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. 🌺