Kona
Kona
The sunny Kona District stretches almost two-thirds of the entire West side of the island of Hawaiʻi—from just south of ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay (Waikoloa Beach Resort) to Manukā Park (Kaʻū). Along this expansive area, you’ll find everything from coffee farms to historic Hawaiian landmarks. In fact, King Kamehameha actually spent his final years in Kailua-Kona.
Home to shops, restaurants and nightlife, you can conveniently take a walking tour of Kona’s history at places like Huliheʻe Palace, Mokuʻaikaua Church and the Ahuʻena Heiau.
Other significant historic places include Kealakekua Bay to the south, where Captain James Cook first set foot on the island in 1778 and where he was eventually killed. South of Kealakekua Bay is Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, a well-restored Hawaiian “place of refuge.” North of Kailua-Kona is the Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historic Park, a 1160-acre park that lets you explore early heiau (temples), fishponds and petroglyphs.
Shielded from winds by Maunaloa, south Kona’s calm and clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, diving, sailing and spotting dolphins and honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles). One of Kona’s most memorable experiences is going on a manta ray boat tour to scuba or snorkel with these gentle, graceful sea creatures. Kona is also famous for its deep-sea fishing, hosting the International Billfish Tournament (August) every year. And on land, don't forget to travel to the cooler upland slopes of town like Hōlualoa, where you can sample the distinctive flavors of 100% Kona coffee, which is what Kona is famous for!
Regions of Island of Hawaiʻi
If you’re driving along the Hāmākua Coast be sure to stop to explore some of its hidden gems, including taro farms, black sand beaches, splendid waterfalls and more.
The perfect place to explore local shops, a famous farmers market, beautiful beaches and dramatic waterfalls.
See dramatic features such as lava trees and molds at Lava Trees State Park and swim in volcanically heated tide pools.
See an active volcano at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National park and learn how the Hawaiian Islands were formed.
Bright blue water, abundant resorts, coffee tastings, and unique historical and cultural landmarks — your options are plentiful.
The island of Hawaiʻi is often called the “Golf Capital of Hawaiʻi” because of the renowned courses found along the Kohala Coast.
Take a memorable drive from Hilo to the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout to see scenic overlooks, waterfalls, botanical gardens and small towns.
This friendly, small town is the gateway to the Waipiʻo Valley, and home to cute local shops and restaurants.
Located on the northern Hāmākua Coast, the sacred Waipiʻo Valley was the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I and an important center for political and religious life in Hawaiʻi.
The Hilo Farmers Market is one of the best open markets in Hawaiʻi, featuring fresh fruit, vegetables, plants and local crafts.
Liliʻuokalani Gardens is a beautifully landscaped, 30-acre Japanese garden featuring fishponds, pagodas and rock gardens.
ʻAkaka Falls State Park features two amazing waterfalls, ʻAkaka Falls (442 feet) and Kahuna Falls (100 feet).
Downtown Hilo is the island of Hawaiʻi's biggest small town, featuring centuries-old wooden storefronts—many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places—housing a variety of sophisticated galleries, shops, restaurants and cultural sites.
If you’re looking for a waterfall near Downtown Hilo, take a short drive west on Waiānuenue Avenue to Wailuku River State Park.
This famous black sand beach is a great photo opportunity and is almost as popular with honu (green sea turtles) as it is with visitors.
One of the state’s most famous attractions is a testament to the power of nature and a rare opportunity to see an active volcano.
Part of the National Park System, this historic site is home to one of the largest and last heiau (temple) built in Hawaiʻi.
The Puakō Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve is one of the most extensive petroglyph fields in Hawaiʻi.
Hāpuna Beach on the Kohala Coast is one of the largest white sand beaches on the island of Hawaiʻi.
The Pololū Valley Lookout offers a breathtaking view overlooking Pololū Valley, a black sand beach and the northeastern coastline.
Visit Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau and learn about early Hawaiian history at this National Historic Park, historic place of refuge and former royal grounds.
The Keauhou resort area, just south of Historic Kailua Village in Kona, is where you can often spot manta rays and honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles).
Historic Kailua Village is a lively seaside town in the heart of Kona home to shopping, dining and important historic sites.
Travel back to the days of the Hawaiian monarchy at Hulihe‘e Palace, located right on Ali‘i Drive in the heart of Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona).
Just south of Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, is Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. Explore this coastal park and discover how an early Hawaiian settlement survived on the rugged Kona coast.
Kona Highlights
Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Visit Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau and learn about early Hawaiian history at this National Historic Park, historic place of refuge and former royal grounds.
Read More
Keauhou
The Keauhou resort area, just south of Historic Kailua Village in Kona, is where you can often spot manta rays and honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles).
Read More
Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona)
Historic Kailua Village is a lively seaside town in the heart of Kona home to shopping, dining and important historic sites.
Read More
Hulihe‘e Palace
Travel back to the days of the Hawaiian monarchy at Hulihe‘e Palace, located right on Ali‘i Drive in the heart of Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona).
Read More
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
Just south of Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, is Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. Explore this coastal park and discover how an early Hawaiian settlement survived on the rugged Kona coast.
Read MoreMore to See in Kona
Plan Your Trip to the Island of Hawaiʻi
Learn More About Petroglyphs On the Island of Hawaiʻi
Travel Pono Pledge
One’s love for the planet is an inseverable relationship. Please take the island of Hawaiʻi Pono Pledge and ask your friends and family to do the same.
