Kailua Bay Kona, Big Island, Hawaii - Things to See and Do

What to see and do in Kona, Big Island, Hawaii

Visited December 2023

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Kona, Big Island, Hawaii provides the ideal climate for growing coffee

Kona is a region on the west side of the Big Island of Hawaii which includes the towns of Kailua-Kona, Kealakekua, Keauhou, Holualoa, Honaunau and Honalo. In the Hawaiian language, Kona means leeward or dry side of the island.

The volcanic slopes of the Hualalai volcano and the Mauna Loa volcano in the Kona district provide the ideal climate for growing coffee. Kona coffee is considered one of the premium specialty coffees of the world.

We visited Kona on 12/20/2023 and walked the downtown area, afterwards we took a tour by taxi to many of the nearby attractions. Afterwards, we snorkeled near the tender dock. Tourists are advised not to snorkel with 3 days of arriving in Hawaii by air.

The town of Kailua-Kona is the home of the Ironman World Championship Triathlon which is held each year in October.

Kamakahonu is located at the north end of Kailua Bay in Kailua-Kona. It was the residence of King Kamehameha I who unified the Hawaiian Islands and lived out the last years of his life here.

The Hulihee Palace was originally built out of lava rock by John Adams Kuakini (governor of the island of Hawaii) during the Hawaiian Kingdom. King Kalakaua renamed the palace Hikulani Hale, which means “House of the Seventh ruler.” It was added to the National Register of Historic Places listings on the island of Hawaii in 1973.

Viator offers numerous tours in the Kona region. Click here for details.