Hawaii, USA
Morning: Arrive at Kona International Airport (KOA), pick up a rental car, and check into a hotel on Aliʻi Drive. Grab a quick breakfast at a local cafe. Late Morning: Walk along Aliʻi Drive, explore the historic Huliheʻe Palace, and visit Mokuaikaua Church.
Lunch: Enjoy a meal from a local food truck or a casual spot for fresh poke. Afternoon: Relax and snorkel at Kahaluʻu Beach Park, known for its calm waters and abundant marine life. Alternatively, spend time at a nearby beach. Evening: Enjoy sunset drinks and dinner at an oceanfront restaurant on Aliʻi Drive.
Tailor your itinerary for a 2-3 day getaway or a full week of exploration.
Day 1 (Kona Coast Exploration): Arrive at KOA, get your rental car, and check into your accommodation. Spend the afternoon exploring downtown Kailua-Kona, including Aliʻi Drive, Huliheʻe Palace, and Mokuaikaua Church. Enjoy a sunset dinner.
Days 1-3: Focus on the Kona area, similar to the weekend getaway. More time for relaxation, additional snorkeling or diving, or a deep-sea fishing trip. Attend a luau for an evening of cultural entertainment and traditional food.
For a true in-depth experience, split your time between Kailua-Kona (7-9 nights) and the Hilo/Volcanoes area (5-7 nights). This reduces driving time and allows full exploration of both the dry, sunny west side and the lush, rainy east side of the island.
For stays of several weeks or months, consider renting a condo or vacation home with a kitchen. Embrace the local pace of life. Explore local markets and non-tourist activities, truly integrating into the community. Consider volunteering with local organizations for a connection to the island.
On your departure day, enjoy a leisurely morning, savor a last local meal, and head to KOA for your flight. Leave enough time for rental car return and airport procedures.
Take your time and enjoy a relaxed start to your departure day.
Savor one final taste of Kona's flavors before heading to the airport.
Allow ample time for rental car return, check-in, and security at KOA.
Tailor your Kona journey to your specific passions.
Explore downtown Kona: Ahuʻena Heiau, Huliheʻe Palace, Mokuaikaua Church. Journey to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. Visit the Kona Coffee Living History Farm. See the unique Saint Benedict Roman Catholic Church (Painted Church). View the Captain Cook Monument from the lookout or take a boat tour of Kealakekua Bay.
Take multiple Kona coffee farm tours and enjoy tastings. Embark on a poke tasting tour at local markets and restaurants. Go food truck hopping on Aliʻi Drive for diverse flavors. Dine at farm-to-table restaurants emphasizing local ingredients. Attend a luau for a traditional Hawaiian feast and cultural show. Visit the Kona Farmers Market for fresh produce and local treats.
Experience the Manta Ray Night Snorkel/Dive. Book a deep-sea fishing charter from Honokohau Harbor. Hike extensively in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in Kealakekua Bay or Keauhou Bay. Consider a ziplining adventure (typically on the Hilo side of the island).
Spend time at kid-friendly beaches like Kahaluʻu Beach Park (calm, shallow, good snorkeling) or Maniniʻowali Beach (Kua Bay) for gentle waves. Visit the Kona Coffee Living History Farm for interactive learning. Join ocean tours, like dolphin watching or glass-bottom boat excursions. Attend a luau designed for families. Enjoy snorkeling at child-friendly spots. Visit the Kona Community Aquatic Center, a public pool for recreation.
Explore the art galleries in Holualoa Village. Appreciate the architecture of Mokuaikaua Church. Tour Huliheʻe Palace for its historical design. Visit the unique Painted Church for its interior frescoes.
Visit Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau (Place of Refuge) for its tranquility and historical significance. Attend yoga or meditation classes, perhaps overlooking the ocean. Find relaxation at quiet, less-crowded beaches. Indulge in spa treatments at local spas or resorts.
Capture stunning landscapes from lava fields to lush valleys and pristine beaches.
Discover native Hawaiian birds in diverse habitats across the island.
Play on world-class courses with breathtaking ocean and volcanic backdrops.
Design your Kona trip for your financial comfort level.
Accommodation: Stay at hostels or budget motels, or utilize permitted camping sites. Transportation: Rely on the Hele-On bus where feasible, but be aware of its limitations. Food: Shop at grocery stores and cook your own meals. Eat from food trucks and supermarket delis for affordable options.
Accommodation: Stay in mid-range hotels or well-appointed vacation rentals. Transportation: Rent a car for flexibility and convenience. Food: Enjoy a mix of self-cooking, casual restaurants, and a few nicer dining experiences. Activities: Include a couple of signature paid tours (e.g., Manta Ray snorkel, dolphin watch). Enjoy a mix of free and paid attractions.
Accommodation: Stay at high-end resorts along the Kohala Coast. Transportation: Rent a premium vehicle or arrange private transfers. Food: Dine at fine dining restaurants, perhaps with private chef experiences. Activities: Indulge in private charters (fishing, snorkeling), helicopter tours, spa treatments, and golf at championship courses.
Shop at local grocery stores and prepare some meals at your accommodation. Eat from food trucks and supermarket delis for affordable dining options. Seek out happy hour specials for drinks and pupus (appetizers).
Prioritize free natural attractions like beaches, hiking trails, and scenic drives. Allocate funds for one or two major excursions. Consider public transport for short distances, or carpooling for longer trips. Look for bundled deals on tours and attractions.
Plan your visit around Kona's seasonal highlights for unique experiences.
Calmer ocean conditions, making it ideal for snorkeling, diving, and most ocean activities. Enjoy warmer temperatures. This is peak tourist season, so early booking for everything is necessary.
Whale watching season: Peak sightings happen from January to March, making boat tours a highlight. Higher chance of rain, but usually brief showers that pass quickly. Still excellent for most activities. Expect peak holiday crowds in December and January.
Plan your trip around Kona's exciting annual festivals and events for a cultural experience.
Shoulder Season (May, September, early December): A good balance of favorable weather, fewer crowds, and better prices. Take advantage of lower prices for accommodations and flights.
Enjoy more relaxed experiences at popular attractions without the peak season rush. Fewer crowds can mean more personal interactions and easier access to popular spots.
During peak seasons, secure accommodation and popular tours well in advance due to high demand.
Be prepared for brief showers, especially in winter. Weather changes quickly, so always have options.
