Things to Do in Kailua-Kona
DESTINATION GUIDE

Things to Do in Kailua-Kona

50 curated spots from Kailua-Kona itineraries

Activities & Attractions

30 curated experiences

Magic Sands Beach
Do
morning

Magic Sands Beach

Swim, snorkel, and stroll this white-sand beach that 'disappears' with waves.

2h · Free
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
Do
afternoon

Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

Walk coastal trails past ancient fishponds, petroglyphs, and quiet beaches where honu (sea turtles) often rest.[1]

2h · Free
Hulihe'e Palace
Do
morning

Hulihe'e Palace

Tour Hawaiian royal history with gardens and artifacts.

1h · $15 per person
Kailua-Kona Pier
Do
afternoon

Kailua-Kona Pier

Watch yachts, people-watch, and enjoy ocean breezes at historic waterfront.

1h · Free
Kona Coffee Living History Farm
Do
morning

Kona Coffee Living History Farm

Outdoor museum and working coffee farm in Captain Cook, showcasing the history of Kona coffee with tastings and guided walks.

1h 30m · $25-30 per person
Magic Sands Beach Park
Do
afternoon

Magic Sands Beach Park

Hang out at this small white-sand beach for swimming, bodyboarding when surf permits, and golden-hour photography.[5]

2h · Free
Ali'i Drive Stroll
Do
morning

Ali'i Drive Stroll

Wander the historic waterfront promenade with shops, galleries, and oceanfront vibes.

1h 30m · Free
Ali'i Drive Stroll & Shopping
Do
afternoon

Ali'i Drive Stroll & Shopping

Wander the main waterfront strip, browsing small boutiques and galleries for souvenirs, local crafts, and casual beachwear, with plenty of photo spots overlooking Kailua Bay.

2h · Free (shopping extra)
Ali‘i Drive Sunset & Bar Hopping
Do
evening

Ali‘i Drive Sunset & Bar Hopping

After dinner, wander back toward the water, pause for sunset, and sample a cocktail at a seaside bar or two.

1h 30m · $10-25
Ali'i Drive Sunset Stroll (Kailua Pier to Royal Kona Resort)
Do
evening

Ali'i Drive Sunset Stroll (Kailua Pier to Royal Kona Resort)

Leisurely walk along the waterfront strip with shops, historic churches, and bayside viewpoints.

1h 30m · Free
Ali‘i Drive Waterfront Stroll (Kailua Pier to Hulihe‘e Palace)
Do
afternoon

Ali‘i Drive Waterfront Stroll (Kailua Pier to Hulihe‘e Palace)

Leisurely walk along the main oceanfront strip, passing shops, small beaches, and historic Hulihe‘e Palace and Mokuaikaua Church.

1h 30m · Free (optional small admission for Hulihe‘e Palace)
Award Winning Farm Tour
Do
morning

Award Winning Farm Tour

Coffee, chocolate, gifts.

2h · $80
Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Do
evening

Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel

Private boat night snorkel with gentle mantas; glow lights and wetsuits provided.

3h · $200 per person
Courtyard King Kamehameha Statue
Do
afternoon

Courtyard King Kamehameha Statue

Admire the historic statue and stroll gardens in town center.

45m · Free
Ensemble Therapy Massage & Wellness (Kailua-Kona)
Do
afternoon

Ensemble Therapy Massage & Wellness (Kailua-Kona)

Boutique spa offering couples massages and customized treatments in a peaceful setting.

1h 30m · $160-260 per person
Fair Wind Cruises - Kealakekua Bay Snorkel
Do
afternoon

Fair Wind Cruises - Kealakekua Bay Snorkel

Premium snorkel cruise with slides, platforms, and excellent gear to explore one of Hawaii’s top marine preserves.

3h 30m · $160-200 per person
Fair Wind Cruises - Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Do
evening

Fair Wind Cruises - Manta Ray Night Snorkel

Evening boat tour to snorkel with giant manta rays under lights in Keauhou Bay.

2h 30m · $160-225 per person
Farewell Sunset on Ali‘i Drive
Do
evening

Farewell Sunset on Ali‘i Drive

Linger by the seawall or a small beach nearby, reflecting on the trip as the sun sets over the Pacific.

45m · Free
Four Seasons Hualalai Private Beach & Snorkeling
Do
morning

Four Seasons Hualalai Private Beach & Snorkeling

Access exclusive white-sand cove with world-class snorkeling, sea turtles, tropical fish, and pristine coral reefs steps from your resort

3h · Complimentary for resort guests; private guided snorkel tours $200-300 per person
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour from Kona
Do
all_day

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tour from Kona

Geologist-guided: Kilauea, lava tube, Rainbow Falls; full-day bus tour.[2]

10h · $265
Hawaiian Salt Farm Tour
Do
afternoon

Hawaiian Salt Farm Tour

Learn traditional salt-making.

1h 30m · $40
Holualoa Galleries & Village Stroll
Do
afternoon

Holualoa Galleries & Village Stroll

Wander the main street, popping into small art galleries and studios featuring local artists and island themes.

1h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
Honl’s Beach Relax & Photography Time
Do
afternoon

Honl’s Beach Relax & Photography Time

Walk or short drive south along Ali‘i Drive to this small beach for swimming, lounging, and sunset-leaning photo time.

2h · Free
Hulihe‘e Palace (exterior & small museum)
Do
morning

Hulihe‘e Palace (exterior & small museum)

Visit the historic oceanfront former royal vacation home; tour the small museum if open and photograph the grounds.

1h · $10
Huliheʻe Palace
Do
late_morning

Huliheʻe Palace

Tour this former royal summer residence on the waterfront to learn about King Kamehameha’s era, see traditional furnishings, and connect with the deep Hawaiian history of Kailua-Kona.

1h · $15
Kahalu‘u Bay Surfing or Snorkeling Session
Do
morning

Kahalu‘u Bay Surfing or Snorkeling Session

Join a local surf school for beginner/intermediate lessons or rent gear to snorkel this reefy bay known for turtles and fish.

2h 30m · $45-100
Kahaluʻu Beach Park
Do
morning

Kahaluʻu Beach Park

Protected cove south of town with calm waters and abundant reef fish, ideal for beginner snorkeling; rental gear available nearby.

2h 30m · $10-20 (snorkel rental) or Free if you bring gear
Kahaluu Beach Park Snorkeling
Do
afternoon

Kahaluu Beach Park Snorkeling

Private guided snorkel with turtles; includes gear, instruction, and shaded picnic.

2h · $150 per person
Kailua Bay Beach
Do
afternoon

Kailua Bay Beach

Snorkel in calm waters or relax on the sand near the pier.

1h 30m · Free
Kailua Bay Beachfront Relaxation
Do
mid_afternoon

Kailua Bay Beachfront Relaxation

Spend unstructured time along the small beaches and seawall by Kailua Pier—sit on the sand, watch paddlers and swimmers on the Ironman course, or simply read and unwind in the ocean breeze.

1h 30m · Free

Restaurants & Food

20 local favorites

Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
Eat
afternoon

Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill

Local favorite for ultra-fresh poke bowls, seafood plates, and Hawaiian-style comfort food in a lively atmosphere.

1h · $20-35 per person
Da Poke Shack
Eat
afternoon

Da Poke Shack

Customizable fresh poke bowls with ahi and local fish.

45m · $20-30 per person
Island Lava Java
Eat
morning

Island Lava Java

Casual ocean-view spot known for Kona coffee, hearty breakfasts, and fresh baked goods; their pancakes, acai bowls, and house-roasted coffee are standouts.

1h · $18-30 per person
Kona Inn Restaurant
Eat
afternoon

Kona Inn Restaurant

Oceanfront classic with fresh fish specials and tropical salads.

1h 30m · $120-180 per person
Ulu Ocean Grill
Eat
evening

Ulu Ocean Grill

Farm-to-table seafood with ocean views; order the lobster thermidor and wine-paired tasting menu.

2h 30m · $250-400 per person
Big Island Grill
Eat
morning

Big Island Grill

Huge pancakes and all-day breakfast plates in a casual local spot.

45m · $15-25 per person
Don's Mai Tai Bar
Eat
evening

Don's Mai Tai Bar

Resort bar with epic sunsets, pupus, and non-alcoholic specialties.

1h 30m · $70-100 per person
Foster's Kitchen
Eat
morning

Foster's Kitchen

Modern American seafood; try the fresh catch or steak buffet.

1h · $70-110 per person
Huggo's
Eat
evening

Huggo's

Classic Kona oceanfront restaurant serving fresh seafood and island-inspired dishes; go for the fresh fish specials and mai tais.

2h · $60-100 per person
Island Breeze Luau
Eat
evening

Island Breeze Luau

Premium luau with private table, top hula, and gourmet buffet.

3h · $200 per person
Kona Brewing Co.
Eat
evening

Kona Brewing Co.

Try local drafts like Longboard Lager with kalua pork sliders, pizzas, or fish sandwiches in the beer garden.[1][5]

1h 30m · $20-35 per person
Lemongrass Express
Eat
afternoon

Lemongrass Express

Kona's top Thai fusion; family platters of curries and fresh rolls.

1h · $60-90 per person
Manta
Eat
evening

Manta

Mauna Lani's award-winning seafood restaurant; signature ray-inspired dishes and wagyu.

2h 30m · $200-300 per person
Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar
Eat
evening

Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar

Oceanfront lanai seating with fresh fish tacos or ahi benedict; live music.

1h 30m · $30-40 per person
Super J's
Eat
afternoon

Super J's

Authentic laulau and poke bowls; splurge on family-sized seafood platters.

45m · $50-80 per person
Ulu Ocean Grill at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Eat
evening

Ulu Ocean Grill at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Upscale beachfront restaurant featuring local seafood, sushi, and farm-to-table Hawaiian flavors in a refined yet relaxed setting.

2h · $80-150 per person
'ulu Ocean Grill + Sushi Lounge
Eat
evening

'ulu Ocean Grill + Sushi Lounge

Seafood and sushi in a stunning Four Seasons setting; try the fresh oysters and ono specials.

2h · $100-150 per person
Bamboo Restaurant
Eat
evening

Bamboo Restaurant

Asian-Hawaiian fusion tapas.

1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Basik Acai
Eat
morning

Basik Acai

Grab tropical açaí bowls topped with fresh fruit and granola; the perfect light start before ocean time.

45m · $12-18 per person
Beach Tree Restaurant & Bar
Eat
evening

Beach Tree Restaurant & Bar

Beachside Italian-Hawaiian fusion; share calamari steak and beef filet.

2h · $90-140 per person

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