20 Amazing Things to do in Kailua Kona, Hawaii

1. Visit The Honuaula Forest Reserve

A perfect place to start your exploration in Kailua Kona Island is the Honuaula Forest Reserve. It offers an opportunity to spend a peaceful day alongside nature. This lush forest area features various native Hawaiian flora and fauna. The reserve also has a walking trail that can be walked by hikers of all skill levels.

Along the trail, you will see towering trees and flowing streams. At the end comes a viewpoint that brings stunning vistas from all corners of the reserve. Birdwatching can also be done throughout the trail as this reserve is home to a variety of exotic as well as endangered bird species.

2. Soak The Sun At Manini'owali Beach

Manini'owali Beach is another beautiful place on the island of Kona to catch some sun and get a good swim in the clear blue waters. Within the boundaries of Kekaha Kai State Park, this beach is set about 12 miles north of Kailua Kona.

The beach offers excellent swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities, most particularly during summer when the waters are calm. You can even observe dolphins or sea turtles from a distance. The lava rocks surrounding the beach really contrast with the bright sand and turquoise water.

3. Go On A Whale Watching Tour

A place covered by the Pacific Ocean, Kailua Kona is one of the best places for whale watching. For this experience, you can simply join a guided tour and embark on the journey to spot these majestic creatures.

While on a tour, you will get an opportunity to see different species of whales from a close distance. The whale-watching trip becomes more lively during the winter months. This time of the year brings a large number of humpback whales to the warm waters of Hawaii that can be viewed enjoying the water.

4. Explore The Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

The Kaloko-Honookohau National Park is where history and nature come together beautifully. This place was started in 1978 to preserve the culture and history of the Native Hawaiian people.

Just around 4 miles from Kailua Kona around 11000 acres of this park is covered with fishponds, petroglyphs, and sacred temples. From these sites, you can learn about the daily life of the early Hawaiian people.

Likewise, you can also walk along the coastal trails to view the ocean properly. This park also has a visitor center sharing education about the cultural significance of the park that you should not miss to explore. Visiting this place is one of the prominent Kona, Hawaii things to do.

5. Visit The Ocean Rider Seashore Farm

The Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm offers an enlightening experience combined with wholesome fun for every age group. This farm began its operation in 1998 and has been dedicated to seahorse conservation since.

It provides knowledge on different species of seahorses, their habitats, as well as the challenges faced by them in the wild. A closer look at these interesting creatures can also be taken inside the farm.

The farm proudly boasts the ethic of sustainability, so visiting this place is a great way to help maintain the well-being of these beautiful animals. This farm is located near the Kona International Airport which makes it a convenient location to visit immediately after landing in Kailua Kona.

6. Stroll Around The Makalawena/Pu'u Ali'i Beach

The Makalawena/Pu'u Ali'i Beach is one of the most pristine beaches on the Big Island. To reach this place you can take two different routes. The first one is a rugged road and the second one is a brief hike through lava fields. Both of these routes are a bit challenging.

All the difficulties on the way are fully compensated by the white soft sand, clear turquoise water, and peaceful atmosphere. Once you are here, you can enjoy fun activities like swimming, Kailua Kona snorkeling, and tanning.

You will mostly find this beach empty, and sometimes it even feels like your personal paradise. Meanwhile, there are no facilities out here, so make sure to pack everything you may need for the day. 

7. Shop At Kona Farmers Market

Kona Farmers Market is operational from Wednesday till Sunday. It is a place brimming with a bit of daily life items. This market is full of fresh vegetables and fruits, flowers, and locally made items.

You get the opportunity to talk with numerous people and vendors, listen to their stories about life experiences, and taste some of the fresh-prepared foods like the local honey, jam, and plenty of yummy baked goodies. A very simple way to support the farmers and artists, this place surely needs to be on your bucket list.

8. Visit The Hulihe'e Palace

The Hulihe'e Palace is set in the very heart of Kailua Kona, lining the royal past of Hawaii. The palace was built in the year 1838 and used to serve as a summer house for the Hawaiian royalty. It is now a museum decorated with Victorian artifacts and furnishings.

The palace is right on Ali'i Drive, so it's easy to stop by on the way to other sites in Kailua Kona. The magnificent koa wood furniture, portraits of the Hawaiian royalty, and many other very important historical artifacts stay inside.

Each piece tells a story of Hawai'i's history related to its kings and queens. Beautiful gardens and ocean views make the Hulihe'e Palace more attractive.

9. Relax At Keiki Beach

Keiki Beach is a beautiful, calm spot to spend some time by the ocean. Located about 4 miles from Kailua Kona, this small beach is shallow with tide pools, which creates a perfect spot for families with young children.

In the meantime, the ocean is both calm and clear, so you will be able to see many species of fish and crabs. The beach is surrounded by lava rocks that make natural pools which are great for wading and relaxing.

A great place for spending a quiet afternoon away from the crowd, Keiki Beach is a must-visit place in Kailua Kona. It is also highly recommended for picnics.

10. Spend A Day At Mahai'ula Beach

A remote yet picture-perfect place for spending a family fun day, Mahai'ula Beach is about 14 miles north of Kailua Kona. Similar to Manini'owali Beach, this beach is also part of the Kekaha Kai State Park and features soft white sand and transparent waters.

The Mahai'ula Beach is ideal for some swimming, snorkeling, or sun tanning. It is much less crowded, making it a tranquil retreat from the more popular spots in Kailua Kona. This place is also nice for a picnic as you will find large open spaces shaded by trees surrounding the beach.

11. Discover The Kahaluu Beach Park

This is the best spot in Kailua Kona for snorkeling and watching marine life. The water at Kahaluu Beach Park is shallow and calm and allows you to see many colorful fish as well as sea turtles.

The added protection of the coral reef in front of this spot makes for safe, enjoyable snorkeling for all levels. Kahaluu Beach Park is facilitated by on-site picnic tables, bathrooms, and showers, making an easy beach day frustration-free and enjoyable.

This particular beach is a favorite among everybody because of its easy accessibility and lively marine life. The beach is filled with cultural aura from the ancient Hawaiian temples and other surrounding cultural sites.

12. Explore Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation

If you are a coffee enthusiast, the Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation is one place you should not miss. It provides the true Hawaiian coffee experience amidst the lush hills above Kailua Kona. This family-operated plantation began growing and processing coffee in the year 2000.

The farm sits at an elevation of 3,200 feet on the slopes of Hualalai Volcano with perfect conditions needed for raising the world-renowned Kona coffee. During a tour of this Plantation, you will learn all about the actualizing of coffee, from the growing of the beans to the perfected roast.

13. Walk The Kailua Pier

Historic and stunning, the Kailua Pier is another place that lies at the very center of Kailua Kona. This noted pier was built during the early years of the 20th century and has become over time the central focus for residents and tourists alike.

The pier is located at the end of Ali'i Drive and fronts the beautiful blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and the curving coastline that flanks its sides. It's a great point for fishing, sunset viewing, and walking or strolling by the water.

The Kailua pier is also the starting and finishing point for the annual Ironman World Championship. Moreover, from the pier, you may see dolphins or manta rays, which swim close to it.

14. Discover The Holualoa Village

Holualoa Village is an artsy little town situated in the lush hills of the Kona coffee belt. This small historic village explodes with an artsy flair, rich history, and Kona coffee. An exploration through this village lets you see a handful of galleries with works of local artists.

Shown inside are paintings, sculptures, handcrafted jewelry, and pottery items. There are also coffee farms in the Holualoa village, where you can sample some freshly brewed coffee and learn about the plantation process.

15. Spend A Day At Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area

The Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area is one of the most underrated spots in Kailua Kona. This large park was an airport many years ago but was later changed over to become a recreational area existing today.

Here you will first witness a beautiful, long stretch of beach. In this open area, you can also spend time sunbathing and picnicking. At the north end of the park, you will find famous tide pools. These pools are a habitat for different marine animals that can be seen while visiting the Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area.

16. Visit The Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark

This spot is a place of rich cultural and historical significance. Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark was an early 19th-century residence of King Kamehameha I, the paramount chief who united the Hawaiian Islands under his rule.

This historical site is found right at the Kailua Pier thereby, making it easy to visit when in Kailua Kona. This place hosts a restored temple called Ahu'ena Heiau which King Kamehameha used for political and religious purposes.

The heiau itself is nicely restored and brings light to the life of old Hawaiians. On this site, you will get to learn the history of King Kamehameha and how important this place was to Hawaii in the past.

17. Walk The Maka'eo Walking Path

The Maka'eo Walking Path is a 1.3-mile loop nested within the Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area. This trial is perfect for walking, jogging, or even bike riding.

The Maka'eo Walking Path winds through beautiful gardens with native Hawaiian plants, flowering colors, and stunning sculptures that border the path. The path is very tidy, with formidably beautiful views of the coastline and the surrounding mountains.

While on this path, you will feel relieved by the fresh ocean breeze and the sounds of waves not too far away, crashing. The Maka'eo Walking Path is a favorite among the locals and is accessible for all ages.

18. See Local Handcrafts At Nana's Clay Flowers

Nama's Clay Flowers is an unusual little shop for beautiful handmade clay flowers. Established in 2001, this local business carries high credibility in showing meticulous and lifelike clay work. All these clay flowers are handmade by a local artist named Nama Kalama.

Every single flower includes such accurate detail and resembles Hawaii's native flowers, making it a worthy purchase as a great gift or a souvenir item. The Nana's Clay Flowers have numerous flowers for sale, such as hibiscus, plumeria, orchids, and anthuriums.

To really know the craft, you could view a demonstration on how the flowers are made or you could even try and make your very own clay flower.

19. Play Golf At Kona Country Club

To spend a fun and challenging day in Kailua Kona, Kona Country Club is an ideal spot. It provides the best golfing experience with challenging holes amidst dramatic views of the surroundings. This place has been in operation since 1966 featuring an 18-hole course.

The Ocean Course and the Mountain Course are the most popular ones filled with entertainment and great vistas. The course itself is always well maintained with lush fairways, treacherous bunkers, and quick greens. For more fun, you can explore the driving range, putting greens, and pro shop.

20. Discover The Vanillerie Farm

As your trip to Kailua, Hawaii is about to end, you surely need to pay a visit to the Vanillerie Farm before hopping on your return flight. This is the place to find out everything about the art of vanilla growing.

It is a small, family-owned farm that commenced the growing and processing of vanilla in 2012. Exploring this place alone is not allowed so you will have to join a guided one. During the tour, you will learn everything about the intricate process of cultivating orchids for vanilla.

Besides that, half of the tour also educated you about the challenges and rewards that come from raising Hawaii vanilla. There is a wide range of vanilla products sold directly to visitors at the shop on this farm. Making a purchase here is a great way to support the farm in return for a freshly made product.