Things to do in Kailua-Kona

Activities, attractions and tours

Kailua-Kona showing tropical scenes, general coastal views and a sunset
Kailua-Kona showing tropical scenes, general coastal views and a sunset
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park featuring tropical scenes, general coastal views and a sandy beach
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park which includes swimming, general coastal views and tranquil scenes
Kailua-Kona featuring general coastal views and a sunset
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What to do in Kailua-Kona

Popular places to visit

Kailua Pier featuring general coastal views, tropical scenes and a bay or harbor

Kailua Pier

After visiting Kailua Pier, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Kailua-Kona. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or seek out the snorkelling spots.

Kailua Pier
Magic Sands Beach which includes general coastal views, a beach and tropical scenes

Magic Sands Beach

4.5/5(2 reviews)

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Magic Sands Beach during your travels in Kailua-Kona?

Magic Sands Beach
Kahalu\'u Beach Park featuring surfing, a coastal town and tropical scenes

Kahalu'u Beach Park

4.5/5(4 reviews)

Snorkel with tropical fish and swim with sea turtles at this great dive location.

Kahalu'u Beach Park
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park featuring tropical scenes, general coastal views and a sandy beach

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

4/5(1 review)

Discover ancient Hawaii at this historic settlement.

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
A weathered statue of the Hawaii god Ku. Ku is the god of war and prosperity.

Kailua-Kona Beaches

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Kailua-Kona Beaches during your trip to Kaupulehu? Stroll along the beaches or visit the spas in this romantic area.

Kailua-Kona Beaches
Ancient Hawaiian Ruins, Big Island #adventure #hawaii #bigisland #beaches #beachlover #volcanoes

Keauhou Shopping Center

You can enjoy retail therapy at Keauhou Shopping Center during your trip to Kailua-Kona. Amble around the area's seaside or seek out the snorkelling spots.

Keauhou Shopping Center
Kamakahonu Beach showing general coastal views, a beach and tropical scenes

Kamakahonu Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Kamakahonu Beach during your trip to Kailua-Kona? Discover the beautiful sunsets and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Kamakahonu Beach
Kua Bay which includes a beach and a coastal town

Kua Bay

Get off the beaten track to discover one of Hawaii’s most serene stretches of coast.

Kua Bay
#blue 50 Shades of Blue - Manini'owali Beach at Kua Bay, part of Kekaha Kai State Park, is another of the very pretty Hawaii Big Island beaches, with fine white sand that slopes gently to the beautiful clear turquoise water. The swimming here is awesome when the ocean is calm, and there can be some decent snorkeling along the rocky outcroppings at either end of the beach. During certain times of the year, particularly the summer months, the beautiful soft sand covers the entire beach from north to south. More lava rocks become exposed in the winter months as sand is carried out with the surf. Be aware of those rocks in the shallows when boogie boarding or body surfing. This is a good place to have water shoes to navigate across the rocks. Manini'owali Beach is one of the nicer Big Island beaches that is easy to reach from Kailua-Kona. You can practically drive right to the beach, and some days it seems everyone on the Big Island knows it! If you arrive later in the day, parking can be a little crazy, especially on weekends. As you approach the beach you may see cars lined up down the road. You may have to walk down the road a bit but don't worry; there's plenty of room on the beach! There is a rocky shoreline trail at the northern end of the beach that leads to another of our favorite Hawaii beaches, spectacular Kikaua Beach to the north. The trail winds through a lava field and across a coral beach less than a mile to scenic Kikaua Point.

Manini'owali Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Manini'owali Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Kailua-Kona. Take some time to visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Manini'owali Beach

Areas of Kailua-Kona

Aerial view of Kahikolu Congregation Church, Kealakekua Bay, Big Island, Hawaii, United States of America, North America

Holualoa Village

While visiting Holualoa Village, you might make a stop by sights like Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden and Honl's Beach.

Holualoa Village
Aerial panorama of the Kona coast on the Big Island in Hawaii. Area of the surfing spot named Pine Trees.

Kahaluu-Keauhou

If you're spending some time in Kahaluu-Keauhou, Keauhou Shopping Center and Keauhou Bay Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Kahaluu-Keauhou
Panorama, coconut palms on golf course fairways

Keauhou

This ancient Hawai’ian haven on the Kona coast sits on a beautiful shoreline dotted with temples, schools of magnificent manta rays and luxurious resorts.

Keauhou
Magic Sand beach is a very nice beach to hang out and watch sunset. Waves 🌊 could be magical and dangerous to have kids get close with it.

Kahaluu Bay

5/5(2 area reviews)

Kahaluu Bay is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, seaside views and pristine golf courses. You might want to check out attractions like Kahalu'u Beach Park or Magic Sands Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Kahaluu Bay
Kailua Pier featuring general coastal views, tropical scenes and a bay or harbor

Historic Kailua Village

Are you interested in stunning beaches, island views and popular shops? A visit to Historic Kailua Village might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Kailua-Kona Wharf and Kamakahonu Beach.

Historic Kailua Village
After a very bad road of 2 miles in between lava fields, you get tovthid amazing black sand beach, with nearly no-one, just a few turtles 🐢

Kalaoa

Unique features of Kalaoa include the coffee shops and seaside views. Make a stop by Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park or Kailua-Kona Beaches while you're exploring the area.

Kalaoa

Frequently asked questions

Is Kailua-Kona worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Kailua-Kona is explore Hualālai. Check this major sight off your agenda, then experience more of this area's markets and shopping.
How do I spend a day in Kailua-Kona?
After you've visited top attractions like Kailua Pier and Hualālai, spend some time discovering the food and retail options in Kailua-Kona.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kailua-Kona?
You can't leave without exploring Hualālai, rated the top tourist attraction in Kailua-Kona.
Is three days enough to stay in Kailua-Kona?
If you only want to check out the leading sights, three days is plenty of time for a getaway in Kailua-Kona. Book for a week or longer for the chance to truly appreciate the local vibe, visit nearby highlights and discover some hidden gems.
What are some activities to do in Kailua-Kona with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, a schedule filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Kailua-Kona with kids.

What to do in Kailua-Kona for adults?
Kona Brewing Company and Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory are just a couple of the things to do in Kailua-Kona. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Kailua-Kona?
From enjoying parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Kailua-Kona. If you need new ideas, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Keauhou Bay Beach is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.

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