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Activities & Experiences

Activities & Experiences

Hawaii, USA

Outdoor Adventures

Kona provides a wide range of outdoor pursuits, from tranquil strolls to adrenaline-pumping activities.

Hiking & Trekking

Easy Trails

Aliʻi Drive coastal walk (flat and paved), Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park (mostly flat paths), Kona Coffee Living History Farm (gentle paths).

Moderate Routes

Pololū Valley Lookout Trail (steep descent/ascent to a black sand beach), Puʻu Huluhulu (cinder cone hike with panoramic views).

Strenuous Challenges

Captain Cook Monument Trail (steep, unshaded descent/uphill return), Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (numerous trails, check current conditions).

Water Sports & Activities

  • Snorkeling: Prime spots include Kahaluʻu Beach Park, Two Step (Hōnaunau Bay), and Kealakekua Bay (by boat tour).
  • Scuba Diving: Numerous dive shops offer boat dives, shore dives, and certification courses. Kona is famous for clear waters and lava tube formations.
  • Kayaking/SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding): Rentals are available. Keauhou Bay and Kailua Bay are popular, calm spots.
  • Parasailing & Jet Skiing: Parasailing from Kailua Pier. Jet skiing available from certain vendors near Kailua Pier.

Adventure Sports

  • Ziplining: Courses mostly on the Hilo/Hamakua coast side, a longer drive from Kona.
  • Helicopter Tours: Scenic aerial views of the volcano (if visible), hidden waterfalls, and coastlines.
  • Deep-Sea Fishing: Kona is a world-renowned destination for big-game fishing.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Manta Ray Night Snorkel/Dive: A signature Kona experience, allowing interaction with majestic manta rays.
  • Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours: Spinner dolphins seen year-round. Humpback whales migratory (Dec-May).
  • Turtle Spotting: Green sea turtles often seen at Kahaluʻu Beach Park, Kīholo Bay, and other beaches.

Cycling

  • Cycling: Aliʻi Drive is popular for coastal road cycling.
  • Mountain Biking: Trails available on the slopes of Hualālai or in specific parks like Puʻu Huluhulu.
  • Bicycle rentals: Available in Kona for various cycling preferences.

Safety Advisory

Always check local conditions and weather forecasts before engaging in outdoor activities. Certain trails or water conditions might pose risks. Bring plenty of water for hikes, and consider sunscreen.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with Hawaiian culture through various workshops, performances, and community activities.

Workshops & Lessons

  • Lei Making: Some resorts or cultural centers teach the traditional art of crafting flower garlands.
  • Ukulele Lessons: Music shops or cultural centers may offer introductory lessons to Hawaii's iconic instrument.
  • Hula Lessons: Occasionally offered at resorts or community centers, allowing you to learn the basics of traditional Hawaiian dance.
  • Language Learning: Learning a few basic Hawaiian phrases (Aloha, Mahalo) is a sign of respect.

Performances & Community Initiatives

Cultural Performances

Luaus provide a complete experience of Hawaiian and Polynesian song, dance (including hula and fire knife dancing), and food.

Community Support

Kona Coffee Living History Farm: Visiting supports cultural preservation and learning about early coffee farmers.

Cultural Festivals

Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (November) celebrates coffee heritage. Aloha Festivals (September) statewide celebration of Hawaiian culture.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find moments of tranquility and rejuvenation amidst Kona's beauty. Many high-end resorts offer extensive spas.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Kona's nightlife is generally relaxed, focusing on live music and casual gatherings. Most places close by 10 PM or 11 PM.

Shopping & Markets

Discover local crafts, unique souvenirs, and fresh produce in Kona's shopping scene. Support local businesses and artists.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find moments of tranquility and rejuvenation amidst Kona's beauty.

Spa & Wellness Centers

  • Many high-end resorts along the Kohala Coast (north of Kona) feature extensive spas offering a range of treatments.
  • Smaller day spas are also available in Kailua-Kona town, offering massages and other wellness services.
  • You may find practitioners offering Lomi Lomi massage, a traditional Hawaiian massage technique.
  • Some independent yoga studios in Kona offer drop-in classes. Retreats are more common in quieter settings on other parts of the island.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music Venues

Kona Brewing Co. Often features live music. Humpy's Big Island Alehouse is a casual spot that frequently hosts live music.

Nightclubs & Bars

Formal nightclubs are limited. Bars in downtown Kona, like Sam's Hideaway, offer a casual atmosphere for drinks and mingling.

Late-Night Options

Most places in Kona close by 10 PM or 11 PM, with some bars staying open until midnight or later on weekends.

Shopping & Markets

Traditional Markets

Kona Farmers Market on Aliʻi Drive offers fresh produce, local crafts, and prepared food. Aliʻi Gardens Marketplace features diverse vendors selling souvenirs.

Artisan & Boutique Shopping

Holualoa Village is home to many art galleries and studios featuring local Hawaiian art. High-end boutiques are mainly at resorts along the Kohala Coast.

Souvenir Recommendations

Kona Coffee, Macadamia Nuts, Ukuleles, Hawaiian Print Clothing, Local Art and Crafts. Remember Reef-safe sunscreens are a practical and responsible souvenir.

Shopping & Markets

Discover local crafts, unique souvenirs, and fresh produce in Kona's shopping scene.

Traditional Markets & Crafts

  • Kona Farmers Market: Located on Aliʻi Drive, offering fresh produce, local crafts, and some prepared food.
  • Aliʻi Gardens Marketplace: This flea market-style venue features diverse vendors selling souvenirs, crafts, and some antiques.
  • Holualoa Village: A charming artist community home to many art galleries and studios featuring local Hawaiian art.
  • Local Craft Fairs: Check local listings for periodic craft fairs, especially around holidays, for unique, handmade items.

Souvenir Recommendations

Kona Coffee & Macadamia Nuts

Purchase Kona Coffee directly from farms or local stores. Macadamia nuts are a popular local snack.

Ukuleles & Hawaiian Print Clothing

Discover both locally made artisanal ukuleles and more mass-produced options. Aloha shirts and muʻumuʻu make colorful and practical souvenirs.

Local Art & Reef-Safe Products

Support local artists by purchasing wood carvings, jewelry, or paintings. Always choose Reef-safe sunscreens to protect the marine environment.

Luxury Shopping

Limited in downtown Kona. High-end boutiques are mainly located at the major resorts along the Kohala Coast, like the Shops at Mauna Lani.

Ethical Shopping

  • Support local businesses and artists.
  • Look for "Made in Hawaii" or "Made in Kona" labels for authenticity.
  • Avoid items made from endangered species, like black coral.
  • Choose reef-safe sunscreens.

Shipping & Customs

  • Shipping: USPS and private carriers (FedEx, UPS) are available. Many shops also offer shipping.
  • Customs (international): Be aware of home country's import regulations for agricultural products.
  • Agricultural Inspection (all departing): All luggage leaving Hawaii is subject to USDA inspection.

Affiliate Tip

Activities & Experiences
  • For booking various activities and experiences, consider GetYourGuide.
  • It offers a wide range of tours, from snorkeling to volcano visits.
  • Read reviews to find highly-rated experiences.
Local Coffee Farms
  • Many coffee farms offer free tastings and tours.
  • Plan a morning visit to several farms in the Kona coffee belt.
  • Compare flavors and discover your favorite Kona coffee.

Final Recommendation

To fully experience Kona's charm, combine its stunning outdoor adventures with rich cultural encounters and delightful culinary explorations.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor Highlights

  • Explore diverse beaches and snorkeling spots.
  • Engage in ocean activities like diving, kayaking, and parasailing.
  • Hike trails ranging from easy coastal walks to strenuous mountain paths.
  • Experience unique wildlife encounters, including manta rays and dolphins.

Cultural & Leisure Pursuits

  • Visit historical landmarks and cultural institutions.
  • Attend a traditional luau for an evening of food and entertainment.
  • Indulge in spa treatments for relaxation and rejuvenation.
  • Explore local markets for unique souvenirs and fresh produce.