11+ EPIC Things to Do in Kona, Hawaii

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Kona is one of the most popular areas to stay on the Big Island of Hawaii, and it’s easy to see why! From sunny weather and lava-lined coastlines to beautiful beaches and ocean adventures, there are so many things to do in Kona, Hawaii that make it an incredible home base for exploring the island.

Located on the west side of the Big Island, Kona is known for its laid-back vibe, great food spots, and easy access to some of the island’s most iconic experiences.

During our trip, I spent four days on the Big Island exploring both Hilo and Kona, and while that may not sound like a lot of time, trust me when I say we crammed in plenty of unforgettable adventures. Kona stood out because of how much you can experience in a short amount of time, making it perfect whether you’re visiting for a quick getaway or building a longer Big Island itinerary.

Things to Do in Kona

1. Swim with Manta Rays

Swimming with manta rays was hands down one of the most epic experiences of our entire two-week Hawaii trip. It’s not just one of the best things to do in Kona, Hawaii, but truly one of the best things to do on the Big Island overall. Being in the water with these gentle giants was nothing short of magical. Watching them glide, flip, and do barrel rolls right beneath you is an experience that’s hard to put into words.

Manta rays are incredibly intelligent, and seeing them up close gives you a whole new appreciation for them. This experience takes place at night, and I’ll be honest, I was a little nervous about being in the water after dark. That said, you’re surrounded by several other guided tours, the area is well-lit, and the water you’re in is actually fairly shallow. The moment the mantas show up, any fear you have completely disappears. Peep some of the experience in my Big Island recap video.

If there is one thing you do in Kona, let it be this. Make sure you book this tour in advance!

2. Visit Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park

Visiting Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park is one of the most meaningful things to do in Kona, Hawaii, especially if you want to learn more about Hawaiian history and culture. Often referred to as the Place of Refuge, this sacred site once offered protection to those who broke ancient laws, as well as a place of healing and forgiveness.

Walking through the park, you’ll see reconstructed temples, royal grounds, kiʻi (wooden carvings), and lava rock walls, all set along a dramatic coastline. The setting alone is beautiful, but what makes this place truly special is the history behind it. It’s a peaceful spot where you can slow down, take in the surroundings, and gain a deeper understanding of traditional Hawaiian life.

It costs $20 per vehicle to enter the park, but if you have the National Parks Pass it’s free!

3. Go Snorkeling

Right next door to Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park is Two Step, one of Kona’s most popular snorkeling spots. The shoreline is mostly lava rocks with hardly any sand, but that doesn’t stop people from setting up camp and laying out right on the rocks—it’s all part of the adventure!

The water here is crystal clear, and there are plenty of tropical fish to check out. If you go early in the morning, you might even spot sea turtles and sometimes dolphins swimming by. We visited the national park first and then left our car in that lot while we snorkeled, which made it super convenient.

While snorkeling at Two Step is stunning and more easily accessible by land, the most iconic place to snorkel on the Big Island is at Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook Monument). This protected marine sanctuary is known for some of the clearest snorkeling conditions on the Big Island, with colorful fish, coral, and calm waters that make it ideal for all experience levels.

The bay is home to the Captain Cook Monument, and the only ways to reach it are by boat, kayak, or a longer hike—which helps keep the area less crowded than other snorkeling spots in Kona. Because it’s protected, the marine life here is abundant, and visibility is often excellent. This 4-hour snorkel catamaran tour is one of the more affordable options, and it includes lunch!

4. Tour a Kona Coffee Farm

No trip to Kona is complete without visiting a Kona coffee farm. The Kona region is world-famous for its coffee, thanks to the volcanic soil, elevation, and ideal growing conditions along the slopes of Hualālai and Mauna Loa. Many farms in the area offer free or low-cost tours where you can learn about the coffee-growing process from bean to cup.

Touring a Kona coffee farm is a great way to break up beach days and add something a little different to your itinerary. You’ll get to walk through the coffee plants, learn about harvesting and roasting, and of course, sample some freshly brewed Kona coffee.

5. Explore Historic Kailua-Kona & Aliʻi Drive

Kailua-Kona is the heart of the Kona area and a must-visit while exploring the west side of the Big Island. Aliʻi Drive runs along the coastline and is lined with shops, restaurants, historic sites, and ocean views, making it an easy place to wander. This area gives you a great feel for Kona’s laid-back energy while still having plenty to see and do.

As you explore Kailua-Kona, you’ll come across important landmarks like Huliheʻe Palace and Mokuʻaikaua Church, along with plenty of places to stop for food or a drink.

6. Have Some of the Best Poke Ever

I seriously eat so much poke when I’m on the islands, and after trying plenty of spots, Umekes is easily one of our favorites. The seafood is so fresh that we ended up eating here twice! Poke is absolutely a must-try in Hawaii, and this might be some of the best I’ve ever had.

Remi and I split the Big Boy plate—two types of poke, two servings of rice, and two sides—for just $26, which felt like such a steal. They have tons of poke options, but we went with Da Avo, Hottie, and the poke of the day—no bad choices here. And honestly, their cocktails are worth a mention too; the Fake Crack mezcal drink was so yummy!

7. Check Out Some Local Breweries

Even though I’m not a huge beer drinker, I always make it a point to check out local breweries wherever I go—it’s just so fun to see the different flavors they experiment with, especially when they nod to local fruits and foods. Plus, many of them serve up amazing food, so it’s a win-win!

Of course, Kona Brewing is a must-visit. It’s iconic, and their food menu is just as good as the beers, so make sure you go hungry. We also really enjoyed Ola Brew! If beer isn’t your thing, this is the spot for you—they have tons of ciders. We did a cider flight and fell in love with Kona Gold Pineapple and Dragonfruit Lemonade.

8. Taste Your Way Through Kona’s Chocolate & Macadamia Nut Farms

One of the most delicious things to do in Kona is checking out the local chocolate and macadamia nut farms. Even if you’re not a huge foodie, these tours are so fun—you get to see how everything is made, from bean to bar or nut to snack, and of course, taste-test along the way.

Some farms even let you try unique flavors like coffee-infused chocolate or chocolate-covered macadamias. It’s a sweet little experience that also makes for perfect souvenirs to bring home—or just eat immediately (no judgment!). Kuaiwi Farm is a great option. You can also check off a few things from this list of things to do in Kona, as it’s also a coffee farm!

9. Happy Hour Hop

One thing about me? I love a good deal! We had so much fun checking out Kona’s happy hour scene. First up was Huggo’s on the Rocks—waterfront views, chill vibes, and $6 mai tais. Yes, please! They also had a $6 Hawaiian Rainbow, though it was a little too sweet for me.

Next, we hit Don’s Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Kona Resort. We sipped $10 lava flows (basically piña coladas with mango, strawberry, guava, or lilikoi) and snacked on coconut shrimp—vacation mode officially activated. If you’re into good drinks, good deals, and a little people-watching, this happy hour hop is a total must.

10. Try an Ube Latte

Kick off your morning with an ube latte or cold brew from HICO Coffee. Ube is a purple yam that’s super popular in Hawaii, and the flavor is definitely worth trying while you’re here. The drinks are lovely on their own, but if you’re into sweeter sips, I’d recommend adding an extra flavor.

11. Go to Hilo

In a perfect world, you’d have more than a day to explore Hilo, because this town is seriously epic. If you’ve got the time, there’s a full list of amazing things to do, from chasing waterfalls to wandering through Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

Even if you’re short on time, it’s worth making the 2-hour drive from Kona. Wake up early, hit the road, and you can fit a full day of exploring. Waterfalls, volcanoes, local shops, and the lush scenery make it totally worth the trip—it’s one of those stops that really shows a different side of the Big Island.

Bonus Iconic Things to Do in Kona

Sometimes you don’t want to spend a ton on tours (and I get it!), and honestly, the swimming with manta rays tour is my #1 recommendation. But if you’re looking to add a few more iconic Kona experiences, these are all worth considering:

• Kona Coast Helicopter Tour – Seeing the island from above is magical. This 30-minute helicopter ride takes you over beaches and bays, giving you breathtaking views. Big Island tours are usually over $100 cheaper than similar tours on Kauai, so it’s a great option if you’re staying here.
• Whale Watching Tour – Only available December through March, this catamaran tour guarantees whale sightings—or you get to ride again for free. If we were visiting during whale season, this would’ve been high on our list!
• Kailua-Kona Ocean Kayak & Snorkel Tour – Paddle your way along the Kona coastline and snorkel in some of the best spots only accessible by kayak. This 4-hour adventure includes gear, guidance, and the chance to see the underwater world up close.

Where to Stay in Kona

If you’re looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay in Kona, here are a couple of options we loved:

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kailua-Kona by IHG – This is where we stayed and really enjoyed it! We love IHG properties, and we actually booked our stay with points. Breakfast is included, which is always a win, and the location is great—you can walk to several tasty restaurants. Plus, it’s one of the more affordable options in Kona. Book direct here.
• Royal Sea Cliff Kona by OUTRIGGER – If you’re up for spending a little more, this resort is stunning. Located on 7 acres of oceanfront land, it has 2 outdoor pools and panoramic ocean views. All suites come with a fully equipped kitchen, and the resort also offers fun cultural activities like lei making, hula lessons, and live Hawaiian music. It’s a gorgeous spot to really soak up the Kona Coast vibes.

You can check all available options for your dates here!

Which of these Kona activities are you checking out first?!

Kona has such a good mix of adventure, food, and easygoing days that it’s hard not to love. From snorkeling and manta rays to breweries, happy hours, and quick day trips, there’s plenty to do without ever feeling rushed. I hope this guide helps you plan your time in Kona and gives you a solid mix of can’t-miss spots and more relaxed moments! Let me know what you’re most excited to do in the comments.

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Hawaii blog posts:

Things to Do on Kauai’s North Shore

The Perfect 3-Day Maui Itinerary

Fun and FREE Things to Do on Oahu