What to Do in Kailua Kona: A Local Guide
We’re here to provide the ultimate local guide for what to do in Kailua Kona. If you are looking for the best adventures that the bustling town of Kailua Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii has to offer– you’re in luck! As a hugely popular town for both locals and tourists alike, Kona has no shortage of experiences and excursions to offer. You can do everything from embarking on a snorkeling expedition along the coast, go on wondrous hikes, or even charter your own boat to enjoy the day out on the water with the whole family!
We will dive into everything that Kailua Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii has to offer. Everything that will cater to different interests and aspects of the bustling town, from outdoor adventures and cultural experiences to family-friendly activities.
Not Sure What to do in Kona? Embark on a Snorkel Adventure!
One of the most popular activities that attracts both locals and tourists alike is the snorkeling tours along Kailua Kona. When embarking on one of these snorkel tours aboard a trusted boat, you will likely explore the magical reefs of Captain Cook Monument and the Place of Refuge, with the possibility of exploring one of the black sand beaches if you’re lucky! Aside from the wondrous coral reefs you may swim around, there is a likely chance you will have a close encounter with one of Kona’s great marine animals; some examples are sea turtles, reef fish, or even a manta ray!
A Kailua Kona snorkel adventure is sure to delight family and friends of all ages– there’s so much to do beyond underwater exploration! If you book your tour with a beloved local company, you will open up the chance to learn more about the marine life you will be seeing, and the different natural phenomena that populate the coastline and tropical waterways.
What Makes Captain Cook an Amazing Snorkel Destination in Kailua Kona
For those wondering what to do in Kailua Kona, and are interested in snorkeling, you’ve probably heard of Kealakekua Bay, a historic area located near Kailua Kona, is renowned for its crystal waters and rich marine life, making it one of the top snorkeling destinations in Hawaii. The area is home to the Captain Cook Monument, which marks the spot where the famous British explorer arrived on the island and later died. But beyond its cultural significance, the waters surrounding this monument are teeming with colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and even the occasional native spinner dolphin. The calm and sheltered bay provides excellent visibility, allowing snorkelers to fully immerse themselves in the underwater utopia. Whether you’re an experienced snorkeler or a beginner, you are able to explore the incredible marine life around Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook Monument) on a local snorkel tour.
Snorkeling the Place of Refuge is Unforgettable
The Place of Refuge, also known as Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park, offers more than just a glimpse into ancient Hawaiian culture—it’s also one of the best spots for snorkeling on the Big Island. If you are looking for what to do in Kailua Kona, this is an amazing option.The park’s serene waters are protected by a natural rock wall, creating a calm environment perfect for observing the incredible marine life that calls this area home. As you swim across the surface of the water, you’ll encounter a wide array of coral formations, colorful fish, and perhaps even a Hawaiian sea turtle (known as Honu). The historical significance of the area, combined with its natural beauty, makes snorkeling at the Place of Refuge an experience that is both spiritually and visually rewarding.
Exploring the Hidden Gems of the Coast is What You Should Do in Kailua Kona
If you’re looking for something to do in Kailua Kona beyond the typical tourist destinations, a guided snorkel tour of the South Kona Coast is a must. This stretch of coastline is dotted with secluded bays, underwater caves, and pristine coral gardens that are only accessed by boat. A guided tour not only ensures that you discover these hidden gems but also provides expert insights into the area’s marine life and geological formations. As you snorkel through the clear, warm waters, you’ll likely encounter schools of vibrant fish, playful dolphins, and even manta rays (although they prefer to come out at night). The tour’s knowledgeable guides will help you spot the best locations and share stories about the local history and culture, making your adventure along the South Kona Coast both educational and exhilarating.
Spend a Day Out on Kailua Kona’s Waters With the Whole Family
If you are someone that doesn’t totally love jumping into the water to come face to face with animals like moray eels, and are looking for what to do in Kailua Kona then you may be more inclined to book a drier adventure fit for the whole family: a marine life watching tours!
Experiences like dolphin watch tours are offered year round out of Kailua Kona. Because of the sunny weather found during all seasons, and the fact that spinner dolphins are native to the waters of Kona, this means that you will have a chance to have an encounter with these amazing and smart pods, anytime! Because of legislation passed in 2021, it is no longer legal to get in the water and swim amongst the dolphins, a measure put into place to keep the native marine life safe, you will find that the creatures still enjoy putting on a show for those aboard one of Kona’s tour boats!
Charter Your Own Private Boat on the Big Island, Hawaii
One of the best, and most exclusive, experiences that you can have while vacationing on the Big Island, is chartering a private boat. Upon commencing your research into this activity you may notice that many trusted local snorkel and dolphin tour companies offer the option to charter their boats privately. This is a great option, as you can not only have assurance that you will be taken care of by a knowledgeable local crew, but the ability to combine different popular activities with your close friends and family. Instead of setting out on an hours long snorkeling expedition of South Kona, where you may have to wait for people who are late and get overwhelmed by a group of strangers, you can book a private charter of Kona coast and have the reef to yourself, on your own time.