Big Island, Kona Things To Do, Activities, Beaches

There are many things to do in Kona, which is one of Hawaii’s most popular visitor areas in Hawaii. Kona is located on the western (leeward) side of the Big Island of Hawaii. If you are visiting Hawaii and want to take advantage of all of Kona's offerings, then you would probably be smart to stay in one of the many Kona vacation rentals, hotels or the Kona coast resort. It is a "big island" and if you stay in Hilo, it is a bit of a trek to get back to the west side.

The Kona region is known not only for its sunny weather and pristine beaches but also for great shopping, fine restaurants, and an array of local art galleries and boutiques. The Kona region also has many sacred Hawaiian cultural areas, and there is even a royal palace!

Several popular beaches are located to the south as well as to the north of Kona, and there is also a great beach right in the center of town called Kamakahonu Beach. Located along Alii Drive in downtown Kona between Kailua Pier and King Kamehameha Hotel, Kamakahonu Beach is also known as King Kam Beach. This beautiful white sand beach is very family friendly because it is protected from the open ocean waves, and there are always lots of children playing near the pier.

Next to the Kamakahonu Beach is Ahuena Heiau, a famous sacred site that dates to ancient times. This is where King Kamehameha had his royal home called Kamkahonu, which means “Eye of the Turtle,” and is also where this famous ruler of all of the Hawaiian Islands spent the last years of his life.

Kona is world famous for its offshore fishing opportunities. Most of the fishing charter boats leave from Kona’s Honokahau Harbor in search of huge swordfish and marlin weighing up to 1,000 pounds. The most sought after fish for fine dining is the yellowfin tuna, which is known as ahi in Hawaiian. Every August the Kona region is host to an International Billfish Tournament that draws anglers from many different countries to compete for trophies awarded to those who catch the largest of the prized fish.

If ocean adventures sound like fun but you don’t like fishing, then consider a whale watching tour to see giant humpbacks, or a a sailing cruise to Molokini crater where you can snorkel in pristine waters in a half sunken crater amidst myriad tropical fish and other amazing creatures of the sea.

Other popular events in Kona include the International Outrigger Canoe Races held every September, and the Ironman Triathlon held each October. Among the many other Kona activities to choose from are submarine cruises, parasailing, botanical gardens, scuba diving and more.

If you are interested in Hawaiian history check out the Kona Historical Society’s guided tours of Old Kona Town. The tour’s $15 fee includes a visit to Hulihee Palace which was built in 1838 and was used by Hawaiian royalty including King Kalakaua who was known as the “Merrie Monarch” for his encouragement of the revival of hula and other Hawaiian traditions. You can get more information on tours, history and activities in a Hawaii travel guide.

Nearby to the Hulihee Palace is Mokuaikaua Church, the first Christian church in the Hawaiian Islands, while just to the south is the Kona Inn, a historic structure that was built in 1929 and is now home to numerous restaurants and shops.

The Kona region is also famous for its gourmet coffee. A tour of Kona coffee country will allow you to meet some of the farmers and taste their fresh roasted beans. A drive through the uplands of Kona coffee country takes you through the charming town of Holualoa where you can see the creations of local artists and also enjoy great views of the scenic Kona coastline.

The annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is a ten-day-long celebration held each November and featuring parades, coffee tasting competitions, concerts, and even a coffee picking contest.

In the southern region of Kona is Kealakekua Bay known for its many spinner dolphins as well as great snorkeling with lots of colorful fish. Kealakekua is also the site where the famous explorer Captain Cook was killed, and there is a memorial along the shoreline.

A great way to see the countryside around Kealakekua is a horseback riding adventure. Some activity packages combine a horseback tour with a stop at the bay for snorkeling and swimming. Also located in the southern Kona region is the National Historical Park called Puuhonua O Honaunau, or Place of Refuge which includes a restored Hawaiian village.

Not far from Kona Town is Kilauea Volcano where you can see actively erupting lava, a sight that you will never forget. At the summit of Kilauea Volcano are huge steam vents while at the base of the volcano near the coast are rivers of molten lava that explode as they flow over cliffs directly into the sea.

During a visit to Kona you may also want to take a drive over to Hilo, which is a fun way to see more of this beautiful island. Not far from Hilo you can see the spectacular Akaka Falls plunging 442 feet straight down the mountain.

There is no shortage of adventures in and around Kona Town, a lovely region set beneath the massive volcanic mountains of Mauna Loa rising more than 13,000 feet and Hualalai rising 8,000 feet. With many scenic views, cultural attractions, great shopping and lots of different activities, Kona is a great place for a perfect Hawaii vacation.