Things to do in Kailua Kona

    Discover amazing Kailua Kona activities and premium in-home experiences.

    Kailua Kona, perched on the sun-kissed coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, is a tropical haven that seamlessly combines ancient culture and modern allure. Known for its pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and world-class coffee farms nestled amidst lush landscapes (oops!), it offers an invigorating blend of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re snorkeling in crystal-clear waters or exploring its historic sites under swaying palm trees, Kailua Kona invites you to embrace the Aloha spirit at every turn.

    Popular Activities in Kailua Kona

    Kona Snorkeling Tour with In-Water Guides & Raft

    Experience two hidden Kona reefs with in-water guides aboard a fast, comfortable 41-ft raft

    4.8 2.6K reviews
    $126/ person

    Guaranteed Whale Sightings on 41ft Kona Raft

    Spot humpback whales from a fast, comfortable 41-ft raft with marine naturalist narration and guaranteed sightings

    4.8 2.6K reviews
    $120/ person

    Kona Sunset Dinner Cruise with Hawaiian Cuisine

    Relax aboard a 41-ft super raft and savor Hawaiian cuisine while the Kona sun sets in dazzling colors

    4.8 2.6K reviews
    $114/ person

    Kona Deluxe Snorkel and Dolphin Watch Cruise

    Snorkel Red Hill sanctuaries with gear, breakfast, and BBQ on a 65 ft catamaran

    4.8 2.6K reviews
    $57/ person

    Kona Coast Historical Dinner Cruise

    Dine on Hawaiian cuisine as a historian brings the Kona Coast to life at sunset

    4.8 2.6K reviews
    $57/ person

    Whale Watch Cruise with Naturalist

    Hear humpback songs and spot whales on a 2.5-hour seasonal cruise

    4.8 2.6K reviews
    $57/ person

    Sunset Sail and Manta Ray Snorkel

    Sail into sunset, snorkel with manta rays

    4.9 671 reviews
    $102/ person

    Kealakekua Bay Snorkel and Sail

    Sail the Kona Coast and snorkel Kealakekua Bay with gear, breakfast, and lunch included

    4.9 671 reviews
    $75/ person

    Private 50-Min Glass-Bottom Boat in Kona

    Enjoy an exclusive 50-minute glass-bottom boat cruise along Kona's coast with a dedicated naturalist guide

    4.8 673 reviews
    $1,169

    Kona Ghost Walk with Real Paranormal Equipment

    Uncover Kona's eerie legends and historical haunts on a guided nighttime walk with paranormal gear.

    4.6 121 reviews
    $28/ person

    Mauna Kea Stargazing Experience With Free Photos

    Stargaze from Mauna Kea’s dark skies with expert guides and free photos, scheduled for optimal moonless views.

    4.9 2K reviews
    $267/ person

    Manta Ray Night Dive 2-Tank Charter at Makako Bay

    Experience Hawaii’s famed manta ray ballet on a small-group 2-tank night dive

    $217/ person

    Kona Morning Dive with Valet Service & 2 Tanks

    Explore Kona’s vibrant reefs on a guided two-tank dive with valet service.

    5.0 6.9K reviews
    $113/ person

    2-Tank Night Manta Ray Dive in Kailua-Kona

    Experience Kona’s legendary manta rays on an exhilarating two-tank night dive.

    5.0 6.9K reviews
    $226/ person

    Night Dive Over 4,000ft Depths in Kona

    Witness rare pelagic creatures as you drift over 4,000-ft depths on this advanced night dive.

    5.0 6.9K reviews
    $226/ person

    Premium Advanced 2-Tank Long-Range Charter

    Reach remote Kona dive sites fast with free Nitrox and lunch included

    5.0 6.9K reviews
    $306/ diver

    Two Tank Morning Dive & Snorkel in Kailua-Kona

    Explore Kona’s varied reefs on a relaxed morning boat with two guided in-water sessions.

    4.8 2.3K reviews
    $223/ person

    Twilight & Manta Ray 2-Tank Dive in Kona

    Experience a sunset reef dive followed by an unforgettable night encounter with graceful manta rays.

    4.8 2.3K reviews

    Advanced Two-Tank Morning Dive Charter

    Dive two advanced local sites on a morning charter with experienced divers only; minimum 25 logged dives required.

    4.8 2.3K reviews
    $293/ diver

    Kona Manta Ray Night Charter

    See manta rays after sunset with expert guides, snorkel gear, and warm drinks included

    4.8 2.3K reviews
    $165/ person

    Fly Kona's Coast & Roast Your Own Coffee Beans

    Fly the Kona coast and land at a coffee farm to tour and roast your own beans

    5.0 150 reviews

    Kahalu'u Bay Surf Lesson with Certified Lifeguard

    Learn to ride Hawaii’s waves under a certified lifeguard’s guidance

    5.0 156 reviews

    Learn to Surf in 2 Hours with Expert Coaching

    Master the waves with a certified Hawaiian lifeguard coach in a two-hour personalized session

    5.0 156 reviews
    $216/ person

    Private Captain Cook Snorkeling Charter from Keauhou Bay

    Explore sea caves, lava tubes, and coral gardens with chances to see dolphins and whales

    Captain Cook Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay from Kailua-Kona

    Snorkel Kealakekua Bay with gear included and drinks, plus chances to spot dolphins along the Kona coast.

    $58/ person

    Manta Ray Night Snorkel from Keauhou Bay

    Snorkel after sunset with graceful manta rays, with bright lights and an in-water guide

    $93/ person

    Twilight Volcano & Stargazing Tour Kailua-Kona

    Visit Volcanoes National Park and a black sand beach, then cap the day with stargazing

    4.9 6.5K reviews
    $287/ person

    Big Island Waterfalls Adventure

    Swim at a private waterfall and explore tropical gardens on a full-day Big Island tour

    4.9 6.5K reviews
    $287/ person

    Big Island Grand Circle Island Tour

    See waterfalls, Volcanoes National Park, a coffee farm, and a black-sand beach on a full-day guided loop

    4.9 6.5K reviews
    $254/ person

    Kona History and Farm Tour with Coffee and Honey Tastings

    Explore sacred parks, taste Kona coffee and local honey, and enjoy a picnic lunch on a full-day tour

    4.9 6.5K reviews
    $187/ person

    Big Island Waterfalls and Twilight Volcano Combo

    See Big Island waterfalls, volcanoes, and stars over two days with expert guides

    4.9 6.5K reviews
    $507/ person

    Waikoloa Snorkel Sail with Lunch

    Sail a spacious catamaran to top reefs, then refuel with lunch and drinks included

    4.8 498 reviews
    $103/ person

    Waikoloa Deluxe Whale Watch

    Enjoy guaranteed humpback sightings on a 1.5-hour cruise from Anaehoomalu Bay, DecMar

    4.8 498 reviews
    $81/ person

    Waikoloa Signature Sunset Sail

    Unwind on a 1.5-hour coastal sunset sail with a full bar and light bites

    4.8 498 reviews
    $80/ person

    Kona Luxury Dolphin Snorkel Sail with Lunch

    Sail Kona’s coast on a luxury catamaran, snorkel top reefs, spot dolphins, and enjoy lunch

    4.8 498 reviews
    $455/ person

    Kona Luxury Private Yacht Charter

    Customize a private Kona yacht day with snorkeling and seasonal wildlife

    4.8 498 reviews
    $1,877

    Kona Turtle Snorkel Sail with Lunch

    Sail Kona’s coast for 3 hours, snorkel with turtles, and enjoy included lunch and drinks

    4.8 498 reviews
    $103/ person

    Kona Signature Sunset Sail

    Sail the Kona Coast at sunset with light bites and drinks included

    4.8 498 reviews
    $80/ person

    Kona Deluxe Whale Watch Sail

    See humpbacks off Kona on a 1.5-hour sail with guaranteed sightings and expert narration

    4.8 498 reviews
    $81/ person

    Mauna Kea Sunset Cruise from Kawaihae Harbor

    Cruise the Kohala Coast aboard a luxury powerboat for golden-hour views and seasonal wildlife

    4.8 498 reviews
    $92/ person

    Explore the Wonders of Kailua Kona

    Kailua Kona is a vibrant seaside town on Hawaii's Big Island, known for its sunny weather and rich cultural history. The heart of this community beats along Ali'i Drive, where you can stroll past historic landmarks like Hulihe‘e Palace or sip locally brewed coffee at charming cafes. With its stunning oceanfront setting, Kailua Kona offers an ideal mix of relaxation and adventure.

    For those seeking outdoor thrills, snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Kealakekua Bay is a must-do experience. This marine sanctuary teems with colorful fish and coral reefs that are sure to captivate any nature enthusiast. If you're visiting between December and April, keep your eyes peeled for majestic humpback whales breaching offshore—a sight that's truly unforgettable.

    No trip to Kailua Kona would be complete without exploring the local flavors at one of the many farmers' markets or indulging in fresh seafood by the beach. As evening falls, gather with locals to witness breathtaking sunsets from Magic Sands Beach Park or join a traditional luau under starlit skies. Whether you're savoring poke bowls or discovering ancient petroglyphs nearby, every moment spent here captures the essence of island life beautifully.

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