15 Free Things to Do In Kona & Nearby
Let’s face it—Hawaii ain’t cheap!
I’m all about balancing splurges with savings when I travel, and when I lived on the Big Island, I made the most of every freebie I could find.
If your budget only covers the flight, hotel, and rental car, don’t worry—you can still have a great time! Here are my favorite free things to do in Kona.
My favorite Kona freebies are:
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1. Kona Coffee
If you know me, I’m a coffee addict and became a coffee snob after drinking Kona coffee and Ka’u coffee everyday when I lived on the island.
Kona coffee is known to be expensive due to the nature of the bean (where it’s grown and how laborious the harvesting is).
However, there are some Kona coffee farms you can visit with free samples and tours so you can experience it without even touching the bank.
Greenwell Coffee Farm
Greenwell Coffee Farm is the most popular Kona coffee farm on the Big Island because its convenient stop in Captain Cook and because it’s free.
They run a great free 45-min tour around the coffee farm throughout the day. You don’t need to register ahead of time, just show up and sign in for the next tour.
While you wait, they have a row of all their different coffee roasts in self-serve carafes. They have a variety of roasts and even flavored coffees including macadamia nut and chocolate macadamia nut.
Mountain Thunder Coffee
Up above Kona in the Cloud Forest is Mountain Thunder Coffee.
Their green shack offers free self-serve coffee carafes to try their different coffee roasts. You can bring it over to a covered pavilion to watch a looped video of the coffee making process.
Every half hour they also run a quick, free 15-20min farm tour where they explain the coffee growing process from bean to roast then lead you through to their processing facility with the big machines.
2. Snorkeling
Snorkeling from beaches in Kona is free. If you didn’t bring your own snorkel gear, you will have to buy or rent them on the island, but they are relatively cheap.
You could also try the Big Island Pass It On group on Facebook. Sometimes the stars can align and you can take snorkel gear from people who are giving them away as they are leaving the island and you are arriving.
Technically, you can snorkel at most beaches (as long as ocean conditions are safe), but some areas are better than others.
Kahalu’u Beach
Kahalu’u Beach is a busy place for snorkeling in Kona because it’s easily accessible and on the southern end of Ali’i Drive (with free street parking).
The waves are calm and the clear water is shallow, making for ideal snorkeling conditions. And the rocky craigs make great little homes for sealife.
Volunteers hang out in the pavilion to list what marine animal sightings have been seen that day, offer free reef-safe sunscreen for you to use, and educate you on ocean conservation.
Two Step
Once a hidden gem, Two Step has now entered the ranks of popular tourist destinations. It is located next door to Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park.
If you are already visiting the National Park you can leave your car in the parking lot (since you already paid for it) and walk over. Otherwise, there is free parking along the road’s shoulder, but it does fill up.
Ocean conditions are usually pretty stable as it’s in protected Honaunau Bay.
Entry into the ocean is not a gradual decline like a beach entry. Rather, there is a natural lava rock ledge that is formed into “steps”, hence the name Two Step.
I was a little surprised at how deep some of the areas are so close to shore, but all the lava rocks create great hiding spots for all the colorful tropical fish, and sea turtles.
And keep your eyes out for spinner dolphins, I’ve seen them come in really close to shore!
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3. Beaches
All beaches in Hawaii are public and free (just sometimes you have to pay for parking).
Magic Sands Beach
Have you heard about the white sand beach that sometimes “magically” disappears?
Magic Sands Beach is a white sandy beach in Kona which is famous for dramatically disappearing overnight due to strong ocean currents that sweep away the sand, exposing the rocky shoreline underneath. This phenomenon is where the beach gets its “Magic Sands” nickname, as the sand can vanish and reappear with the tides and seasonal changes.
When the sand is “in”, this is a great city beach, albeit very crowded.
When the sand is “out”, there are still patches of sand to set up a beach chair and enjoy watching the surf, but it’s not the best for a beach bum day.
Amenities:
- Showers
- Restrooms
- Lifeguard
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
Yes, I know that Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is not IN Kona, but you can make a day trip out of it and see both a black sand and green sand (see below) in one day.
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is the postcard-perfect black sand beach with a row of palm trees behind beachgoers.
This is another beach with almost guaranteed honu (green sea turtle) sightings. I haven’t ever visited and NOT seen a turtle. They like to bask on the sun-absorbing warm beach.
The waters here are colder than other beaches on the island as freshwater is flowing into the saltwater, cooling it off. People still brave the waters to swim and snorkel though.
Besides enjoying the unique black sand, I like visiting Hokuloa Church that sits just up the hill overlooking the ocean with a small cemetery next to it (or a place where dead people are planted as my friend’s kid likes to describe it!).
There’s also a large heiau hidden behind the foliage on the north end of the beach.
Amenities:
- Showers
- Restrooms
- Picnic Tables
- Lifeguard
Papakolea Green Sand Beach
The other beach not in Kona but still warranting a free thing to do is Papakolea Green Sand Beach, or just Green Sand Beach. It’s one of only four green sand beaches in the world and it’s one of the popular things to do near South Point in the Ka’u district.
The beach gets its golden color (not very green) from olivine crystals, a green mineral found in the volcanic cinder cone surrounding the beach.
You do have to earn the experience though as the hike is about 2.5 miles one way under the hot sun with no shade along the dusty trail. Bring lots of water!
Locals will give rides to tourists in their pickup trucks for $25pp (cash). Some people choose to hike in and hitch a ride back.
Amenities:
- Outhouse (at trailhead)
4. See Manta Rays
One of the most popular tours to do in Kona is snorkel with manta rays. It’s ABSOLUTELY a must-do activity of the Big Island.
However, if you don’t like snorkeling, can’t swim, or just don’t have the budget to do it, I’m here to tell you that you can still see manta rays from the shore!
The Outrigger Kona Resort has a Manta Viewing Deck on property.
Every night they shine light into the water to attract the manta rays so you can see them from the dry safety of their balcony. It’s definitely a unique experience and a wonderful, FREE alternative to taking a tour.
If you aren’t staying at the resort, there is free parking along the streets or the Beach Access parking lot on Ehukai St.
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5. Entertainment
Free live entertainment occurs around Kona all the time. Finding it can sometimes get tricky though.
Live Music
Some restaurants and bars often have live music, so while your food isn’t free, the entertainment is.
Two options that offer nightly music in Kona:
- Papa Kona – cozy ambience dine with waves crashing softly below your table
- Huggos on the Rocks – a lively place with sand literally between your toes
Trivia Night
Ola Brewing Company offers trivia night weekly. You and your table can compete against others in the room with your knowledge of random facts.
Playing trivia is free, they just ask that you order something to drink or eat.
I have yet to win a trivia night, but I have tied for 2nd place lol!
Hula
If you aren’t planning on attending a luau, I’m gonna let you in on a secret: you can still enjoy some of the performances at certain luaus.
Voyagers of the Pacific Luau is hosted at the Royal Kona Resort and you can see the luau from the pool or from Don’s Mai Tai Bar.
If you’ve booked a stay at the Royal Kona Resort ask for a Deluxe Ocean View or Deluxe Ocean Front room with a luau view. It’s not guaranteed but if you get it, you’ll have your own private “theatre box”.
Island Breeze Luau is hosted at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel next to the Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark. If you’re standing on Kailua Pier, you’ll be able to watch the performers across the bay, albeit a little bit of a distance away.
There are also free hula and Polynesian performances in Kona at the Keauhou Shopping Center or in Waikoloa at Queen’s Marketplace and Kings Shops.
You Might Be Interested in These Other Activities to Do at Night ➡️
6. Hiking
Before it gets too hot in the midday sun, I like to hike the various Kona terrains.
Be sure to bring water and sun protection, especially when hiking on the exposed, desert-like trails. I’m heatstroke-prone and have exerted myself a little too close to the sun sometimes.
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park
Hiking Distance: 3-miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 0ft
Difficulty: Easy
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park is across the highway from the Kona Costco and has a nice trail that passes a small petroglyph field (best seen at low light in morning or evening), Aimakapa Fishpond, and leads to Honokohau Beach/Aiopio Fish Trap with historic sites like Pu’uoina Heiau and almost guaranteed green sea turtle sightings.
Konami South Beach
Hiking Distance: 1-mile roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 0ft
Difficulty: Easy
Konami South Beach trail is at the south end of Ali’i Dr and is an easy hike along the gravel road through a black lava field along the Kona coastline.
There isn’t really a beach and the road dead-ends to private residences, but it’s a walk that isn’t too busy and is short.
The most exciting thing about this trail for me was that I once ran into a herd of wild goats on my hike, which is not uncommon here.
Makuala O’oma Trail
Hiking Distance: 3.7-miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 659ft
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Up on the mountain above Kona you can hike in the Kona Cloud Forest on the Makuala O’oma Trail.
The thick, tropical forest trails alternate between from being narrow and root-filled to wide and groomed.
The outer loop is about 3.7miles long, but you can cut the hike in half by taking the semi-groomed trail that cuts to the opposite end of the loop. That’s what I like to do.
Because of the higher elevation, it’s cooler and also shaded by the trees, which I appreciate because I don’t have to worry about hiking in midafternoon heat.
Where I Would Book
If I were staying in downtown Kona I would pick the Royal Kona Resort. It’s on the end of Ali’i Drive, more adult-friendly than kid-friendly, and has a great luau on site.
7. Kona Farmers Markets
I love visiting farmers markets, and the ones in Kona are no exception. They are festive and fun, you can find unique handmade arts and crafts, and if you’re a chatty Kathy it’s easy to strike up conversations with locals.
You don’t have to buy anything to have a good time, and you might even score some free samples.
Some markets even have live music, so free entertainment is kind of a bonus.
- Kona Farmers Market – Wed-Sun
- Ho’olulu Market – Wed & Fri
- Keauhou Farmers Market – Sat
- Ali’i Gardens Marketplace – Tues-Sun
- Kokua Kailua Village Stroll – 3rd Sun of the month
- Kona Commons Monthly Market – check website for dates and times
8. Catch Sunset (and the Green Flash)
A romantic (and free) way to finish the day in Kona is to find a secluded spot to watch the sunset.
If you’re lucky, you might even catch the elusive green flash, the greenish hue given off by the sun during the last millisecond before dipping below the horizon.
I’ve seen it, so I know it’s true!
Some beaches to check out a colorful sunset are:
- Old Kona Airport State Recreation Park
- Pine Trees Surfing Beach
- Kua Bay Beach
I’ve also just enjoyed the sunset from the Costco or Walmart parking lot as well!
🌅 Find a more extensive list of places to watch sunset here! >>
9. Stargaze up Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea is 13,803 feet tall and labeled as one of the best places in the world to stargaze due to its dry atmosphere and lack of air disturbance.
If you have a 4×4 you are allowed to drive to the summit.
If not, you can drive to the Mauna Kea Visitor Center, which sits at 9,200 feet and still gives you good celestial views. The Milky Way can still be clearly seen up there.
The Visitor Center provides a free park ranger talk after sunset where they use a laser pointer to talk about the stars.
💁♀️ Tab’s Trip Tip: Be aware of altitude sickness. I am a relatively healthy person and got caught off guard by it at the visitor center.
Be sure to bring a warm jacket and/or blankets as it can get cold up there (even sometimes snow!).
While I went on an informative paid stargazing tour, the next time I go by myself, I will want to downloaded a stargazing app to track the constellations and planets I’m seeing.
10. Kona Trolley
The Hele-On public bus has Route 201, or the Kona Trolley route.
The open-aired trolley technically runs every 60 minutes between the Kona Commons Target and Keauhou Shopping Center via Ali’i Drive.
I say “technically” because it’s notorious for running on its own time. You can’t be reliant on the schedule.
The best way to utilize it is to just hop on and off as you see it rather than sitting at one of the bus stops for an unknown amount of time.
If you aren’t on a hard schedule, this is a great option for free parking to access Ali’i Drive (and avoiding those exorbitant parking fees!) and to have a fun little driving tour of Kona at the same time.
11. Walk Along Ali’i Drive and Window Shop
Ali’i Drive is the main touristy drag in Kona. The 0.75-mile road runs along Kailua Bay and is filled with restaurants and gift shops and markets.
Window shop to your heart’s content and try free samples of locally made food products, like at Tasty Kona.
Sometimes you’ll see street entertainment like the parrot man or a busker perhaps.
It’s also ideal for peoplewatching while sitting with your legs dangling on the sea wall. Or sometimes you can catch a volleyball game in the sand pit next to Gecko Girls shave ice.
I really like the free art display inside the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Vibrant paintings depict the history and culture of Hawaii and there are also some historical artifacts as well.
Free Things to Do Outside of Kona
There’s a plethora of other free things to do on the island not far from Kona. These are some of my favorites.
12. Waterfalls
The eastern side of the island is the tropical and rainy side of the Big Island which equals = lots of waterfalls.
Most of the waterfalls available to the public require admission fees now (i’m so pissed about this!), but there are a couple of free waterfalls and they’re even swimmable :
- Wai’ale Falls
- Six Tons
- Ka’ahakini Falls
13. Lapakahi State Historical Park
Up on the Kohala Peninsula is what I like to consider a free alternative to Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park: Lapakahi State Historical Park.
This is a historical, ancient Hawaiian fishing village with about a mile of path along the coast that winds through what once was a fishing village. Hale (house) ruins and replicas are open for walking in and salt bowls display how the Hawaiians used to gather ocean water for salt.
It’s a very simple park, but it isn’t very busy, so the ranger on duty will be happy to answer any questions you have.
14. Pololu Valley
Pololu Valley is a much more impressive view than Waipio Valley, in my humble opinion. From the parking lot you can see from the ocean to all the way to the back of the valley.
Plus, you can hike down to the valley floor and black sand beach.
While it’s a steep descent to the valley floor, it only takes about 15-20 minutes.
Once at the bottom you can wander the ponds, the beach, and the forested trails. My favorite find was a rope swing lol!
15. Kaumana Caves
Kaumana Caves are part of a lava tube system formed during the 1881 eruption of Mauna Loa.
The cave system in Hilo stretches for about 25 miles, but only about 2-3 miles are open for the public to hike as much of it is on private property.
Access the caves down a steep flight of stairs through a skylight formed by a collapse in the tunnel roof and then decide whether to go through the left tunnel (involves more crawling and lower ceilings) or the right tunnel (more upright hiking with the ceiling reaching about 30ft tall in some places).
This is a good activity to do when it’s raining because you’ll stay dry in the tunnel or at night because it’s dark in there already.
💁♀️ Tab’s Trip Tip: Don’t forget to bring a flashlight or headlamp. Cellphone lights won’t be bright enough!
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Free Things to Do in Kona Final Thoughts
Isn’t it nice to know that there are free things to do in Kona so you can save a bit of money while visiting the Big Island?
Now that your wallet is a little fuller, you can splurge on mai tais and yummy malasadas instead! 😜
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