Kona, Hawaii
From Sandy beaches to rugged volcanic landscapes and pictursquare seaside villages, Kona is the most mesmerising travel destination under Hawaiian Island. Before going in depth about Kona, it is our duty to explain a little more about the island where the majority of the island (⅓ of the area) is nestled in the west side of Hawaii Island. Therefore, it is a place great option for snorkelling and Scuba diving lovers, historical landmarks seekers, beaches, marine life’s and water related activities.
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Where is Kona?
Kona is Hawaii’s biggest island located on the west coast of Hawaii Island. Kona district is rich in history, beaches and stunning recreational activities. Due to its close proximity to the beautiful beaches and surrounding attractions, Kona makes it one of the popular spots to stay.
Kona District spans almost ⅔ of the entire western side island. Today Kona is home to many restaurants, shops, nightlife’s, historical sights and world famous coffee farms. Kailua-Kona is the second largest town in Kona.
Things to Do in Kona, Hawaii
1. Explore Kona Coffee Farms
Most interesting and popular sight in Kona to explore while you step into the island. Coffee Farms in Kona are more exclusively grown in north and south Kona, coffee in Kona has been exclusively more unique in taste and flavour due to its rich volcanic soil and high elevation. Moreover its ideal geographic conditions makes it easy for harvesting and getting more yield. Coffee tour includes Kona Coffee living history farm, Mountain Thunder plantation, Greenwell Farms, Hula Daddy Coffee and Hilo coffee mill. You shouldn’t miss out on coffee cultivation and tasting worldwide Kona Coffee here in this region.
2. Take Dive with Manta Rays
Big Island is heaven for scuba diving and snorkelling, whereas, diving with Manta Rays is truly a gem for enthusiastic backpackers. Kona is one of the rarest destinations in the world where visitors can catch Manta rays in very close up manner. During night time rays are more beautiful and clearly visible, therefore snorkelling and diving or swimming around the board help us to illuminate the plankton. Most artistic thing in Kona, to enjoy gentle giant winnings and barrel rolling while enjoying Manta Rays.
3. Visit Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
180 acres of this historic national park has great historical significance. Served as a royal grounds and used as a place for refuge for Hawaiian Kapu or lawbreakers during the 19th century. Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is believed to be one of the most holy and sacred sites in Kona. Despite its crucial and tragic history, today it contains palm free fringed beaches, temples, archaeological sites, royal fishponds, and walking trails making it one of the great public parks. Do not miss to visit the Great Wall, Fierce Ki’i and Black Lava Rock shoreline.
4. Relax at Kauna’oa Beach
Often known as Mauna Kea Beach, a white sandy shore beach and turquoise waters nestled under very scenic and relaxing destination. One of the finest beaches on Hawaii Big Island. Kauna’oa Beach is very easy to take water activities like swimming, sunbathing and picnicking since it is 10 feet deep and more crystal clear in nature. Moreover Kauna’oa Beach consistently ranked among the top 5 beaches in the U.S and known for several occasions and stunning views. Great place to enjoy snorkelling, where visitors can snorkelling along the rocky small coral reef and location of the southern side of the beach.
5. Find Bees in Big Island Bees
Family-run Bee Farm located just a mile from the Kona, where the family harvested honey from 50 years. Visitors see 3 different types of honeys like Lehua, Macadamia Nut, and Wilelaiki Honey types. Taking a tour amidst these bees could be a great experience and could help us see how honey is harvested and an apiary of 2,500 hives. Along with that, see queen bee and honey bees are docile. Do not stop your trip until you visit the on -site beekeeping museum, and have more opportunities to learn about the honey process and different types of bees.
6. Take Snorkel in Kealakekua Bay
Like Snorkelling in Manta Rays, Kealakekua Bay is also a favourite spot for snorkelling lovers. Great option to enjoy marine life in the entire Big Island, just located near Captain Cook Monument. Kealakekua Bay is filled with abundant marine water which is available just 100 feet in length under its crystal clear water. While snorkelling we can spot moray eels, tropical fish species and unique white tipped sharks. Make sure that fishing is strictly prohibited since it is recognised as a protected marine reserve region.
7. Take a Leisurely Stroll Midst of the Kailua-Kona Town
Kailua-Kona is a seaside town located in the heart of the Kona Coast. There are differences between both cities, Kona is called as the western coast of the Hawaii Island and Kailua is the largest town in the island. It is important to make yourself free time and stroll around its sleepy fishing village, Kailua village and shopping and dining centres. During your walking journey, keep in mind Hawaii Island’s historic spots like Hulihe’e Palace, Mokuaikaua Church and The Ahu’ena Heiau temples to explore. These are the most historic and cultural oriented landmarks. If you are curious about nightlifes, taste local fresh seafood and soak in the ocean views, you can try it here.
8. Enjoy the Beauty of Whale Watching
In order to join a boat tour in Kona is truly a great decision to watch whales in a very close up. Every year more than thousands of humpback whales and sharks migrate to Hawaii. Visitors may see Whales from shore and if you move your boat a little further there’s more chance to see pods. Better to visit between December to April, when more whales are available to see along with dolphins, turtles and sharks.
9. Experience Hiking in Papakolea Beach
Papakolea Beach also known as Green Sand Beach, where visitors are more excited to take 2.5 miles of round trip hiking trails. Moderate hiking trail that helps us to reach one of the green sand beaches in the world. Usually it takes less than 2 hours of time to reach and hiking help backpackers to encounter Big Island’s majestic south eastern coastlines, ancient burial grounds and historical sites of native Hawaiian regions. This Green Sand Beach was formed a long million years ago due to the olivine crystals.
10. Learn How to Make Salt?
Since Kona is an island city and close to many beaches and shorelines, obviously visitors may see regular table salts. Region is rich in minerals and nutrients like magnesium, calcium and potassium (33% lower in sodium). During your salt tour, visitors learn the history of salt making, harvesting from 2,200 feet below the surface of the ocean and how Salt process is deeply interlinked to Hawaiian culture. Kona Sea Salt Farm is a great place to learn about Hawaiian salt production process.
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