It’s no secret that the Large Island of Hawaii stole my coronary heart. I’ve develop into such a fan, so I wish to make it easier to discover each nook and cranny. Since most individuals start their Large Island journey in Kona, I figured you is likely to be questioning tips on how to maximize your time there.
From actions to locations to eat, these are the most effective issues to do in Kona, Hawaii. Decide up a rental automotive and prepare for an journey:
1. Manta Swims
By far the most effective issues to do in Kona — or wherever in Hawaii for that matter — is to swim with a few of the superb sea creatures! I swam with wild dolphins and it was an unimaginable expertise, though it’s unlawful to take action now. As an exquisite different, you’ll be able to add on this nighttime manta ray journey to your itinerary. You’ll cruise the ocean at sundown and watch manta rays glide by on their quest for plankton. I can’t consider a greater solution to spend a night in Hawaii.
2. Hapuna Seashore
Hapuna Seashore is the biggest white sand seaside on the massive island, and fortunately it’s solely a couple of 45-minute drive north of Kona. This half-mile stretch of sentimental sand was even named one of many high ten seashores within the U.S. in 2019. Parking is $5 and each loos and outside showers are offered. This a terrific spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunsets!
3. Two Step
See colourful little fish like this man in addition to dolphins, turtles, and monk seals at Two Step! It’s an superior snorkeling spot on Honaunau Bay, 30 miles south of Kona. It’s acclaimed as one of the lovely spots on the island, with clear blue waters, a vibrant reef, and dozens of marine species. Right here’s a number of useful suggestions: Park within the close by $5 lot, be careful for harmful currents, and be sure you use reef-safe sunscreen! The very best factor about Two Step is it’s simple to entry. You’ll want to convey your personal gear.
4. Mountain Thunder Espresso Plantation
Volcanic soil and frequent cloud cowl make for the right coffee-growing circumstances; in consequence, Kona espresso is world-renowned for each taste and aroma. Take the chance to embrace Kona espresso tradition with a free tour on the Mountain Thunder Espresso Plantation, which is a 15-minute drive from downtown Kona. Excursions run each hour on the hour from 10am to 4pm, seven days every week. You’ll want to take residence a memento of espresso beans or grounds when you’re there!
4. Whale Watching
Alongside the Waikoloa shoreline close to Kona, you’ll be able to find out about humpback whales with an skilled information who gives you the inside track on these unimaginable animals’ mating and migratory habits. Humpback whales are actually outstanding to see in particular person, particularly as they breach out of the water.
Take a look at this eco-certified 1.5 hour whale watching tour.
5. Kealakekua Bay
About 20 miles south of downtown Kona is Kealakekua Bay, the place the notorious Captain Cook dinner landed in 1779. The bay is extensively believed to be the location of the most effective snorkeling in all of Hawaii — how may it not be when it appears like this? Nevertheless, this treasure is properly guarded, because the snorkeling spots can actually solely be reached by a strenuous hike. A greater choice is to affix a guided snorkeling or kayaking tour which is able to be sure to get precisely the place you’ll want to be with no hassle in any respect.
6. Zipline Over Waterfalls
If you’d like slightly enhance of adrenaline when you go to Kona, that is the exercise for you. Zipline over lush inexperienced treetops and waterfalls in a personal nature reserve on this epic ziplining journey. You’ll additionally get to go for a swim in a swimming gap and take a look at hidden waterfalls within the forest.
7. Anaeho’omalu Seashore
Drive 30 miles north of Kona to get to Anaeho’omalu Seashore. The seaside is protected by an offshore reef, retaining the water calm and offering ideally suited circumstances for snorkeling, swimming, and diving. You even have the choice of renting outside gear to play with for the day, like kayaks, hydrobikes, and bodyboards. And, after all, everybody loves a great sundown, and this seaside is the right place to look at one.
8. Outdated Hawaiian Chocolate Manufacturing unit
The Kona area of the Large Island produces some unimaginable chocolate from 100% Hawai’i-grown cacao pods. The Outdated Hawaiian Chocolate Manufacturing unit was the primary to begin producing chocolate within the area and is the most effective place to not solely purchase Kona chocolate but in addition find out about the way it’s made.
There are excursions accessible of the chocolate manufacturing unit and plantation, which you’ll be able to e-book right here.
9. Kona Farmers Market
Get into the native really feel with the Kona Farmers Market, open Wednesday by way of Sunday from 7am to 4pm. The market is situated within the coronary heart of Kona, and greater than 40 distributors provide the whole lot from all kinds of contemporary native produce and flowers to Kona espresso and humanities & crafts. Whether or not or not you find yourself buying a lot, it’s a terrific alternative to discover a wholesome snack and chat with locals!
10. Fly in a Helicopter
If seeing Kona and the Large Island’s magnificence from the bottom is gorgeous, think about attending to see all of it from above! Get jaw-dropping views of hidden black and white sand seashores, 5 towering volcanoes, large waterfalls, and a lot extra on this 1.5-2 hour helicopter tour that takes off in Kona.
A particular communication system permits you to ask your pilot questions on what you’ll see under, supplying you with a rundown of the island’s distinctive geology and historical past when you fly.
11. Historic Kailua-Kona City
Take a look at the historic downtown space of Kailua-Kona, which is residence to a number of well-known landmarks. Two of essentially the most notable are Hulihee Palace and Mokuaikaua Church (pictured above), each on the primary street working by way of downtown. The world was as soon as a spot the place Hawaiian royals like King Kamehameha favored to reside and the place fishing was the primary occupation of those that lived there. At this time, its roots are nonetheless clearly evident however exist alongside a contemporary spirit marked by vibrant meals, music, and other people.
12. Go {Golfing}
Expert golfers discover Kona to be an exquisite place to get out for 18 holes as a result of the excessive elevation gives an added problem. Not solely that, however the lush inexperienced surroundings makes for a lovely {golfing} expertise for anybody who enjoys the game. Plus, you may get a terrific view of Mount Haleakalâ on Maui from the course at Makalei Golf Membership in Kona.
13. Kua Bay (Manini’owali Seashore)
This secluded white sand seaside is simply so fairly! The seaside is a part of Kekaha Kai State Park, about 15 miles northwest of Kona. The clear, calm waters right here are perfect for snorkeling and swimming, and the seaside is definitely accessible by paved street. Different useful facilities right here embody loos, showers, barbecues, and picnic tables. Total, Kua Bay is a superb spot to spend a day, however remember the fact that it could get busy on the weekends, so possibly save this one for the center of the week.
14. Luau with Buffet
Get a style of Polynesian tradition with this luau with buffet expertise. You’ll be captivated by the performances of conventional Hawaiian songs and Samoan fireplace knife dances when you take pleasure in a heavenly conventional Hawaiian meal. This is without doubt one of the quintessential experiences that guests to Hawai’i really like.
15. Stargazing at Hawai’i Volcanoes Nationwide Park
That is extra than simply any ol’ stargazing you’ll discover wherever else. This twilight stargazing tour provides an in depth depiction of the distinctive historical past, geology, and tradition of Kona and the Large Island. The tour packs in a go to to a Kona espresso farm, a scenic view of the Kealakekua Bay, a go to to Punalu’u Black Sand Seashore, stargazing in Hawai’i Volcanoes Nationwide Park, and extra.
I can’t consider a greater solution to spend a day in Kona than this tour, which is ideal if in case you have little time and wish to see as a lot as attainable.
16. SUP at Kahalu’u Bay
Arise paddleboarding (SUP) is definitely one in every of my favourite issues to do at a relaxed seaside like Kahalu’u Bay. It’s a enjoyable solution to get out on the water, plus it’s a terrific exercise! Since there are usually solely light waves at Kahalu’u Bay, it’s an excellent spot to SUP and you may lease a board at Kahalu’u Surf & Sea. When you’re a newbie, additionally they provide SUP courses!
17. Take a Surf Lesson
When you’re at Kahalu’u Bay and wish to take your board abilities to the following degree, take a surf lesson! The calm waters are good for newbie surfers, so that you’ll be capable to be taught at your personal tempo in a relaxed atmosphere. This small group surf lesson is a wonderful choice for all ability ranges.
18. Get pleasure from Nice Native Meals
Half the enjoyable of occurring a visit is attending to expertise the native delicacies, and Hawaii is an particularly superior place for excellent meals. With a give attention to contemporary, native elements, the meals scene in Kona has loads to supply. Listed here are some scrumptious spots to take a look at:
Huggo’s on the Rocks: Huggo’s provides a enjoyable and laid-back ambiance and a contemporary menu of burgers, salads, sandwiches, fish, and extra. Plus, pleased hour from 3 to 5pm each afternoon and reside music each evening imply that that is the right place to wrap up a busy day in Kona. When you’re in search of a sundown dinner on the water that isn’t too fancy, it is a great place!
Umekes: Umeke’s is thought each close to and much (they’ve greater than 10,000 followers on Instagram) for scrumptious poke and seafood made with solely prime quality, native elements. Umekes has two places in Kona: one at Ali’i Plaza and one on Kaiwi Road (as a fish market bar and grill), every of which has its personal menu and ambiance.
Island Ono Loa Grill: Some say that Island Ono Loa Grill makes the most effective burgers in Kona, and with good motive: they fire-grill them over lava rocks and serve them on Hawaiian candy buns! What’s extra, their elements are regionally sourced, and it’s each a fast and cheap cease. Moreover the mouth-watering burgers, there are additionally cool scorching canine, specialty sandwiches, and native plates on the menu.
Papa Kona Restaurant and Bar: Papa Kona options native musicians virtually each evening of the week, and their pub-style lounge menu of appetizers, burgers, tacos, and extra makes for a laid-back ambiance. This appears to be a terrific spot for a chunk, a drink, and a few music. Additionally they have an superior brunch!
Broke da Mouth Grindz: This spot has been featured on Man Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and is beloved by vacationers and locals alike. The menu is filled with conventional Filipino staples with a contemporary Hawaiian spin on them. It appears to be the most effective locations to eat on the Large Island, arms down!
Hayashi’s Sushi (You Make The Roll): This small, family-run sushi place is massively fashionable amongst locals. In truth, if you happen to go at lunch hour, you’ll probably have to attend an hour or extra to your sushi! Nevertheless, for scrumptious, inexpensive, and high-quality sushi, it appears to be value it. Possibly simply attempt to go at an off-time so that you gained’t spend so lengthy in line.
Basik Açaí Cafe: You may’t go to Hawaii and not have an açaí bowl! Basik Cafe is a superb place to get one, with a wide range of contemporary, colourful bowls and smoothies that are all dairy-free and plant-based. Plus, they’re simply attractive!
Herbivores: This drive-through and walk-up spot makes use of the phrase, “wholesome quick meals” as its declare to fame. I don’t even know what class to place this cool little place beneath, as a result of they provide breakfast, lunch, dinner, espresso, and smoothies, all of which look scrumptious! Its menu is essentially plant-based and gluten-free, and has a laid-back ambiance.
Kalikala Delicacies: Kalikala Delicacies is a family-owned oceanfront lanai on a picturesque road. Sit within the shaded patio and order one in every of their lovely breakfast or lunch plates when you benefit from the seaside views. The ambiance isn’t the one good half, although; the meals is meant to be wonderful!
808 Grindz Cafe: Some say that 808 Grindz has a hole-in-the-wall vibe, however in one of the best ways: huge parts, pleasant employees, and cheap costs. Total, it’s a terrific spot for an informal and genuine Hawaiian breakfast, and its largely frequented by locals. Simply remember the fact that it’s cash-only!
Barefoot Zone: Barefoot Zone is a wholesome choice which focuses on contemporary, entire meals in a enjoyable manner. Attempt one in every of their colourful bowls packed to the brim with contemporary fruit, or indulge your candy facet with a gluten-free, dairy-free crêpe. Additionally they have tons of different plant-based choices, together with veggie sushi!
Island Lava Java: The oceanside Island Lava Java restaurant has an enormous menu which covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all made with contemporary, regionally sourced elements. The restaurant itself has a brilliant, cheery ambiance, plus there’s an on-site bakery if you wish to take one in every of their scrumptious breakfast pastries with you on the go!
Holy Donuts: Head to Holy Donuts for quirky, enjoyable donuts freshly made each morning. It’s mentioned to have the most effective donuts on the Large Island, and with good motive! They appear each attractive and scrumptious, because of distinctive flavors like pineapple fritter and creme brûlée.
Kona Wave Espresso: Kona Wave Espresso is a cute little place with a full espresso bar, açaí bowls, and all pure shave ice. This isn’t your typical cup of shave ice, both: it’s a saucer filled with it with add-ins like ice cream, pure fruit syrups, boba, mochi, contemporary fruit, and the rest you wish to throw in there!
I hope this submit lets you uncover the superb seaside and aquatic adventures that Kona has to supply, together with the scrumptious facet! For extra concerning the Large Island as a complete, take a look at my 25 high issues to do on the Large Island starting in Kona.
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