It’s no secret that the Large Island of Hawaii stole my coronary heart. I’ve develop into such a fan, I need to enable you to discover each nook and cranny. Since most individuals start their Large Island journey in Kona, I figured you is perhaps questioning how to maximize your time there.
From actions to locations to eat, these are the most effective issues to do in Kona, Hawaii:
Dolphin & Manta Swims
By far the most effective issues to do in Kona — or wherever in Hawaii for that matter — is to swim with a few of the wonderful sea creatures! I swam with wild dolphins and it was an unimaginable expertise. Because it takes place in the morning, it’s also possible to pack in this nighttime manta ray journey, the place you’ll cruise the ocean at sundown and watch manta rays glide by on their quest for plankton. I can’t consider a greater means to spend a day in Hawaii.
Hapuna Seaside
Hapuna Seaside is the biggest white sand seaside on the large island, and fortunately it’s solely a couple of 45-minute drive north of Kona. This half-mile stretch of sentimental sand was even named one of many high ten seashores in the U.S. in 2019. Parking is $5 and each bogs and outside showers are offered. This an excellent spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunsets!
Two-Step
See colourful little fish like this man in addition to dolphins, turtles, and monk seals at Two-Step! It’s an superior snorkeling spot on Honaunau Bay, 30 miles south of Kona. It’s acclaimed as one of the vital stunning spots on the island, with clear blue waters, a vibrant reef, and dozens of marine species. Right here’s a couple of useful suggestions: park in the close by $5 lot, be careful for harmful currents, and make sure to use reef-safe sunscreen! The neatest thing about two-step is it’s simple to entry. Make certain to convey your personal gear.
Mountain Thunder Espresso Plantation
Volcanic soil and frequent cloud cowl make for the right coffee-growing circumstances; in consequence, Kona espresso is world-renowned for each taste and aroma. Take the chance to embrace Kona espresso tradition with a free tour on the Mountain Thunder Espresso Plantation, which is a 15-minute drive from downtown Kona. Excursions run each hour on the hour from 10am to 4pm, seven days every week. Make certain to take dwelling a memento of espresso beans or grounds when you’re there!
Kealakekua Bay
25 miles south of downtown Kona is Kealakekua Bay, the place the notorious Captain Cook dinner first landed in 1778. The bay is extensively believed to be the location of the most effective snorkeling in all of Hawaii — how might it not be when it appears like this? Nevertheless, this treasure is properly guarded, because the snorkeling spots can actually solely be reached by a strenuous hike. A greater choice is to be part of a guided snorkeling or kayaking tour which can ensure you get precisely the place you want to be with no hassle in any respect.
Anaeho’omalu Seaside
Drive 30 miles north of Kona to get to Anaeho’omalu Seaside. The seaside is protected by an offshore reef, protecting the water calm and offering splendid circumstances for snorkeling, swimming, and diving. You even have the choice of renting outside gear to play with for the day, like kayaks, hydro bikes, and physique boards. And, in fact, everybody loves sundown, and this seaside is the right place to watch one.
Kona Farmers’ Market
Get into the native really feel with the Kona Farmer’s Market, open Wednesday by Sunday from 7am to 4pm. The market is positioned in the guts of Kona, and greater than 40 distributors supply every part from all kinds of recent native produce and flowers to Kona espresso and humanities & crafts. Whether or not or not you find yourself buying a lot, it’s an excellent alternative to discover a wholesome snack and chat with locals!
Historic Kailua-Kona City
Take a look at the historic downtown space of Kailua-Kona, which is dwelling to a number of well-known landmarks. Two of essentially the most notable are Hulihee Palace and Mokuaikaua Church (pictured above), each on the primary street working by downtown. The space was as soon as a spot the place Hawaiian royals like King Kamehameha appreciated to reside and the place fishing was the primary occupation of those that lived there. In the present day, its roots are nonetheless clearly evident however exist alongside a contemporary spirit marked by vibrant meals, music, and folks.
Kua Bay (Maniniowali Seaside)
This secluded white sand seaside is simply so fairly! The seaside is a part of Kekaha Kai State Park, about 15 miles northwest of Kona. The clear, calm waters right here are perfect for snorkeling and swimming, and the seaside is well accessible by paved street. Different useful facilities right here embody bogs, showers, barbecues, and picnic tables. General, Kua Bay is a superb spot to spend a day, however maintain in thoughts that it may get busy on the weekends, so possibly save this one for the center of the week.
Get pleasure from Nice Native Meals
Half the enjoyable of occurring a visit is getting to expertise the native delicacies, and Hawaii is an particularly superior place for excellent meals. With a give attention to recent, native substances, the meals scene in Kona has quite a bit to supply. Listed here are some scrumptious spots to try:
Huggo’s on the Rocks: Huggo’s provides a enjoyable and laid-back ambiance and a recent menu of burgers, salads, sandwiches, fish, and extra. Plus, glad hour from 3 to 5pm each afternoon and stay music each evening imply that that is the right place to wrap up a busy day in Kona. For those who’re on the lookout for a sundown dinner on the water that isn’t too fancy, this can be a great place!
Umeke’s: Umeke’s is thought each close to and much (they’ve greater than 10,000 followers on Instagram) for scrumptious poke and seafood made with solely prime quality, native substances. Umeke’s has two places in Kona: one at Ali’i Plaza and one off , every of which has its personal menu and ambiance.
Island Ono Loa Grill: Some say that Island Ono Loa Grill makes the most effective burgers in Kona, and with good cause: they fire-grill them over lava rocks and serve them on Hawaiian candy buns! What’s extra, their substances are domestically sourced, and it’s each a fast and cheap cease. Moreover the mouth-watering burgers, there are additionally cool sizzling canines, specialty sandwiches, and native plates on the menu.
Papa Kona Restaurant and Bar: Papa Kona options native musicians virtually each evening of the week, and their pub-style lounge menu of appetizers, burgers, tacos, and extra makes for a laid-back ambiance. This appears to be an excellent spot for a chunk, a drink, and a few music. Additionally they have an superior brunch!
Broke da Mouth Grindz: This spot has been featured on Man Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and is beloved by vacationers and locals alike. The menu is stuffed with conventional Filipino staples with a recent Hawaiian spin on them. It appears to be the most effective locations to eat on the Large Island, fingers down!
Hayashi’s Sushi (You Make The Roll): This small, family-run sushi place is vastly in style amongst locals. Actually, for those who go at lunch hour, you’ll seemingly have to wait an hour or extra on your sushi! Nevertheless, for scrumptious, reasonably priced, and high-quality sushi, it appears to be price it. Perhaps simply strive to go at an off-time so that you gained’t spend so lengthy in line.
Basik Açaí Cafe: You may’t go to Hawaii and not have an açaí bowl! Basik Cafe is a superb place to get one, with quite a lot of recent, colourful bowls and smoothies that are all dairy-free and plant-based. Plus, they’re simply attractive!
Herbivores: This drive-through and walk-up spot makes use of the phrase, “wholesome quick meals” as its declare to fame. I don’t even know what class to put this cool little place beneath, as a result of they provide breakfast, lunch, dinner, espresso, and smoothies, all of which look scrumptious! Its menu is essentially plant-based and gluten-free, and has a laid-back ambiance.
Kalikala Delicacies: Kalikala Delicacies is a family-owned oceanfront lanai on a picturesque avenue. Sit in the shaded patio and order one in every of their stunning breakfast or lunch plates when you benefit from the seaside views. The ambiance isn’t the one good half, although; the meals is meant to be wonderful!
808 Grindz Cafe: Some say that 808 Grindz has a hole-in-the-wall vibe, however in one of the simplest ways: large parts, pleasant workers, and affordable costs. General, it’s an excellent spot for an informal and genuine Hawaiian breakfast, and its largely frequented by locals. Simply maintain in thoughts that it’s cash-only!
Barefoot Zone: Barefoot Zone is a wholesome choice which focuses on recent, complete meals in a enjoyable means. Strive one in every of their colourful bowls packed to the brim with recent fruit, or indulge your candy aspect with a gluten-free, dairy-free crêpe. Additionally they have tons of different plant-based choices, together with veggie sushi!
Island Lava Java: The oceanside Island Lava Java restaurant has an enormous menu which covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all made with recent, domestically sourced substances. The restaurant itself has a vibrant, cheery ambiance, plus there’s an on-site bakery if you’d like to take one in every of their scrumptious breakfast pastries with you on the go!
Holy Donuts: Head to Holy Donuts for quirky, enjoyable donuts freshly made each morning. It’s stated stated to have the most effective donuts on the Large Island, and with good cause! They appear each attractive and scrumptious, thanks to distinctive flavors like pineapple fritter and creme brûlée.
Kona Wave Espresso: Kona Wave Espresso is a cute little place with a full espresso bar, açaí bowls, and all pure shave ice. This isn’t your typical cup of shave ice, both: it’s a saucer stuffed with it with add-ins like ice cream, pure fruit syrups, boba, mochi, recent fruit, and the rest you need to throw in there!
I hope this publish helps you to uncover the wonderful seaside and aquatic adventures that Kona has to supply, together with the scrumptious aspect! For extra concerning the Large Island as an entire, try my 25 high issues to do on the Large Island starting in Kona.
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