It’s no secret that Hawaii’s Big Island has my heart. I’ve grown to love you so much that I want to assist you in exploring every inch. Since Kona is where most visitors to the Big Island start their journey, I assumed you may be interested in making the most of your stay there.
Kona is become more than just a place to unwind (though that is still possible). This relaxed village serves as a jumping-off point for snorkeling, surfing, volcanic exploration, and general education about Hawaii’s history and culture. There are so many things to do that we selected some of the top ones in this handy list to serve as inspiration.
Best Places to Visit in Kona Hawaii
These are the top things to do in Kona, Hawaii, including attractions and restaurants. Get your adventure started by picking up a rental car.
1. Mantas Swim
Swimming with some of the incredible aquatic life is undoubtedly among the best things to do in Kona, or anyplace else in Hawaii, for that matter! Even though it’s forbidden now, I had the most amazing experience swimming with wild dolphins.
You might use this midnight manta ray excursion as a superb option. When the sun is setting, you’ll be sailing in the water while manta rays hunt for plankton. There isn’t a more enjoyable way to spend a night in Hawaii, in my opinion.
2. Hapuna Beach
Fortunately, it’s only around a 45-minute drive north of Kona to reach Hapuna Beach, the biggest white sand beach on the major island. One of the top 10 beaches in the U.S. in 2019 was even this half-mile length of smooth sand.
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Toilets and outdoor showers are available, and parking costs $5. Swimming, snorkeling, and sunsets are all excellent at this location!
3. Two Step
Aside from dolphins, turtles, and monk seals, Two Step is home to beautiful tiny fish like this one. Honaunau Bay, 30 miles south of Kona, has a fantastic snorkeling location. One of the most picturesque locations on the island, it boasts crystal-clear seas, a healthy reef, and a wide variety of marine life.
The following advice is useful: Be cautious of strong currents, park at the $5 neighboring lot, and apply sunscreen that won’t harm the coral reefs. The simplicity of access is what I like best about Two Step. Bring your own equipment if possible.
4. The Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation
Kona coffee is recognized throughout the world for its flavor and aroma because it is grown in ideal conditions—volcanic soil with frequent cloud cover.
A free tour of the Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation, which is located 15 minutes from downtown Kona, will provide you with the chance to learn about the history of Kona coffee. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week, tours depart on the hour. While you’re there, be sure to bring home some coffee grounds or beans as a memento!
5. Kealakekua Bay
The infamous Captain Cook landed in Kealakekua Bay in 1779, which is located about 20 miles south of Kona’s central business district. How could it not be when it looks like this? According to popular belief, the bay offers the best snorkeling in all of Hawaii.
Since getting to the snorkeling locations actually requires a challenging climb, this hidden gem is carefully protected. A better choice is to sign up for a kayaking or snorkeling tour that is guided, as this will guarantee that you get to your destination without any problems at all.
6. Waterfall Ziplining
This is the activity for you if you want a little adrenaline rush while in Kona. On this thrilling ziplining excursion, soar above lush green treetops and waterfalls in a secluded natural reserve. Additionally, you’ll be able to swim in a swimming hole and explore secret waterfalls in the forest.
7. Anaehomalu Beach
To reach Anaeho’omalu Beach, travel 30 miles north of Kona. An offshore reef that guards the beach keeps the water tranquil and creates the perfect environment for swimming, diving, and snorkeling.
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Additionally, you have the choice of renting outdoor recreation equipment, such as kayaks, hydro bikes, and bodyboards, to use for the day. Of course, everyone enjoys a beautiful sunset, and this beach is the ideal location to see one.
8. Old Hawaiian Chocolate Factory
From only cacao pods cultivated in Hawai’i, the Kona region of the Big Island creates some wonderful chocolate.
The Old Hawaiian Chocolate Factory was the first company in the area to begin making chocolate, making it the ideal location to both buy and learn about how Kona chocolate is manufactured.
9. Cona Farmers Market
The Kona Farmers Market is open every Wednesday through Sunday from 7 am to 4 pm. More than 40 merchants sell everything from a wide range of fresh local vegetables and flowers to Kona coffee and arts and crafts at the market, which is situated in the center of Kona.
Whether or not you wind up making many purchases, it’s a wonderful chance to meet locals and grab a healthy snack!
10. Take a Helicopter Ride
Imagine being able to view Kona and the Big Island from above if seeing them from the ground is gorgeous. On this 1.5 to 2-hour helicopter tour that departs from Kona, enjoy breathtaking views of undiscovered black and white sand beaches, five majestic volcanoes, enormous waterfalls, and much more.
You can ask your pilot questions about what you’ll see below via a special communication system, and he or she will answer them while giving you a summary of the island’s distinctive geology and history.
Conclusion
This town, which is officially known as Kailua-Kona, is located on the Big Island’s western coast. Kona was initially a modest fishing community, but it has since expanded to become a bustling center for residents and a well-liked vacation destination. Actually, it was originally the seat of government for the recently united Kingdom of Hawaii.
Official Portal | https://directorateheuk.org/ |