Seeing as this can often cause quite a bit of confusion with tourists looking to explore this island, natives decided to begin referring to the island as simply Kona.
Named after the most popular town on the island, Kona, there are many different towns, beaches and other sights to see in Kona that are worth the money – and this is what we are here to help point you in the direction of.
Below, you will find a breakdown of all the top things to see and do during your stay in Kona.
For the purposes of this post, we’re going to be recommending things to do from the western side of the island, which is the side that is aimed towards tourists. Just keep on reading!
The Best Things To Do In Kona Worth The Money
Even though we’re only going to be focusing on one side of the island, don’t let that put you off from visiting. Kona is large, and there’s a huge variety of things that you will be able to see and do during your time there.
Regardless of whether you want a traditional Hawaiian beach vacation or you’re in the mood to delve deep into the rich history and culture of Hawaii, you’re going to be totally spoiled for choice during your trip to Kona.
You don’t want to miss out on any of these activities, but given how vast Kona is, you might only find yourself being able to enjoy a handful.
So, in order to make sure that you are getting the most out of your vacation, we recommend making a note of the ones that you like.
That way, you aren’t going to forget about them and you are also going to be able to fit them into your itinerary during your stay in Kona, Hawaii.
Now that we’ve covered all of that, we’re now ready to delve into the top things to do during your stay in Kona.
Are you in the mood to be daring? If you want to escape land and spend some time exploring Hawaii’s vibrant underwater world, then you should make sure that you book onto this excursion while you are staying in Kona!
Of course, while diving with manta rays might not be something that is going to appeal to everyone, if you’re interested in enjoying a thrilling experience that will make your Kona vacation truly unforgettable.
Fun fact: the chance to dive with manta rays is only available in Kona.
If you’re interested in diving with manta rays, there are two main spots that you will be able to dive: the Manta Village located in Keauhou Bay that is situated near Sheraton as well as the Manta Heaven which is located super close to the Kona island airport!
Plus, regardless of whether you are planning on visiting Kona in the summer or another time of the year – the opportunity to dive with manta rays can be done all year round, so no matter when you plan on visiting Kona, you will be able to enjoy diving with them!
If you are familiar with Hawaii, then we’re sure that you will already be aware that Hawaii is famous for its coffee!
If you’re a big fan of coffee, then you are going to want to make sure that you enjoy a classic cup of Kona coffee while on the island, as well as consider making a trip to one of Kona’s many coffee farms!
There’s so many different types of coffee farms that you can choose from,but we highly recommend that you consider making a trip to Mountain Thunder.
Besides being able to take a tour of the coffee farm (and even enjoy a tasting experience) you’ll even be able to go on a nature trail!
Going on a coffee tour with Mountain Thunder also offers plenty of convenience because there are tours that run every 30 minutes!
Thanks to this, no matter how busy you are or how packed your itinerary is, you’re sure to be able to fit a coffee tour in at some point during your trip!
If you want to get out and explore the gorgeous natural scenery of Hawaii’s big island (see also “How Big Is Hawaii?“), then you’ll be making the right choice to make sure that you visit the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park!
The Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park offers some of the most incredible natural scenery in the world, and is one of three National Historical Parks in the Big Island of Hawaii.
Besides being able to view the natural beauty of Kona, you’ll also have the chance to learn about Kona’s rich cultural history.
Natives of Kona believe that Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park is a sacred site that is protected by Lono, the God of Life.
Pu’uhonua O Honaunau was once a place of refuge and safety for those in search of protection if they had broken the law, or were seeking help during times of war.
If you aren’t afraid of heights, then why not consider enjoying a birds eye view of Kona with a helicopter ride tour that takes off in Kohala?
While the majority of helicopter tours that are available in Kona set out from Hilo, which head straight towards the volcano, there’s another helicopter tour that departs from Kohala and takes you on a trip over the breathtaking north shore of the Big Island.
You’ll start in Kohala, head to the north shore and then finish up at the volcano.
All in all, if you’re looking to treat yourself to an unforgettable experience that you and your travel party will never forget – you definitely aren’t going to be disappointed by booking a helicopter tour from Kohala!
Last but certainly not least, the final place that we have to recommend to you is the Kohala Zipline!
The Kohala zipline offers some of the most incredible views of the Kona natural scenery, all while letting you enjoy a thrilling adventure full of twists and turns.
If you’re someone that doesn’t mind getting your pulse racing, then trust us when we say that the zipline experience offered by Kohala Zipline is absolutely worth the money (see also “Amazing Places To Eat In Hilo“).
Besides being able to take in an unrestricted, birds eye view of Koala’s natural scenery, you’ll also be able to immerse yourself in it thanks to the zipline.
If you’re interested in trying this out, you’ll be in for an unforgettable experience like no other!
After booking through the website or directly phoning (you can find the booking via the link that we have shared with you above) you will then be able to start preparing for your big zipline adventure.
It is recommended that you wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing, as well as appropriate footwear for the zip lining experience.
Plus, when you arrive for the day, you will be greeted by trained professionals who will be able to provide you with safety instructions so that you can enjoy the zip lining experience with the peace of mind that you will be safe.
Along with this, you will also be provided with safety equipment to wear, including a helmet and a belt that will connect to the zipwire.
When it will be your turn to enjoy the zipline, you will take off at the starting point, before then flying through the Koala’s natural landscapes, including a Hawaiian Forest!
If you want to make sure that your stay in Kona is truly unforgettable, make sure to book the zip lining experience with Kohala Zipline!
Wrapping Up: Where Will You Go First?
We’ve reached the end! If you’ve stuck around this far, we just want to take a moment to thank you for taking the time to read through this guide.
We hope that, from our guide above, you have been able to fill up your Kona itinerary list with a variety of awesome activities and things to do in Kona that are going to be worth your money (see also “Amazing Things To Do In Hilo“).
From the various stunning beaches that will allow you to relax, unwind and escape to a tropical paradise (that won’t cost a dime, might we add) all the way to exciting excursions that will make your Kona vacation truly unforgettable, there’s’ plenty of things to do here suitable for all budgets.
The only question we have left to ask is, where are you going to be visiting first during your time in Kona? We hope that you have a great time, and thank you once again for reading! Goodbye for now.
Hello, it’s great to have you here. My name is Julia and I am a travel blogger! I have been writing all of my life, and previously worked for a travel agency where I would recommend the best places to visit in the states.
If you are ready to take on the world, explore the sights, and see some of the most incredible places on offer, then take a look at some of my articles!
