Things to Do in Kailua-Kona — Hawaii: Top Attractions, Tours & Tickets

#1Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical ParkMustHonokōhau Harbor and Kaloko4.7(2,900)

This is Kona's best compact introduction to Native Hawaiian coastal landscapes: fishponds, petroglyphs, trails and historic sites rather than a single monument. Use the south-side beach access for a walk and possible turtle viewing, keeping the required distance from resting animals.

2.5h FreeGo early, before beach parking and heat build up.

Pairs with: Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area · Kekaha Kai State Park

#2Hulihe‘e PalaceMustOld Industrial Area and Kuakini4.5(714)

This former Hawaiian royal vacation home gives downtown Kona a needed historical anchor, with period interiors rather than an overwhelming museum experience. It is an easy, worthwhile stop while walking the waterfront, especially for visitors who want context beyond beaches and tours.

45m Walk upVisit near opening or in the quieter midafternoon between beach crowds.

Pairs with: Mokuaikaua Church · Kailua Pier · Ali‘i Drive

#3Ali‘i DriveMust

Ali‘i Drive is the waterfront spine that links central Kona's pier, palace, church, shops and beach stops. Walk a portion rather than trying to treat the entire road as a sight; it is most useful as the framework for a downtown half-day.

1.5h FreeWalk in the early morning or near sunset to avoid the strongest heat.

Pairs with: Hulihe‘e Palace · Kona Farmers Market · Kailua Pier

#4Manta Ray Night SnorkelMustHolualoa5(3,800)

Night snorkeling with manta rays is Kona's signature wildlife experience and one of the few activities that genuinely merits planning a trip around. Choose a responsible operator, be comfortable in open water after dark, and regard sightings as wildlife rather than a performance guarantee.

2.5h Book aheadBook an earlier evening departure if available; sea conditions are often easier before late-night winds.

Book several weeks ahead for preferred evening departures, especially in peak travel periods.

Pairs with: Kahalu'u Beach Park · La'aloa Beach Park (aka Magic Sands)

#5Kahalu'u Beach ParkMustKahaluʻu Beach

Kahalu'u is the dependable near-Kona choice for accessible snorkeling, with abundant fish and easy gear-rental options. It can be crowded, so arrive with realistic expectations and prioritize reef-safe behavior over chasing the busiest patches of water.

2h FreeArrive early, before rental activity and snorkeling crowds peak.

Pairs with: La'aloa Beach Park (aka Magic Sands) · Manta Ray Night Snorkel

#6Kekaha Kai State ParkMust

Kekaha Kai, including Kua Bay, is among the area's standout white-sand beach landscapes and is a better scenic beach choice than many in-town strips. Enjoy the beach but take the steep shorebreak seriously; it can be hazardous for inexperienced swimmers.

2.5h FreeArrive in the morning for easier parking and check ocean conditions before swimming.

Pairs with: Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park · Kiholo Bay

#7La'aloa Beach Park (aka Magic Sands)ShouldAliʻi Drive South (Honl’s to Magic Sands)4.6(5,400)

Magic Sands is the convenient south-Kona beach stop for a swim, surf watching or sunset, with the caveat that conditions and even the amount of sand can change. Treat it as a beach day stop, not a guaranteed calm-water snorkel beach.

1.5h FreeMorning is generally calmer; check surf and shorebreak before entering the water.

Pairs with: Kahalu'u Beach Park · Ali‘i Drive

#8Kona Farmers MarketShouldOld Industrial Area and Kuakini4.3(5,600)

This is a practical downtown browse for local fruit, coffee, snacks and souvenir-scale gifts rather than a destination market requiring hours. Stop while already walking Ali‘i Drive, and use it to sample or pick up picnic provisions.

35m FreeArrive early for the best selection and cooler browsing.

Pairs with: Hulihe‘e Palace · Mokuaikaua Church · Kailua Pier

#9Kailua PierShouldHolualoa4.6(1,500)

The pier is the visual center of old Kailua-Kona and a useful place to understand how the waterfront town fits together. It is a short scenic stop rather than an attraction to schedule on its own.

20m FreeGo early morning or around sunset for the best light and fewer tour groups.

Pairs with: Hulihe‘e Palace · Kamakahonu Beach · Mokuaikaua Church

#10Mokuaikaua ChurchShouldOld Industrial Area and Kuakini4.7(142)

Hawaii's first Christian church is a brief but meaningful stop opposite Hulihe‘e Palace, illustrating a major layer of Kona's history. Look in while doing the downtown waterfront circuit rather than making a separate trip.

20m FreeVisit during daytime opening hours, preferably before downtown gets busy.

Pairs with: Hulihe‘e Palace · Kailua Pier · Kona Farmers Market

#11Kamakahonu BeachShouldHolualoa4.5(173)

The small protected beach beside the pier is handy for a quick downtown swim or a pause between historic stops. It is about convenience and calm water, not a secluded beach experience.

45m FreeGo early for a quieter patch of sand and gentler conditions.

Pairs with: Kailua Pier · Hulihe‘e Palace · Mokuaikaua Church

#12HolualoaShouldHolualoa

This small upland coffee-country village is a worthwhile scenic diversion for galleries, coffee stops and a slower pace than the waterfront. Pair it with a coffee farm rather than visiting only to browse its short main street.

1.3h FreeGo in the morning, when galleries and farm stops are most reliably open.

Pairs with: Bayview Farm · The Vanillerie

#13Bayview FarmShould

A short coffee-farm tour and tasting gives useful context for the Kona coffee encountered all over town. This is a compact, low-commitment agricultural stop, best paired with Holualoa rather than treated as a full-day excursion.

45m FreeGo earlier in the day for a cooler visit and fresher attention from staff.

Pairs with: Holualoa · The Vanillerie

#14Old Kona Airport State Recreation AreaIf timeKaiminani and Kona Airport4.5(2,100)

The former-airport grounds provide an unusually open stretch of coast for walking, picnicking and watching local beach life just north of downtown. It is best used as a low-key counterpoint to busier central Kona stops.

1.3h FreeLate afternoon is cooler for the exposed coastal paths.

Pairs with: Maka'eo Walking Path · Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

#15Ola BrewIf timeHolualoa4.6(1,000)

Ola Brew is a good casual local-food-and-drink stop, especially if your group wants a break from resort-style dining. Consider it a meal or tasting destination, not a substitute for Kona's historical and natural sights.

1.3h Walk upGo outside peak dinner hours if you want an easier table.

Pairs with: Kona Farmers Market · Ali‘i Drive

#16Kona Brewing Co.If timeHolualoa4.5(4,500)

This is the recognizable Kona beer stop for a casual meal, tasting and social atmosphere. It is worth choosing if beer is part of your trip, but not an essential sightseeing use of limited time.

1.5h Walk upArrive before the dinner rush, particularly on weekends.

Pairs with: Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area · Maka'eo Walking Path

#17St. Michael The Archangel ChurchIf timeOld Industrial Area and Kuakini4.8(367)

This active Catholic church is a handsome, quiet downtown detour for visitors interested in Kona's living religious and community life. It is secondary to Mokuaikaua historically, but works well as part of a short central stroll.

15m FreeVisit outside service times if you want to look around quietly.

Pairs with: Kona Farmers Market · Hulihe‘e Palace

#18Maka'eo Walking PathIf timeKaiminani and Kona Airport4.7(329)

This waterside path is a simple way to get exercise and ocean views near the old airport without committing to a formal hike. Use it as an add-on if you are already at Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area.

45m FreeWalk at sunrise or late afternoon; there is little shade.

Pairs with: Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area · Kona Brewing Co.

#19The VanillerieIf time4.8(807)

This vanilla farm visit offers a specific agricultural counterpoint to Kona coffee and beach time, with tastings and a look at how a niche local crop is grown. Choose it if food production interests you; it is not a core Kona first-day sight.

1h Book aheadBook an earlier slot for cooler farm conditions.

Reserve a farm-tour or tasting slot ahead, especially for a weekend visit.

Pairs with: Holualoa · Bayview Farm

#20Kiholo BayIf time4.6(636)

Kiholo Bay rewards visitors willing to make an outing of a rugged lava-coast setting, clear water and tide-pool scenery. It is better for a scenic walk and careful wildlife viewing than for a quick, easy resort-beach stop.

2.5h FreeStart early, carry water and avoid midday heat on the exposed lava coast.

Pairs with: Kekaha Kai State Park · Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

#21Sadie Seymour Botanical GardensIf time

These gardens are a quiet, low-key alternative when you need a break from sun and salt water. They are most worthwhile for plant lovers or visitors with extra time, rather than as a priority over Kona's coast and history.

1h FreeVisit on a weekday morning, when the gardens are open and temperatures are cooler.

Pairs with: Holualoa · Bayview Farm

#2212th Hawaii DistillerNicheHolualoa4.9(157)

A small distillery tasting is a pleasant optional change of pace for spirits fans, particularly on an evening in town. It has limited value for a first-timer whose schedule is short compared with beaches, history and manta snorkeling.

45m Walk upWeekday afternoons are typically the most relaxed time to taste.

Pairs with: Ola Brew · Kona Farmers Market