Beaches
Magic Sands Beach: A popular beach known for its white sand and great swimming conditions. Ideal for sunbathing and beach games. Address: 77-648177 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona
Kukio Beach: A pristine and less-crowded beach known for its clear waters, white sand, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. It’s a great spot for a peaceful day by the ocean. Address: 72-100 Kaupulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona
Kaimu Black Sand Beach: A striking black sand beach formed by recent lava flows. It's a unique spot for taking photos and enjoying the volcanic scenery. Address: 12-5032 Pahoa Kalapana Rd, Pāhoa
Two Step Beach at Honaunau Bay: Known for excellent snorkeling and swimming. The clear waters and abundant marine life make it a great spot for underwater exploration. Address: 84-5571 Honaunau Beach Road, Captain Cook
Hikes
Pololu Valley Lookout and Trail: A scenic lookout that offers breathtaking views of the lush valley and coastline. The trail leads down to a black sand beach and is moderately challenging. Address: 52-5100 Akoni Pule Highway, Kapaau
Captain Cook Monument Trail: A hike through historic and scenic areas leading to the Captain Cook Monument. It's a rewarding trek with beautiful views of the coastline. Address: F3RJ+RR Captain Cook
Kīlauea Iki Trail: Located in Volcanoes National Park, this trail offers a hike across a volcanic crater floor, with stunning views of the lava formations and tropical rainforest. Address: CQ76+CF Pāhoa
Mauna Kea Summit Hike: For a more challenging hike, the Mauna Kea summit trail provides panoramic views of the island from the top of the world’s tallest volcano. Address: Mauna Kea Access Rd, Hilo
Family-Friendly Activities
Pana'ewa Zoo: Home to 82 species and nearly 300 animals in a lush rainforest environment, the Zoo is a vital recreational and educational opportunity for local residents and visitors, featuring amenities such as a playground, pavilions, a gift shop and more.
Sea Turtle Watching at Punalu'u Beach: A chance to see sea turtles basking on the black sand beach. This is an all-ages activity with opportunities to learn about these magnificent creatures.
Kona Ocean Adventures: Book a family-friendly boat tour for snorkeling, whale watching, or dolphin watching. These tours are often educational and enjoyable for all ages.
Atlantis Submarines: Experience an underwater adventure aboard a real submarine, exploring marine life and underwater landscapes without getting wet. The condo owners have enjoyed Atlantis tours based on Oahu, Maui, and Hawai’i.
Ali’i Gardens Marketplace: This Kona institution features, quoting their website, “Local Artisans with over 20 unique Shops, including Kona Natural Soap Co., Ferrari Coffee, Ohana Casual Wear, Jill’s Hot Stuff, Melba’s Gluten Free Vegan Bakery, Hawaiian Cultural Center, Robert Thomas Art Gallery, Kirk O’Hara MouthPainter [sic], Oofos Recovery Shoes, [and] Big Island Kettle Corn”. Parking is free.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Explore this famous park to see volcanic craters, lava tubes, and geothermal features. There are family-friendly trails and educational exhibits.
Cultural and Educational
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park: Explore ancient Hawaiian culture at this historic site, which includes a preserved "Place of Refuge" and cultural demonstrations.
Ahu'ena Heiau: Visit this historic Hawaiian heiau (temple), restored to its former glory. The site provides insight into ancient Hawaiian religious practices. When Kamehameha the Great returned to the Big Island in 1812, he frequented this heiau, which was the center of political power in the Hawaiian kingdom during his golden years
Mokuaikaua Church: Visit Hawaii's oldest Christian church, a historic site with beautiful architecture and significant cultural heritage.
Mauna Kea Observatory: Visit one of the world's premier astronomical observatories for stargazing and educational programs about the universe. Note that driving to the summit requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and the road is sometimes closed due to inclement weather. Call ahead.
Adventure and Water Sports
Manta Ray Night Dive: Experience an unforgettable night dive with manta rays. This activity offers a unique opportunity to see these gentle giants up close.
Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay: Explore the vibrant marine life and coral reefs in this protected bay. It's a great spot for snorkeling and discovering underwater beauty. Kona Ocean Adventures can take you there!
Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the coastline and enjoy the calm waters of Kona. Rentals and guided tours are available.
Ziplining Adventures: For an adrenaline rush, try ziplining through the lush Hawaiian landscape. Various tour operators offer exciting and scenic zipline experiences.
Agricultural Tourism
Kona Coffee Farm Tours: Visit local coffee farms and learn how Kona coffee is grown and processed. Tours offer tastings and interactive experiences. Some of our favorites are Kona Coffee Living History Farm, Rooster Farms, and Mountain Thunder Kona Coffee.
Chocolate Farm Tours: Visit local cacao farms and learn how this crucial chocolate ingredient is grown and processed. Tours offer tastings and interactive experiences. Some of our favorites are Kuaiwi Farm, Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory, and Honoka’a Chocolate Company.
Kanaloa Octopus Research Center: Explore the fascinating world of octopus farming. Learn about these intelligent creatures and their environment through guided tours and hands-on exhibits.
Ocean Rider Sea Horse Farm: Visit this unique farm to learn about the breeding and conservation of seahorses. It’s an educational and interactive experience for the whole family.
Macadamia Nut Farm Tours: Native to Australia, the delicious macadamia nut is widely grown and enjoyed on the Big Island. Consider touring O.K. Farms, which grows macadamia and other crops in a spectacular natural setting.
Golf Courses
Kona Country Club: This 18-hole course offers stunning ocean views and challenging fairways. Located in Keauhou, it’s a popular choice for both beginners and experienced golfers. The course features a well-maintained layout, with several holes playing along the coastline.
Makalei Golf Club: Nestled on the slopes of Hualālai, this course offers a unique and scenic golfing experience with panoramic views. The 18-hole course is surrounded by lush tropical forests and features varied elevations and challenging greens.
Mauna Lani Golf Courses: Located in the Mauna Lani Resort, this facility offers two 18-hole courses: the North and South Courses. The South Course is known for its iconic 15th hole, set against dramatic ocean cliffs, while the North Course offers a rolling landscape with a more inland layout.
Hualālai Golf Course: Part of the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai, this Jack Nicklaus-designed course offers a luxurious golfing experience with oceanfront holes and impeccable service. The course is known for its challenging play and breathtaking views of the Pacific.
Waikoloa Beach Resort Golf: This resort offers two excellent courses: the Beach Course and the Kings' Course. The Beach Course features stunning oceanfront holes, while the Kings' Course provides a more traditional links-style experience with views of ancient lava flows and the ocean.
Makani Golf Club: Located in the higher elevations of the Big Island, this course offers cooler temperatures and a serene environment. The 18-hole course is known for its natural beauty, with lakes, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, making it a peaceful place to enjoy a round of golf.
Horseback Riding
Parker Ranch: Located in Waimea, Parker Ranch is one of the oldest and largest cattle ranches in the United States. They offer guided horseback riding tours that take you through the stunning landscapes of the ranch, with views of rolling pastures, historic ranch buildings, and the majestic Mauna Kea. It's a fantastic way to experience the rich paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) culture and the natural beauty of the Big Island.
Dahana Ranch: Also located in Waimea, Dahana Ranch offers personalized horseback riding experiences tailored to all skill levels. Ride through open pastures and take in the breathtaking views of the island's mountains and coastlines. The ranch provides a more intimate and immersive experience, perfect for those looking to connect with Hawaii's ranching heritage.
Paniolo Adventures: Situated on the Kohala Coast, Paniolo Adventures offers a variety of horseback riding tours, from beginner rides to more advanced treks through rugged terrain. You'll traverse the scenic ranchlands with panoramic views of the ocean and mountains, giving you a true taste of the Big Island's diverse landscapes.
Na'alapa Stables: Located in the beautiful Waipio Valley, Na'alapa Stables provides a unique horseback riding experience along the valley's lush trails. Ride through tropical forests, cross streams, and discover hidden waterfalls while learning about the area's rich history and culture from knowledgeable guides.
Local Festivals and Events
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival: Held annually in November, this festival celebrates Kona coffee with tastings, parades, and cultural events. It’s a great way to experience local traditions and flavors.
Ironman World Championship: Taking place each October, this famous triathlon event draws athletes and spectators from around the world. The race features stunning views and an energetic atmosphere.
Kona Brewers Festival: Held in March, this festival features a wide selection of craft beers from local and regional breweries, along with live music and food.
Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival: Enjoy performances by talented slack key guitarists at this festival, which celebrates this unique Hawaiian musical tradition. Held in January.
King Kamehameha Day: Held annually on June 11th, this celebration honors King Kamehameha I with a vibrant parade, hula performances, and a lei-draping ceremony at his statue. The event is a joyful expression of Hawaiian culture and history, bringing the community together in a lively display of island pride.
Merrie Monarch Festival: Although held in Hilo, this April festival is worth the trip for what is arguably the best hula in the world, featuring performances and competitions for both men and women, as individuals and in groups