Top Things to do in Kailua-Kona
10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Kailua-Kona That You Shouldn't Miss
Coffee drinkers will recognize Kona as the source of some of the best beans in the world. Get your blood pumping with a walk along the “Royal Footsteps” waterfront stretch of Alii Drive, or take stargazing to the next level with a nighttime visit to the summit of Mauna Kea. Waterfalls, volcanoes, and soft black sands are just some of the natural features that make Kailua unique. Shimmy your hips at a hula-filled luau, or get an eyeful of native history at the Kamakahonu compound.
Restaurants in Kailua-Kona
1. Kona Cloud Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By renata623 - Los Angeles, United States
Took this nature walk with my teens, sister and her husband. All 5 of us loved it. It was a magical place. Kelly, who guided us so was so passionate about the forest and shared so much with us about the plants, nature and local history. The beauty of this place and it's unique trees and plants make it a must in Kona. This is a very special place to visit.
2. The Vanillerie
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 214 reviews
We invite guests to our farm to see, smell, taste, and feel vanilla growing on the vine in our shade house oases in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, five minutes from the Kona International Airport. Come to learn about the beautiful vanilla orchid's fascinating history and experience entertainment and delight for all ages. Our vanilla infused food and body products excite all the senses, and allow guests to take the experience home with them.
Reviewed By 617areacode
The story of JR's decision to launch this vanilla farm and his many experiments in figuring out how best to grow, harvest, and process the beans so super interesting. Great little shop where you can try vanilla ice-cream (included with the tour) and buy other food and bath/body products. Seems as if JR is always inventing something new, so probably by the time you go, there will be even more to do or see!
3. Ola Brew
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 149 reviews
Reviewed By McMidgy - Deerfield, United States
Loved this place. Go get lunch at Broke Da Mouth and then take the two-minute drive to Ola and spend the afternoon here. We tried almost everything on the menu. Our favorites were the vanilla porter, Hawaiian strong ale, and the white pineapple cider. Blake, our bartender, was such a fun friend to make for the day. We just sat around for 3-4 hours, read a bit, and kept having little tasters of this and that. Perfect place for low-key drinks.
4. White Sand Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 404 reviews
Hawaii beach with white sand and good surf.
Reviewed By Chowa-Rides-Again - Bend, United States
This beach is also known as magic sands. Depending on storms there is either super soft sand or lots of exposed lava rock. The sand is multicolored white, gold and black but is lovely. Can be crowded. Good parking across street. In Nov 2019 there was plenty of sand. But after a big storm it can take weeks to come back.
5. Mokuaikaua Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 432 reviews
Founded in 1836 by Boston missionaries.
Reviewed By tammyhagelberg - Chino Hills, United States
Very welcoming! Heard a wonderful message from the book of Ezekiel while sitting on the breezeway. The traditional service was more contemporary than the description given on the website, which was a bonus for me. Got to hear about the history of the church, the refurbishment, the upcoming 200th celebration (April 4, 2020), and about the very generous anonymous donor that is helping to get this project completed. What a great way to start my vacation! Praise be to God!
6. Hulihe'e Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 761 reviews
Hulihe‘e Palace is located in historic Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i, on Ali‘i Drive. Once a summer vacation home for Hawaiian royalty, today Hulihe‘e Palace is a museum showcasing Victorian artifacts from the era of King Kalākaua and Queen Kapi‘olani.
Reviewed By warpedmama55 - Silverdale, United States
Hulihe'e Palace is a wonderful place to visit and learn about the history of the Hawaiian royalty's summer home. Unfortunately, we arrived late in the afternoon and didn't have enough time to leisurely spend viewing everything. The nominal entrance fee helps to keep the palace open. The docents were very knowledgeable and were willing to answer all our questions. It was amazing to view the historic Victorian items of King Kalākaua and Queen Kapi‘olani. I was mesmerized by the beautiful, hand carved koa wood furniture (absolutely breath-taking), portraits of the royals, kapa (a fabric made from local trees and shrubs), actual pieces of clothing worn by the royals,and handmade feather work. Take a break and sit outside under swaying palms on the lawn and watch the waves and boats in Kailua Bay. Most of all, do yourself a favor and allow adequate time for a guided tour and to peruse this lovely palace and grounds.
7. Saddle Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,687 reviews
Reviewed By AroundtownCT - Atlanta, United States
Beautiful drive through mountains See lots of different landscapes and weather Best way to cross the island
8. Mauna Kea Summit
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,543 reviews
At 13,796 feet, this peak offers an incredible view of lava, desert, the valley and Mauna Loa.
Reviewed By patricialj2016 - Las Vegas, United States
An amazing visit to the summit of Mauna Kea and the evening was clear as a a bell - enough to be able to see Maui! Knowledgeable guide showed and explained the various observatories located at the summit. It was cold but, the gear they provide was more than adequate. After dark explanation and location of common stars in the night skies was super! Loved every minute!
9. Friends of NELHA
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
See the future now with Friends of NELHA and experience a fascinating tour of Hawaii Ocean Science Technology Park near Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. FON tours showcase the development of renewable energy resources and uses of cold deep seawater and warm surface seawater in innovative aquaculture and mariculture activities and much more. This is a one-of-kind science and technology site in the world, an exciting learning experience and a must-see stop on the Big Island. FON offers public presentations and tours of selected NELHA energy and aquaculture projects Monday through Friday at 10 am, excluding holidays. Reservations are required for Friday's Grand Tour. Friends of NELHA (Natural Energy Laboratory Hawaii Authority) is a nonprofit organization providing education and outreach in support of sustainable agriculture and renewable energy.
Reviewed By Bongo88
We visited the Kanaloa Octopus Farm at NELHA, and really enjoyed learning that work is being done to maintain populations of sea creatures, and to research how we can better live in harmony with the fascinating ocean environment.
10. Kona Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 910 reviews
Reviewed By Dot13
We took a 10:30 tour of the brewery in Kona - shout-out to our tour guide Brian, who was interesting and fun. We took part in a generous tasting of four of their beers. The timing was such that we stayed there for lunch, having pizza and beer as per Brian’s recommendation. I had the Captain Cook’s and my husband had the Margherita. It was great! We sat outside to eat on a beautiful day. Another day in paradise.
