How many days do I need to see Kona?

Three to five days is the perfect amount of time to experience the highlights of the Kona coast without feeling rushed. This duration allows you to enjoy a manta ray night snorkel, explore the coffee farms in Holualoa, relax on Kua Bay, and still have time for a day trip to see the volcanoes on the other side of the island.

Do I really need a rental car in Kona?

Yes, renting a car is highly recommended because public transportation is limited and often does not reach the best beaches or trailheads. Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to explore the coffee belt and hidden snorkeling spots that are difficult or expensive to reach via ride-share apps.

What is the difference between staying in Kona vs Hilo?

Kona is the sunny, dry side of the island known for its resorts, white sand beaches, and clear snorkeling waters, while Hilo is the lush, rainy side famous for waterfalls and gardens. Most visitors choose to base themselves in Kona for the beach weather and take day trips to Hilo for the scenery.

Is it safe to swim in the ocean in Kona?

Yes, the waters off the Kona coast are generally calmer than other parts of the island, making them excellent for swimming and snorkeling. However, ocean conditions can change rapidly, so you should always swim at beaches with lifeguards and check for any warning signs regarding high surf or strong currents before entering.

When is the best time to visit Kona?

The shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October are ideal because you get fantastic sunny weather with fewer crowds. While Kona is warm year-round, visiting during these months helps you avoid the peak tourist rushes of winter and summer, often resulting in a more relaxed experience.

Are there active volcanoes in Kona?

There are no active volcanoes directly in Kona town; the active vents are located inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the southeast side of the island. It takes about two to two and a half hours to drive there from Kailua-Kona, so you should plan for a full day trip if you want to see volcanic activity.

Is Kona expensive for tourists?

Kona can be pricey compared to mainland destinations due to the high cost of shipping goods to the island, but there are ways to manage your budget. You can save money by grabbing fresh poke from supermarkets for lunch, visiting the many free state beaches, and looking for happy hour specials along Alii Drive.

What should I pack for a trip to Kona?

You should pack lightweight, breathable clothing and reef-safe sunscreen for the warm coastal weather, but do not forget a warm jacket and long pants. If you plan to visit the summit of Mauna Kea or the Volcanoes National Park, the elevation makes it significantly colder than the beach, often requiring winter layers.

Best Things to Do in Kona Hawaii: Beaches, Coffee & Mantas

Welcome to the sunny side of the Big Island. While the Hilo side is lush and rainy, Kona is known for its stark black lava fields, crystal clear turquoise waters, and world-famous coffee. Many visitors make the mistake of trying to do everything on the island from a single base, but if you are staying in Kailua-Kona, you need a guide that focuses specifically on what is within your reach.

From swimming with gentle giants at night to finding the perfect cup of joe on the slopes of Hualalai, here is how you can make the most of your trip.

The Big Three: Must-Do Experiences in Kona

If you only have time for three major activities during your stay, let these be your top priorities. These experiences are unique to this coastline and offer the highest return on your time investment.

Manta Ray Night Snorkel

This is widely considered one of the most memorable ocean experiences on the planet. Unlike typical snorkeling trips that happen during the day, this adventure begins after sunset. You take a short boat ride out to places like Keauhou Bay or Garden Eel Cove where huge lights are placed in the water. These lights attract plankton, which in turn attracts massive Manta Rays.

You hold onto a floating raft while these gentle giants glide just inches below you, performing underwater ballets as they feed. They are harmless filter feeders with no stingers. It is an exhilarating experience that feels almost otherworldly. Since this is the most popular activity on the Big Island, booking your spot in advance is essential to guarantee availability.

Giant Manta Ray swimming near the surface at night illuminated by dive lights in Kona

Swimming with giant manta rays at night in Keauhou Bay, Big Island.

Explore the Kona Coffee Belt

You cannot visit this region without exploring the source of its most famous export. The unique cloud cover and volcanic soil on the slopes of Hualalai create the perfect conditions for growing gourmet coffee. Instead of just drinking a cup at your hotel, head up to the artist town of Holualoa.

This area is packed with small, family-owned farms that offer tours and tastings. You get to see the entire process from the cherry on the tree to the roasted bean. Driving along the Mamalahoa Highway offers incredible ocean views and a cooler climate compared to the coast. It is the perfect afternoon escape when the beach gets too hot.

Close-up of ripe red coffee cherries on a branch at a Kona coffee farm in Holualoa

Fresh coffee cherries growing on a farm in the Holualoa coffee belt.

Spot Sea Turtles at Kaloko-Honokohau

Located just south of the airport, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is a fantastic mix of history and wildlife. The park preserves ancient Hawaiian fishponds and petroglyphs, but the real draw for many is the abundance of Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu).

You can often see them basking on the sand or swimming in the shallow waters. Remember that these are protected animals. You must maintain a respectful distance of at least 10 feet (3 meters) at all times and never touch or feed them. Walking the trails here gives you a deep appreciation for how ancient Hawaiians lived in harmony with this rugged landscape.

Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle (Honu) swimming in crystal clear shallow waters at Kaloko-Honokōhau

Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle resting on the shore at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park.

Best Beaches and Snorkeling Spots in Kona

The Kona coast is famous for its diversity. You have soft white sand, salt and pepper sand, and jagged lava rock entries that lead to pristine coral reefs.

Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay)

When you picture a perfect Hawaiian beach, you are likely imagining Kua Bay. Part of Kekaha Kai State Park, this beach features brilliant white sand and incredibly blue water. It is excellent for swimming and bodyboarding. However, shade is nonexistent here, so bring your own umbrella or plenty of reef-safe sunscreen. The parking lot fills up very early in the morning, so arrive shortly after the gates open if you want a hassle-free spot.

Turquoise waters and white sand at Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay), Kona.

Kahalu’u Beach Park

If you are new to snorkeling or have kids with you, Kahalu’u is the best place to start. The water is generally calm, shallow, and teeming with colorful reef fish. It is like swimming in an aquarium. The park has lifeguards, restrooms, and a concession stand, making it a convenient option for a full beach day. The coral here is delicate, so please be careful not to stand on the reef.

Two Step (Honaunau Bay)

For intermediate to advanced snorkelers, Two Step offers some of the clearest water on the Big Island. Located right next to the Place of Refuge, this spot gets its name from the two lava rock steps used to enter the ocean. There is no sandy beach here, but the underwater topography is stunning. You might even spot dolphins spinning in the deeper parts of the bay.

Magic Sands Beach

This small but popular beach in Kailua-Kona has a unique quirk. During high surf, the ocean pulls the sand away, leaving only lava rock exposed. When the surf subsides, the sand returns. It is a favorite spot for locals to bodyboard. Be cautious of the shore break here, as it can be powerful.

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Cultural and Historical Sites

Understanding the history of this land adds a rich layer to your vacation. Kona was a significant center for Hawaiian royalty and spirituality.

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

In ancient Hawaii, breaking a sacred law (kapu) could mean a death sentence. The only way to survive was to reach a place of refuge before being caught. This park preserves one of the most important sites of sanctuary. Walking the grounds feels peaceful and solemn. You can see reconstructed temples, wooden carvings, and the massive Great Wall. It is a powerful place to learn about Hawaiian culture.

Wooden Ki'i statues at the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau Place of Refuge at sunset.

Hulihe‘e Palace

Located right on Alii Drive in the heart of town, Hulihe‘e Palace was once a vacation home for Hawaiian royalty. Today, it is a museum showcasing Victorian artifacts and personal items belonging to the monarchs. It offers a glimpse into the era when Hawaii was an independent kingdom navigating rapid changes.

Mokuaikaua Church

Just across the street from the palace stands the oldest Christian church in Hawaii. Its iconic steeple and lava rock walls are a landmark of downtown Kona. A quick visit here provides context on the missionary era and its impact on the island.

Food and Drink: A Taste of the Big Island

The culinary scene in Kona is casual but delicious, focusing on fresh, local ingredients.

Authentic Poke

You cannot leave Hawaii without eating fresh poke. This dish of diced raw fish marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings is a staple. Look for places that prepare it fresh daily rather than sitting in a counter for hours. Da Poke Shack and Umekes are local favorites known for high-quality fish and generous portions. A poke bowl taken to the beach for sunset is the ultimate Kona dinner.

Hawaiian Shave Ice

Forget the crunchy snow cones you know from the mainland. Hawaiian shave ice is incredibly fine and fluffy, absorbing the syrups perfectly. Top it with a snow cap (sweetened condensed milk) or add a scoop of macadamia nut ice cream to the bottom for the full experience. It is the perfect way to cool down after a day in the sun.

Attend a Traditional Luau

While often considered touristy, a luau is a great way to experience Polynesian music, dance, and food in one evening. You will taste traditional dishes like Kalua pork cooked in an underground oven (imu), poi, and haupia. Shows like the Voyagers of the Pacific or the Island Breeze Luau offer spectacular oceanfront settings and fire knife dancing finales.

Day Trips from Kona

While there is plenty to do in Kona, the Big Island is vast. If you choose to venture out, plan these as full-day excursions.

Mauna Kea Summit

Standing atop the tallest sea mountain in the world for sunset and stargazing is unforgettable. The air is thin, and the temperature is freezing, so dress in winter layers. You can drive to the Visitor Information Station with a regular car, but reaching the true summit requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle and extreme caution. Many visitors opt for guided tours to handle the driving and provide telescopes for stargazing.

Milky Way galaxy visible in the night sky over Mauna Kea Observatories

Stargazing above the clouds at the Mauna Kea summit on the Big Island.

Hilo and Waterfalls

The drive to Hilo takes you from the dry lava fields to lush rainforests. Here you can visit the massive Rainbow Falls or take a short hike to Akaka Falls. Just remember that Hilo is one of the rainiest cities in the United States, so bring a rain jacket.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

This is a long drive from Kona, but seeing an active volcano is a bucket-list item. You can hike across solidified lava lakes, walk through a fern forest, and peer into the massive Halemaumau Crater. Check the National Park Service website for the current eruption status before you go.

Practical Tips for Visiting Kona

Rent a Car: Public transportation is limited on the Big Island. To reach the best beaches and trailheads, a rental car is mandatory.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Hawaii law bans sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate to protect coral reefs. Look for mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Respect the Land ('Aina): When hiking or visiting beaches, carry out everything you bring in. Do not take lava rocks or sand home as souvenirs. It is considered bad luck and disrespectful to the culture.
Check Ocean Conditions: The ocean is powerful. Always observe the waves before entering and check for warning signs or flags. If in doubt, do not go out.