By: Nicole Rosania, travel content creator and writer at The Abroad Blog
Whether you’re visiting Kona for just a few days or a few weeks, there is plenty to do and see! The Big Island is home to some of Hawaii’s best wildlife and landscapes, and since it is the largest island — there are a lot of adventures here! Kona is one of the top tourist hubs on the island, and is also home to the island’s largest international airport, so a bulk of the top sights and tours are centered around Greater Kona. This blog post is going to cover the top 25 best things to do in Kona, Hawaii, categorized into adventure activities, relaxing things to do, and cultural experiences!
Best Adventurous Things To Do In Kona, Hawaii
1) Snorkel at Kahaluʻu Beach Park
Located just south of Kailua-Kona, this beach park is one of the best places to snorkel or learn how to surf on the Big Island. Explore the calm waters filled with vibrant fish and maybe even see a turtle! This spot is family-friendly — perfect for beginners and underwater adventurers.
2) Night Dive with Manta Rays
This is by far #1 on the list of 25 best things to do in Kona, Hawaii if you are adventurous! Experience the unforgettable thrill of swimming with giant, wild manta rays as they feed on plankton and twirl around through the lit-up waters on a night tour.
3) Take a Submarine Tour from Kailua Pier
This pier is located right in Kailua Bay and is the jumping off point to many marine tours. Feeling adventurous? Book a submarine tour! Descend 100 feet below the ocean’s surface to see The Big Island’s marine life and coral reefs.
4) Do a Sunset Cruise Along the Kona Coast
Embark on a catamaran cruise at golden hour with music, drinks, and dolphin sightings along Kona’s iconic coastline.
5) Snorkel at Two Step Beach (Hōnaunau Bay)
Located just outside of town, this easy-access snorkeling spot has some of the best reefs on the Big Island! This beach is full of lava rocks and is a popular spot among both beginner snorkelers and expert divers.
6) Go Deep-Sea Fishing from Honokōhau Harbor
This harbor, also known as “small boat harbor” is located right between the airport and the town. If you like to fish, deep sea fishing is one of the best things to do in Kona, Hawaii! Join a charter and cast your line for marlin, mahi-mahi, or tuna in some of the best sportfishing waters in the world.
7) Take a Helicopter Tour Over the Big Island
One of the most adventurous of the 25 things to do in Kona, Hawaii is to see the coastline, volcanoes, and lush jungle from above! There are several heli pads near the airport.
Relaxing Things To Do In Kona, Hawaii
8) Relax at Magic Sands Beach (Laʻaloa Bay)
Swim, sunbathe, or boogie board at this popular beach known for its turquoise water and waves. Since this beach is located right in Kona, it can get a little busy!
9) Visit Honl’s Beach
This little mellow beach is located on Ali'i Drive in Kailua-Kona, just south of Kailua Pier. It’s the perfect spot for picnics and to watch the sunset. Fun fact: Boogie boarding was actually invented here!
10) Explore Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area
This wide open beach park was built on the site of an old landing strip just north of downtown. It’s the perfect place to go for a walk, picnic, or relax! Be sure to walk along the Makaʻeo Walking Path. This flat, easy trail is just 0.7 miles and is lined with local art and lush plant life — great for a morning walk or sunset stroll.
11) Shop along Aliʻi Drive
This is the main road that runs through downtown Kona. It’s the perfect place to buy a special souvenir, grab a snack, or just window shop. This main street is quite touristy, but is also full of charm!
12) Dine at Kona Brewing Co.
Chill out with tropical brews, wood-fired pizza, and good vibes in a garden setting near the harbor. I loved dinner here at sunset!
13) Visit the Kona Farmers Market
From Wednesday - Sunday, you can stroll through fresh fruit stands and local artisan booths in the heart of downtown at the Kona Farmers Market. Everything sold here is 100% Big Island grown and produced, so this is one of the best things to do in Kona, Hawaii!
14) Browse Local Art Galleries
Explore works by Hawaiian artists in local galleries dotted throughout town. Most can be found along Aliʻi Drive, and there are pop ups at the farmers markets too!
15) Explore Sadie Seymour Botanical Gardens
Located on the grounds of the Kona Educational Foundation Center, these beautifully landscaped gardens feature native Hawaiian plant, categorized into tropical regions.
Cultural Experiences To Do In Kona, Hawaii
16) Tour Greenwell Farms
You must tour a Kona coffee farm during your trip to the Big Island! Get a taste of Kona’s coffee legacy with a guided tour of this historic farm, plus free samples.
17) Visit Huliheʻe Palace
The Huliheʻe Palace is located in historic Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi, on Ali'i Drive. This place is the former vacation home of Hawaiian royalty, and is now a popular museum! Step inside the former summer home of the royals and enjoy learning about history and seeing authentic antiques.
18) Attend a Traditional Hawaiian Luau
No matter which Hawaiian island you are visiting, attending a luau is a MUST! Feast on kalua pig and watch hula dancers and fire performers in a vibrant, family-friendly dinner show.
19) Explore Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
Located along the Kona shore, this national historic park also features an archaeological site. Wander among fishponds, petroglyphs, and sacred sites where ancient Hawaiians lived and thrived.
20) Visit Mokuaikaua Church
See Hawaii’s oldest Christian church, built in 1837, and learn about the arrival of missionaries on the Big Island. The church is located in the heart of downtown Kona and also has some weekend markets!
21) Visit the Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm
Are you a fan of marine life? You must tour one of the world’s only seahorse farms. Here, you can even hold a seahorse while learning about marine conservation.
22) Visit the Kealakehe Ahupuaʻa
This is one of the more unique recommendations on this list of the 25 best things to do in Kona, Hawaii. This place is a land division that stretches from the mountains to the sea. Explore traditional land-use systems and how ancient Hawaiians sustainably managed their environment.
23) Take a Hawaiian Language or Hula Class
Many cultural centers and resorts in Kona offer introductory classes in hula or ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, giving you a deeper connection to the local culture. You can also learn some hula at a luau!
24) Visit the Ahuʻena Heiau
Located at the north end of Kailua Pier in downtown Kona, this reconstructed temple was the personal refuge of King Kamehameha the Great and a sacred site in Hawaiian history.
25) Watch Traditional Canoe Paddling at Kamakahonu Bay
This is an ancient Hawaiian tradition that remains a vibrant part of community life today. You can watch professionals paddle across this local bay on most days!
That brings us to the end of this guide covering the 25 best things to do in Kona, Hawaii.
For a more robust list of things to do during your vacation to the Big Island, check out this complete guide to the best activities in Kona.
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