Trip Planning

The Best Things to Do in Kona, Hawaiʻi: A Complete Guide

From the sun-drenched coast to the misty uplands, Kona is the vibrant heart of West Hawaiʻi. Explore world-class snorkeling, historic villages, and the famous Kona coffee belt.

May 13, 2026 • 9 min read • by Big Island Tours Editorial

Kailua-Kona, usually just called Kona, is the sunny, bustling hub of the Big Island's west side. It's a place steeped in Hawaiian history, blessed with incredible ocean access, and home to some of the world's best coffee. While Hilo has the rainforests and proximity to the volcano, Kona offers endless sunshine, turquoise waters, and a vibrant energy that makes it the perfect basecamp for your island adventures.

Whether you're here to relax on a white-sand beach, explore underwater worlds, or sip coffee straight from the source, Kona delivers. This guide covers our favorite on-the-ground experiences that capture the true spirit of this special place.

Explore Historic Kailua Village

The heart of Kona is Kailua Village, a walkable stretch along Aliʻi Drive that fronts the ocean. This isn't just a tourist strip; it's a place rich with the history of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Park your car and spend a few hours exploring on foot.

Huliheʻe Palace: A former vacation home for Hawaiian royalty, this beautiful palace sits right on Aliʻi Drive. Now a museum, it offers a glimpse into the lives of the monarchs who once summered here. The architecture and curated artifacts are fascinating.
Mokuʻaikaua Church: Directly across the street from Huliheʻe Palace stands Hawaiʻi's oldest Christian church. Founded by missionaries in 1820, the current stone structure dates to 1837 and was built with lava rock and coral mortar. It's a beautiful, peaceful place to visit.
Aliʻi Drive Stroll: Walk the sea wall, browse the shops, and pop into the Kona Farmers Market for fresh fruit and local crafts. At the northern end of the village, you'll find the pier where the Ironman World Championship swim starts and finishes each year.

Discover World-Famous Kona Coffee

You can't visit Kona without experiencing its coffee. The western slopes of the Hualālai and Mauna Loa volcanoes create a unique microclimate—the 'Kona Coffee Belt'—that is perfect for growing these prized beans. The best way to understand it is to visit a farm.

Hundreds of small, family-owned farms are tucked into the cool uplands above the coast. Many offer free tours and tastings. Driving along the scenic roads of Hōlualoa or Captain Cook is an experience in itself.

Can't-Miss Coffee Farms:

Greenwell Farms: One of the oldest and most established farms, Greenwell offers excellent free walking tours that cover the entire process from bean to cup. It's very accessible and informative.
Hula Daddy: Known for producing award-winning, high-end Kona coffee, Hula Daddy offers a more intimate tour experience. You'll learn about meticulous sorting and roasting techniques. Tastings are incredible.
Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation: Located at a higher elevation on the slopes of Hualālai, this organic farm offers free tours and even a chance to try roasting your own beans.

Remember, for coffee to be labeled '100% Kona Coffee,' all of its beans must have been grown in the official Kona district. Be wary of 'Kona Blends,' which may contain as little as 10% Kona beans.

Snorkel or Dive Kealakekua Bay

South of Kailua-Kona lies Kealakekua Bay, a pristine Marine Life Conservation District that offers some of the best snorkeling in Hawaiʻi. The water clarity is astonishing, and the bay is packed with colorful fish and thriving coral. This is also a site of great historical significance, as it's where Captain James Cook first landed on the island in 1779 and was later killed.

The Captain Cook Monument on the far side of the bay marks the spot and is a snorkeling hotspot. Accessing it can be tricky, which helps preserve its condition. You have three main options:

Boat Tour: The easiest and most popular way. Numerous companies run morning snorkel trips from Keauhou Bay, providing gear, food, and guides.
Kayak Tour: You can join a guided kayak tour to paddle across the bay. The State of Hawaiʻi requires you to go with a licensed tour operator to land your kayak near the monument.
Hike Down: A strenuous, steep 3.8-mile round-trip trail descends to the monument. It's for experienced hikers only—bring plenty of water and start early to avoid the midday sun.

Relax on Kona's Best Beaches

The Kona coast is famed for its beautiful beaches, which range from powdery white sand to unique black sand and salt-and-pepper shores.

Maniniʻōwali Beach (Kua Bay): Often called the most beautiful beach on the Big Island, Kua Bay is a crescent of fine white sand and impossibly turquoise water. It's perfect for swimming and boogie boarding, especially when the waves are calm. The parking lot fills up fast, so arrive early.
Kahaluʻu Beach Park: This is the best easily accessible snorkeling spot for beginners and families in Kona. A protective breakwater keeps the water calm, and the shallow cove is home to a huge population of friendly fish and honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles). An on-site education center promotes reef-safe practices. Always remember to give turtles plenty of space and never touch them.
Magic Sands Beach (Laʻaloa Beach Park): Named because its sand can periodically 'vanish' overnight with heavy surf, this small beach is a popular spot for bodyboarding and relaxing close to town. It’s a great place to watch the sunset.

Swim with Gentle Giants: Manta Ray Night Snorkel

This is a bucket-list experience and one of the most memorable activities in Hawaiʻi. Just off the Kona coast, tour boats gather at night in specific locations. They shine bright lights into the water, which attract plankton—the primary food source for manta rays. The mantas, with wingspans up to 16 feet, glide gracefully through the water, doing barrel rolls right beneath you as they feed.

It's an incredibly safe and awe-inspiring encounter. You hold onto a floating board and watch the show from the surface. According to the National Park Service (NPS), this activity has become a cornerstone of the local tourism economy and a powerful tool for ocean conservation awareness. Numerous reputable tour operators run these trips daily from either Keauhou Bay or Honokōhau Harbor.

For those interested in exploring more of Hawaii's unique ecosystems, a full Big Island itinerary from a trusted source like High End Hawaii can provide a comprehensive plan for your trip.

Day Trips & Scenic Drives

Kona serves as an excellent starting point for exploring more of the island's diverse landscapes.

South Kona & Place of Refuge: Drive south on the scenic Highway 11. Stop at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, a beautifully restored ancient Hawaiian sanctuary. Continue on to explore the Painted Church and enjoy the laid-back, agricultural vibe of the region.
North to Kohala: Head north from Kona to the district of Kohala. Visit the charming artist town of Hāwī, then drive to the end of the road for the stunning Pololū Valley lookout. The shift from dry lava fields to lush green pastures is dramatic and beautiful.

Frequently asked questions

What is Kona best known for?

Kona is famous for its world-renowned coffee, incredible snorkeling and diving in places like Kealakekua Bay, and the unique opportunity to swim with manta rays at night. It's also known for its sunny weather and being the site of the Ironman World Championship.

Is it better to stay in Kona or Hilo?

It depends on your interests. Stay in Kona for sunny weather, beaches, great snorkeling, and a wider selection of resorts and restaurants. Stay in Hilo for a lush rainforest environment, proximity to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and a more local, less tourist-oriented feel.

How many days do you need in Kona?

We recommend at least 3 to 5 days in Kona to fully experience the area. This allows enough time to relax on the beaches, visit a coffee farm, take a snorkel tour, and explore historic Kailua Village without feeling rushed.

What is the best time of year to visit Kona?

Kona is a fantastic year-round destination thanks to its consistently sunny and dry weather. The winter months (December-March) can see higher surf and are popular for whale watching, while the summer is generally calmer and warmer. April, May, September, and October are great 'shoulder season' months with fewer crowds.

Do I need to rent a car in Kona?

Yes, renting a car is highly recommended. While you can explore Kailua Village on foot, most of the best beaches, coffee farms, and historical sites are spread out along the coast. A car gives you the freedom to explore the entire Big Island at your own pace.

Can you swim with dolphins in Kona?

While you may see spinner dolphins along the coast, federal law prohibits swimming with or approaching within 50 yards of them in Hawaiian waters to protect them during their crucial resting periods. Reputable tour operators will adhere to these laws, allowing for respectful viewing from a distance.

Is the water in Kona warm enough to swim?

Absolutely. The ocean temperature in Kona is comfortable for swimming year-round, typically ranging from 77°F (25°C) in the winter to about 81°F (27°C) in the summer. Most people find it very pleasant for swimming and snorkeling without a wetsuit.