Top Things to do in Kailua-Kona
The 10 Best Things to do Good for Kids in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (HI)
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. 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.
4. 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!
5. Kona Coast State Park
6. 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
7. 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.
8. Kamakahonu
9. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 774 reviews
Reviewed By kpammy
This is a really nice place to stop for a walk as there are not that many people. Hike the Ala Mauka Makai trail for 0.7 miles-- you will see a Hawaiian royal fishing ground, There were signs that green sea turtles are around but that morning we went, there were none sighted. We saw a Indian mulberry tree full of the unusual ripe yellow color fruit that ancient Hawaiians used as food source, the Alo'pio fish trap, and a canoe house (Halau Na'a) at the shoreline. The walk on the trail can be somewhat hot, so make sure you bring along some water. Also, the trail is all on soil so prepare with good walking shoes. A ranger does walk around the surroundings to help answer questions. Great to stop for a least 1 - 1 1/2 hours with a few minutes stop at the Visitor Center and gift shop.
10. Honokohau Marina & Small Boat Harbor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 319 reviews
Reviewed By GC404 - Anchorage, United States
While most folks come to the Honokohau Harbor for boat tours/charter fishing, there’s a lot more to see and do here... there’s a nice restaurant with great food, plus shops for island clothing and fishing tackle as well :)). Many tropical fish hang around beneath the vessels, and turtles pass through too... nautically inclined folks can admire the array of boats docked here, and if you show up around mid day, you might be able to view trophy catches being brought in as well (look for the flags high above the flying bridge to see what species were hooked). Enjoy!
