Top Things to do in Kailua-Kona
The 10 Best Things to do 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. 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!
2. 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
3. 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!
4. 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.
5. Makalawena/Pu'u Ali'i
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 385 reviews
Reviewed By takemeaway23
I went here on a Friday and when I left at 2:00pm, I stopped counting when I hit 100 people. I thought I read that there are hardly any people that come here. Well not on Friday’s. It was still a nice day! It takes about 15mins to drive down to Mahailua beach, and then you walk to Makalawena beach. You don’t have to walk along the water. I did this going there, which is beautiful, but coming back I took the trail and it was much faster. It’s about a 30min walk to Makalawena beach. I hit it lucky, too, saw a monk seal and a turtle, resting on the beach!
6. Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,036 reviews
Reviewed By LynneP861 - South Padre Island, United States
This was one of our favorite stops in Kona - easy to get to - right near the airport. Don't expect Sea World, it's a working lab at which they're trying to raise domestic seahorses to keep people from snatching them from the wild. Lovely giftshop and staff and a unique experience holding one. Worth the price to support their research. Do make sure not to schedule the Octopus Farm the same day prior to coming here. Because of cross contamination, they will not let you go on the tour.
7. Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,373 reviews
Reviewed By DaveDons148
Epic white sand beach, crystal clear electric blue water, saw two green sea turtles and lots of beautiful fish snorkeling... what more could you want???
8. Kanaloa Octopus Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 699 reviews
Reviewed By Kermit2010 - Vancouver, Canada
Great for kids and adults (our tour was full and mostly adults) this research facility is working to better understand the full life cycle of octopus and to protect wild stocks. These Indo Pacific octopus are at Kanaloa for breeding purposes and this is 1 of 4 facilities in the world doing similar work. Your 1 hour tour includes an overview of what they do then you move to sinks to scrub your hands and arms up to the elbow because now you are going to interact with the octopuses. They are shy and possibly know that this first part is a bunch of people dabbling their fingers in the water of their tank (each octopus in this area has its own tank). We didn’t get a lot of action in the tanks from this stage of our tour, and Charlie, my octopus, stayed in his cave. Later, we returned to the tanks and cups with bits of crab had been hung on each tank and we were told how to tempt them out of their caves. That was marginally successful for our tour as an arm would whip out of the cave and scoop up the tasty treat. When Charlie actually came out to fetch a treat, he retreated back to his cave so quickly he upset his cave and retreated as far as he could into his cockeyed cave propped up on the side of his tank. When some of our group filtered out of the facility, that was when we started to get some action. Ringo began performing, sitting on top of his cave, wrapping his delicate tentacles around our hands and grabbing our little underwater camera. Chili pepper swiftly changed colours when someone put a red underwater camera in her tank, and Emma squirted in response to someone putting a camera in her tank. We hated to leave but our hour was up. A fun and informative experience for all ages. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour. Kanaloa is in their 2nd location and moving to another facility next month. Support this initiative and the work they are doing by visiting - but be sure to reserve ahead as tours are popular and ours was full so walk ins had to be turned away.
9. Magic Sands
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 906 reviews
Reviewed By Alohajess74
Good waves for body surfing, many turtles in the water and lifeguards are great about making people aware of the rocks and current. Stunning beach.
10. Ali'i Drive
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 922 reviews
Reviewed By GC404 - Anchorage, United States
This seaside road winds its way along the coast from the Marriott at the north end, southward to the Sheraton (and continues all the down to Napoopoo Rd in Kealakekua)... most of the shops and eateries are located towards the northern end, and are easily visited on foot (or via the inexpensive Honu Trolley — their schedule is available on the web). Gift stores, coffee shops, historic sites, art galleries, tour operators, cafes/restaurants, bars, etc are all here :)) We especially like to stroll at sunset and during the evenings, when you can listen to live music while walking beneath the big old trees... In the central area, look for parking (free or paid) to the east a block behind the main thoroughfare (note: finding a parking spot can be challenging during the busy mid day period). Enjoy!
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