Get inspired by our list of the most popular things to do in Kona Hawaii. These include snorkeling with sea turtles and manta rays, hiking in Volcanoes National Park, and more.
On the western coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, Kailua-Kona features turquoise blue waters and breathtaking views of Hawaii’s tallest mountains. Located on the leeward side of the Big Island, the Kona Coast only receives about 18 inches of rain a year and is known for its tranquility and beauty.
Here are the must-do things to do in Kona.
Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park covers most of the Big Island’s central and southern regions. A variety of features are present in the park, including sea arches, active volcanoes, rainforests, deserts, and more. With a few hours, you can sample what the park has to offer, or you can spend days exploring it.
Even though we only had a few hours to spend in Volcanoes National Park, we hiked some easy trails and visited overlooks. Despite our time constraints, it was a breathtaking and informative experience. There are two types of lava found on Hawaii:
- ‘A’ā (pronounced ah-ah) is the Hawaiian term for lava flows that have a rough surface due to the explosive process under which it was formed. Broken lava blocks make up the top layers of these flows. A hardened ‘a’ā flow is treacherous and slow to walk on due to its sharp and rugged surface.
- Pāhoehoe (pronounced pah-hoey-hoey) is the Hawaiian word used to describe a lava flow with a smooth, ropy surface. Lava of this type comes out at a higher temperature, has a lower viscosity, and moves more slowly than ‘A’ā lava. Pāhoehoe flows can take on many different shapes as they cool. Sometimes they are referred to as “lava sculptures.”
As you explore the National Park and the island, keep an eye out for these types of lava.
If you will be spending a full day or several days in Volcanoes National Park, driving the Chain of Craters road down to the ocean will give you stunning views of the ocean and dramatic landscape as you drive past old craters and petroglyphs.
Also, be sure to check out Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) for a unique walk through an underground lava tunnel.
Hike the Crater of a Volcano
The Kilauea Iki hike in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a fascinating way to explore the crater of a volcano. During this approximately four-mile hike, hikers descend through lush rainforest to solidified lava from a 1959 eruption.
Experiencing a volcano from the inside is a must-do for anyone interested in volcanoes. The National Park has several excellent trails, but if you only have time for one, this is a great choice.
Despite the steep descent and ascent on the side of the crater, Kilauea Iki is a relatively moderate trail. Upon reaching the bottom of the crater, you cross the lava by following cairns.
Warm steam billows from steam vents along the trail and some rocks are hot to the touch. Take a closer look at the new plants that are populating fresh lava fields.
The trailhead for Kilauea Iki can be found on Crater Rim Drive. You can start your hike from either the Kilauea Iki overlook parking lot or the Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) parking lot. In either case, the loop trail traverses the rim of the crater before descending down, crossing the crater, and returning up. Make sure you follow the Kilauea Iki trail signs.
Visit a Coffee Farm
Another enjoyable activity in Kona is visiting a coffee farm! There is no other coffee like Kona coffee, which is full-bodied and delicious, and it is only grown on Mauna Loa’s slopes in the rich volcanic soil.
While there are many farms that offer tours in Kona, Greenwell Farms offers a tour with tastings for free and has positive reviews. You will find your tour guide’s knowledge of Kona coffee and the farm impressive.
Coffee trees were brought to Kona from Brazil in 1828 by Samuel Reverend Ruggles. Henry Greenwell, recognizing how well it grew in Hawaiian soil, started farming coffee in the 1850s. It wasn’t long before his coffee caught international attention and became one of the most expensive and renowned coffees in the world.
Today, Greenwell Farms farms 85 acres and has coffee trees that are over 100 years old. Additionally, they process coffee cherries from smaller farms around the Kona coffee belt.
Swim with the Manta Rays
A special attraction of Kona is the exquisite and graceful manta rays. Among the best things to do in Kailua-Kona is nighttime snorkeling or scuba diving with manta rays. Several tour companies offer tours in Kona to see manta rays, but you need to know a few things before snorkeling with them.
- Manta rays feed on plankton, which is attracted to light. A light shined into the water will cause the plankton to swarm beneath it. If you are lucky, a manta will ascend toward the surface to dine on the plankton. The manta ray feeds at night because he associates light with food.
- Please never touch a manta ray. In order to protect themselves from bacteria, mantas have a mucus coating on their bodies. If they are touched, the coating can be damaged, creating an infection risk for the manta ray. It is a privilege to be underwater with these wild animals.
The Manta Ray Advocates provide environmentally sensitive Manta swims from the beach rather than crowded boats.
Visit the Beaches
One of the top things to do while in Kona is to visit the beaches. In spite of the fact that most beaches are crowded, you can still find some quieter ones if you make the effort. This may involve taking a rough road or hiking a bit.
A couple of miles of rough road is required to reach Mahai’ula beach, one of my favorite off-the-beaten-path Kona beaches. Several beaches can be reached from this parking lot, including Makalawena Beach, a secluded white sand beach accessible only by hiking across rocky lava.
Another protected area, Kiholo Bay, features sparkling blue waters and black sand beaches that can be reached by hiking three miles round trip.
Swim with the Sea Turtles
Among Kona’s attractions are green sea turtles. There are many beaches where you can often find sea turtles in the water or basking on the beach; it is not guaranteed, however.
Note: The green sea turtle (honu) is categorized as threatened under the Endangered Species Act and plays an important role in Hawaiian cultural traditions and mo‘olelo (stories).
Stay at least 10 feet away from sea turtles – disturbance disrupts normal behavior and causes stress.
Alula Beach, just north of the marina north of Kailua-Kona, is a great place to see a sea turtle in Kona. Although the waters in this small bay were murky, you can see the shells of these beautiful creatures from the beach.
Punalu’u black sand beach in the south of the Big Island was our next spot to see sea turtles. Turtles were laying on the beach here. Remember to stay at least 10 feet away from them to ensure their safety. (Just think about how you would feel if someone came along and poked at you while you were trying to rest!)
In a Marine Conservation District near Waikaloa Village, you can swim at Waialea beach. During a snorkeling trip through the coral reef, looking at fish, people often spot a green sea turtle right in front of or beside them. Seeing a sea turtle swimming in a reef may be one of the most incredible experiences of your life – I know it is for me.
Explore Kealakekua Bay
A popular snorkeling area with spectacular reefs, Kealakekua Bay, which includes Captain Cook Monument, is both environmentally and historically significant. This is the site where Captain James Cook first landed on the island of Hawaii, and where he was killed a year later for disrespecting Hawaiians.
Due to its designation as a marine life conservation district, the bay’s reefs are given special protection against human interference. When snorkeling, make sure not to touch anything. It is easy for humans to damage coral reefs and fish. Additionally, it’s imperative to use reef-safe sunscreen to ensure that you don’t release harmful chemicals into the sea.
Because the bay is only accessible by car from the eastern side, it’s necessary to hike or take a boat up to the north side to see the Captain Cook monument and some of the stunning snorkeling.
This hike is about 4 miles with an elevation gain of about 1300 feet. A boat tour will drop you off at a reef for snorkeling, or you can kayak across the bay to enjoy snorkeling. Kealakekua Bay is frequently visited by spinner dolphins.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this guide to some of the most exciting things to do in Kona will help you plan the most memorable trip!