The Kona Coast is a delicious part of Hawaii Island. Coffee and macadamia nuts famously grow here, but so do cocoa, fruit, and tea. The honey farms are sweet and the breweries are cool. Foodies and sun lovers alike will enjoy this part of Hawaii Island, which is also known as the “Big Island.”
History fills the coast as much as farmland does. You can visit museums, cultural organizations, and places once frequented by Hawaii’s first king. The sunlit coastline also boasts the greatest snorkeling spots on Hawaii Island, where you can sunbathe at one of the few black sand beaches around the world and maybe even see some sea turtles while you’re there.
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Kailua-Kona is a bustling seaside town where you’ll find historical haunts, fine shopping, charming eateries, and happening events. Grab a shave ice, take a leisurely stroll on Alii Drive through Historic Kailua Village, and discover the town’s hidden gems.
Kealakekua Bay
Kealakekua Bay is one of the best places in all of Hawaii to snorkel. It’s a marine life sanctuary where you can swim with dolphins and honu (sea turtles). The historic bay is also home to ancient Hawaiian settlements and sites where European explorers made their first (and final) contacts with the islands.
Holualoa
Holualoa is the heart of Kona coffee country. It’s also a formidable arts village. Observe the art of coffee-making on a coffee farm tour, and the art of art-making on a gallery walkthrough.
Must Know
Explore Kona town on a bike. It’s a fun, easy way to get around, and you won’t have to worry about parking.
Many companies offer snorkeling packages that include a boat tour or cruise. It’s a great way to see the whales that swim by the Kona Coast in winter.
Bring plenty of sunscreen when you go snorkeling. Water increases the intensity of the sun.
Must Do
Farm & Brewery Tours
There are over 600 farms in the Kona district. Be sure to visit at least one coffee and nut farm. Learn all about the process of harvesting and exporting crops on a farm or brewery tour. And be sure to taste the fruits of their labor.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Get in over your head on the Kona Coast. It’s the best place to snorkel on Hawaii Island. If you’re new to snorkeling, or are short on time, head to Kahaluu Beach Park. It’s a tranquil honu (sea-turtle) habitat with a high concentration of fish.
Shopping
The Kona Coast has a nice mix of independent stores, bargain shops, and art galleries. The Alii Gardens Marketplace is a hotspot. You’re sure to find a fancy memento or a scrumptious Hawaiian treat in this open-air garden market.
Golfing
On the Kona Coast, you can golf with peacocks and pheasants amidst cinder cones and stupendous island views. Good luck trying to find a course like that on the mainland.
