FREE THINGS TO DO IN KONA

  • 1. Mauna Kea Summit – At 13,796 feet, this peak offers an incredible view of lava, desert, the valley and Mauna Loa.
  • 2. Manini’owali Beach – Maniniʻōwali Beach is a secluded and small white sand beach at Kua Bay, part of the Kekaha Kai Beach Park just north of Kona.
  • 3. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park – Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park is a United States National Historical Park located in the Kona District on the Big island of Hawaiʻi in the U.S. state of Hawaiʻi. It includes the National Historic Landmarked archaeological site known as the Honokōhau Settlement.
  • 4. Makalawena/Pu’u Ali’i – Swimming is good here except during periods of rough surf. Snorkeling is decent on the north and south sides of Puu Alii Bay where Makalawena Beach is located.
  • 5. Kiholo Bay – The famed Kohala Coast of the Big Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and shoreline in the world. Ancient Hawaiian history combined with its coastal magnificence of marine life, fishing ponds, black sand beaches and historical lava flows make the Kiholo Bay area impressive.
  • 6. Magic Sands – Public park with white sand beach & rocky shoreline, offering lifeguard-overseen swimming & surfing.
  • 7. Ali’i Drive – A stroll down Kailua-Kona’s main street reveals delightful food, music and local boutiques.
  • 8. Mahai’ula Beach –  Peppered with black and white sands, sheltered tide pools, and beautiful seascapes along turquoise waters, these three beaches are each unique with individual traits. The crested cove at Mahaiula Beach makes for a fun day swimming and wading in the calmer protected bay. Mahaiula Beach has a nice section of white sand on the north end with shaded space for picnics and relaxation. To the south, the beach has more of a lava rock shoreline. The rockier south end of the beach offers barbecue grills and picnic tables to enjoy a beach side meal. As is true with virtually the entire Kona-Kohala coastline of the Big Island, the water at Mahaiula Beach is stunningly clear, shimmering blue, and inviting, with good swimming and excellent snorkeling. There’s lots of space for sunbathing and water conditions to enjoy multiple water activities. Beachgoers might even spot Hydrofoil Surfers navigating the swells in Mahaiula Bay’s distant waters. Ocean entry from the shore is fairly steep in spots so be aware and proceed with caution when swimming, particularly with small children as the sudden change in the water’s depth can catch unsuspecting keiki (children) and even an adult off guard. Also, when the wind picks up, the water gets choppy and swells can get rough in a hurry. With no lifeguard on duty, be aware of changing water conditions.
  • 9. Kahaluu Bay – Kahaluʻu is a wide protected bay on the Kona coast just a few miles south of Kailua-Kona town center and offers some of the island’s best and most easily accessible snorkeling. Beneath the surface of Kahaluʻu Bay’s crystal clear, brilliant blue waters, you will come face to face with sea turtles, coral heads, and a variety of brightly colored tropical fish.
  • 10. White Sand Beach – Hawaii beach with white sand and good surf.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS NEAR THE CRUISE PORT