Things to Do in and Around Kona

The history of Kailua-Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii, includes Hawaiian royalty, Christian missionaries and Captain James Cook. The memorial to Cook, who was killed at Kealakekua Bay, stands at the site of excellent snorkeling and diving. Get back to the here and now at the area's stunning beaches - white sand, black sand and a variety of shades in between. Don't forget the waterfalls, volcanoes, luaus, seahorse farm, whale and dolphin sightings, sea turtles and, of course, the Kona coffee.

Snorkeling:

Many tour companies offer snorkel tours to such great underwater sites as Captain Cook and Place of Refuge.   Snorkeling in these spots comes highly recommended.  However, visitors must either kayak or take a tour boat to get there.  If you’re not going on a tour, drive to Honounou Bay and snorkel there. Another great beach spot for snorkeling is Kahalu'u, which definitely has lots of fish and turtles. Turtles can also be seen just “hanging out” in the waves at Magic Sands beach up the road from Kahalu'u.

 

Activities:

Kealakekua Bay or Captain Cook's Monument - Located about 15 miles south of Kailua-Kona, snorkeling at the Captain Cook monument is one sure-fire must-do on the Big Island.  Many different dive/snorkel outfits make the trip to the Bay, chief among them being Fairwinds, Dolphin Discoveries and SeaQuest.  Most boats stop here first for about 45-minutes of snorkel time, and then move on further down the coast.  The visibility is pristine, and you should be able to see abundant marine life, from parrot fish to needle-nose fish to angel fish.  Highly recommended to bring an underwater disposable camera! 

 

Shopping:

The main shopping in Kailua-Kona is on Ali'i Drive.  In addition to lots of bars and restaurants, here you'll find a variety of shops catering to many different interests.  Lots of small shops here sell T-shirts, sunglass, sandals and souvenirs of all sorts.  Others specialize in jewelry or local arts and crafts. 

 

Shopping centers in the area include the Kona Inn Shopping Village, the Coconut Grove Marketplace and the Ali’I Gardens Marketplace, an outdoor market featuring over 50 vendors selling everything from traditional Hawaiian weapons to locally grown coffees and nuts.  Shaved ice is available here for refreshment during a long day of shopping!

 

Also, enjoy parasailing, luaus, walking through the outdoor farmer’s markets, or touring a Kona Coffee farm!