Discover the Best Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi
Staying on the sunny Kona Coast means you’re perfectly located to experience the very best of the Big Island — from world-famous snorkeling and manta ray adventures to volcanoes, waterfalls, beaches, hiking, golf, coffee farms, whale watching, and unforgettable Hawaiian sunsets.
Our oceanfront resort near Keauhou Bay places you in one of the most desirable areas of Kailua-Kona, close to top beaches, restaurants, excursions, and family-friendly activities. Whether you're planning a romantic Hawaiian getaway, luxury family vacation, golf retreat, snorkeling adventure, or relaxing tropical escape, there truly is something for everyone on the Big Island.
Keauhou Bay Adventures & Kona Snorkeling
Just around the corner from our resort is beautiful Keauhou Bay, one of the top departure points on the island for snorkeling tours, manta ray experiences, fishing charters, sunset cruises, and ocean adventures. It’s also a wonderful place for a picnic, swimming, volleyball, or simply relaxing by the water away from larger crowds.
Fair Wind Snorkel Cruises
One of the most popular family-friendly excursions on the Big Island is a snorkeling cruise with Fair Wind Cruises departing directly from Keauhou Bay. Perfect for kids, grandparents, beginners, and experienced snorkelers alike, their boats feature water slides, floating platforms, easy stair access, snorkel gear, and lunch cruises.
Manta Ray Night Snorkeling
Swimming with giant manta rays at night is one of Hawaiʻi’s most unforgettable bucket-list experiences. Keauhou Bay is one of the best places in the world for manta ray night snorkeling tours, and boats depart just minutes from our condo.
Best Beaches Near Kona
Kahaluʻu Beach Park
Just a couple minutes from our resort is Kahaluʻu Beach Park, one of the best snorkeling beaches on the Big Island and famous for sea turtles, tropical fish, and calm waters. It’s perfect for families and beginner snorkelers.
Magic Sands Beach
White Sands Beach, also known as Magic Sands Beach, is one of Kona’s most popular white sand beaches. Located along scenic Aliʻi Drive, this beach is loved for body surfing, swimming, soft sand, and stunning sunsets. Arrive early for parking.
Hapuna Beach & Kohala Coast
The Kohala Coast is home to some of Hawaiʻi’s most breathtaking white sand beaches, including world-famous Hapuna Beach. This area is ideal for beach hopping, luxury resorts, snorkeling, and relaxing along crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Big Island Volcanoes & Stargazing
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
No trip to the Big Island is complete without visiting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and the famous Kīlauea volcano. Seeing lava glow after dark is truly unforgettable. Even when lava isn’t actively flowing, the volcanic landscapes are unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Mauna Kea Stargazing
Mauna Kea offers one of the best stargazing experiences in the world. At over 9,000 feet elevation, the skies are incredibly clear and filled with stars. Bring warm clothing, as temperatures can become very cold at higher elevations. Four-wheel drive is required for summit access.
Waterfalls, Rainforests & Hilo
The east side of the Big Island offers a completely different experience from sunny Kona. Hilo is cooler, greener, and filled with waterfalls, botanical gardens, tropical rainforests, and charming local shops.
Rainbow Falls & Akaka Falls
Rainbow Falls is an easy stop close to town with minimal walking, while Akaka Falls features a scenic rainforest trail leading to one of Hawaiʻi’s most beautiful waterfalls.
Hawaiʻi Tropical Botanical Garden
Located along the stunning Hamakua Coast, this lush botanical garden is filled with waterfalls, orchids, palms, tropical flowers, and breathtaking ocean views. It’s one of the most beautiful places on the island for nature lovers and photographers.
Unique Big Island Adventures
Green Sand Beach
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach is one of only a few green sand beaches in the world and a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. Located near South Point, reaching the beach requires a hike, but the scenery is absolutely spectacular.
Helicopter Tours
Seeing the Big Island from above by helicopter is one of the best ways to appreciate Hawaiʻi’s volcanoes, waterfalls, coastline, valleys, and lava fields.
Parasailing, Ziplining & Horseback Riding
Adventure lovers can enjoy parasailing over the Pacific Ocean, ziplining through lush tropical forests, or horseback riding through scenic ranch lands and coastal trails.
Atlantis Submarine & Glass Bottom Boat
For visitors who prefer to stay dry while exploring marine life, Kona offers submarine adventures and glass-bottom boat tours perfect for all ages.
Family-Friendly Things to Do on the Big Island
Families visiting Kona will find endless activities for children and all ages:
- Swim with dolphins at Waikoloa
- Visit the Seahorse Farm
- Enjoy the Flying Theater motion ride experience
- Explore calm beaches perfect for kids
- Try kayaking, paddle boarding, or canoeing
- Visit local farmers markets and Kona shops
Golf, Coffee & Local Hawaiian Culture
Kona Country Club
Golfers will love the Kona Country Club located right next door to our resort. This scenic oceanfront golf course offers breathtaking coastal views and one of the most beautiful golf settings in Hawaiʻi.
Kona Coffee Tours
The Kona Coast is famous worldwide for producing exceptional Kona coffee. Local coffee farm tours and tastings are a must for coffee lovers visiting the Big Island.
Hawaiian Luaus
Experience traditional Hawaiian music, dancing, culture, and cuisine at one of Kona’s oceanfront luaus along Aliʻi Drive.
Best Restaurants in Kona
Kailua-Kona offers everything from casual island dining to upscale oceanfront restaurants. Some local favorites include:
- Huggo’s
- On The Rocks
- Kona Inn Restaurant
- Fish Hopper
- Kalikala Cuisine
- Broke Da Mouth Grindz
- Super J’s Lau Lau
- Foster’s Kitchen
- Sunset Kai Lanai
Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, Hawaiian plate lunches, sushi, brunch with ocean views, gluten-free dining, or sunset cocktails, Kona has incredible options for every traveler.
Relax at Our Oceanfront Kona Resort
One of the best things to do on the Big Island is simply relax and enjoy paradise. Our beautiful Kona resort in Keauhou features multiple pools, jacuzzis, tennis and pickleball courts, ocean views, tropical landscaping, and peaceful Hawaiian breezes.
Our boutique complex near Kona town has an oversized wrap around deck and front row views of the Pacific Ocean.
Enjoy coffee on the lanai, watch whales during whale season, take in breathtaking sunsets, or spend the day snorkeling and beach hopping along the Kona Coast. We provide beach gear, coolers, snorkel equipment, beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, and more to help make your Hawaiʻi vacation easy and unforgettable.
There is truly something for everyone on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi — adventure, relaxation, luxury, nature, family fun, and unforgettable memories await. 🌺
The Complete Guide to Alii Drive: Beaches, Restaurants, and Things to Do in Kona
Ask anyone who knows the Big Island where to spend your time in Kona, and the answer usually starts with Alii Drive. This oceanfront road runs roughly six miles along the Kona coast, from the historic seaside village of Kailua-Kona down to Keauhou Bay, and almost everything that makes this side of Hawaii special sits somewhere along it. We host guests right on this stretch at Kona Ocean Views, so this guide comes from years of actually living here, not a quick weekend visit.
Getting to Know Alii Drive
It helps to think of Alii Drive in three parts. The north end is Kailua-Kona town, home to the pier, the shops, the historic sites, and a big share of the restaurants. The middle is a quieter run of oceanfront condos, surf breaks, and small beaches. The south end finishes in Keauhou, where you'll find Kahaluu Beach Park, Keauhou Bay, and some of the best snorkeling on the island. You can drive the whole road in about fifteen minutes, but give yourself longer. You will want to pull over.
The Best Beaches on Alii Drive
Magic Sands Beach. Officially La'aloa Beach Park, though everyone in town calls it Magic Sands or White Sands. The nickname comes from the way winter surf can strip the sand away overnight and bring it back weeks later. It's the best spot on Alii Drive for boogie boarding and bodysurfing, and the shore break is fun to watch even if you stay dry. Parking fills up fast, so come in the morning.
Kahaluu Beach Park. If you only snorkel once on the Big Island, do it here. Kahaluu sits near the south end of Alii Drive, and its calm, shallow bay is full of tropical fish and green sea turtles. It's gentle enough for kids and first time snorkelers. Bring reef safe sunscreen, both because Hawaii law requires it and because this reef genuinely needs the help.
Pahoehoe Beach Park. Not really a swimming beach, but this grassy oceanfront park between town and Magic Sands is one of the easiest places on the whole road to watch the sunset. Grab takeout, claim a bench, and let the evening do its thing.
Where to Eat on Alii Drive
Kona punches above its weight for food, and much of the good stuff sits on or just off Alii Drive.
For poke, locals argue about Umekes Fish Market Bar and Grill versus Da Poke Shack. Try both during your stay and pick a side. Broke Da Mouth Grindz is the move when you want a big, satisfying plate lunch.
For dinner on the water, Huggo's has been a Kona institution for decades, and its barefoot casual neighbor On the Rocks puts your table close enough to hear the waves. The Fish Hopper serves seafood overlooking Kailua Bay from one of the oldest restaurant buildings in town, and Foster's Kitchen is a solid pick for locally sourced dishes and good cocktails. For a classic mai tai at golden hour, the open air Don the Beachcomber bar at the Royal Kona Resort is hard to beat.
One more stop worth making: the Kona Farmers Market at the corner of Alii Drive and Hualalai Road runs most of the week and is the easy place to grab fresh papaya, 100 percent Kona coffee, and souvenirs that didn't come from a chain store.
Fun Things to Do Along Alii Drive
Start in town with a little history. Hulihee Palace, a former vacation home for Hawaiian royalty, is now a small museum right on the water. Directly across the street stands Mokuaikaua Church, the oldest Christian church in Hawaii, dating back to 1820. A few steps away, Kailua Pier is the launch point for fishing charters and snorkel cruises, and the swim spot where triathletes train year round. You'll see them out there most mornings, since Alii Drive is home turf for the Ironman World Championship.
Farther south, pull over at Banyans to watch local surfers work one of Kona's favorite breaks. And from Keauhou Bay at the very end of the road, you can join a manta ray night snorkel, the one Big Island experience people talk about for years afterward. Floating above giant, harmless mantas as they loop through the lights is genuinely unlike anything else in Hawaii.
A Few Local Tips
Parking in Kailua-Kona town can be a little challenging, so use the paid lots just off Alii Drive and arrive early on weekends. You can also park along the road and always ask restaurants to validate. When you book local tours, they will usually give you validation or charge $2 for three hours (depending on the tour, always ask)
Snorkel in the morning, when the water is calmest and clearest. And consider walking or biking sections of the road instead of driving. There is also a trolley that stops all along Ali'i drive and you can rent and return bicycles anywhere on Ali'i Dr. The ocean views are better at three miles an hour.
Where to Stay on Alii Drive
Location matters more than anything else on this road, and the south end has the best of both worlds. Our vacation rental, Kona Ocean Views, sits where Manukai meets the Alii Drive corridor in Keauhou, on the quiet end of the coast just minutes from Kahaluu Beach Park, the manta rays at Keauhou Bay, and an easy ten-minute drive from the restaurants in town. You get the sunsets and the ocean views without the downtown noise.
If Alii Drive is on your Big Island itinerary, and it should be, come stay with us. Check availability and see the majestic views for yourself at konaoceanviews.com.
Best Time to Visit Kona in the Summer
Summer is one of the most popular stretches of the year on the Big Island, and for good reason. The water turns glassy, the sky stays clear, and the days run long. If you're trying to pin down the best time to visit Kona in the summer, the short answer is that almost any week between June and August delivers, though each month has its own personality. Here's how the season breaks down so you can plan around the weather, the crowds, and the activities you care about most.
What Summer Weather in Kona Is Really Like
Kona sits on the dry, leeward side of the island, which means it stays sunny while the windward side catches the rain. Summer daytime temperatures usually land in the mid 80s, and evenings settle into the low 70s, so you rarely need more than a light layer after sunset. Rain is uncommon along the coast during these months, and when it does fall, it tends to pass quickly in the afternoon and clear out before evening.
The ocean is the real draw. Summer brings the calmest water of the year to the Kona coast, with surface temperatures around 78 to 80 degrees. Calm seas mean better visibility for snorkeling and diving, easier boat days, and gentler conditions for first timers who want to try the water without fighting a swell.
June: Warm, Calm, and Less Crowded
June is a sweet spot. School is letting out, but the heaviest family travel hasn't fully kicked in yet, so you get summer conditions without peak summer prices. The water is already warm and clear, and the long daylight hours give you more time for early snorkels and late beach afternoons. If your schedule is flexible, the first couple weeks of June often offer the best balance of good weather and smaller crowds.
July: Peak Season and Plenty to Do
July is the busiest month of the Kona summer. Families travel during the break, the Fourth of July fills the town with events, and the most popular tours book out days in advance. None of that should scare you off, since July also brings reliably beautiful weather and a lively atmosphere. The key is to plan ahead. Reserve the manta ray night snorkel, any kayak tours, and your dinner reservations early, and you'll move through the busiest weeks without a hitch.
August: Quiet Returns and Coffee Season Begins
By mid August, many families head home for the start of the school year, and the pace around town eases up. The weather holds steady, the water stays warm, and you'll find a little more breathing room at the beaches and on the boats. Late August also marks the early edge of the Kona coffee harvest in the hills above town, which makes a farm tour feel especially timely.
A Note on Vog and Trade Winds
One thing worth knowing about Kona summers is that the trade winds occasionally drop, and when they do, volcanic haze known as vog can drift over the coast for a day or two. It usually clears on its own once the trades return, and it rarely disrupts a trip. Checking conditions a few days out and keeping your most weather dependent activities flexible is all the planning you really need.
Making the Most of Your Summer Trip
Whatever month you choose, summer rewards travelers who get an early start. Mornings bring the calmest water and the easiest parking at the beaches, and the light at sunset along Alii Drive is hard to beat after a full day in the sun! Booking your lodging early matters too, since the best oceanfront spots fill quickly once summer arrives.
Kona Ocean Views offers oceanfront condo rentals, putting you steps from the calm summer water and minutes from the snorkeling, boat tours, and restaurants that make this season special. Check availability and start planning your summer trip at konaoceanviews.com.