Kailua-Kona
Epic Kona adventures meet beach paradise and island flavors
Highlights
Glide with graceful rays under starry skies for an unforgettable ocean thrill.
Hike lava tubes and craters with a geologist guide for insider volcanic insights.
Soar through ancient valley forests on world-class ziplines with ocean views.
Wander misty native trails spotting rare birds in a family-preserved sanctuary.
Relax on vanishing white sands with turquoise waves perfect for couples.
Where to Stay
1 pick
Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
Oceanfront 3-star with pool, spa, and historic charm steps from shops.
Where to Eat
24 picks
Kona Coffee & Pancake House
Fresh Kona coffee, mac nut pancakes, and loco moco.
Huggo's on the Rocks
Fresh poke bowls and seafood with sunset ocean views.
Da Poke Shack
Customizable fresh poke bowls with ahi and local fish.
Billy's Island Seafood
Grilled fresh catch and island salads.
Basil Tomatoes Eatery
Italian-Hawaiian pizzas.
Heavenly Hawaiian Kona Coffee Farm Tours & Konalani Coffee Bar
Coffee tasting and light farm-fresh meals.[2]
Ulu Ocean Grill
Sustainable seafood and Hawaiian fusion.
Kona Brewing Co.
Craft beers, pub grub like kalua pork sliders.
Scales Seafood & Sushi
Harbor-view sushi and fish tacos.
Mozaik Cuisine et Bar
Mediterranean island twists.
Super J's Poke
Authentic poke and bento boxes.
Teshima Restaurant
Plate lunch specials, saimin noodles.
Hawaiian Salt Farm Tour Cafe
Salt-infused dishes and tasting.[10]
Bamboo Restaurant
Asian-Hawaiian fusion tapas.
Kai Grill
Farm-to-table Hawaiian.
Volcano House Dining Room
Crater-view sandwiches and salads; included on tour.
L & L Hawaiian Barbecue
Spam musubi and plate lunches.
Ray's Den Sushi
Fresh island rolls and sashimi.
Lemongrass Express
Thai-Hawaiian curries.
Island Lava Java
Acai bowls and Kona brews.
Pineapples
Oceanfront poke and pizzas on tour route.
Kope Kope Brownies & Coffee
Artisan coffee and brownies.
Foster's Kitchen
Island comfort food, fresh salads.
Don's Mai Tai Bar
Tiki drinks and pupus.
What to Do
25 picks
Hulihe'e Palace
Tour royal Hawaiian history in a seaside mansion with artifacts.
Magic Sands Beach
Swim, bodyboard on white sands that 'disappear' with waves; beach must-have.
North Island Jungle Loop
Off-road jungle drive and hike.
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
Hike easy trails to ancient fishponds, petroglyphs, and turtles; nature focus.
Snorkel Honokohau Bay
Gear rental for coral reefs and fish; 10-min walk from park.
Kona Cloud Forest Guided Walking Tours
4-mile hike through native forests, lava tube; wildlife birds.[6]
Craft Chocolate Tasting Farm
Sample bean-to-bar chocolate; pair with coffee.
Pantropical Forest Tour
Birdwatching in rare ecosystem.
Sunset Manta Ray Tour
Night snorkel with manta rays; book Sea Quest Hawaii for safety.
Kealakekua Bay Kayak & Snorkel
3-mile paddle to Captain Cook Monument; Captain Cook Adventures operator.
Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Explore ancient refuge site, ki'i carvings; nature trails.[3]
Hawaiian Salt Farm Tour
Learn traditional salt-making.
Kohala Zipline Adventure
Canopy tour with 8 lines; Kohala Zipline operator, wear sneakers, medium fitness.
Pololu Valley Lookout & Hike
Short rugged trail to black sand beach; 30-min drive north.
Kohala Waterfalls Adventure
Chase private falls; guided tour.
Kona Coast Backcountry Tour
4x4 ranch lands and valleys.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour from Kona
Geologist-guided: Kilauea, lava tube, Rainbow Falls; full-day bus tour.[2]
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
Turtle spotting on rare black sands; tour stop.[2]
Kailua-Kona Farmers Market
Sample local produce, crafts; free explore.
Manini Beach Snorkel
Calm waters, sea turtles; short hike in, wear water shoes.
Big Island in a Day Tour: Waterfalls & History
Waterfalls, coffee farm, history sites; small group.[4]
Island Breeze Luau
Cultural show, Polynesian buffet; evening cultural.
Award Winning Farm Tour
Coffee, chocolate, gifts.
Hidden Craters Hike
Off-road climb misty slopes; guided for safety.
Kekaha Kai State Park Beaches
Multi-beach explore: Mahai'ula sands; free time.
Good to Know
12 picks
Pack Layers for Elevation Changes
Kona coast warm, but cloud forests and volcanoes chilly; bring fleece.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen Only
Hawaii bans harmful chemicals; use approved brands to protect corals.
Book Adventures Early
Popular tours like manta rays and ziplines fill fast; use Viator/TripAdvisor.
Respect Wildlife Distance
Stay 10ft from turtles/seals; no touching mantas.
Hydrate on Hikes
Carry 2L water per person; high humidity dehydrates fast.
Check Tour Weather Policies
Ocean activities weather-dependent; operators offer credits/reschedules.
Tip 15-20% for Guides
Cash preferred for small-group tours and luaus.
Drive Cautiously on Narrow Roads
Kohala/Honaunau roads winding; allow extra time.
Free Explore Neighborhoods
Use 2hr blocks for galleries/shops without rushing.
Bug Spray for Trails
DEET for forests; cover legs on hikes.
Water Shoes for Lava Trails
Sharp rocks on hikes; closed-toe required for tours.
No Skydiving in Kona Proper
DropZone Hawaii in Hilo (2hr drive); consider helicopter scenic alternative.
Map
Map unavailable
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