Evening Shopping Stroll
Walk the open-air shopping center for last-minute gear, souvenirs, or just people-watching.[1][5]
Kamakahonu Beach (King Kam Beach) Chill Time
Spend a relaxed morning swimming and snorkeling in this protected cove right by the pier, good for easy water time.
Last-Chance Shopping & Photo Walk on Ali‘i Drive
Roam your favorite stretch of Ali‘i Drive to pick up any final souvenirs and capture last photos of the bay.
Farewell Sunset on Ali‘i Drive
Linger by the seawall or a small beach nearby, reflecting on the trip as the sun sets over the Pacific.
Good to Know
8 picks
Car & Clustering Strategy
Even with a rental car, plan days around specific Kona clusters (Ali‘i Drive, Honokohau Harbor, Holualoa, etc.) to avoid backtracking and wasting time in traffic or parking hunts.
Ocean Safety Comes First
Conditions and currents change quickly—check local surf reports, obey warning signs, and when in doubt, sit it out or ask lifeguards and tour guides for advice.
Sun & Heat Management
Use reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and light long sleeves; schedule the most intense hiking or cycling early in the morning or after 3 PM to avoid peak heat.
Respect for Sacred & Historical Sites
At places with cultural significance, stay on marked paths, avoid touching rock structures or petroglyphs, and keep voices low out of respect for Native Hawaiian heritage.
Dining Reservations & Peak Times
Popular Kona restaurants and manta tours often book out for sunset hours; reserve key dinners and activities a few days ahead, especially Thursday–Sunday.
Cash, Cards, and Tipping
Most spots take cards, but keep some cash for small markets, food trucks, and tipping guides on tours (usually 15–20% when service is good).
Connectivity & Offline Maps
Cell coverage can drop on back roads or upland areas; download offline maps and key reservations to your phone before you head out.
Pack for Wet & Dry Adventures
Bring reef shoes or sturdy sandals, a lightweight rain shell, dry bags, and a compact microfiber towel so you can pivot between hikes, beaches, and boat tours easily.
Map
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