The Best Things to Do in Kona in August
August is the hottest and one of the sunniest months on the Kona coast. Ocean temperatures reach their annual peak, the leeward side of the Big Island stays dry, and the event calendar fills out with two of the most distinctive competitions held anywhere in Hawaii. Whether you’re here for the water, a world-class canoe race, or a drive up to Mauna Kea, there’s no shortage of things to do in Kona in August.
Ocean Activities and Things to Do in Kona in August: Snorkeling and Night Manta Rays
August falls squarely in the prime snorkeling window for the Kona coast, which runs from April through October. Visibility is strong, surface conditions are calm in the mornings, and warm water temperatures mean extended time in the ocean is genuinely comfortable.
For shore snorkeling, Kahalu’u Beach Park on Ali’i Drive is your best option. It sits about two miles south of Kailua town, has lifeguards on duty, and delivers consistent sea turtle sightings in shallow, reef-protected water. It’s accessible to beginners and works well for families.
If you want the full reef experience, Kealakekua Bay is where to go. This Marine Life Conservation District hosts over 250 marine species across a protected coral system, but you can only reach the best areas by boat or kayak. The reef is intact, the fish are dense, and the water is clear on most August mornings.
Sea Quest Hawaii runs small-group morning snorkel tours from South Kona that reach Kealakekua Bay and Honaunau Bay by boat. These sites aren’t easily accessible on your own, and arriving with a local captain and crew changes what you’re able to see and do once you’re there.
Spinner dolphins are resident along the South Kona coast year-round. They’re most active in the mornings, which is another reason the early departure window matters.
The night manta ray snorkel runs year-round, and August’s peak water temperatures make time in the water after dark genuinely comfortable. Sea Quest Hawaii’s Night Manta Ray Snorkel, named by the Travel Channel as one of the top ten things to do in your lifetime, pairs naturally with a daytime tour when you’re already in the area.
Two Major Events in Kona in August Worth Planning Around
What sets August apart from other summer months isn’t just the weather. Two of the most significant annual events in all of Hawaii take place in Kailua-Kona during this window, and both are worth building your trip around if the timing works.
The Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament has run since 1959. It takes place in late July through early August and draws competitive anglers from around the world to Kona’s deep-sea fishing grounds. Even if you’re not fishing, the atmosphere around Kailua Pier during weigh-ins is something different. The tournament also carries a marine conservation focus that has been part of the event since its early years.
The Queen Liliuokalani Canoe Race takes place over Labor Day weekend, running from late August through September 1st in Kailua-Kona. It’s the largest long-distance outrigger canoe race in the world. Over 2,500 paddlers from international teams compete in an 18-mile race along the Kona coastline.
Both events draw major crowds. Accommodations near Kailua-Kona book up faster during these windows than at any other point in August. Confirm specific dates and details with event organizers before you finalize your plans, as schedules are subject to annual revision.
Kona Beaches Worth Visiting in August
August’s calm mornings and warm water make it easy to work through Kona’s beach options without rushing.
Magic Sands Beach on Ali’i Drive is one of the few sandy beaches in Kailua-Kona itself. It’s popular for swimming and bodysurfing. The sand shifts seasonally, so conditions vary. Check locally before you go.
Kahalu’u Beach Park, already mentioned above for snorkeling, doubles as a solid beach day option with lifeguards and facilities. It’s about as easy as Kona beach access gets.
Makalawena Beach, north of Kona, requires a walk across lava to reach. August’s dry, sunny conditions make that walk manageable, and the payoff is a less crowded stretch of coast with clear water.
Honaunau Bay, known locally as Two Step, has a lava shelf entry point and direct reef access connected to the protected marine environment near Puuhonua o Honaunau. It’s one of the most-visited shore snorkel sites on the island for good reason. Reef-safe sunscreen is required at all Hawaii state and county parks.
Day Trips from Kona Worth Making in August
Kona works well as a base for the rest of the Big Island. August’s dry weather on the west side makes longer drives more reliable.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park sits about 2.5 to 3 hours from Kailua-Kona via Highway 11 or Saddle Road. The park covers Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes. Inside, you can walk through the Thurston Lava Tube, look into volcanic craters, and hike trails across hardened lava fields. Halemaumau Crater glows at night. A day trip is manageable, though starting early gives you more time inside the park.
Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii and one of the best stargazing sites on earth. Organized tours depart from the Kona area and typically include an acclimatization stop at the Visitor Information Station at roughly 9,200 feet before continuing toward the summit area above 13,000 feet. Many tours combine a Kona coffee farm visit earlier in the day with the drive up in the evening. It’s a long day, but it’s a genuinely distinctive experience.
The Kona Coffee Belt runs along the slopes of Hualālai from about 1,000 to 3,000 feet elevation. August is in the growing season, so you’ll see green coffee cherries on the trees ahead of the fall harvest. Temperatures at elevation run 10 to 15 degrees cooler than on the coast, which makes an afternoon farm visit a welcome change of pace in the August heat.
Enjoying August in Kona, Hawaii
If you’re still deciding when to visit the Big Island, August delivers a specific combination of warm water, major events, dry weather, and full activity options that no other month quite replicates. That range is what makes things to do in Kona in August so easy to fill out across a full week.