18 Unique Things To Do In Kailua Kona and Nearby

Kailua-Kona, situated on the leeward coast of Hawai‘i Island (commonly known as the Big Island), is a place shaped by geography, culture, and centuries of change. Its dry climate, calm waters, and fertile uplands made it a natural hub for early Native Hawaiian communities who cultivated taro, sweet potato, and breadfruit, while relying on fishponds and coastal resources for survival.

By the early 19th century, Kailua-Kona had become politically central to the Hawaiian Kingdom. After uniting the islands, King Kamehameha I made this coastal village his seat of power. From his compound at Kamakahonu, he ruled the islands and rebuilt Ahu‘ena Heiau, a temple dedicated to the god Lono. He remained here until his death in 1819.

Soon after, Christian missionaries arrived, establishing Moku‘aikaua Church in 1820—Hawai‘i’s first Christian church. In 1838, Hulihe‘e Palace was built as a royal retreat, adding to the area's significance.

Though Kailua-Kona later became a quiet fishing town, it grew again with tourism and the global rise of Kona coffee. In this guide, we’ll explore the key historic sites, cultural landmarks, and things to do in Kailua-Kona today.

1. Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

Located along the Kona coast of Hawai‘i Island, Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park preserves the cultural landscapes and traditions of Native Hawaiians. Designated a national park in 1978, it encompasses ancient fishponds, petroglyph fields, lava rock trails, and sacred heiau (temples) that illustrate how island communities thrived for centuries in an often-harsh volcanic environment. The ingenious loko i‘a (fishponds), such as Kaloko and Aimakapā, used stone walls and tidal flows to raise fish sustainably, reflecting a deep knowledge of ecology.

Trails lead through coastal dryland forests and across rugged lava fields to the ocean, where sea turtles bask and salt pans once supported local subsistence. Beyond its archaeological sites, the park tells stories of resilience — of how families cultivated crops, honored their gods, and built social structures rooted in balance with the land and sea. Interpretive programs connect visitors with these traditions, emphasizing that this is not merely a relic of the past but a living place where cultural practices continue. For Native Hawaiians, Kaloko-Honokōhau is both an ancestral homeland and a reminder of identity, making it one of Hawai‘i’s most meaningful destinations where history, culture, and nature remain inseparable.

2. La‘aloa Beach Park (Magic Sands)

La‘aloa Beach Park, often called “Magic Sands” for its disappearing shoreline, is a small but storied beach along Kailua-Kona’s coast. Its nickname comes from the seasonal surf: in summer months, waves expose a stretch of soft white sand, while winter swells wash it away, leaving only black lava rock behind. This natural cycle gave the beach its mystical reputation among locals and visitors alike. Beyond its playful geology, La‘aloa is tied to Hawaiian tradition — the word la‘aloa translates to “very sacred,” marking the area as historically significant in Native Hawaiian culture.

The beach has long been a gathering place, used for fishing, canoe landings, and community recreation. Today, it is one of Kona’s most popular swimming and bodyboarding spots, where powerful shore breaks test the skills of locals and adventurous travelers. Lifeguards and a vibrant local scene add to its character, making it a lively counterpart to quieter Big Island shores. Even in its modern role, La‘aloa embodies the relationship between natural forces and cultural memory, reminding visitors that beaches are dynamic landscapes with stories as shifting as the sands themselves.

3. Hulihe‘e Palace

In the heart of Kailua-Kona stands Hulihe‘e Palace, once a retreat for Hawaiian royalty. Built in 1838 from lava rock, coral, and koa wood, it served as a seaside residence for King Kamehameha III and later generations of the Hawaiian monarchy. During the 19th century, the palace was a hub of ali‘i (chiefly) life, where Hawaiian rulers entertained foreign dignitaries, held gatherings, and enjoyed respite from political duties in Honolulu. Its architecture blends Hawaiian craftsmanship with Western influences, reflecting the cultural exchange that defined Hawai‘i’s kingdom years.

After the monarchy’s overthrow in 1893, the palace fell into decline until the Daughters of Hawai‘i, a preservation society, restored it in the early 20th century. Today, Hulihe‘e Palace operates as a museum, showcasing royal artifacts, portraits, featherwork, and furnishings that illuminate the daily lives of Hawai‘i’s monarchs. Surrounded by coconut palms and overlooking Kailua Bay, the site captures both the elegance and turbulence of a period when Hawai‘i navigated between tradition and the pressures of global powers. It remains a cherished monument to Hawaiian sovereignty and identity, inviting visitors to step inside the world of kings and queens who once shaped the islands’ destiny.

4. Mauna Kea Summit Adventures

At nearly 14,000 feet, Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawai‘i and one of the most sacred places in Hawaiian culture. Its summit, known as Wākea’s realm in Hawaiian tradition, is revered as a spiritual bridge between earth and sky. For Native Hawaiians, it remains a wahi pana — a storied place tied to creation chants and ancestral rituals. Modern visitors often experience this awe through guided excursions such as Mauna Kea Summit Adventures, which began offering tours in the 1980s. These tours allow travelers to safely ascend the volcanic slopes, acclimate at a mid-level station, and then witness some of the clearest night skies on earth from the summit’s world-renowned observatories.

Along the way, guides share both scientific and cultural perspectives: the geology of shield volcanoes, the astronomical significance of the summit, and the traditional Hawaiian practice of navigating by the stars. The contrast between ancient Polynesian wayfinding and cutting-edge telescopes highlights Mauna Kea’s dual role as sacred ground and scientific frontier. Though visitation is carefully managed to protect the fragile alpine environment, standing above the clouds at Mauna Kea remains one of Hawai‘i’s most profound and humbling experiences.

5. Kahaluʻu Beach Park

Kahaluʻu Beach Park, just south of Kailua-Kona, is one of Hawaiʻi Island’s most historically and culturally rich shorelines. Long before it became famous as a snorkeling destination, Kahaluʻu was a place of sustenance and ceremony. Ancient Hawaiians built a massive stone seawall, still visible today, to create a protected lagoon that supported fishponds and ensured a steady food supply. Petroglyphs and remnants of heiau (temples) nearby attest to its role as a spiritual and communal hub.

The bay’s calm waters and abundance of marine life made it a gathering spot for generations, and oral traditions speak of chiefs and commoners alike frequenting this fertile coastline. In modern times, Kahaluʻu is celebrated as one of the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island, where vibrant coral reefs shelter parrotfish, honu (green sea turtles), and schools of tang. The park also functions as a living classroom for marine stewardship, with local organizations educating visitors about reef-safe practices to protect its fragile ecosystem. For both residents and travelers, Kahaluʻu offers more than recreation — it is a place where culture, history, and nature meet, reminding all who enter its waters of the enduring connections between Hawaiian communities and the sea.

6. Ali‘i Drive

Running for several miles along the Kona coast, Ali‘i Drive is more than a scenic roadway — it is a corridor through centuries of Hawaiian history. The name ali‘i refers to the high chiefs of old Hawaiʻi, many of whom lived and ruled along this shoreline. Historic landmarks line the route, from the 19th-century Mokuaikaua Church, Hawaiʻi’s oldest Christian church, to Hulihe‘e Palace, once a royal retreat. Ancient temples and sacred sites also sit along the drive, including Ahu‘ena Heiau, restored by King Kamehameha I in the early 1800s as his personal temple. Beyond its deep cultural roots, Ali‘i Drive became the heart of Kona’s seaside town, evolving into a lively promenade filled with shops, cafes, and art galleries while still retaining its historic character.

Today, the road is also a stage for festivals, parades, and the annual Ironman World Championship, where athletes race along the same shoreline once walked by kings and queens. At sunset, the drive glows with golden light, revealing both the living town and its storied past. Ali‘i Drive captures Kona’s essence: a blend of daily life, vibrant culture, and enduring ties to the ali‘i who shaped Hawaiian history.

7. Kona Farmers Market

At the heart of Kailua Village, the Kona Farmers Market has long been a gathering place where culture, commerce, and community intersect. Farmers’ markets in Hawai‘i are more than just shopping venues — they carry forward traditions of exchange that date back to the days when island communities traded fish, taro, and crafts at seaside meeting points. The Kona Farmers Market continues this legacy, offering rows of stalls shaded by canopies where local growers and artisans present their harvests and creations. Visitors find papayas, mangoes, lychees, and avocados grown in the volcanic soils of the Big Island, alongside Kona coffee, macadamia nuts, and handmade crafts.

Many vendors are multi-generational families who embody the resilience of small-scale agriculture in an increasingly globalized world. Beyond produce, the market serves as a cultural showcase: lei makers weave blossoms into garlands, woodcarvers display bowls of koa, and local artists share works inspired by Hawai‘i’s landscapes and stories. For travelers, it provides a chance to connect directly with residents, learning about regional foods and traditions. While modern in format, the market retains the spirit of aloha and reciprocity, echoing centuries of exchange that sustained island life and continue to define the Kona community.

8. Ola Brew Co

Founded in 2017, Ola Brew Co in Kailua-Kona is more than a brewery — it is a symbol of Hawai‘i’s evolving agricultural and entrepreneurial spirit. The name Ola, meaning “life” or “to thrive” in Hawaiian, reflects the company’s mission: to create beverages that support local farmers and strengthen island sustainability. Ola began with craft beers but quickly expanded into hard ciders and hard seltzers, often infused with Hawaiian-grown ingredients such as lilikoi (passionfruit), dragonfruit, and Ulu (breadfruit). By purchasing fruit and crops directly from small farmers, the company helps diversify Hawai‘i’s agricultural economy, historically dominated by sugar and pineapple.

The brewery also fosters community by hosting gatherings, live music, and cultural events, positioning itself as a modern-day meeting house. Its tasting room is a blend of industrial craft culture and local flavor, where visitors can sample beers like a Kona Gold Pineapple IPA or a tropical cider infused with guava. Beyond its taproom, Ola’s success reflects broader trends in Hawai‘i: innovation rooted in tradition, where local resources are celebrated rather than overlooked. For both residents and travelers, Ola Brew Co offers more than a drink — it offers a taste of the islands’ resilience, creativity, and aloha spirit.

9. Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area

The Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area is a park with an unusual origin story. In the 1940s, a small airstrip was built along Kailua Bay to serve the growing town of Kona. By the 1970s, as air travel expanded and a larger airport was constructed further north, the old runway was decommissioned. Rather than disappear into history, the site was transformed into a community recreation area, blending coastal beauty with remnants of its aviation past. Today, visitors can still trace the outlines of the runway, now repurposed as parking and pathways, while the shoreline features tide pools, coral reefs, and picnic areas shaded by palms and ironwood trees.

The park’s beaches are less crowded than Kona’s central strips, offering a quieter atmosphere favored by locals for fishing, family gatherings, and sunset watching. Inland, sports fields, jogging trails, and community gardens turn the former tarmac into a lively hub of activity. The Old Kona Airport reflects Hawai‘i’s adaptability, where history is repurposed rather than erased, and public space emerges from industrial roots. For travelers, it offers a glimpse into local life and a chance to enjoy both coastal views and the unique story of an airfield reborn as a park.

10. Voyagers of the Pacific Lū‘au

The Voyagers of the Pacific Lū‘au, staged at the Royal Kona Resort, carries forward a tradition that has been central to Hawaiian culture for centuries: the communal feast. In ancient Hawai‘i, the lū‘au was a celebration of abundance, where families and chiefs gathered to share foods such as taro, fish, and roasted pig, accompanied by hula and chants. Today, the Voyagers of the Pacific Lū‘au reimagines this practice for modern audiences while highlighting the islands’ Polynesian connections. Against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, guests are welcomed with lei, tropical drinks, and the sound of conch shells.

The evening unfolds with a buffet of Hawaiian and island-inspired dishes, followed by performances that blend traditional hula, Samoan fire-knife dancing, and music celebrating Pacific voyaging traditions. While designed for visitors, the event also serves as a cultural bridge, preserving practices that might otherwise fade in the face of globalization. By honoring the stories of Polynesian navigation, community, and dance, the lū‘au provides both entertainment and education. The Voyagers of the Pacific Lū‘au thus connects travelers to Hawai‘i’s deep traditions, reminding them that beneath the spectacle lies a living culture rooted in hospitality, resilience, and aloha.

11. Kailua Pier

At the heart of Kailua-Kona, Kailua Pier has long been both a practical harbor and a cultural stage. Originally a modest landing used for fishing and inter-island trade, it became central to Kona’s development in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as ships delivered supplies and carried away the region’s famed coffee. The pier is also linked to Hawaiian royalty: King Kamehameha I spent his final years nearby at Kamakahonu, where his temple, Ahu‘ena Heiau, still stands at the pier’s north end. Today, the site blends this historic weight with modern recreation.

Fishermen cast their lines alongside cruise ship tenders that dock offshore, while locals gather for festivals and parades. Kailua Pier is perhaps most famous as the starting and finishing point of the Ironman World Championship, where athletes from across the globe plunge into Kailua Bay for the grueling triathlon each October. The pier itself offers sweeping views of the bay, with its calm waters often dotted by outrigger canoes, stand-up paddlers, and the occasional sea turtle. As both a working harbor and a landmark of Hawaiian heritage, Kailua Pier symbolizes the fusion of history, sport, and community life that defines Kailua-Kona’s shoreline.

12. Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park

South of Kailua-Kona lies Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau, a sacred place of refuge in ancient Hawaiian society. For centuries, this walled sanctuary provided safety to those who broke kapu (sacred laws), defeated warriors, and others facing death. If they reached its grounds, they could be absolved by priests and rejoin society without fear of punishment. The site’s massive Great Wall, over 900 feet long and 12 feet high, still impresses visitors with its engineering and symbolism. Within the sanctuary stood temples to Lono and other gods, along with wooden kii (carved images) that continue to guard the site today.

Beyond its religious role, Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau was also a royal compound, home to chiefs who resided nearby and oversaw both governance and worship. Designated a National Historical Park in 1961, it preserves not only structures but also the spirit of Hawaiian law, spirituality, and mercy. Visitors walk through lava-rock pathways, past reconstructed thatched huts and fishponds, while waves crash against the rugged shoreline. For Native Hawaiians, the park remains a deeply spiritual wahi pana — a storied place that embodies both justice and forgiveness. For modern visitors, it offers a rare chance to stand on ground where sacred tradition shaped life and survival.

13. Kīholo Bay

On the North Kona coast, Kīholo Bay is a landscape where nature and history intertwine. Once the site of a massive fishpond built in the early 1800s by King Kamehameha I, the bay was an important center of food production. The pond’s lava-rock walls, some still visible today, extended for nearly two miles, enclosing a thriving ecosystem that sustained generations. Over time, lava flows reshaped the coastline, leaving behind a mosaic of tidal pools, black-pebble beaches, and calm turquoise lagoons. Today, Kīholo Bay is known for its scenic beauty and as a haven for honu (green sea turtles), which bask on the rocks or glide through the waters.

Its rich marine life makes it a popular spot for snorkeling and kayaking, while inland trails reveal lava tubes and anchialine pools, delicate habitats unique to Hawai‘i. The bay remains under active stewardship, with conservation groups working alongside local families to restore fishpond walls and protect wildlife. For visitors, Kīholo offers both tranquility and a sense of cultural continuity — a place where the ingenuity of Hawaiian aquaculture meets the timeless rhythms of tide and stone. It is less a tourist attraction than a living heritage site, balancing recreation with preservation.

14. Wasabi Tours Hawai‘i

Founded in Kona, Wasabi Tours Hawai‘i has become one of the island’s most respected cultural and adventure tour companies. Unlike large-scale operators, Wasabi emphasizes small groups and personalized experiences that weave history, culture, and landscape into each excursion. Guides lead travelers beyond the beaches into the island’s diverse regions: the misty slopes of Hilo, the coffee farms of Kona, and the volcanic expanses of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. What sets Wasabi apart is its commitment to storytelling — guides share legends of Pele, insights into Hawaiian traditions, and the layered history of immigrant communities that shaped the Big Island.

Many tours highlight sustainability, featuring local farms, ranches, and artisans whose work connects visitors to contemporary island life. Their night tours to Mauna Kea for stargazing and journeys to hidden waterfalls reflect the company’s philosophy of blending adventure with cultural education. By collaborating with local businesses and focusing on authenticity, Wasabi Tours supports Hawai‘i’s economy while offering travelers a more meaningful encounter with the island. For visitors, joining a Wasabi tour is less about checking off sights and more about experiencing Hawai‘i as a living story — one where landscapes, culture, and community remain inseparably connected.

15. Manta Ray Night Snorkel

Few experiences in Hawai‘i are as unforgettable as the Manta Ray Night Snorkel off the Kona coast. These excursions began in the 1970s, when lights installed near coastal resorts attracted plankton — and with them, majestic manta rays. Over time, operators began guiding small groups into the water after sunset, where divers and snorkelers could watch these graceful creatures feeding in the glow of underwater lamps. With wingspans that can reach 12 feet, the manta rays glide effortlessly, looping and somersaulting just inches from participants, yet they remain entirely harmless, feeding only on microscopic plankton.

For Native Hawaiians, manta rays, or hāhālua, hold cultural significance, often symbolizing wisdom and spiritual guidance. Today, the tours balance awe with stewardship: local operators emphasize sustainable practices, strict protections, and education about preserving fragile marine ecosystems. The manta snorkel has since become one of Kona’s defining attractions, drawing travelers worldwide while supporting marine conservation through visitor awareness. Floating under the stars as mantas sweep silently past, visitors are reminded of both the fragility and resilience of the ocean — a living encounter where natural wonder and cultural reverence combine in a single, luminous dance.

16. Mokuaikaua Church

Standing on Ali‘i Drive in Kailua-Kona, Mokuaikaua Church is the oldest Christian church in Hawai‘i, completed in 1837. Its roots stretch back to 1820, when missionaries from New England first arrived in Kailua under the patronage of Queen Ka‘ahumanu and King Kamehameha II. Built of lava rock and ‘ōhi‘a timber, the church replaced earlier thatched structures and became the center of missionary efforts in the islands. The name Mokuaikaua derives from a nearby site once used for wood gathering, reflecting the blending of Hawaiian and Christian identities. Inside, the sanctuary houses artifacts, documents, and a sense of the community that grew around it, as Native Hawaiians navigated profound cultural changes during the 19th century.

While the church symbolized new faith, it also marked a period of upheaval — traditional religious practices were suppressed, and Hawaiian society underwent rapid transformation under missionary influence. Today, Mokuaikaua remains an active congregation and a historic landmark, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors are drawn by its simple beauty, its seaside setting, and the chance to reflect on the complex legacy of faith, change, and resilience that shaped Kona’s history and Hawai‘i’s broader cultural journey

17. Ali‘i Gardens Marketplace

Along Ali‘i Drive in Kailua-Kona, the Ali‘i Gardens Marketplace blends the feel of a tropical bazaar with the tradition of Hawaiian open-air trading. Established as a hub for local artisans and small businesses, the marketplace reflects a practice that stretches back centuries, when Native Hawaiians gathered to exchange fish, taro, kapa cloth, and handmade goods in communal spaces. Today, rows of colorful stalls shaded by palms offer everything from hand-carved koa wood crafts and locally designed jewelry to Kona coffee, soaps, and island-style clothing. Many vendors are independent artists who infuse their work with Hawaiian motifs, perpetuating cultural stories through modern creations. Beyond shopping, the marketplace often features live music, hula performances, and food stands, transforming it into a lively community gathering place. Unlike chain stores, Ali‘i Gardens emphasizes authenticity — purchases here support local families and preserve traditional crafts. For travelers, strolling through the marketplace provides more than souvenirs; it offers a window into Hawai‘i’s entrepreneurial spirit and the way heritage and creativity thrive together. Just steps from the ocean, it captures the essence of Kona: casual, vibrant, and deeply rooted in the spirit of aloha.

18. Big Island Abalone

Located near the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i Authority (NELHA), Big Island Abalone represents a modern chapter in Kona’s relationship with the ocean. Founded in the early 2000s, the farm raises Japanese Ezo abalone using innovative aquaculture methods that combine traditional knowledge with cutting-edge science. The site draws cold, nutrient-rich seawater from deep offshore currents to recreate the mollusks’ natural environment, allowing them to thrive in Kona’s unique setting. Abalone, considered a delicacy in Asia and Hawai‘i, once faced overharvesting in the wild, but sustainable farming at facilities like this ensures continued availability while protecting ocean ecosystems. Visitors to Big Island Abalone can tour the facility, learn about aquaculture, and sample fresh abalone grilled on-site — a rare opportunity to taste seafood cultivated with precision and care. The farm also participates in broader conversations about food security and environmental stewardship in the islands, showing how Hawai‘i can adapt ancient traditions of ocean harvest to modern sustainability needs. For Kona, Big Island Abalone stands as both a business and a symbol: a place where science, cuisine, and culture converge, and where the bounty of the Pacific is nurtured responsibly for future generations.

Conclusion

Kailua-Kona isn’t just a place to pass through—it’s somewhere to slow down and take in the layers of history that still shape the present. When you walk along Ali‘i Drive, you’re following a shoreline that once served as the seat of a king. When you stand at Ahu‘ena Heiau or step inside Moku‘aikaua Church, you’re not just looking at old structures—you’re standing where some of Hawai‘i’s most significant changes unfolded.

This town invites more than sightseeing. It asks you to notice the details: the way tradition lives on in quiet corners, the way stories still cling to the lava rock, the way the past and present quietly overlap. Whether you’re here for a few hours or a few days, there’s always something more to learn, feel, or uncover.

So take your time. Ask questions. Follow your curiosity. Kailua-Kona has been shaped by centuries of people doing just that. And now it’s your turn to see what this place reveals when you really stop and look.

Interactive Map

Where to Eat in Kailua-Kona

Kailua-Kona Vs Neighboring Cities

How to Get to Kailua-Kona

By Air

• Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) – The primary gateway to Kailua-Kona, located about 7 miles northwest of downtown. It handles direct flights from the U.S. West Coast (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, etc.), other Hawaiian islands, and some international routes.
• Alternative Airports: Hilo International Airport (ITO) is about 77 miles away on the east side of the Big Island. While farther, some flights are cheaper and connect easily via a cross-island drive.

By Car

• From Kona Airport (KOA): Follow HI-19 (Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway) south to Kailua-Kona (~15–20 minutes).
• From Hilo (ITO): Take HI-19 across Saddle Road (~1 hour 30 minutes) or the scenic coastal route along HI-11 South (~2.5 hours).
• Rental cars are widely available at KOA and highly recommended, as public transit is limited.

By Bus

• Hele-On Bus (Hawai‘i County Mass Transit) offers service between Hilo, Kona, and some coastal towns. It’s inexpensive but infrequent and best for budget travelers with flexible schedules.
• Airport shuttles and hotel transfers are available, especially for resorts in Waikoloa or Kailua-Kona.

By Sea

• Kailua-Kona is a popular cruise ship port, with vessels docking at Kailua Pier. Passengers disembark directly into town. Private yachts and charters can also dock at Honokohau Harbor, a few miles north.