Best Outdoor Activities in Kailua-Kona

"In the morning, catch a flight to the island of Hawaii (often referred to as “The Big Island” so as not to confuse it with the state of Hawaii) and pick up another rental car near Kona airport. The Big Island is the largest of islands (surprise!), so you’ll definitely want a car to get around."

"Start your trip by picking up your rental car from one of the car rental offices at the Kona Airport. Kona is the sunny outdoor capital of the Big Island and you will spend your first two days and nights here enjoying the beach."

"We continued our lessons on how volcanoes shape the land with a visit to this beach, the jet-black sand formed when molten lava from two nearby active volcanoes (Mauna Loa and Kilauea) flowed into the water, cooled, and broke into fragments that washed ashore. Papakolea Beach, Green Sand Beach"

"The world's largest subaerial (above water) volcano, Mauna Loa (Long Mountain) is so massive that you feel its presence more than see it. Even when it doesn't have its head in the clouds, it's impossible to pick..."

"After breakfast continue south to the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park (also known as the city of refuge or Honaunau Bay) to learn about the ancient practices and rituals of the native Hawaiians and finish up with some snorkeling at one of the best snorkeling spots on the island: Two Step (at 300 ft. from the park entrance). This is a favorite snorkeling spot for many locals and a culturally significant place for the Hawaiian people. Please remember to be respectful to both the animals and the surroundings."

"After breakfast continue south to the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park (also known as the city of refuge or Honaunau Bay) to learn about the ancient practices and rituals of the native Hawaiians and finish up with some snorkeling at one of the best snorkeling on the island, Two Step (at 300 ft. from the park entrance). This is a favorite snorkeling spot for many locals. This is a very culturally significant place for the Hawaiian people so remember to be respectful of both the animals and the surroundings."

"This small but gorgeous beach (also called White Sands and, officially, Laʻaloa Beach) has turquoise water, great sunsets, little shade and possibly the best bodysurfing and bodyboarding on the Big Island. Waves are consistent and just powerful enough to shoot you across the water into a sandy bay (beware: the north side of the bay has more rocks). During high winter surf the beach can vanish literally overnight, earning the nickname ‘Magic Sands.’ The park is about 4 miles south of central Kailua-Kona."

"Though obviously artificial (a thin layer of sand laid over concrete is hard on the feet), Kikaua Beach is also effortlessly beautiful. Palm trees do the whole sway in the breeze thing, the sand is white, and the completely protected cove that makes up the main swimming area is perfect for teaching keiki (children) to swim and snorkel. As a bonus, sea turtles frequently congregate nearby. Facilities include restrooms, outdoor showers and drinking water."

"Makalawena/Pu’u Ali’i Beach is another prominent place in Kailua Kona located off the hiking trail near Kona Coast State Park. It has been called a place of nirvana. Although a bit challenging to get to, the reward far exceeds its strains. Here, you will enjoy pleasant moments while witnessing stunning views as well as the beautiful turquoise waters that are always breathtaking in Hawaii."

"Head here for organic shaved ice, with flavors ranging from green tea to bubble gum to mango to li hing mui (sweet and salty plum). This shaved-ice spot isn't just delicious; they also have a commitment to... Hawaiian in Kailua-Kona"

"I love this ridiculously beautiful Maka’eo Walking Path at the Old Kona Airport State Rec Center!. If you can manage to keep walking and not take photos every 10 feet, you might even get some exercise. The loop is an easy 0.7 miles, but go ahead and take another couple laps and you’ll see even more bits of beauty that you missed the first time around."

"I really wanted to visit the famous Da Poke Shack (poke is raw fish), but it was a bit further out of town, and we had to be in Waipi’o Valley by a certain time to pick up the keys for our Airbnb so instead we went to Umekes Fishmarket Bar and Grill, which was amazing!. Definitely one of the best meals of the trip."

"Poke is a local specialty that blends ceviche and sushi: raw, marinated cubes of fish mixed with soy sauce, sesame oil, chilies, seaweed and…well, really, the sky’s the limit. The point is, poke is wonderful, and... Top ChoiceSandwiches in Kailua-Kona"

"This may be a chain named after an old Tom Hanks movie, but it has one of the nicest oceanfront patios in Historic Kailua Village, and the food...Read More"

"Honestly cannot say enough good things about Seiji's Sushi - so here comes a long review!. We expected good seafood when we came to Hawaii but did not..."