11 Things You Must Do in Kona Before You Leave
There are plenty of activities to keep you busy on the Big Island, but I bet you’re here because you are asking: what are the MUST-DO things in Kona?
Having lived on the Big Island, I’ve explored the nooks and crannies to get to know where the not-to-be-missed locations are.
Night snorkeling with manta rays and a coffee farm tour at Heavenly Hawaiian would be my top favs!
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1. Go Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays
There are only a few places in the world where you can do my favorite must-do activity in Kona: night snorkel with manta rays.
I can’t even begin to describe the feeling of these friendly giants swimming within inches of my face as they feasted on plankton!
If you only do one tour on your trip, do this one!
✅Pro Tip: Tours out of Keauhou Bay have a short 5 minute boat ride to the manta ray viewing so it’s less boating time and more snorkeling time.
2. Take a Whale Watching Tour
I never get tired of seeing the whales in Kona during the winter months. While you can often see them at a distance from shore, the best way to see them is on a whale watching tour, where you can get much closer!
There are a few different kinds of boats to choose from, from a leisurely catamaran to an adventurous Zodiak raft.
4. Enjoy Sunset on a Dinner Cruise
photo credit: Body Glove
A sunset dinner cruise is a really fun way to spend one of your Kona evenings, and Body Glove runs the island’s only sunset dinner cruise.
You’ll sail down the Kona coast toward Kealakekua Bay while the crew shares some history of the area, then settle in for dinner, live music, and cocktails as the sun sets.
I’ve taken another cruise with this company and was pleasantly surprised by how good their food is.
5. Attend a Luau
It may be cliche, but I love going to luaus because I get a chance to try authentic Hawaiian foods prepared better than I could make at home while enjoying the festive atmosphere and watching hula and fire knife dancing.
I really enjoyed Voyagers of the Pacific luau at the Royal Kona Resort, though there really isn’t a bad luau on the island!
3. Snorkel in Kealakekua Bay
Snorkel tours to Kealakekua Bay start in Kona and are a really fun way to spend a morning.
Snorkeling is one of those experiences that really makes a Hawaii trip feel…Hawaiian, and Kealakekua Bay is widely considered the best spot on the island.
I had so much fun seeing dolphins and hearing parrotfish crunching on coral!
6. Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee Farm
My favorite Kona coffee farm tour to take is Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee Farm.
They have unique coffee roasts that are different from other Kona coffees. I really enjoyed their Fire Roast coffee; it had a distinct smoky flavor that I’ve never tasted in coffee before.
The tour also comes with delicious candy samples and a walk around the coffee orchard and processing building.
If you’re inclined they even have a pool to cool off in!
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7. Kona Sea Salt Farm
The Kona Sea Salt Farm was surprisingly interesting. You learn how they transform ocean water into sea salt crystals.
I loved tasting the variety of flavored salts paired with fruits and vegetables, the red clay ‘Alaea is my favorite.
This is a great activity to do before a flight as it’s located just south of the airport.
8. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
I love visiting Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park because I have never NOT seen a green sea turtle here. Plus the white sand beach is sooooo long!
If you take the trail from the visitor center, you can also see a small area with petroglyphs!
💎 I consider this a hidden gem because people don’t talk about this beach much.
9. Get a Toe Ring
At Aloha Toe Rings in the Kona Inn Shopping Village you can get fitted for a unique souvenir toe ring that’s custom to your toe.
I loved their designs and the experience so much, that I went twice – one toe ring for each foot!
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10. Ho’oulu Community Farmers Market
The best farmers market in Kona, in my opinion, is the Ho’oulu Community Farmers Market next to the Kona Outrigger. Expect friendly vendors, delicious food, and live music.
11. Ola Brew Co
Ola Brew Co has my second favorite “cider” EVER: Dragonfruit Lemonade Hard Juice. It’s hot pink and refreshingly fruity. They even sell it in cans if you want to bring some home in your checked luggage!
They also serve many types of beer, hard seltzers, and hard teas and they have a full kitchen if you want to grab a meal.
Now that you’ve got a list of the best things to do in Kona, the next step is deciding when to do them along with all the other things to do on the island. Pairing attractions in the right order can make your days more efficient and help your vacation feel much more relaxed.
To see how I recommend putting it all together, check out my 7 Day Big Island Itinerary, where I map out an efficient route around the island day by day.
FAQs
How to spend a day in Kona?
To maximize things, I would take a whale watching tour in the morning, a coffee farm tour in the afternoon, do a little shopping and eating on Ali’i Drive, and finish the day snorkeling with manta rays.
What is Kona, Hawaii best known for?
Kona is best known for its world-famous coffee, beaches, manta ray night snorkeling, historic sites, and being a hub while staying on the Big Island.
Where can I see sea turtles in Kona?
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is a reliable spot to see green sea turtles resting on the beach.
Are there free things to do in Kona?
Yes! Enjoy beaches like Magic Sands, visit Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, explore farmers markets, and stroll the historic Kailua-Kona waterfront. That’s just some of the free activities.
What’s the best time of year to visit Kona?
There’s no bad time to visit Kona, it’s great year-round, but winter offers whale watching and slightly cooler weather. Summer is warmer and clearer waters for snorkeling.
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