The destinations that boast the lofty claim that they offer something for every traveler are plentiful. Kona on Big Island successfully asserts its position as an island locale with a myriad of sights for every interest. Multiple national historical parks make Kona sightseeing about history through adventure, art and cultural heritage.
Planning a trip to the Big Island? Check out our Kona vacation rentals.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of only two UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Hawaiian islands. The park is almost 400 square miles with nearly 150 miles of walking trails. The muti-textured landscapes provide coastal lava plains, rainforests, desert and the Kilauea volcano itself, all in one vast location to explore. The area has also been designated by UNESCO as an International Biosphere Reserve. A museum, art center, visitors center and Crater Rim Drive, this site will take a few days to cover.
Kailua Village
Historic Kailua Village is the harbor town area of Kona and offers shops, restaurants, culture, terrific sunsets and an exciting nightlife. The past peeks through this bay area, with historic Hulihee Palace and Ahuena Heiau, a temple rebuilt by Kamehameha (listed on the register of National Historic Landmarks). The Hulihee Palace was once the summer vacation home of Hawaiian royalty and while tours today are limited, you can listen to live music for free (one Sunday each month) at this beautifully restored site.
Stay in one of our nearby Kailua Kona vacation rentals.
Kona’s coffee farms
Whether you drink coffee or not, Kona’s coffee farms (approximately 600) are worth the trip for tastings and tours. You’ll also find handcrafted art in the area, so touring coffee country provides a uniquely local experience. Some bed and breakfast inns are also in the area, so for those avid coffee drinkers, it’s a nifty experience to stay on a working farm, which guarantees an incredible cup of coffee in the morning.
Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
The past is preserved at Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, with living history on the site of former royal grounds. Walk and explore the Great Wall, sacred temple that houses the bones of ancient chiefs, fish ponds, canoe landing, a thatched house and more examples to display Hawaiian life centuries ago. While this site offers fishing, trails and picnicking, another great draw is the Hawaiian green sea turtle. Honu, as they are often referred, make this national historical park a habitat. A note of trivia, the green color comes from the abundant diet of seaweed, not its shell.
Keauhou
More sea turtles plus manta rays are located in the resort area of Keauhou. Naturally, the resort area is primarily about luxury and indulgence. The stays, plus the golf courses and spas, are the place to go for serene relaxation and scenic sport.
For more places to stay in Kona, take a look at our Kona luxury rentals and Kona condos.
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
Fishponds, sea turtles, monk seals, heiau (sacred temples), native birds and petroglyphs are notable aspects to explore at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, a coastal park perfect for exploring trails. Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, a Marine Life Conservation District, is filled with color and coral. Water sports, including snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking are ideal here, alongside varied sea life and on occasion, spinner dolphins. Kealakekua Bay is where Captain James Cook arrived and was tragically later killed and is now honored with a marker.
Waterfalls, great drives, a winery, Hapuna Beach State Park and a local farmers’ market filled with handcrafted items and foods round out the sightseeing opportunities in Kona.