25 best things to do in Kona, Hawaii

The popular neighborhood of Kona stretches along nearly two-thirds of the west coast of Hawaii Island (Big Island) and is filled with breathtaking natural wonders and every adventure activity imaginable. The year-round sunny weather means that water sports play a big role and many outfitters are fighting over your habits. You can experience unsurpassed adventures, such as swimming with wild dolphins, sea turtles or manta rays, learning to scuba dive, surf or stand-up paddle, or enjoying the magnificent underwater wonderland from a submarine. Photo: VacationIdea LLC

Kailua Village

Kailua Village is the historic heart of the Big Island, located on the Kona coast, 15 minutes south of Kona airport. The village was once a quiet little fishing village, but now is a lively coastal town offering a variety of accommodations, restaurants, shopping and recreational opportunities. Kailua Village is also home to several historic sites dating back to the 19th century. There are many historic sites dating back to the nineteenth century – you can visit several of them on a guided walking tour of the area. Historical highlights include Hulihee Palace (the summer residence of Hawaiian kings) and Mokuaikaua Church (the oldest Christian church on the island), both built in the early 19th century. Built in the middle of the twentieth century. Contact: Kailua Village, 75-5766, Kuakini Highway, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Photo: Vacclav / Fotolia

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is the ideal place to combine outdoor activities with the fascinating history and culture of ancient Hawaiians. At the visitor center, you can get all the information you need to follow hiking trails that lead you to four Ahupuaa (mountain-to-sea land divisions), several sacred temples, and some very ancient petroglyphs. You can admire the advanced engineering skills that enabled these settlers to build Hawaiian fishponds, and then you can relax on the beach where you may be lucky enough to see a sea turtle or monk seal. The park is located south of Kona Airport. Contact: Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, 73-4786 Kanalani St, #4, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, phone: 808-329-6881 Photo: NoraDoa / Fotolia

Puuhonua-o-Honaunau National Historical Park

Puuhonua-o-Honaunau is an ancient sanctuary and one of Hawaii’s most sacred historic sites. You can learn about Hawaiian culture and history while taking a self-guided tour of this deeply spiritual site. Highlights of your visit include the Great Wall of China, up to 17 feet thick, and the fierce-looking kii (wooden totem-like images of the gods protecting the sacred temple). You will also be able to see the royal canoe landing beach and the old fishing ponds. The park offers daily ranger talks that will greatly enhance your visit and deepen your understanding of the history and culture that surrounds you. Contact: Puuhonua-o-Honaunau National Historical Park, 1871 Trail, Honaunau, HI 96726, phone: 808-328-2326 Photo: Rene / Fotolia

Kanaloa Octopus Farm

You can learn all about cephalopods (octopus and squid) at the unique Kanaloa Octopus Farm, where squid and octopus are sustainably farmed for aquariums, research and saltwater aquarium enthusiasts. The facility is located right on the beach, where fresh seawater can be easily pumped into the breeding tanks. You can learn all about the process by booking one of the guided tours that take place every day at 10.00 and 14.00 hrs are offered. You will have some time to interact with the octopuses and even feed them. Reservations are made online only and each tour is limited to 35 visitors. You should therefore book early to avoid disappointment. Contact: Kanaloa Octopus Farm, 73-4460 Queen Kaahumanu Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, phone: 808-747-6895 Photo: ricktravel / Fotolia

Hulihee Palace

At Hulihee Palace (built in 1838), you can go back in time to the Hawaiian monarchy and see how the royal family lived in the 19. The king lived in the seventeenth century when the palace was built as a summer holiday home for the king. The handsome Victorian house is filled with beautiful furniture, ornaments and Victorian relics and is now operated as a museum. Guided tours of the palace take place twice a day at 10.00 and 13.00 a.m., and one Sunday a month you can attend the free Hulihee Palace Concert featuring the Hulihee Palace Band and the Merry Monarchs Chorale. After your tour, you can visit the on-site gift store. Contact: Hulihee Palace, 75-5718 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, phone: 808-329-1877 Photo: samantoniophoto / Fotolia

Keauhou Bay

Keauhou Bay is just a short drive south of Kailua Village and is another cultural district of Kona that used to be a popular vacation destination for Hawaiian royalty. In addition to a variety of water sports on the calm, protected waters of the bay, you can also take a cultural tour of all the historic sites, including several restored temples. A highlight of any visit to the Keauhou coast is the opportunity to swim and snorkel with the many giant manta rays that are attracted near the shore to feed on microscopic plankton at night. During the day, you can snorkel, paddle, kayak or fish with the locals. Photo: cascoly2 / Fotolia

Atlantis Adventures

Imagine drifting silently through a 25-acre natural coral reef while a variety of colorful marine life surrounds your comfortable, air-conditioned submarine.Atlantis Adventures gives even the most eager landlubbers a chance to experience the magical underwater wonderland of Hawaii aboard a safe, silent, and environmentally friendly submarine. Your unique adventure will take you to depths of up to 100 feet, surrounded by sharks, stingrays, eels, turtles and a variety of colorful tropical reef fish. Your trip will last approximately 45 minutes and is a wonderful way to enjoy the spectacular underwater world without having to get your feet wet. The adventure is especially great for younger kids who can’t dive or snorkel. Contact: Atlantis Adventures, 75-5660 Palani Street, 304 Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, phone: 808-326-7939 Photo: Atlantis Adventures

Great island air

One of the most memorable ways to see the Big Island is by air on a scheduled tour or private charter with Big Island Air. The company has been in business for more than 30 years and operates a fleet of nine-seat Cessna Caravans that guarantee every passenger a window seat. You can look forward to seeing miles of coastline, sensational beaches, deep green valleys, waterfalls, rainforests, and five of Hawaii’s volcanoes, including the active Kilauea volcano. Big Island Air offers a variety of tours, including a sunset option when dusk offers spectacular views of the red glowing lava fields. Contact: Big Island Air, Kona International Airport Commuter Terminal, 73-103 U’u Street, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, phone: 808-329-4868 Photo: Big Island Air

Big Island Divers

The lure of Hawaii’s underwater world draws thousands of visitors to the island each year. Big Island Divers is one of the most trusted and popular outfitters on the Big Island, specializing in turning your diving dreams into unforgettable diving and snorkeling adventures. If you’ve never tried scuba diving before, you can sign up for lessons and get your certification on the spot. For more experienced divers, the company offers some unique diving opportunities, including several daytime dives and the unique Blackwater Night Dives. If you prefer snorkeling, you can visit Dolphin Watch or Manta Ray Snorkeling Adventure, or just go snorkeling. The company also offers equipment rentals, including kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and GoPro underwater cameras. Contact: Big Island Divers, 74-5467 Kaiwi St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 808-329-6068 Photo: Vjaceslavs / Fotolia

Big Island Duck Adventures

Big Island Duck Adventures is waiting to thrill you with a very unusual island tour that moves seamlessly from land to sea in an amphibious bus/boat. At first glance, your Hydra-Terra vehicle looks like an ordinary tour bus, until you notice the unusual triangular front end designed to glide easily through water. Your 2-hour tour begins with a 7-mile drive along the beautiful coastline, passing several historical and cultural sites along the way. Then it’s time for the “boat into the sea? Part of your tour that offers a completely different view of the coastline and the opportunity to see dolphins and whales. Contact: Big Island Duck Adventure, 74-380 Kealakehe Pkwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 808-491-9284 Photo: Big Island Duck Adventure

Big Island Jump

Big Island Jump is a leader in adventure tourism on the Big Island, offering visitors the opportunity to explore some of the island’s most popular destinations. Adventure seekers can choose from a variety of unique Hawaiian experiences, including hiking near an active volcano, fidgeting in real green (and black) sea sand, swimming with dolphins and more. If you want a bird’s eye view of the Big Island, along with the exhilarating thrill, try skydiving with an experienced guide to lead the way. Other tours include visits to the beautiful Waipio Coast, Akaka Falls and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Contact: Big Island Jump, 5803 Neke Place, Ste 75, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 888-200-2088 Photo: germanskydive110 / Fotolia

Captain Zodiac Raft Expeditions

Taking part in an adventure with Captain Zodiac Raft Expeditions is an unforgettable addition to your Hawaiian vacation. Captain Zodiac has been guiding visitors on exciting zodiac adventures for over 40 years and has the expertise to ensure you have a wonderful time exploring the Big Island’s rugged coastline while meeting some of its amazing marine life. You can choose from several scheduled tours or arrange a private charter. Scheduled tours last between 3 and 5 hours and include snorkeling excursions, swimming with wild dolphins and seasonal whale watching, and the very maneuverable Zodiacs can really get you close to some amazing lava tubes, sea caves and potholes. Contact: Captain Zodiac Raft Expeditions, 74-425 Kealakehe Pkwy, # 16, Kailua Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 808-329-3199 Photo: Keleny / Fotolia

Dolphin Discoveries

No trip to the Big Island would be complete without donning a mask, snorkeling and slipping into the crystal clear waters of Kealakekua Bay to see some of the island’s wonderful marine life. Dolphin Discoveries offers a selection of tours with snorkeling adventures at Kealakekua Marine Reserve, where you can also see a memorial to the explorer Captain Cook. Dolphin Discoveries specialize not only in getting you snorkeling, but also in preparing you for two of life’s greatest adventures – swimming with wild dolphins and whale watching.Dolphin Discoveries has almost 20 years of experience and a 98% success rate in finding dolphins and whales around Kona. Contact: Dolphin Discoveries, Keauhou Bay, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, phone: 808-322-8000 Photo: sin_ok / Fotolia

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Fair Wind Big Island Ocean Guides

Eye contact with a massive manta ray could be the highlight of your visit to Hawaii if you join an evening Manta Ray snorkeling adventure with Fair Wind Big Island Ocean Guides. In addition to the Manta Ray adventure, Fair Wind offers a variety of other snorkeling excursions both at Kealakekua Marine Reserve and in remote southern Kona. Most tours last approx. 3 to 5 hours and include expert assistance, necessary snorkeling gear and light meals. If you prefer a shorter excursion, you can join an afternoon tour (without meals). Most snorkeling experiences are family-friendly and suitable for all skill levels, but you must be a competent swimmer to go on the Manta Ray adventure. Contact: Fair Wind Big Island Ocean Guides, 78-7130 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 808-322-2788 Photo: Fair Wind Big Island Ocean Guides

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Fantastic Race Kona

If you need a short break from the sun, sand and waters of the Big Island, Fantastic Race Kona is a fun activity for the whole family that combines a self-guided tour/race with treasure hunting and problem solving. This unique activity is educational and a lot of fun. Each group is given an interesting puzzle to solve. This includes finding various clues, uncovering hidden treasures and unlocking the secrets of the Hawaiian gods. Along the way, you’ll visit several historic sites and learn fascinating facts about Hawaiian history and culture, and even sample some local dishes. Everyone who completes the race will be rewarded with a free drink. Book early to avoid disappointment – races usually sell out well in advance. Contact: Fantastic Race Kona, Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, HELLO 96740, Phone: 808-747-9667 Photo: jivimages / Fotolia

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Kohala Waterfalls Adventure

If you think it’s time to trade in your snorkels and flippers for a pair of walking shoes, you can sign up for a Kohala Waterfalls Adventure. This 8-hour excursion takes you to the most scenic parts of the Big Island and includes an off-road six-wheeler ride followed by a relaxing guided hike through a private nature preserve. Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will tell you about the flora and fauna as well as Hawaiian history and culture. The highlight of your day is swimming under the waterfalls before heading out for a private picnic lunch at a scenic overlook. You will also have time for a short visit to the historic town of Hawi. Contact: Kohala Waterfalls Adventure, Hawaii Forest& Trail headquarters, Kailua Kona, HI 96740, phone: 808-331-8505 Photo: Vermeulen-Perdaen / Fotolia

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Kona Joe Coffee Tours

At Kona Joe Coffee Farm, learn everything you ever wanted to know about how your favorite mood enhancer is made and processed. There are several ways to visit the farm, including a free self-guided tour, but it’s worth paying the small extra to join one of the hourly, fully guided tours. You will learn about the entire process, including growing, picking, processing, roasting and brewing, and then taste the final product and take home a souvenir engraved coffee mug. For an even deeper experience, roast your own coffee beans under the guidance of one of the roasting masters. Your coffee beans will then be packed for you to take home. The gift store is stocked with beautiful coffee-themed souvenirs. Contact: Kona Joe Coffee LLC, 79-7346, Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HI 96750, Phone: 808-322-2100 Photo: betweenthelines / Fotolia

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Mountain Thunder Coffee

Learn all about Hawaii’s most popular export on a free tour of Mountain Thunder Coffee Farm, located just 15 minutes from Kailua Kona. The farm offers free daily guided tours from 10.00 to 16.00 a.m. (and Japanese tours on Mondays and Fridays). Learn all about growing and processing coffee and sample some of the different blends and roasts produced on the farm. If you really want to get active, you can book the popular 2-hour Roast Master Experience, where you’ll learn the finer points of bean selection and roasting. Taking home your own hand blended coffee might just be the highlight of your Hawaiian vacation. Contact: Mountain Thunder Coffee, 73-1944 Hao St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, phone: 808-325-5566 Photo: amenic181 / Fotolia

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Ocean Rider Seahorse Tours

Ocean Rider Seahorse Tours is the only facility in the United States that raises endangered seahorses in captivity to save these magical sea creatures from extinction. At any given time, the farm offers around 20.000 seahorses and sea dragons will be on display, and you will have the opportunity to feed and interact with them if you join one of the scheduled tours. You will learn all about seahorse life and observe babies and even male seahorses. There are feeding pools and an interactive petting zoo where you can even touch a delicate seahorse. Read more Contact: Ocean Rider Seahorse Tours, 73-4388 Llikai Square, Kailua-Kona, HI 76940, phone: 808-329-6840 Photo: anathel / Fotolia

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Sea Quest snorkeling tours

A highlight of any visit to Hawaii has to be a close encounter with some of the island’s magnificent marine life. Of course, it’s possible to snorkel in many places on the beach, but many previous visitors consider their Sea Quest snorkeling tour the most memorable part of their Hawaii vacation. Sea Quest offers a variety of tours to choose from, including a once-in-a-lifetime chance to swim with giant manta rays or wild dolphins. The Captain Cook Express tour is a great option for families and less experienced snorkelers. You will explore the magnificent marine life in the protected waters of Kealakekua Bay. Other tours take you past sea caves, lava tubes and potholes and to the open waters to look for dolphins and whales. Contact: Sea Quest Snorkel Tours, 78-7138 Kaleiopapa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, phone: 808-329-7238 Photo: JJAVA / Fotolia

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Surf Big Hawaii

Learning how to surf or improve your surfing skills will add a whole new dimension to your Hawaiian vacation. The Surf Big Hawaii team has years of experience teaching newbies how to surf (or stand-up paddle) in record time. Your experience starts on dry land as you learn the basics of their surf simulator, which means by the time you get in the water, you’ll already have a good idea of what it feels like to catch a wave. The company offers both private and semi-private (two to three person) lessons that focus on explaining the physics and philosophy of surfing so you can really improve your skills quickly. Contact: Surf Big Hawaii, 75-5663A Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, phone: 808-960-4667 photo: tomas del amo / Fotolia

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Original Hawaiian Chocolate

Chocolate lovers will be thrilled to hear that some of the world’s finest and most exclusive cacao is grown in the heart of the Big Island on the slopes of Hualalai Mountain. The Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory is proud to be the first Hawaiian producer of premium single-source cacao beans that are hand-picked, sun-dried and processed on-site. If you would like to see what your favorite treat is like, you can book a tour of the cocoa farm and factory – tours last about 1 hour and you will see the entire process from plantation to final product. Tours are only offered on Wednesdays and Fridays and must be booked in advance. The chocolate store in the accommodation is open from Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Contact: Original Hawaiian Chocolate, 8-6772 Makenawai St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, phone: 808-322-2626 Photo: leungchopan / Fotolia

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Three Ring Ranch

Essential viewing for families (children must be at least 6 years old) and all wildlife enthusiasts, Three Ring Ranch in Kailua-Kona is a private sanctuary for a variety of endangered, rare and exotic animals and birds. Although the sanctuary is not normally open to the public, it is possible to book a 2-hour tour of the site, which will allow you to meet some of the fascinating animals that are either permanently inhabited or subsequently rehabilitated injury. Look forward to seeing unusual animals such as bison, zebra and monkeys, as well as domestic animals such as horses and chickens. One hundred percent of the cost of your tour is used to preserve the sanctuary. Contact: Three Ring Ranch, 75-809 Keaolani Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, phone: 808 331 8778 Photo: nattapan72 / Fotolia

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UFO Parasail

Make the highlight of your Big Island vacation an exhilarating parasailing adventure with UFO Parasail. Experience the breathtaking Hawaiian coastline from a bird’s eye view as you soar through the air alone or in tandem. UFO Parasail has been conducting parasailing excursions on the Big Island since 1985 and is a leader in the field, ensuring that you have a safe and wonderfully memorable adventure. You can expect to sit on the parasailing boat (which accommodates up to eight people at a time) for about an hour, and you don’t even have to get your feet wet – all takeoffs and landings are safe and dry. You can book online – please check weight restrictions. Contact: UFO Parasail, 75-5660 Palani Street, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, Phone: 808-359-4836 Photo: abelena / Fotolia

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Wasabi Tours

A guided tour that teaches you all about the outstanding natural wonders as well as the history and culture of the Big Island is an essential addition to any Hawaiian vacation. Wasabi Tours offers a variety of small tours throughout the island, and you’ll definitely find one that suits your particular tastes and interests. Among the most popular tours are the Big Island Grand Circle Tour, the Twilight Volcano Tour and the Historic Kona and Farm Tour. You also have the option to combine two of the most popular activities on the island on the Fire and Water Combo Tour, which includes both volcano watching and snorkeling with wild dolphins. Make your choice or let Wasabi Tours create a private tour for your group. Contact: Wasabi Tours, 74-581 Honokohua St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, phone: 808-238-5222 Photo: Ignacio Garin / Fotolia

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