What to do and see in Kealakekua, United States: The Best Places and Tips

October 15, 2017 Chanda Heide

Kealakekua is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hawaiʻi County, Hawaiʻi, United States. The population was 2,019 at the 2010 census, up from 1,645 at the 2000 census.
Restaurants in Kealakekua

1. Kona Coffee Living History Farm

82-6199 Mamalahoa Hwy, Hwy 11, Captain Cook, Island of Hawaii, HI 96704-8203 +1 808-323-3222
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 197 reviews

Kona Coffee Living History Farm

Kona Historical Society's Kona Coffee Living History Farm in Captain Cook is a "must see" Hawaii attraction and the only living history coffee farm in the nation. Stroll through this Smithsonian-affiliated, outdoor museum that tells the story of Kona's Japanese immigrants that became Kona's coffee pioneers during the early 20th century. A self-guided experience, you're free to walk among the coffee trees, meet a "Kona Nightingale", or watch how farmers used the kuriba and hoshidana to mill and dry their world-famous coffee. Visit the original 1920's farmhouse where you may find the homemaker starting the fire to cook rice or making musubi for the farmer's lunch. "Talk story" along the way with living history interpreters and discover the story behind Kona's gourmet crop.

Reviewed By Phil S - Charlottesville, Virginia

This place is just a few acres but packed with history and has an excellent staff, both on the historical side (e.g. the fact that pre-WWII "coffee cooperatives" were anything but...) and also lots of information about local agriculture. We spent a couple of hours there and could have spent more. People apparently balk at the $15 fee: come'on, in Hawai'i that's the price of a couple cocktails (if that) -- these folks are doing a great job (they have lots of outreach to local schools, hence the limited public hours) and give them some help.

2. Greenwell Farms

81-6551 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, Island of Hawaii, HI 96750-8133 +1 808-323-2295
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Greenwell Farms

Kona coffee plantation.

Reviewed By jgluv2travel - Regina,Sask.

We didn’t take the tour this time because we had been on the tour a few years ago. It is only a half hour tour, which is just enough to learn about the entire process. We came for the tasting and to purchase some coffee.There...MoreMahalo for coming back to visit us again, we love seeing familiar faces! We are glad you were able to sample our coffee again and pick some up to bring home with you. We are looking forward to seeing you again on your next visit!

3. Aloha Kayak Co.

79-7248 Mamalahoa Hwy, 9 Miles south of Kailua -Kona, Honalo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96750
Excellent
80%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 447 reviews

Aloha Kayak Co.

Aloha Kayak Co. is a Hawaiian owned and operated full service kayak outfit based on the Kona coast of Big Island of Hawaii. We offer award winning kayak and snorkel tours to multiple areas of the island and are permitted by the State of Hawaii to operate in Kealakekua bay out to the Captain Cook monument. We also operate Kayak tours to the Lava tube caves of Keauhou bay, and snorkel with turtles in the City of Refuge, Honaunau bay. We offer kayak rentals and paddle board lessons and rentals too. All rentals include all proper gear and car racks for mounting on your car! Any car, convertibles too. ATT: Permits are required for some areas please call us for more info! We are open from 7:30 am to 5pm daily. Please call our office for more info about any of our services! We are Located 9 miles south of Kailua-Kona on Hwy 11 just south of the 114 mile marker. Call for further assistance.

Reviewed By Vanessa L

Super happy with our tour! Jason was our guide and he was great! Every other kayak tour company must have canceled their tours for the day because we were the only tour out there. So glad Jason was willing to take us out in the rain! Down in the water it wasn’t raining and kayak part was great, we even saw some dolphins on the way back. The snorkel was fantastic as well, Jason actually found a couple white tip sharks and helped me to swim down to see them and he took a video with my go pro. Moreover, since every other tour company canceled we were the only two out snorkeling in an area that usually is crowded. Fantastic experience, would definitely use them again!

4. King Kayak Hawaii

Puako Bay Boat Ramp & Keauhou Bay Boat Ramp, Puako, Island of Hawaii, HI 96738
Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 122 reviews

King Kayak Hawaii

Reviewed By samsea05 - Edmonton, Canada

Our little one had motion sickness so we had to return halfway but during our trip o can tell Kevin is a very patient guide and he is doing his best to leave you great memory. Besides he took pictures for you with no charge so enjoy the trip without worries to get your camera wet

5. Anelakai Adventures

Kamehameha III Road, Keauhou, Island of Hawaii, HI 96740
Excellent
94%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 263 reviews

Anelakai Adventures

Anelakai Adventures is a Big Island, Hawaii adventure company. Our Night Manta Ray Canoe Snorkel off the Kona Coast is a once in a lifetime experience. Skip the big crowds and go for a local Hawaiian experience — there’s no better way to meet mantas than by traditional canoe! Our double hull canoes let you snorkel with manta rays in a whole different way — in a small group, and at your own pace. You’ll feel more relaxed and safe, which will let you concentrate more on the beautiful wonder of nature that you can only see in Hawaii. Rays can live 50 + years and grow to 15 feet across and weigh more than 3000 pounds. Snorkel with the Manta, or stay on the canoe and watch from above with a close-up view you cannot see from a large motorized boat. Mantas love our quiet, Eco-friendly canoe! Let us share our passion and love for the ocean with you and learn a little Hawaiian history. Kayak Tours, Daytime Ocean Tours are also available. Book now and explore Kona the way our ancestors did!

Reviewed By jmc112018

A friend was visiting from Seattle and swimming with the Mantas was a bucket list item for him. I had already heard from many others that the experience with Anelakai Adventures was truly unique. So 3 adults and 3 kids decided to give it a try. It was amazing!! To begin with the experience of paddling your own vessel was incredible! The staff was so friendly and knowledgeable. We loved the small personalized group sizes. I was surprised that both of my daughters got into the water. One liked it so much that she keeps asking when we can do it again. It also inspired her to join a local canoe club. Thank you so much for the remarkable and memorable experience.

6. Kealakekua Bay

Honaunau-Napoopoo, Captain Cook, Island of Hawaii, HI 96704 +1 808-328-8775
Excellent
77%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 688 reviews

Kealakekua Bay

Reviewed By wvlivingston - Brevard, North Carolina

Because we didn't have time to kayak or hike to the snorkeling location and weren't going to try to swim to it, we limited our visit to watching the sunset. It was truly spectacular and even included seeing some spinner dolphins. Although we never felt unsafe, this is a gathering location for locals of young adults to much older and mostly males: by the smell clearly the self-rolled items being smoked were not Prince Albert and the money exchanges going on were not for candy.

7. Heavenly Hawaiian Farm

78-1136 Bishop Rd, Holualoa, Island of Hawaii, HI 96725-9748 +1 808-322-7720
Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 61 reviews

Heavenly Hawaiian Farm

Reviewed By pharmandaz - Portland, Oregon

Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee is perfectly perched in the hills south of Kona so that growing conditions are ideal and views are spectacular. Chase was very knowledgeable and personable and provided an informative and fun tour. We then had the opportunity to relax on the Lanai and enjoy a cup (or two) of their amazing brew while snacking on coffee brittle and taking in the glorious view of the Pacific. And of course we visited the gift shop and stocked up on treats, don't miss out on a bag or two of that delicious brittle!

8. Eka Canoe Adventures

Keauhou Pier, Keauhou, Island of Hawaii, HI 96739
Excellent
93%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 214 reviews

Eka Canoe Adventures

Eka Canoe Adventures is the most unique way to experience Hawaiian waters along the Kona Coastline. Onboard a recreated historically accurate Hawaiian double-hulled sailing canoe, your experienced crew shares generations of knowledge in an old Hawaiian way, “story telling”. Guests are invited to paddle, sail or just kick back and enjoy their journey through History.

Reviewed By greenmonkeyfever - Seattle, Washington

What a great time! The mantas were so beautiful and the guides were friendly and knowledgeable. We saw 3 rays and they came super close to us. The guide even took video for me so I could relax and enjoy the encounter. Highly recommend this experience and this organization.

9. Sea Paradise Tours

78-6831 Alii Dr Ste 144, Keauhou Shopping Center, Keauhou, Island of Hawaii, HI 96740-2440
Excellent
82%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 697 reviews

Sea Paradise Tours

Sea Paradise offers Morning and Afternoon Sailing & Snorkeling Tours to the Marine Sanctuary in Kealakekua Bay (Home to the World Famous Captain Cook Monument). As your snorkel adventure begins, be sure to bring an underwater camera to capture all the vibrantly colorful schools of sea life amid the landscaped ledges of ancient lava flows. Also offered by Sea Paradise is a Guaranteed Manta Ray night snorkel. Capture the graceful beauty of these majestic manta rays as you snorkel up close with them. The Travel Channel say "snorkeling with manta rays is one of the top ten things to do in your lifetime."

Reviewed By Caitlin G - Melbourne, Australia

We just had the most amazing day out on a catamaran to Kealakekua Bay beside the Captain Cook monument. We made a last minute decision to go and were SO LUCKY to get two spots with Sea Paradise Inc. We have never snorkelled anywhere like...MoreThank you for taking your time to review your tour with us. We are so happy you had a good time and we hope to serve you again next time you visit the Big Island. Mahalo Nui Loa!

10. Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary

83-5401 Painted Church Rd, Captain Cook, Island of Hawaii, HI 96704-8318 +1 808-328-8084
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 108 reviews

Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary

We are a non profit 501 3(c) educational and cultural facility set within a 7 acre Botanical Garden. We recently added a lovely gift shop and free coffee tasting. We offer self guided tours with an affordable admission and discounts for seniors, military and Kama'aina. Gently slopping land,mature shade trees, and expansive views from Kealakekua Bay to Place of Refuge allow one to wander through beautiful tropical displays and manicured foliage.Unique statuary, petroglyphs and the worlds only Galaxy Garden done in rare hibiscus provide great photo opts!

Reviewed By Bill G

We left the Painted Church and drove by this place on the way to another destination. When we saw the botanical gardens sign we turned back and went in. Admission for seniors is only $7, and well worth it.

It's not a large garden but it has very beautiful plants and flowers. Peace is in the name of the garden and it is a peaceful, Zen like experience.

We were very glad we stopped.

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