Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions 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."

"When Hurricance Iniki slammed into Hawaii in 1992, this park lost all of its sand, which is slowly returning decades later. The shoreline…"

"This awesome park is an ancient place of refuge – or puʻuhonua, a sanctuary where kapu (taboo)-breakers could have their lives spared. A half-mile walking tour encompasses major sites – the visitor center provides a brochure map with cultural information. You enter the park in the village-like royal grounds, where Kona aliʻi (chiefs) and their warriors lived; the spiritual atmosphere is greatly enhanced by gently breaking waves and wind-rustled palms. Throughout the grounds are wooden kiʻi (deity images) standing up to 15ft high."

"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."

"If coffee isn’t your thing, cruise down the hill to Puʻuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture on this beautiful 180-acre park, which was once a refuge for ancient Hawaiian taboo breakers."

"Ahuena Heiau is an ancient temple recognized for peace, prayer, and its divine position to the sun. It is a "chosen place" that rests prominently behind the King Kamehameha Hotel. Like any other historical edifice, it has survived various circumstances over the years. However, it has been restored to ensure that its true essence remains intact."

"In the early 1800s, King Kamehameha the Great built a royal compound at Kamakahonu, the bay fronting what is now the Courtyard King Kamehameha…"

"At 13,796ft in the air, you are above 40% of the atmosphere and 90% of its water vapor – apparently perfect conditions for growing the giant mushroom-like observatories that have popped up around the summit. Glistening in the sun against the desolate terrain like a human colony on an alien planet, this is the greatest collection of telescopes on earth. You can practically feel the knowledge being sucked out of the sky."

"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"

"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..."

"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"