what to do in kona

Kona (Kailua-Kona on Hawaiʻi Island) is packed with ocean adventures, volcano day trips, culture, and food, so think in “themes”: water, lava, culture, coffee, and chill time.

Classic “Only in Kona” Experiences

• Night snorkel with manta rays off Keauhou Bay – one of the most famous things to do in Kona and often described as a bucket-list experience because manta rays glide inches away as they feed on plankton at night.

• Kona coffee farm tour – visit a hillside farm, learn how beans are grown and roasted, and taste Kona coffee right at the source.

• Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau (Place of Refuge) – a coastal national historical park with reconstructed temples, royal grounds, and lava-rock walls, giving a powerful look at traditional Hawaiian life.

• Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm – guided tour to see endangered seahorses and even gently hold one while supporting marine conservation.

Ocean & Beach Time

• Snorkeling and swimming
  • Kahaluʻu Beach Park: calm, lava-framed bay known for easy-access snorkeling and frequent turtles.

* Captain Cook (Kealakekua Bay): clear water, colorful reef, and excellent boat/snorkel tours.

• Boat trips
  • Day snorkel cruises along the Kona Coast with slides, food, and reef stops.

* Seasonal whale-watching tours (winter) to spot humpbacks off the coast.

• Chill beaches
  • Makalawena and other north-of-town beaches offer white sand, turquoise water, and more of that wild, lava-and-palm scenery.

Volcano, Nature & Stargazing

• Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park day trip – see craters, lava landscapes, steam vents, and scenic drives; a core “Big Island” experience even if you’re based in Kona.

• Scenic drives south of Kona – stop at viewpoints, small bays, and roadside stands for fruit and malasadas on the way toward the volcano area.

• Stargazing – leave the brighter resort area at night and look up; Kona’s remote Pacific location gives striking star visibility without much light pollution once you’re out of town.

Culture, History & Local Life

• Historic Kailua Village (Aliʻi Drive) – walk the waterfront strip with shops, small historic sites, and oceanfront dining.

• Petroglyph fields (near Waikoloa or Pukao) – see preserved lava-rock carvings that hint at ancient Hawaiian life; stay on marked paths to protect the area.

• Farmers’ markets – Kona Farmers Market, Aliʻi Garden Marketplace, and others are good for local produce and handmade items (and a few less-local souvenirs mixed in).

Food, Drink & Relaxing

• Kona Brewing Co – enjoy local craft beer and casual food after a beach or snorkel day.

• Happy hour spots – oceanfront bars and casual restaurants around Kona offer sunset views with more affordable drinks and small plates.

• Slow mornings – grab Kona coffee and watch the water for dolphins or turtles before heading to your activity.

Sample One-Day Idea

• Morning: Coffee farm tour + quick farmers’ market stop.

• Midday: Snorkel Kahaluʻu or take a boat to Kealakekua Bay.

• Late afternoon: Stroll Aliʻi Drive, visit a historic site, early dinner.

• Night: Manta ray night snorkel to cap the day with a “only in Kona” memory.