Top 50 things to do and attractions in Kailua-Kona

We visited this palace on a Friday in early March and had no crowd problem. It was a very interesting look at how the Royal family lived. The museum was very well done and you could walk around the whole grounds. It took us about 2 hours to see and read everything. Very nice.

We had an amazing experience here, we booked the docent guided tour for about 20 bucks and it was absolutely worth it. Our tour guide had so much knowledge, down to the lineage and relationships of every member of the royal family whose portraits are on the upstairs walls which was very interesting. The tour was just over an hour, and we learned so many things. The upstairs room that houses the dresses shows what incredible style the royal family had. We would absolutely recommend doing the tour instead of the self-guided.

Hulihe'e place is located downtown Kona. It pro ides an historic look at the summer home of the past royalty of Hawaii. Very intriguing furniture and clothing the royalty wore and used. I enjoyed walking through the palace.

Hulihe‘e Palace is a beautiful historic site in Kona with well-preserved artifacts and stunning oceanfront views. It’s a peaceful place to learn about Hawaiian royalty and culture—worth a visit if you enjoy history and local heritage.

Loved the palace, we had a friendly welcome and took the self guided tour by scanning the QR how ever a lady was there to provide more information, I was impressed by the history and the view from this point, we also went during the weekend of the King Kamehameha's parade and there was live music, really enjoyed the visit

Wonderful cultural site in downtown Kailua-Kona. We booked the docent guided tour and we were glad we did. Sunshine was our guide and did an excellent job especially with our oversized group. Sunshine answered all our questions and added anecdotes about each room. Not a big palace but significant in Hawaiian history and culture.

While the interior was somewhat interesting, the space was very small and the price tag was way too high. Unless you're in the area and have nothing better to do, I recommend saving your time and just admiring the exterior instead. It's free!

Gorgeous location. Sensational view of the ocean and of Kona. Warm waters and sandy shoreline. Great area foe snorkeling or marveling at the aquatic life in the Lava-flow ponds. Mild waves in this gulf. While we were there, we saw 2 sea turtles, one of which popped up just a couple feet from us.

First, hot so bring your hydration of choice. And bring some back up H2O just in case.. It’s a seriously understated National park in my opinion. Very sacred space please keep that in mind when looking at how undisturbed the vast terrain appears. Staying on the path you can spot some subtle natural pools coming up from an underground network of water. Nothing h you can drink. But interesting to hear from the teacher that the early days when locals were in need of fresh water, this was the place to drink. The fishing has was “huge” with one of the largest fish pond I hear.

Great location to visit not too many tourists and the beach is nice. The hike is not the easiest on unimproved path with a lot of lava rocks and it very exposed to the sun. Need to bring water and wear sturdy shoes. Came during the gov shut down so the parking lot, visitor center, and restrooms were all closed but at the turn around you can fit ~10 cars along the shoulder.

Beautiful beach and park with a great chance of seeing turtles and other wildlife. THIS IS A HIKE FIRST and a beach second. Make sure to wear good hiking shoes and clothes. Bring beach stuff with you to change into if you want to swim and get your feet wet.

Historical, so nothing like the Volcanos or big park. We had the tripark pass so it was included but I won’t pay 30$ just because I’m not that into even it was beautiful to see. You can’t swim but there is a public beach next to it. The ranger let us keep the car in the parking when we went to the public beach. That was the sun was very hot, not too much shade places. Also not recommend with a stroller.

What a hidden gem. I was just killing time before my flight home and on a whim stopped at the park. I cheated when I saw there was parking closer to the beach, so I moved my car to the marina and walked to the beach from there. The morning time is breakfast for sea turtles. I must have seen 15-20. This was a happy little accident to have this be my last stop before returning home.

Visitor center is well maintained. There’s a small gift shop, information about the area and restrooms to use before your hike to the beach. It is a hot, sunny walk. The fish pond and beach area is beautiful. Restroom facilities near beach, as well.

This church is rich in history, being billed as the first Christian church in Hawaii. It was undergoing intense remodeling while I visited, so I was not able to freely tour. I do recommend visiting when you can, as it provides a glimpse into Hawaiian history that is rich and intriguing.

This church welcomed us, tourists from Virginia, with open arms. The worship and the community were amazing. The service is definitely more “Pentecostal” feeling (at least I presumed it that way), so if you’re looking for something more traditional, it might not be for you. I personally found the sermon the day I went more of a testimony-style rather than expository, but it was a guest speaker, so I’d imagine with the pastor it’s different. Regardless, it was an amazing experience, full of grace, and I highly recommend learning about the church and the history of how Christianity began in Hawai’i because it is a wild story. Thankful for all who made our experience wonderful. Mahalo!

Worth checking out if you are in Kona. Very cool and super pretty.

Fun place to stop for a quick history lesson Did you know Christianity was introduced to the Hawaiians back in the early 1800s? That was something I learnt. The church is the proof of it. The church is not that big so it will take you 5min although the introduction video by the entry is worth the few minutes. It is impressive to see the structure and learn its history. A fun stop on the big island. Happy travels

Mokuaikaua Church is a must-visit in Kona! Attending the Sunday service was the highlight of our trip—the worship and sermon were so beautiful and uplifting. The church is rich in history, peaceful, and truly makes you feel connected to the spirit of Hawai‘i. Highly recommend stopping by!

I love history and this church is living history. Great service and met real people doing God's work! Every time we come back to the Big Island this is our church home. Always see a multicultural gathering with a strong missions application. The building is beautiful and the people are very warm and inviting. Very blessed to have found this church so far from our church home of 29 years on the mainland.

It was my wife and I's first service which happened to be for Father's Day, and what a blessed community this is! God Our Father Is Good!! God Bless Now & Always 🙏

Was hoping for more unique finds, but a couple of decent fruit stands. While there are a lot of trinkets at decent prices, the vendors seem disengaged from their wares with one telling me that she was falling asleep. Would love to see more local artesians. Requires paid parking.

When I come to Kona i love being just a block away from the farmer's market. Friendly vendors, fresh produce and souvenirs to take to the folks at home. Highly recommended I have never been disappointed.

Love this farmers' market. It is one of the few that has only local products. No Hawaiian print shirts and dresses or tchotchkes. Local produce, baked goods, teas, juices, Mac nuts and more. Highly recommend!! Laid back atmosphere with music to sit and enjoy or to stroll to. Found vegan gluten free products and much more.

The sweet yellow mangoes we got at one of the vendors were rotten inside (3 out of 4; the 4th was delicious though) and the lilikois were empty or tasted funky (not passion fruit like). Papaya and bananas from another shop were great. Still nice to walk the market and buy local fruits, but the rotten mangos were quite disappointing. We enjoyed the Thai food truck.

parking was very pricey and on the day we went in November there was almost no fresh or local ANYTHING. 3 or 4 had locally crafted wares. mostly junk souvenirs like elsewhere. Some vendors completely ignored us, others were very welcoming. so I guess it is a mixed bag.....and probably better on weekends and in summer

More Market than farmer. Everything is from China and the fruit had stickers on it so not even local fruit. Its for the tourists more than thr locals. I did buy some cheap souvenirs and a Hawaiian shirt that was the cheapest in Kona that I found. So it was good for that. It started to rain and so they covered everything up so didn't really get to see everything.

Scam. Don’t buy fruits here, i bought a durian and asked the staff to open it up, the flesh had grey patches and i asked if it’s still good but the staff just told me it’s good and it turned out it’s spoiled.

Captain Dan McSweeney's Whale Watching Adventure was awesome! Make sure to get there well ahead of the check-in time so you can get a good seat up top (we couldn't find the meeting spot so were back of the line). Captain Dan and his crew were very knowledgeable, doing mini-presentations about the whales around Hawaii. We spotted multiple whales and had a lovely morning on the water, so overall it was worth the trip. However, if you visit Hawaii and just scan the shore from the beach, you are likely to see whales in the winter. We saw more whales breaching and tail flaps just from a beach north of Kona!

Captain Dan was super informative and the staff was friendly and helpful. Our am December visit had minimal surf and tons of whales. So glad we went with Captain Dan for our whale watching tour!

First class service. The captain and crew were just wonderful. We can't wait to do this again. Best birthday ever.

This was a great experience from start to finish! We made a last-minute reservation by calling (less than an hour before) and were luckily able to get into the second whale watch of the day. The person who made our reservation was so kind! Upon arrival, we were greeted by Captain Dan himself, who gave us instructions on how to pay and board the boat. The experience itself - whale watching - was spectacular. We were able to see a mother/baby duo, and Captain Dan goes as far as giving you a countdown to take the best pictures. You're served snacks throughout the trip by wonderful crew members. The crew also have stories of their own to share. Overall, a great experience - I would recommend this crew to everyone!

Leave your expectations at the dock and come with expectancy! Searching for whales require patience and perseverance and Captain Dan has both. It took us 45 minutes or so to get to a promising location, but we were rewarded with repeated excellent views of whales and their behaviors. Captain Dan's running commentary was educational and fascinating . He and the crew kept the passengers happy with drinks & snacks the entire way. Truly professional. Highly recommended.

We've done Captain Dan's whale watching tour twice. Both were great experiences, and we found the Captain and crew knowledgeable and fun! It's nature..... so what you see will vary. The Captain will do his best to position you to see the wales, but just be open to the experience. The first time we saw few humpbacks, but lots of other sea life! The last time (Jan 2020), we saw a bunch!

Booked a trip with Captain Dan McSweeney's Whale Watching Adventures in March 2018. We didn't actually get to go, because they didn't think we would get to see any whales, since it was so late in the season. The five-star review is because Captain Dan called and cancelled our tour before we paid for it. He didn't want to take us out and not have a good experience, and I greatly appreciate that. Instead, we spent the day touring the island and riding down to Volcano. Thanks for having the foresight and caring to not have people waste money on something that wouldn't be worth it. Next time I visit hopefully will be earlier in whale season and I will definitely re-book.

Visited the plantation on a cool rainy day last weekend and loved every minute of our tour. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable about the coffee production process and was even kind enough to answer my questions on some of the other random plants you can find around the plantation and nature trail. The coffee though…11/10, I purchased the peaberry after the tour and have found it to be the only coffee I have ever been able to drink black. Take the time and visit this place ASAP! Also, drop the extra $ and get the peaberry it is awesome!

Thank you for the wonderful tour and experience! We learned a lot about coffee during the free tour, makes me appreciate my cup of joe even more! We also decided to take the paid Natural Trail ($10 per party). The self guided tour book was so helpful, it explained each plants or scene along the way, you can really take your time and enjoy the nature while filingl in with some knowledge. Of course you cant miss the free coffee tasting and the gift shop! And if you're lucky like us lol, you'll have a chance to play and take some picture with Mr.Kitty while he is not asleep! 😻❤️

We visited the Thunder Mountain Coffee Plantation while visiting the Big Island. They're neat and organized business really fits the agra/ tourist model. They were doing free tours while we were there, and had a small store showcasing their products. I picked up a bag of their whole bean Expresso Dark which has good flavor , is very smooth, only not as bold as I would have imagined. Good stop while visiting , very nice landscape and flowers.

On a warm, rainy Thursday afternoon, we decided to explore Mountain Thunder Coffee—and what a hidden gem! Tucked up in the mountains, it was noticeably cooler than down by the coast, creating a refreshing and peaceful escape. The moment we arrived, we were welcomed with a tasting station offering four delicious coffee samples. The hosts were warm, inviting, and incredibly knowledgeable. Even with the rain, they had us covered—literally—with free umbrellas and $2 ponchos available in the gift shop. Our short walking tour was informative and fun, as our guide walked us through the process of making coffee from start to finish. We especially enjoyed seeing the roasting shed. And the best part? The tour was completely free. We didn’t get to explore the full coffee grounds due to the downpour, but there's clearly more to discover next time. There's a cozy lunch area, clean bathrooms, and a gift shop filled with great coffee and collectables. Between the misty jungle atmosphere, the cooler mountain air, and the genuine hospitality, it felt like a Jurassic Park adventure—in the best way possible. We’ll definitely be back. Mountain Thunder Coffee is a must-visit—great coffee, friendly staff, and a one-of-a-kind mountain experience. 5 out of 5! ☕🌿

Visiting this coffee farm in America’s only cloud forest was nothing short of magical. The free tour was incredibly informative — we learned all about the coffee-making process from passionate guides and got to sample some of the best coffee I’ve ever tasted. There’s a small shop where you can buy beans and local goods, and for just $10, you get a charming booklet and access to a peaceful trail through a garden that ends at a scenic observatory deck. We arrived in the morning with sunshine, and by the time we left, we were literally in the clouds with a light mist of rain — a surreal and beautiful shift that made the experience even more memorable. I can’t recommend this place enough. It’s authentic, educational, and absolutely worth the visit.

Fun experience. Coffee tour is free and describes the farming, cultivation, market and sale of Kona coffee. The mill itself was not impressive, but I found the presenters and staff to be true masters of their craft, with a high degree of knowledge. They were all extremely friendly and inviting. There is complimentary coffee that you can taste before and after the tour. Options include the light roast American, French, Vienna and my favorite, the Black & Tan (mix of the American and French). The only costs are the self-guided nature walk and of course any purchases from the gift shop. The tour was honestly quite short and modest, but I would do it again to support the business, and it’s only $10. I also had a bunch of samples, so I was rather eager to just “go.” I could fairly see others concluding otherwise.

We visited Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation in Kona and had such a great time. We took the free tour and it was unbelievably informative. Learned so much about how coffee is grown, harvested, and refined, and it was really cool to see how particular they are with their process. Our guide was amazing. She knew so much and answered every question in detail, even taking extra time to explain things further. You could tell she really loved what she does and made the tour super engaging. The shop was also really nice. We picked up a few coffee candles and they smell incredible. Excited to light them at home and bring a little bit of Kona back with us. If you’re in Kona, definitely worth a stop whether you’re a big coffee drinker or just curious about how it all works.

Bright, cheerful and friendly atmosphere. Sampled a few brews on a cruise ship stop. Bar staff was friendly and elevated the experience. Oh, beer was incredible!!! Highly recommend a stop here, only a few bucks from the Cruise Ship port. And the AC at the bar, have never seen that before!!!!!

We experienced both the Hilo and Kona locations - loved them both! We enjoyed lunch and beers in Hilo, the service was great! We were running errands stopped in the Kona location - industrial park, and service was great again! Locals or not - treated the same! Mahalo!

Great beer - we especially loved the porter. This place has a ton of outside space but we were here when it rained so this inside was crowded, hot and loud. There are some cool counter seats where you can see the tanks. The beer is great, definitely give it a try.

Great brews and friendly service Watch sports on several TVs and different streaming services Street parking Inside seating at tables and bar Also Patio but it seems you need to come inside to order No happy hour

One of my favorite places! The beer and hard juice are fantastic. The smash burger and caesar salad are top notch. It's always packed, but well worth a visit!

Great beer, great food, great vibes. It's close enough to town so it's not out of the way, but far enough removed so it doesn't get swamped with tourist traffic. 10/10.

Great beers and amazing pizza! The pestoroni pizza was brilliant, adding a garlicy drizzle of pesto was a perfect addition. Mahalo!

Great beach with 2 swim areas. The water is calm. Parking across the street. There’s a little stand that rents paddle boards and other stuff. Get here early to find parking and a good spot.

For a small beach, in an urban setting, it sure is beautiful! There's loads of white sand, palm trees, striking turquoise water, and dozens of species of tropical fish (some of them quite large.) Sure, it gets crowded, but it never loses its appeal. I think the iconic temple of Kamehameha the Great, looming just off-shore, is what gives this beach such cool vibes. Nothing screams, "Dude, you're in Hawaii," louder than giant tiki statues in front of grass-thatched hales! And, its free with restrooms and an outdoor shower close-by.

Right off the cruise ship pier, perfect spot for relaxing on the beach. Restaurant and beach rentals on-site. Calm waters with some snorkeling

Nice little beach with sheltered mainly sandy bottom cove - can be a little crowded but giving it a 5 versus a 4 for location right next to the cruise ship pier and a variety of restaurants, bars and shops - a great place to slip in the water and read a book for an hour or two before you head back to the ship. You can rent chairs and an umbrella from a stand right on the beach.

By far the calmest beach! Getting to it is a little tricky, it’s part of a resort but open to the public. You can find free public parking about a 5 minute walk away so it’s not too bad. We loved snorkeling, playing the sand, and swimming in the waters. It is very family friendly. The snorkeling was great there, lots of beautiful bright yellow fish to see as well as some others! The waters are so clear.

Cute beach and a very convenient location if you’re staying at the hotel. Plenty of amenities around as well.

To me, it’s the best of both worlds which is hard to find. Although the beach is small it has a nice sandy spot to wade in that is calm for the kids or if you just want to chill in the sand. When you start walking out it after a bit it turns into rocks and then boulders and then really good snorkeling close in. So you have the sand beach vibe and also a snorkel vibe at the same place which seems rare. Also it’s popping, you can rent beach chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, etc at Kona Boys literally on the beach at a stand. Close to walk over and get snacks or drinks and then come back and chill. Good vibe for a city beach.

Food: Coffee taste wonderful! It’s our first Lona coffee on the Big Island and it’s impressive! The bagel is also very nicely done. All of their coffee comes in double shots so it’s very strong already. Service: the staff is warm and welcoming. They have interesting merch as well. Ambiance: casual and good for takeout or just stand for a quick grab.

Had hot tea since I felt under the weather. It did not disappoint. I had Ginger lime it was amazing. They have honey you can put yourself as well. Also the price wasn't bad eithe

Been coming for years, always great coffee. Love the order ahead feature, so easy and convenient. They have some of the best cold brew around, definitely worth a trip!

Probably one of the best coffee spots in Kona that we have tried . And trust me there a few good spots here . Seems popular as there are always an influx of people coming in . Love that they open early on the weekends - smart ! We were up early and driving around for some coffee ☕️ when we found out this place was open . We ordered a pour over dark roast - oh my gosh - so good ! It didn’t need cream or sugar . It was smooth and delicious . We went back for two more coffees- a flat white and a honey latte . It was all so good we had to end it with a parfait since we saw so many people ordering it ! Great spot - do come by!!

I had the Kona Bullet here and—wow—it was amazing! The coffee was made with fresh, flavorful Kona beans, and the combination of grass-fed butter and coconut oil made it incredibly smooth and satisfying. If you’ve never tried a bullet-style coffee before, this is the place to do it. It’s rich, creamy, and gives you a great energy boost without the jitters. I honestly don’t know how to describe it fully—it was just that good. I’ll definitely try to recreate it at home, but this version will be hard to beat! Also, don’t miss their macadamia nuts—so fresh and flavorful! They’re the perfect snack to go with your coffee. As a coffee lover, I can say this spot is a must-visit in Kona. Thanks Kona Coffee & Tea ❤️

What I tried: Kona vog (English breakfast tea latte). A large was $8, which is a lil crazy considering its water tea and milk but it was ok - wouldnt get it again tho. Pros: Seating: there's plenty of seating both in side and outside of the cafe Vibe: very chill vibe, would love to come back to chill here Cons: Timing: I was the only one waiting for my order and there were 5 staff members behind the counter yet it still took 8min to get the latte.

Amazing coffee, amazing service… while in Hawaii this was my go to place for espresso. The taste and aroma of the coffee made me feel like home. The taste is not subtle like Starbucks but it has that real full body taste you’d love if you were a coffee addict. The atmosphere is very inviting and the staff is very friendly. I’m happy I could find an amazing coffee shop away from home. I highly recommend anyone try this place if their in town.

My wife and I taught a total of 81 years. One of our favorite sayings is "you never stop learning". We finished our walking tour of the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary with a better understanding and appreciation for this unique ecosystem. The credit for this goes to our guide. She was very knowledgeable about the makeup of the sanctuary, but more than that, she was SO passionate about the delicate relationship between us humans and this unique ecosystem. We highly recommend a visit to this sanctuary while you are visiting the big island!

Stumbled upon this gem of a place with a random google search. Of course it was beautiful and calm, but I didn’t expect it to be so diverse. I visited with my friend and we did the forest walk and it was such an educating and lovely experience. Drew happened to be our guide and told us all about how the sanctuary started with his grandfather and it was truly heartwarming. I definitely will be visiting again and bringing my friends and family here. Would also be great to see how the terrain and species change after some time.

Such a restorative experience. Truly enjoyed taking time to be present and understand all of the benefits that nature gives us. Being serenaded by Bri in the heart of the forest was such a treat. Also learned a lot about Hawaiian specific flora and how one persons vision can create something that had once been rolling hills and lava rock. In summary it was a transformative experience, highly recommend!

I was very surprised at the entire experience, all in a good way. Anna was off da hook awesome! We were greeted by a young lady that could not have been more pleasant and positive. We had a small group, 4 in total, I think that was nice but I could tell a larger group would be fine also. Anna’s knowledge on the history and cloud forest were much appreciated… her frustration at the Cardinal was cute and allowed for a good amount of laughing. We will come back EVERY time we are on the island… if for nothing more than to continue to support a vibrant successful transformation that will benefit future generations of history and locals alike! Many thanks to the team!!

Wow! What a journey. My family and I took the Sound Bath Experience. Brooke did an amazing as our leader/coach, guiding us through our personalized journey of relaxation and connection to the earth, by the use of calming instruments, including her voice. We’ve done a lot of experiences on this island, and we all came away saying it was by far the best. Already planning our return.

We had a great time on our tour of the Cloud Forrest in Kona. Anna, our guide, was very knowledgeable on the history of the forrest and land, as well as provided great understanding of how the ecosystem can be brought back to life through reforestation. The whole tour was spiritual and allowed us to disconnect from the busy world around us and focus on taking in the moment as we walked through the trail. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is a nature lover and wants to see a unique part of the Big Island ecosystem.

Sound bath was so grounding, also did a family hike with my 2 & 4 year old and we all had such a great time. The staff (Daniel, Pam and Taryn) couldn’t be more welcoming and kind. Definitely check this place out - gives hope for the positive change people and nature can make.

Stopped into Kona Brewing during our cruise and it did not disappoint! I’ve always been a fan of their beers, but having one fresh at the source was amazing. The pizza and pizza rolls were delicious, and the staff was super friendly—top notch service all around. The whole vibe was relaxed and welcoming. Definitely a must-stop if you’re in the area, and I’ll be back for sure!

Large brewery and restaurant in a trendy new area in town. We had a Hanalei IPA brewed with POG that was refreshing but not too fruty and a Black Sand Porter. The porter was very good. We also tried the smash burger, which wasn't so much a smash burger as a pork/beef burger on an ube bun. The ube bun was interest - not the most appetizing color on the outside but super cool on the inside. The flavor of the patty, the aioli and the bun together was great. The kettle chips were good. The fish tacos with the mac salad needed a hot sauce but were tasty, if a bit small. Service here was good.

Stopped in on a Thursday afternoon with a group of 8 and seated right away. Very nice outdoor table area and cozy, tropical vibes inside (smelled amazing). Service was friendly and attentive. Enjoyed our food and cocktails! Decent prices. Daily weekday happy hour from 3-5 PM with $2 off select appetizers, cocktails, and pints. -Pepperoni Rolls (delicious!) -Captain Pizza (good) -Frozen Mai Tai (strong, good) Edamame (nice flavor) Overall, would recommend for a medium sized group to enjoy drinks and food.

We had a wonderful time enjoying lunch at Kona Brewing, a Kona icon! Our family enjoyed two pizzas, beers, and soft drinks. Our server recommended the avocado fries as a starter. It was our first time trying this dish, and it was delicious, along with the other dishes. The service from the staff was also excellent. We felt their aloha spirit, and it made our trip perfect! I regret not buying any merchandise. I definitely want to get a t-shirt on my next visit :)

We love Kona brewing. This is our 2nd visit (first in 2018). The staff are always so free, beer cold and delicious, and the food makes for happy bellies! The kalua pork nachos are the best we've had - get the large (we blew it on the size we ordered, lol).

Kona Brewing Company was just okay overall. The food was decent but nothing mind-blowing — pretty average for the price. Unfortunately, I found a small piece of plastic wrapper in my Caesar salad, which really ruined the experience for me. The staff was friendly, and the beer selection is definitely the highlight, so it’s still worth a visit if you’re a beer enthusiast. Personally, though, I wouldn’t go back for the food.

The tour is fun and reasonable. We came back for drinks and food. No complaints. Our waitress knew we were chilling and killing time before our flight home and the atmosphere was great. The food is pretty average but good. Nachos could've used a bit more chips to finish the toppings. But you can't order extra tortilla chips. Overall, good experience. Would recommend coming if you're a beer drinker.

In the heart of Kailua Kona boasting luxury accommodations at the King Kam Marriot Aikido In the park on the beach. Kid-friendly parks clean bathrooms at the dock and Kona Marketplace. You will find Aloha at its finest dishing out as much love as possible on the tourists and locals alike. After the sun goes down expect to see and hear live bands and local artists selling their wares. Pack your favorite picnic and best palls for a day at the Bay!

This is a beautiful spot to view sunset, it has marina, restaurant all around, boat rides, parasailing, kayaking.

Nice tourist spot, fun friendly places . Great views

A bit touristy but really pretty. Lots of little shops with trinkets and nicer things to buy.

Vacation paradise.

Our vacation is starting

So amazing

(Translated by Google) Nice show with a great backdrop. The plot of the play tells the rich history of the Hawaiian island. They respect their past and tell it to us. The show is held inside the Kona Inn Village. Nice but expensive. (Original) Bello spettacolo con un fantastico sfondo. La trama della rappresentazione racconta la ricca storia dell'isola Hawaiana. Rispettano il loro passato e lo raccontano a noi. Lo spettacolo si tiene all'interno del Kona Inn Village. Bello ma costoso.

A very well-maintained / restored historic landmark. We were not allowed to get really close as it was closed at the time we were visiting the charming beach town. However, you get a great impression from the distance. Certainly worth a visit.

This "recreated" version of the personal temple of King Kamehameha the Great looms just offshore and sets the mood for your visit to the Kailua Pier area. Although you can't walk into it, or even get very close, you can feel the vibes it's sending. The giant tiki statues and thatched grass hales are a thrilling reminder of the culture that once existed in this magical place. I walked around a gate near the water to get close enough to take a picture, but I'm not sure I was supposed to be there. I respectfully took a quick glimpse and left, no one seemed to notice my presence.

Waste of time trying to look for parking! It’s just a hut, but the pictures and history in the hotel close by (I think Marriott?) is really cool.

Loved it! Right at the Courtyard Marriott we stayed at in Kona. Nice sandy beach with great easy snorkeling with a huge variety of fish the closer you get to the landmark out in the water. Had a great time!

Looks good from the outside, but even though we were staying at the hotel, they said it was closed and you can’t really get inside to see anything

I was to confirm we did not go in the gate. We took pictures from outside the gate. It was early so not sure why it was closed.

If you want to see green turtles, you’ll see many of them here. Walk to your left of the park, go there a few hours before the sundown. Beautiful place to catch the sunset( we found the short cut by parking at the end corner of the harbor. Walk for about less than 10 minutes and the beach is in front of you). If you decide to go for a long walk on the trail by the visitor center, it will be couple miles long round trip. Make sure to have great hiking shoes on. It’s sands and lava rocks throughout the trail. Towards the end of the trail, it’s so breathtaking.

The coffee farm tour was informative and well-planned. It was amazing to see how the coffee seedlings were grafted and grew in the nursery. Kona farm direct had many different varieties of coffee on their properties and it will be interesting to see single origin coffee and even some of the rare varietals coming out of Kona. Thanks Liz for the wonderful tour.

We had a lovely experience visiting this coffee farm. Kraig and Leslie, the owners, were both welcoming and an absolute delight to learn from - they shared stories, experiences, and their deep passion & knowledge on coffee making. We had a chance to visit their plantation, see their nursery, their roasting machines, and (most importantly!) enjoy some of their delicious coffee before buying & shipping some to friends & fam. Definitely worth the visit!!

Best tour guide! So knowledgeable, welcoming and just cool. Give her a follow on instagram @hawaiiangoatcoffee. Did a lot of research on which coffee farm to visit because there are so many to choose from. Glad I settled on this one! Learned a lot and my kids even enjoyed themselves.

Sue was an amazing tour guide! We learned so much about all the hard work that goes into the entire farming aspect, all the way to the roasting. Leslie and Craig (owners of the farm) were amazing and gracious hosts!

Visited the Kona Farm Direct coffee Farm. Met Craig the owner who gave us a tour of his farm and explained how he painstakingly cares for his farm to create the best Kona coffee around. He hand picks every bean. Restaurants serve his coffee. He also sells coffee trees. Onolicious! Delicious! We bought two bags of coffee.

The whole experience is just amazing! Leslie (owner) was very warm and welcoming to us. She showed us around the coffee farm and talked through the whole coffee growing and harvesting process. And we got to roasted our own coffee beans while having the most amazing espresso I’ve ever had in my life! I’ll never go back to old coffee bean again! She made us coffee snobs! And her dog and cats are just sooo cute! Strongly recommend, I learned more about coffee than I ever even thought to ask.

We had a blast visiting this coffee farm! The owners were so gracious and gave us an amazing tour of their coffee farm, the process of harvesting and roasting beans, and then roasted our very own coffee beans to take home. They also provided the most delicious Kona coffee to drink during our 2 hr visit. This was a very special, personal experience. The owners made us feel like friends!

Good views of many species of fish, and friendly staff with lots of knowledge. The dolphins that swim alongside the boat that takes you to the sub might just steal the show! 😄 Great for families.

This was a great activity for our family of six from ages 3 to 70! So fun to see all the underwater creatures along with excellent narration from our guide. We were even lucky enough to see a shark up close around the sunken ships!

This was a fun experience! The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. It's nature, so you never know what mix of fish you'll see. Super safe and fun!

Absolutely wonderful! We seen multiple shipwrecks and many wonderful fish. The operators were phenomenal and they did very well to narrate and inform you on everything through facts and storytelling. We have another booked for cozumel!!

I was apprehensive at first due to suffering from mild claustrophobia, but I am pleased to say I was not bothered at all and had a really good time on this excursion. A short boat ride will take you out to the submarine where you quickly board and head on down for your ride. It is surprisingly roomier than I imagined. It was quick and fun, and we got to see lots of fish and a couple of boat wrecks. After your underwater tour, you had back to the surface, and it is another quick boat ride back to land.

I booked a tour on the Atlantis Submarines out of Kona, Big Island Hawaii this past June with my fiancé while on vacation. I had a great experience and I do recommend for anyone that is looking for a unique adventure. You start the experience by meeting at the hotel and walking with a group of about 30 people to the nearby docks. You take a boat from the docks to the actual submarine that is waiting in the ocean. The boat ride was nice and smooth and we even saw a group of spinner dolphins jumping and having fun in the ocean. There is a person speaking on the microphone and giving the safety briefs. I asked how many dives they had completed and was happy to hear him report back that Atlantis Submarines has completed over 47,000 dives without any incidents. His comments made me feel a lot safer and I was happy with all of the staff members professionalism. When the boat meets the submarine there will be a slow transfer process of all the passengers moving onto the sub. The boat does rock quite a bit so if you get seasick maybe not the best activity for you. There is no reason to be worried about who boards the sub first because everyone gets a window to themselves and a good view. Once everyone was boarded and seated the staff will get to prepare to dive. There is good communication from the captain and tour narrator. The submarine dives very fast to the bottom and you will see all kinds of fish. The narrator will be providing a funny commentary pretty much the entire tour which last a little over an hour. The max depth that we got to was 107ft deep. The Atlantis tour out of Kona gave us a great view of the reef and a very up close view of two shipwrecks. The submarine captain or pilot gets impressively close to the shipwrecks. Great for photos or short videos. I though the view was very clear for taking pictures. Overall we saw tons of different fish. We did not see anything too crazy but the narrator stated they have seen whale sharks and whales before as well as sharks. It was a great experience and although I am not sure I would do it again I am definitely glad that I got to go on a submarine at least once. The seats are quick small but the tour is short enough for the underwater part that I think most people could tough it out.

The Kona Atlantis Submarine is located in the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel on Ali’i Drive. This is walking distance from many Kona hotels. Since the reef right in front of the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel is pretty shallow, you’ll take a 5 minute boat ride out to the submarine. Once you enter the submarine, you’ll see there are giant circular windows right in front of you. Two people share one large window. This wasn't an issue for my son and me. Now that we’ve done all three Atlantis Submarine tours in Hawaii, I can confidently say the Kona submarine tour is our favorite. We appreciated being able to wait for our tour to start in an air-conditioned hotel. The boat ride was short yet really fun and scenic. And the tour itself was informative, funny, and we saw TONS of coral and sea life in addition to the cool wreckage.

Ann is a no bullshit sanctuary host that aims at educating the public (especially kids) on the unfortunate circumstances that have led to her menagerie of animals. Her focus is the well being of her residents, so make sure you email to inquire about tours. Not the warm fuzzy type, but man she had impactful stories. She runs a non profit, so as much as the fees seem high, know that they go directly to the care of the animals.

Wow!!! What an incredible and magical place and experience!! Annie was a delightful guide teaching our group of adults and children interesting facts about animal behavior with humor and depth. I’m from San Diego and this experience was by far the best up close animal interactions of our lives. We hung out with zebras and pet them, fed an ostrich and bison. Annie and her husband’s mission to rescue and protect exotic wildlife is so pure and selfless. This is truly a remarkable place and a must see for any animal lovers out there. Thank you Annie for an unforgettable experience!!! ❤️❤️❤️

This experience exceeded our expectations. Ann is a wealth of knowledge about animals and their behaviors, and you can tell she pours her whole heart into taking care of the rescues at the ranch. Our three children didn’t get bored once in over two hours. They learned a ton and were able to interact with some of the animals. The sanctuary is a very special place. I only wish we lived here so we could volunteer!

Ann was so gracious and engaging on the tour the time went incredibly fast. I am a long time animal lover and learned so much I never knew about animal behavior. The tour was fantastic and I highly recommend it.

This was quite the interesting, learning experience! Ann was very informative and thoroughly explained to the group everything there was to know about how the Sanctuary acquires the animals and individual stories related to the animals. The trauma they endured because of the way humans interacted with them...some well meaning, but still caused major issues and unknowingly harmed the animals. Some really were crazy people and some animals were brought out out of harms way because of natural disaster. These animals have received therapy, time and special care specifically for their situations and for the type of animal they are. Ann is an incredible person with a heart for the animals. Our hats off to her and the volunteers who all put in blood sweat and tears into the lives of these animals 💙 We fed bananas to the ostrich and were all together with the three year old zebras as they walked around us and smelled us ❤️ This place is not a zoo, and especially not a petting zoo. She also quietly helps rehome dogs and other small animals and finds places to fly out some of these dogs that would otherwise be put down. This comes with great effort, time, money and of course takes a toll on a person's feelings. We applaud her kind heart!

We did the VIP tour which was a great small experience for our family with kids 6 to 10 - we had 6 people in our group. Anne was fantastic and did a great job explaining things to both the kids and adults, teaching the group how to think about interacting with wild animals, and her passion and knowledge on exotic animal care was really impressive and inspiring. We couldn’t believe how close we got to the zebra, ostriches, monkeys and lemurs and also how much we learned. I highly recommend a visit here if you like animals and are looking for something unique to do on the Big Island.

As cat rescuers and animal lovers, this was a true highlight of our visit to Kona. Ann and her sanctuary are a much needed corrective to the general unintended blindness that our human culture has towards the animal kingdom. Ann is an interpreter for misunderstood creatures, bridging the verbal and nonverbal gap we have with so many beings. Her art of healing is sorely needed and we are deeply grateful that she makes time to share and educate on top of the grueling work of animal rehabilitation.

Cool area

(Translated by Google) Great place, great views (Original) Прекрасное место , прекрасные виды

Nice beach town

Had a 💯 experience! Service was absolutely wonderful, friendly, prompt, real ohana vibes. Staff treated each other and guests kindly. Our server was super down to earth and kind and the food was delicious. I got fish tacos, the portions are great even the kids meals were quality and good portions, sat outside with a perfect view of the ocean. Id come here everytime I am in Kona. Fair prices on food. I had a local IPA, delicious too.

We went here the morning after we arrived on the big island and had brunch and it was EXCELLENT! We each ordered a cocktail (hibiscus something, and a bloody mary) with our food, and they were perfectly crafted and beautiful. The scenery is overlooking the ocean but under shade of a beautiful tree. Our food was incredible. The eggs Benedict was top notch. Our server was also friendly and helpful. Overall, one of the best meals we had our whole trip. 10/10

We ate here 5 days out of the 6 that we were here. And one day twice. Cuz it was that delicious. Their coffee, flavorful, what it needs to be. Their fish tacos, bomb. Fries, bomb, Benedict bomb, was done with a croissant. Crunchy and buttery. Omelettes so good. Banana strawberry smoothie, delicious. Ok everything on their menu is delicious, pancakes delicious. Drinks delicious. And they validate parking.

We went to check out a place that was recommended by our Wasabi tour guide Felix and we were not disappointed! Food was great, portions were huge and service was very good! We wanted to try cocktails and they were well made - exactly as they should be! Bloody Mary was spicy, perfect for brunch! Hana Hou was on the sweeter, more refreshing side (could be dangerous). Burger was tasty and fries were pretty crispy and well seasoned. Island benedict is a must for the start of a good day! And we got an amazing upside down pineapple French toast as a dessert. Definitely worth checking out!

We stopped at Lava Java for dinner and absolutely loved it! I had the beet salad with grilled shrimp added — it was huge, beautifully fresh, and honestly more than I could finish. My husband had the smash burger with fries and said it was spot-on. We also shared the coconut shrimp appetizer — so delicious and perfectly cooked. We had a great seat with a spectacular view of the water — such a perfect Hawaii evening spot! Our waitress deserves serious praise; I wish I remembered her name because she was amazing. She managed several tables effortlessly, never missed a beat, and still made us feel so well taken care of. True Superwoman energy — friendly, fast, and clearly loves what she does. Highly recommend Lava Java if you’re in Kona — great food, stunning views, and top-notch service. 🌺

Great views and service was excellent. Food was good. Pizza was our favorite of what we ordered. They have a good variety of options here and food comes out fast.

⛴️🌊🌴beautiful view ☕️🥭🍓🥤CocoMocha frappe with Ube cold foam was 🔥 mango strawberry smoothie was good. Our male waiter was very kind, funny, and welcoming. 🍛🧇🍳🥓🥔generous portions, lots of flavor and my family cleared the plates which means they loved it.

Such a wonderful and free place to visit with ample parking! Where to begin? This spot has it all! There is an awesome playground in the midst of the ball diamonds and horseshoe pits. Also, a mediocre skate park. Of course, the 0.5 mile stretch of white sand beach is great for swimming and there is even a hidden gem of a sun bathing beach at the north end of the park. But probably the nicest feature is the 0.7 mile loop walking trail that leads through community maintained gardens. The plant life you will encounter here is stunning!

This is adjacent to a park with ballfields and tennis courts and a toddlers area, then, further down the former runway, past pavilion “ Makeo ” is the beachiest strip. People without homes often need to sleep here after the gates close to block cars and during other times of day but generally aren't territory more than a h other cluster of park or beach users. There's an inland non beach walking loop and skatepark in the area too all listed here on maps.

Beautiful, long beach. Amazing botanical gardens along the one mile Maka'eo walking path.

Absolutely love this beach. Really quiet and not very busy. Lots of rocks so water shoes help with walking in the water. Shower there but only port a pottys to use and they don't seem to be well kept. But over all one of my favorite spots to swing by.

Lovely gardens and park to walk around. Just over a kilometre loop around the park. So many different flowers, plants and little gardens. Mongoose like animals and stray cats who are fed and looked after by locals. Peaceful place. Beach is also really nice sign lots of tidal pools to look for fish and cool down. Quiet beach with picnic benches and shaded areas to sit. Portaloos as the change rooms seem to have been burnt down or collapsed. Showers and taps available.

Loved this place. It felt like a hidden gem. Free and easy parking, beach, walking paths, and lava rocks. Very easy to get to and tons of space to park. Seemed to be many more locals than tourists here. I would give it 5-stars but the long-term campers might be uncomfortable for some visitors, though the entire place is very safe and friendly.

One of the best places to watch sunset either when u just landed in kona in the evening or flying out soon!

This was such a great experience. The staff was so friendly and kind. The food was delicious and abundant. It was a great variety of local foods, but they also had some offerings for kids or picky eaters. The show was amazing. The host did a great job at sharing the history and beauty of the Hawaiian and South Pacific cultures. Everything was top notch. The setting is also gorgeous.

I have not been to a Luau in over 20 years and so glad I had the opportunity to check out Island Breeze Luau. Our group had a great time! Staff was friendly and engaging, food was delicious and the show was wonderful! Our group appreciated the storytelling that went along with the dancing, very well done! We also appreciated that they uncovered the pig and explained the history and how it's cooked. During the opening of the show during the Hawaiian Prayer there was a beautiful rainbow! I've been told it is the "King Kam where the Queens Race happens". All in all a great experience and recommend paying extra for the preferred seating!

WOW! This little is the best luau I've been to! Very intimate, and so many different activities to try before dinner and the Luau. The food was outstanding & the service was just as good. Free cocktails as well. The luau itself is the story about the Polynesian culture and was so interesting and enjoyable. 10 out of 10! I DEFINITELY recommend this Luau if you are looking for an exceptional experience!

FOOD: was subpar. Bbq chicken was “ok”, fish was bland, the pig was good, mai tai was good. Would have rather had a drink and the show and skipped the food. PEOPLE: very friendly, everyone here in Hawaii has been so kind. ENTERTAINMENT: 10/10, learned a lot about the history of the islands and Polynesian culture.

I arrived at the hotel and spontaneously decided to visit my very first Luau just outside the hotel. The advertisement looked promising. Maybe a bit to touristy, commercialized and overcrowded for my personal taste. Yet well organized with what looks like hundreds of tourists queuing up to get their badges. 👀 After arrival you get a first welcome drink. Bring your ID if you look younger then you are… they are checking pretty hard… 🤣 Book early and make sure you get a seat close to the show area. Mine was rather far away which didn’t help. Especially because it’s not that cheap either. The show is good, lightweight and entertaining. (yet don’t expect something exceptional like the Oana in Waikiki). There is a huge variety of food with all you can eat and drink. The food was good. Be prepared for queuing for the buffet. I did meet many people from the US there who did it multiple times and seemed excited. My overall rating is good. I didn’t regret going yet it won’t be the first thing that comes into my mind when thinking about Hawaii. (See my other reviews)

This was my second time attending this dinner and show event, and that is what this is. You get an amazing dinner, and an amazing show. The staff are very friendly and accommodating. If you are considering going, just do it. You will not regret going.

We had an amazing time and want to thank the staff for their hard work and hospitality. Our first booking was rained out, but we appreciate being able to come back and see the whole show. Thank you!

Ululanis is the best shave ice in Hawaii, on Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island! Great variety of flavors and a quick service, althought they close early so plan ahead. Can get busy at peak times but worth a wait. I have had it at 4 locations now and they are all amazing!

This place offers a wide variety of flavors and original combinations to choose from. The ice is packed nice and firm, so the syrup soaks all the way through — making every bite flavorful and delicious.🍧 The shop itself is bright, clean, and cutely decorated, which makes for a pleasant atmosphere. It was air-conditioned, which felt a bit chilly since we had just come from the beach, but it’s great for cooling down on a hot day.🍨 The staff were cheerful and friendly, adding to the overall great experience.😊✨

Ice: 8/10 Syrup: 9/10 Consistency Throughout: 8/10 Very solid spot. Flavors: Tigers Blood, Vanilla, Pineapple Maybe the best Vanilla and pineapple I've ever had. Very few light spots and no soup at the bottom. They're really nailing the basics here.

Out-of-this-world shaved iced! We got the No Ka Oi “The Best” (Mango, Coconut, Passion Fruit) and the Coconut Lover’s (Coconut, Tiger’s Blood, Pina Colada). Absolutely delicious!! The Ulu size was more than enough for one person. The cashier/server on 11/5 was super friendly and quick. The only downside is that parking was tough. We had to pay over $20 for parking across the street. Other than parking, 10/10 would recommend.

The shave ice here was really good, they also come boozy. The flavors were delicious, this place was very busy and they did not get my order correct at first. They forgot a flavor a first and then I realized they forgot the snowcap. I went back to the counter and they quickly fixed it.

Really great shaved ice! Friendly staff and lots of flavors to choose from. Even sugar free options, I chose guava and pineapple and they were quite good. Ice is soft. Great treat!

I usually recommend this shaved ice joint to everyone. The last couple times I've couple in it's been pretty bad. I get the same thing every time. Chocolate with extra syrup. As you can see from the photo... there wasn't even a normal amount. I couldn't even eat it because it was just ice. Super upsetting. Please do better about being consistent to keep returning customer happy.

Great little quite museum with a handful of historical quilts and many impressive modern ones. Some for sale. You usually get admitted through the quilting store adjacent.

Thankful to be able to view these historical quilts. It was really stuffy and hot.

Very nicely done, has historic (over100 y.o.) quilts and contemporary versions of both Hawaiian and modern quilts. While small, there are very informative placards and video exhibits. I really enjoyed it!

This is an adorable community museum that showcases the traditions of Hawaiian quilting, particularly hand-quilted and appliqued pieces using a local floral style. Go to the fabric store next door to be let in. It is a one-room exhibit you can see in half an hour.

It was awesome!! Such amazing history. Part of the Kona Coffee show.

Amazing quilts on display as well as fabrics to purchase at market prices.

Traditional Hawaiian quilts and history. Gain entry by asking at Quilt Passions store next door.

We vended at this park recently and it’s a great space for community events. Scenic rocky beach, bathrooms, trash cans, grassy areas and a large covered open air space with a stage. There’s a few parking lots nearby and street parking.

This park has parking and bathrooms but it only available when you rent out this place. Its on of the most taken care of places only because it makes money. Although I wouldn't go to this beach because of the homeless and the sewage when it rains. They can't take care of any other beaches or parks, but they take care of this one for some reason

It was nice to sit on the wall and watch the waves. There were a few homeless people and their things nearby

Great place to watch the sunset.

Aikido In the park with palm trees and the endless surf breaking on the Rocky shore. A magical beach perfect for picnics or meditation 🧘‍♂️ relaxation. Kid-friendly environment and clean bathroom available during business hours. Drone friendly. Get 1 of kind areal photos of Konas oceanside lifestyle and marine life.

Beautiful beachfront location with amazing views. Quiet and serine this place is perfect to go and meditate. Absolutely a must see. Tropical fish as far as the eye can see.

The ocean waves and sunsets are the most beautiful things that I've enjoyed along with the colors of Kona flowers and plant life.

Thanks to our experienced experts of Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii, this was an absolutely life-changing manta ray night dive, on top of a fun Eel Cove experience. It was definitely an unforgettable trip of a lifetime to see these majestic beings dancing with each other in their plankton feeding grounds. Tears welled up- a completely surprising and unusual reaction, especially in the water- at the awesome precision with which these gentle giants carefully maneuvered their tremendous masses. I laid calmyly on the ocean floor at about 35 feet, as they filled their maws while just barely clearing my head. Dive master Justin surreptitiously monitored our air from behind us so that we could take in the excitement of 13-15 manta rays, as well as a resident moray eel that rose up like a king cobra in the center of our so-called fireplace circle. Large lights had been placed in the middle to attract their food. I ended up using only about half a tank in the 40 minutes before it was time to ascend. There were plenty of other boats, but everyone cooperated together wonderfully. Snorkelers and scuba people marveled at the rare spectacle. The crew helped to ensure that all sea life was comfortable with our presence at both locations.

This business is family owned! Went out for a two tank Manta dive, got sea sick after first reef dive. Had to change Manta to another day. The crew and store both worked with me and we made it back before the end of my vacation. One of the best dive experiences I have had. The entire crew was fantastic, easy going, performed safety briefings and made us feel at home. The captain made us laugh and got us there in record time! Dive guide gave us tips on how to be a better diver. Very friendly people and I will highly recommend this charter. See you next time!

MRDH are great! We were given the referral for Manta Ray Dives of Hawai'i (MRDH) from the owner/operator of @Kilauea EcoGuides who is himself marvelous. They do a longer snorkel period than some other operators. Total 3 hrs. Sunset boat ride along coast to selected spot. 40 mins at least minimum in water with mantas! And zip back to launch. Provided wetsuit, hot tea, soda, water and some snacks. It is a family owned business with an incredibly professional, enthusiastic attitude and fun crew who were experienced and knowledgeable! You can feel the attention to detail as a local and family owned business. Our experience was incredible! We ended up having to do a snorkel but it was fantastic too! We were going to do a dive but because we are staying on the upper NE side of the island - we would have to drive 600ft above the ND limit altitude 2000 ft (thru Waimea) to get home. We were able to rent a GoPro, as mine was not functioning, for a reasonable price. Rent one - which I would highly recommend if you don't have one yourself. But we are certainly planning to do a future dive with them! Be in awe and respect of these gentle giants - the mantas.

We had an amazing time on our 2 tank dive! We had friends that were certified that loved their experience, while my husband and I did the discovery dive. Amazing experience and amazing crew! Keni was our discovery dive master and he was the best! We will be doing future dives when we come back in the future - except we will be certified divers because they got us HOOKED!

Did a two tank dive with Keni, one close by to the dock with a few snorkelers, and then back to the dock to pick up many more snorkelers who were there just for the manta ray site. As others have described, you're guided to about 35 feet at the "campfire," point your lights up, and the manta rays just come by to feed, displaying their agility and size and they come by within inches at times. The experience was so amazing that I would recommend getting open water certification just for this dive alone. I think most of the divers with us were getting cold but didn't mind it at all to experience this up close.

My partner and I went on the single tank night manta dive and it was incredible. Crew was super organized and the boat was nice. Rental gear was perfect and the overall experience was seamless. Alex was our dive master and he was everything you want in a great guide. Dive was easy and great for beginner night divers. We saw a ton of rays and everyone was on their best behavior. Amazing wildlife viewing experience. I’d definitely do it again with this company and will likely use them next time I come over to big island for other dive trips.

Went for 2 tanks morning dive with Manta Ray Divers of Hawaii and I had a great time. Our guide Alan was very attentive, and he was cool for me to stay longer than other divers due to my air consumption rate. With his guide, we got to see the beauty of Kona at ease. Their boat was clean and comfortable as well :)

We had a blast! We saw some sharks on the way out and then had a great time with the Manta Rays! Alexis, Adam, and Faith are great! Mahalo!

So incredible, hands down a must do. I would go back to the big island for this experience alone. The crew was super great, I was pretty nervous and they made me feel very safe, gave super clear instructions and kept an eye on all of us. Definitely bring something to record or rent a go pro from them, I did and I’ve shown everyone I know the videos. Great crew and I’m so glad we chose them for our tour!

This was one of the best marine life experiences I’ve ever had. Cody, Max, and Cory were excellent guides who made the short trip both enjoyable and unforgettable. The manta rays came incredibly close, and we saw several of them. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who loves sea life!

We had the most incredible experience on our manta ray tour! From start to finish, the crew was friendly, patient, and so knowledgeable. Getting in the water at night felt magical, and the manta rays did not disappoint — they were huge, graceful, and came so close it honestly took our breath away. Everything felt safe, well-organized, and unforgettable. This is hands-down a must-do while in Hawaii. Our whole family is still talking about it! Highly recommend — 10/10! 🐋✨ Huge shout out to Max! She is amazing!

My husband and I booked the evening trip (8 pm - 10pm) and absolutely loved it! The team (Cory, Cody & Max) were fantastic - they had endless facts about manta rays, super safe and professional and genuinely lovely people to spend 2 hours with. Short boat ride took us out to the feeding spot where we floated, arms outstretched with a board. We saw 10 manta rays (size ranging from 10-12ft) and a baby ray! You don’t need to be a strong swimmer or have your own gear - the team give you a wetsuit, a flotation belt and snorkels (they have several sizes of wetsuits and snorkel available). Make sure to arrive 15 mins before start to give yourself time to get prepared and not hold up the group. All in all 100% recommend, one of the best experiences we’ve had (and we have snorkelled several times previously)!

The Manta Ray tour with Kona Snorkel Trips was an incredible experience! Micah, Adam and Captain Amy were an amazing crew! They gave us so many fun facts on Manta Rays! We got to see many rays thanks to their amazing knowledge and experience. Definetly recommend!

The excursion was an unforgettable experience. The round-trip boat ride took approximately one hour, with a one-way journey of 30 minutes. Subsequently, we embarked on a manta ray experience in the northern region, which lasted for 20 to 25 minutes. Upon returning from the ocean view, I experienced a wave of nausea. It would be advisable to avoid consuming food and consider taking medication to alleviate this discomfort. Despite the initial discomfort, the experience was remarkable, and we had the privilege of observing approximately 25 to 30 manta rays, with some of them even coming into close proximity.

We did the Big Island Grand Circle Island Tour with Wasabi tours and had a wonderful time! Our tour guide, Derek S., was so incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, funny and kind! We were so impressed by his knowledge of the island, the Hawaiian culture and language, and so many interesting points of interest that we hadn’t heard of or read about before. We saw so many turtles on the black sand beach. The volcano’s national park was gorgeous! Derek showed us the unique phenomenon of Pele’s hair that occurs during an eruption. The stops at the falls were so beautiful too. We really felt that Derek planned the trip perfectly, maximizing our time to the fullest. We could not have planned this better on our own.

We had a fantastic experience on the big island circle tour! We really lucked out with weather and were able to view sea turtles at the black sand beach, had clear views of the Kilauea crater, and saw some stunning waterfalls on the north side of the island. Our tour guide Stefan was friendly, punctual, and knowledgeable and was full of interesting tidbits about the island as we drove between destinations. I’d recommend this tour to any first time visitors who want to get a taste of each of the distinct regions around the island!

Amazing ! A full day of sightseeing with very knowledgeable guide Scott. He drove a full van of people around for 10 hours keeping us well fed and entertained. From the Kona coffee farm tour & tasting where we stopped for a full lunch to the black sand beach where we saw 4 sea turtles then on to an amazing bakery for the best donuts. The highlight was definitely the Volcano national park because Kīlauea was erupting. Scott took us to the best viewing places to see the lava eruption during the day and then after dinner we went back into the park to experience it at night. Absolutely spectacular!!

This was the best trip! Better than I imagined. The island is a very unique place and the volcano was a must see. Our tour guide was Mia who is a native islander. You could tell she was proud of her island and spoke with enthusiasm about the “Big island”. It was super informative and very comfortable travel. They pick you up on time in a Mercedes Benz sprinter van. Food, drink and snacks provided. Even rain gear. They take excellent care if you. It’s about 12 hours so it’s a long day but you will not regret seeing all the beautiful sites and learning about the history and the beautiful people. I have no complaints. ***Request Mia***as your guide.

What an amazing day! Beautiful sights, we got a great overview of the island and our tour guide DREU was the cherry on the top! He kept us on time and was incredibly knowledgeable. We learned so much about history and folklore. He also injected so much humor into the day and did several special things to make this like no other tour I have experienced. Mahalo!

We did the Grand Island Circle Tour with Kevin, who was an amazing tour guide and driver. He is incredibly knowledgeable when it came to the history of the island as well as the sites we visited. The tour is a very long, almost 11 hours from pick up to drop off, but the bus is very comfortable and Kevin kept us entertained by talking almost the ENTIRE TIME while driving! That was impressive! I would definitely recommend this tour for people who want to see all the major island sites, but don’t want to be behind the wheel for 10 hours!

We went on the big island day trip with tour guide Derek. The tour was phenomenal and the tour guide was even better. We were able to see so many places on the big island in one day. Derek was so knowledgeable and always willing to take photos of each person, at every stop, from the best angle. This does not always happen on tours like this. He entertained us and educated us while making sure we saw the coolest parts of the island in one day. 10/10 recommend, especially with Derek!

This was one of the best excursions we did while we were in Hawaii! It was affordable and fun. The snorkeling was great (so many cool fish!) “D” was hilarious and super helpful and I felt safe with our captain who successfully avoided some rain on the way back. The zodiac boat was cool and by default this is a small group tour (max 16). We got to go fast and got right up to the cliffs/caves. The snacks were nice too. This is NOT a booze and is NOT for a passive guest who isn’t interested in getting out there for a good snorkel.

Had the best time today out on the water! We lucked out with only a small group on board. Captain Marco was super friendly and very informative about the land and sites we visited! Snorkeling was phenomenal we even saw a spotted Ray In the bay as well as dolphins.

Captain Sandy is part sailor, part stand-up comedian, and part marine whisperer. She knows every ripple, every reef, and every fish by name (probably). Her stories are as wild as the ride—whether they’re true or not, you won’t care because you’ll be too busy laughing and holding on for dear life. The Whale Shark Moment And then—just when you think the day couldn’t get more surreal—you spot it. The gentle giant. The unicorn of the sea. A WHALE SHARK. Cue dramatic music and collective gasps. It’s like seeing a celebrity in the wild, except this one has gills and doesn’t mind the paparazzi. Captain Sandy slows the raft, and for a few magical minutes, time stands still. You’re floating beside a creature that looks like it was designed by a cosmic artist with a love for polka dots. Our group all said they would do this again ! October 23, 2025 will go down in the history book.... 🐟 🐠 🐡 🍥 🐟

We had such an amazing time with Marco and Devante!! The weather was perfect and they showed us around the island and even shared some history with us. They took us into caves, we saw tons of fish snorkeling, and even saw dolphins on our way back! Our family of 9 had so much fun and we highly recommend this company to everyone!

I loved my tour with Captain Zodiac! This was an exceptional snorkeling tour with Sandy. She was professional, friendly, fun to be with and shared lots of environmental information pertinent to the fish and other aquatic life we saw on our four hour trip. I truly appreciated how environmentally conscious this small business is and was impressed by the integrity in the way in which it is run. I would definitely go on another trip with them again and highly recommend them!

We had Captain Sandy and Sean for our adventure and they were amazing. Unfortunately my wife got sea sick on the way there and was feeling it badly. This is when you get a true rating because it's easy when things go right and another when things don't. They treated my wife with such care and concern all while maintaining an entertaining atmosphere. We had a blast snorkeling and were even lucky enough to have a rare sighting of a whale shark. The rich history of the area is very intriguing and Sandy was both funny and educational. That being said the way they went above and beyond for my wife is the real focus. I would happily do this again and recommend it to anyone that has the opportunity.

This was such an amazing experience. The captain and crew are not only knowledgeable but work to better their environment and share this knowledge. Highly recommend for people looking for a fun adventure and an ethical, local company. My group did the 10 AM mid day tour and it was the best! Colin knows how to safely work with the animals and approach in a manner that is not stressful or disturbing to them/ the environment. Thank you Colin and Amy for such an amazing experience.

This was my first parasailing experience and my husband’s second, and it was fantastic from start to finish. First, booking online was simple and they included options to include $10 parking validation at the hotel (good for the entire day - so worthwhile) and photos. They are also military friendly and refunded 50% of my active duty military ticket! Our boat’s captain and first mate were personable, hyped us up, and made us laugh. Such a good memory! Would love to book with UFO again.

We had an amazing time celebrating our anniversary! Ty and Christian were very friendly and had a great sense of humor. They made this experience the best ❤️ I 100% recommend using them for your UFO parceling adventure!!!

It was such an amazing experience! It’s crazy how high up and peaceful it is up there. Definitely recommend parasailing at least once in your life! The crew was great. They gave us a good dunk underwater when we asked them to, even got a second dunk!

Really smoothly and safely run. Casey and Capt Scramble did a great job keeping us at ease while making it fun. A great experience for sure.

Such a fun experience! Beautiful views, really smooth take off and landing, and the crew was so great. Definitely recommend!

Excellent experience! Don't be scared to try it! Highlight of the kids time in Kona! We did the 800ft experience. Friendly staff, experienced captain and crew.

Pretty great! UFO Parasail was an absolute blast. The crew kept it smooth, the gear felt solid, and the views were unreal—coastline to clouds in seconds. Watching the kids go up laughing, then getting to fly tandem with my daughter and see her face light up… that’s the kind of moment you don’t forget. We got soaked, we got sky-high, and every shot captured something real. The pics nailed it—fear, fun, freedom—all rolled into one hell of a ride. Definitely one of the top highlights of our trip.

This tour was amazing! Anne was very thorough and we learned so much! Coffee tastes delicious and we are able to get some to take home. There is a super cute cat name cookie who guards the coffee farm and she is super friendly. There are other local items to buy in the small shop to support too! :) I highly recommend the tour; just about an hour long and not much walking. Good parking and good value! Cheers!

5/5 stars – The scenic views on the Rising Kona Coffee Farm Tours were breathtaking, with rolling hills and ocean vistas at every turn. The guide was friendly and the coffee farm backdrop added charm. Definitely a top things to do in the area. The tour is actually free and the amazing coffee that you sample can be purchased after the tour. I love that this helps the local farmer keep more of the profits for themselves

We went on a tour of the Rising Kona Coffee Farm and it was absolutely amazing! Bryce, our tour guide, was incredibly passionate about coffee growing, roasting, and everything in between. His enthusiasm was contagious, and we felt really lucky to have him lead our tour. The experience started with a great explanation about coffee beans followed by a coffee tasting which was delicious. Then we walked around the farm, learning about the growing process, the roasting machine, and the history behind the farm. We even got to pick and plant a coffee bean ourselves, which was super fun! It was raining during our visit, but they provided umbrellas so it wasn’t an issue at all. The only downside was the mosquitos, probably because of the rain so I would recommend wearing pants or using bug spray if the weather is wet. Overall, a fantastic and educational experience. Highly recommend!

We had such a great time at Rising Kona Coffee! We brought our 4- and 7-year-old kids and the team did an awesome job keeping them interested and involved. You can really feel how much they love what they do and how much respect they have for the land and the coffee-making process. We learned a ton about why Kona coffee is so special. Super welcoming vibe — definitely recommend this tour!

Great educational experience! The guide explained coffee processing clearly and we learned so much about Kona coffee. Very enjoyable Kona Coffee Farm Tour. Can’t wait to come back and see how this farm grows. The coffee was the smoothest I’ve ever tasted.

A nice small farm on the Kona mountainside. My tour started on the balcony lookout, which has the best views of the farm, hillside, and tree canopies. This is pictureville for the paparazzi. Here we learned about the history of Kona coffee and it’s ties to the area. After a tasting, we then walked down to the orchard to pick some coffee cherries and eat and dissect them. Loved the farm and its vibe. It was specially nice to see the difference between those grown fully shaded and those grown in light. The photo added shows the dark color of the shaded plants. Special thanks to our guide for the day, Anne.

The staff were super friendly. We arrived a little bit earlier, and they made us Kona coffee. The view from the farm was beautiful. We learnt a lot of knowledge about what kind of geographical environment where kona coffee grows, how to select high-quality coffee beans, and how to roast them. The tour is definitely impressive!

I’ve hiked to the summit 3 times in the past 40 years the first time I was only 12 years old. I went with my father and my older brother. It was the most difficult yet rewarding hike I have ever been on. We spent the night on the summit and watched the sun rise, words can not express the sights I seen and the feelings I felt. The next time I went with my father and my older brother again I was 14 that time. The last time I took my other older brother because that was on his “bucket list” I was 32 and he was 48. We did a round trip in just a little over 8 hours. The scenery was different each time I went but the landmarks and the beauty and raw energy of the volcano was the same. I have a deep respect for Hualalai and all the volcanoes on this island. But Hualalai is unique in its formation and wildlife and forestry which I’m happy to say it is making a strong comeback thanks to many dedicated locals. Big mahalo!

end-of kaloko drive in a sea of spent ammo shells 1986

It's a real bummer that this volcano is privately owned by a rich family that doesn't like to share. The entire volcano is a strictly enforced "no trespassing" zone. If a local person like me wanted to hike to the summit, I would have to pay hundreds of dollars to a tour company to take me there. I have heard that you can write the Bishop Estate to request permission to walk on their land but that it is rarely, if ever, granted.

It was a magnificent sight to see and very fun to learn about the history about this volcano

The gently sloping mountainside has the meaning of being kind and shy.

I live on this island and sometimes forget that this is an active volcano. Kilauea takes center stage.

We had a pleasant experience with no eruptions. Thanks volcano!

This beach is absolutely stunning, offering a fantastic experience for families with children. The sand feels incredibly soft, like finely ground powder beneath your feet. It's also an ideal spot for various activities such as snorkeling, swimming, or simply lounging around. You can discover the beauty of marine life or just unwind and soak up the sun. Overall, it's a place where I want to keep coming back to! plus, there are showers and bathroom nearby! Parking- better to come early as it fills up quickly

Great beach. Snorkeled and saw a turtle along right side by rocks. Many fish. White sand, clear water and good waves for body boarding. Arrive early or late, or you will not get a parking spot.

This is a faily large and beautiful sandy beach. It's busy even on a Friday so I can't imagine what it would be like on the weekends but it wasn't hard to find a spot. Would have been amazing in the sun so that we could see the color of the water but it was great either way. The waves are rough (but do some cool curls), so be careful if you're not use to it and are going to stay in the water close to the sand where they break. Luckily there is a lifeguard here. A turtle quickly stopped by to say hello.

Best beach in Kona. We visited about 8 beaches on Big Island during our trip. This was by far the best (maybe we got a good day). Clear blue water, decent Snorkel, nice waves and not too busy. There's not a lot of parking.

My favorite beach for chilling and enjoying the beautiful view. Come early the waves are perfect

This beach is known for snorkeling and swimming. Parking is free and public restroom. There are showers ourside. There was a lifeguard on duty. We went just before a storm, and it was very windy. Nevertheless, there were people swimming. It is rocky to get to get to the sandy beach. I was glad that I wore water shoes. We spotted whales though far away.

Great white sand spot, nice waves but not to rough. Fairly busy on a Sunday afternoon

The only beach park in Kona that has a decent sandy beach. Most beaches consist of lava rock. Not very large and be crowded especially on weekends. The volleyball court takes up some of the space. There’s parking along the road, a small lot on the beach side and a larger lot across the street. Waves could get large at times for boogie boards and bodysurfing. Be careful of rocks near the shoreline.

This beach is absolutely amazing and still a hidden gem that not many people know about. Parking is easy and located right across the street, though it can get busy. The atmosphere is calm, romantic, and perfect for watching the sunset. The waves are gentle and safe for swimming. It’s an ideal place to relax, take photos, and enjoy the view. I watched the sunset here and honestly think it’s one of the best spots on the Big Island. Highly recommended for a peaceful evening by the ocean.

Small beach limited parking but worth every minute spent here. Water was crystal clear, turtles swim next to you. Waves were awesome not to me lion the beautiful sunsets. If you have a chance this is one of the best beaches to visit

An absolutely beautiful beach with soft, fine sand and tall waves. On our stay in Kona we came by this beach three separate times, once in the afternoon to swim in the waves and relax at the beach and twice to watch the sunset. The scenery is beautiful and, luckily, parking is easy enough in the free lot across the street. Please be mindful that the waves here are no joke-- the lifeguard made multiple announcements asking people to be careful due to the high number of spinal injuries that take place. Also, because of the strong waves, I wasn't a huge fan of the snorkeling here (if you want to snorkel I suggest driving another few minutes up the road). If you are a strong swimmer or if you are just looking to relax at the beach, this is a solid spot to visit!

Good wave activity here. Be cautious with your kids under 2 years old; I wouldn't recommend bringing them out. There’s a strong current, and your feet could be touching the ground, and the next thing you know, you’re struggling to keep your head above water—especially if you can't swim. The floor is uneven. So, it's not very safe if you're holding little ones. Trust me, if I hadn't been close by to my wife and son, they both would've drowned. Keep safe.

Mainly for boogie boarding. There were people snorkeling but I’m not sure how great it is! The waves get pretty big so I didn’t feel comfortable letting my little kids go out without someone with them but my husband and oldest kid had fun! I wouldn’t recommend this beach if you have small kids because the waves will pull them into the water. There was a lifeguard there though which was comforting.

We swam here as a family, and it was so much fun! The water was beautiful and warm. My only complaint was that a group of people were getting high by our rental car.

The food was phenomenal! If only the service was too. We arrived about 15 minutes before happy hour and sat at the bar. After placing our order, a cocktail and 2 appetizers, we overheard the bartender asking the woman next to us if she would like another cocktail. She declined and wanted to wait 10 more minutes so she could get the happy hour price. He shrugged it off and said, "I'll put it in as happy hour." Looking out for your patrons should be a service standard. Happy hour was not even mentioned when we sat down. Support locals, shade the tourists. Aloha.

Awesome place ! Great food, atmosphere and service! First time ever menu that had a you choose 4 flavors “flight” of poke appetizer! I had it for my meal and it was so generous that I took half of it home! Hubby’s teriyaki beef short ribs were delicious! Their fish marketplace had poke flavors for takeout! I highly recommend it!

The poke was awesome. We got the Poke Nachos and the old boy. The chef flavor of the day, hottie and sweet. Everything had great flavor. Our server gave great suggestions. We even had the coconut ice cream and fried ice cream with coconut and taro. We loved everything and we will be back. The portions are generous.

The best, and I am not kidding, the best fish tacos on the island. We came for lunch and my husband ordered the tacos while I ordered the seafood pasta. The pasta was not great (pretty bland) but the tacos were so good that they eclipsed that and make this restaurant still deserving of five stars. Get the Cajun seasoning on the fish and you will thank yourself. They were so good we came back for our final meal prior to our flight a few days later and ordered - yes - fish tacos (both of us this time). Their cocktails and calamari appetizer were also good! But I am still dreaming about the tacos.

Nothing like fresh poke as a first on-island meal. We chose 1 fish and 2 sides with brown rice. Service was nice and efficient. Good selection of poke.

Omg the best poke I’ve ever had - we had the poke nachos and the tuna on it was absolutely mind blowing. We also got Korean chicken which was so so good. I got a coolada and it was delicious. Favorite place we’ve been to in Kona! Our waiter was also so so helpful and had the best energy. Shout out to Isaiah for being amazing!!

Best fish tacos I’ve had in a long time with a GF variation lettuce wrap. Amazing and we’re going back for poke nachos! The bar tender was very nice and funny, she made the visit even more enjoyable. No wait to sit at the bar if you don’t have kids with you, otherwise small wait time right at the start of happy hour.

One of the best things to do on the Big Island! The Maunakea Summit at sunset is absolutely breathtaking. Watching the sun dip below the clouds from over 13,000 feet is an unforgettable experience. The sky lights up in incredible shades of gold, pink, and purple, and being above the clouds truly feels like standing on top of the world. I will definitely go again—it’s easily one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen!

Great place for sunrise and sunset views. Definitely recommend to visit at 14000 ft. I did visit both morning and evening, noticed that evenings are generally cloudy so less chances of getting a good 360 view of the island. However, mornings are clearer and had good sunrise views. Also a lot less crowded in the mornings than in the evenings. When you come down, your break temperatures are checked, and needs to be less than 300 F otherwise you would need to spend a few minutes at the visitor center check in for the breaks to cool off. You break more often in the evening because of the crowd and end up with heated breaks requiring to stop on your way back. Altitude sickness is generally not much of a concern but one has to be cautious if any prior healt concerns exist. One would need to be at leat 1 hour at ahead ( 30 minutes at the visitor center to acclimate to the altitude and then another 30 minutes drive to the top). If you use a jeep 4X4 , they recommend to keep your drive train at 4LWD up and down, however, there are spots where there is a thar road and in those spots going at 4HWD is also fine and no problems if the weather is dry. Definitely worth a visit

It was a place to go once but if I have the chance to go again with snow on the mountain would. I do have asthma and did okay so just beware if you have it. It was fun to see the top of the clouds and the visitor center was nice, especially since you have to wait there for 30 minutes for your body to adapt to the altitude. The people who work there are very nice and have a great sense of humor as they tell you what and how to drive the car up there. You do need either a 4 wheel drive or all wheel drive they say but it would be best to have the 4 wheel drive. All in all it was worth going once just to say you did it.

We visited Mauna Kea about a week ago, and it was an incredible experience! Be prepared — it gets very cold at the top, around 2°C at just over 4,000 meters, so warm clothes are a must. The view, however, is absolutely breathtaking — you can see above the clouds, and the sunset is truly unforgettable. There are quite a few tourists, so you won’t be alone, but it’s still worth every moment. A useful tip: check online beforehand to see if the road to the summit is open, as it can sometimes be closed due to fog, snow, or safety conditions. Overall, an amazing and unique experience — highly recommended for anyone visiting Hawaii!

Unbelievable experience, the view is like no other. I was short of breath for a few minutes while my body acclimated to the change in oxygen level and it was 38 degrees farenheit ar the summit whereas it was 80 at the beach, layer up or bundle up. 😂. We stayed there till night and got some amazing photos

Must visit when on Big Island. We visited for Sunset. Keep 60 mins before Sunset for the drive up. They make you acclimate for 30 mins at the visitor centre before the drive up. No visitors are allowed up with 30 mins left for sunset so don't be late. It is 0c at the top so go prepared. Need a 4x4 to go up, the road is really tough terrain.

By far one of the coolest experiences of my life. I love the stars and space and getting above the clouds and learning what the observatory looks for is so cool. The show put on by the visitor center is great and getting to the top of the mountain was amazing. Bring a jacket!

I visited the Ocean Rider Seahorse farm on the Big Island of Hawaii. The tour was informative. Jasmine the guide was fun and knowledgeable. Facts about the potential loss of the seahorse were alarming. So were changes in the seahorse from wild to industrial production to "Preserve the Species": 1. Wild seahorses mate for life. Industrially produced products are polygamous. 2. Wild seahorses are hunters and only eat live food. Industrially produced products eat frozen food. Which brings to mind the question, are we saving the seahorse, by industrial production? Possibly, if industrial products go to pet aquariums or to supply alternative medicine, sparing native wild seahorses. If wild seahorses go extinct, will we be left with only industrial product seahorses? The tour was fun. You do get to see and hold seahorses. You see what they are being fed industrially (not what they eat in the wild). Interesting but pricey, in the off season approx. $75/ per adult. No kids go free, $5 discount? More expensive for the deluxe tour where you get to hold more than just one seahorse. The touchy feely tide pool was fun: sea urchins that collect things and decorate their bodies, clown fish, various starfish, the sea cucumber. Fun for kids. Step stools for kids. I saw several families there. Educational experience where you see & touch things. You even get to eat seaweed😬 Flat access with walkways. Handicapped access is fair. May require standing to see what is in large tanks. Some places too narrow for a wheel chair. Plenty of free parking. A bit difficult to find without google maps. Road there is bumpy.🤯 *Check out the photos!

We hesitated to book this one until our last few days on the island, knowing we had to fill out our day after checking out and before our flight. It seemed a bit steep for "holding a seahorse", but we figured where else would we get the opportunity? We booked only a day in advance with no issue. Easy to find out by the airport on the west coast of Kona, it was a small little building and from the front didn't look like much. However, our tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable and every detail she shared was fascinating. The birthing and growth pools, the feeding, and the displays were all very fun and exciting. I was right, though, holding a seahorse was cool but... it was over in less than 60 seconds (I'm glad I didn't pay for the option to hold one twice - for four of us I think that would have cost an extra $160). I was glad we did it, and would recommend it for sure if you love seahorses and aquatic facts. And it felt good to support them as their initiative is to sell domesticated seahorses to prevent the capture of "wild" ones that are already endangered.

This was such a fun tour. They were so informative and it was neat to see the sea horses at all different stages of development. It was amazing to hold a little sea horse. They do great conservation work here!

We went to Ocean Rider’s Seahorse farm today and really enjoyed ourselves. So interesting to learn more about them and get to look inside the tanks and see them from little babies (fry) all the way up to adult hood. We even got to have a couple wrap their adorable tails around our fingers. They even had some Weedy Seadragons and you just can’t believe that they’re real. If you like seahorses then this is the experience for you!

What a great tour! While it's a bit pricey, I found it to be very informative and their operation very solid. The sea horses are simply amazing and also very healthy looking.

What a lovely find! Friendly employees and cutest gift shop EVER! This may be possibly a core memory for our 5 year old. For the next 4 days she showed everyone how to hold her hands and hooked a little rubber seahorses from the gift shop to her fingers just like her real life experience. While I am a beginner home aquarist myself, it was inspiring to learn of their husbandry practices and see their huge success rate in real life! Maybe one day! 😍 Would love to come back again.

The pricing is absolutely predatory. $48 for a seahorse stuffy!? $300 for a family of 4 for barely one hour!!!? During that hour, only 5 minutes of that was interactive: - 30 seconds of feeding a small cup of shrimp to a vat of seahorses from top down so there wasn’t much to see, - 60 seconds getting your hands ready for a seahorse, - 30 seconds of actual seahorse holding, - 3 minutes of sea urchins in a touch tank. Honestly this could have been just a short talk in the room with display tanks at the end showing shrimp (their food), babies, and adults; and then wash hands and hold the seahorses a few times (not just once). For half the price. However, giving this 4 stars because the kids were delighted that they held a seahorse and I don’t know anywhere else in the world where they can touch a seahorse.

Very nice people. We were allowed to go in to see the vines growing and developing beans. There were beautiful orchids growing in pots. It was nice to be able to look at merchandise without the hovering employees and locked cabinets we encounter in Las Vegas. I bought some vanilla beans and intend to make vanilla extract.

We loved our visit to The Vanillerie! Our guide, Aurora, was knowledgeable, engaging, and even added some fun puns along the way. We learned so much about how orchids produce vanilla beans and appreciated supporting a local farm. The tour ended with vanilla ice cream—don’t miss trying it with the vanilla salt and pepper, it was outstanding!

We had a great time at The Vanillerie with Candee as our guide. Who knew vanilla was so complicated and amazing! We learned so much, Candee was extremely knowledgeable, funny, and engaging. Great gift shop will all things vanilla and more. I highly recommend this as a must do activity while in Kona!

🌟 My Experience We had such a fascinating and educational time at The Vanillarie! 🍃 The tour was led by Candy, who brought so much passion and knowledge to the experience. Learning about the process of growing, harvesting, and curing vanilla beans right in Kona was truly eye-opening. 🌺 🍽️ Tasty Treats At the end of the tour, we got to enjoy a delicious tasting of vanilla bean ice cream 🍨—creamy, rich, and full of real vanilla flavor! It was the perfect way to wrap up the experience and truly taste the fruits of their labor. 🙌 Outstanding Guide Candy was phenomenal! 👏 Her expertise and warm, friendly personality made the tour feel personal and engaging from start to finish. You can tell she loves what she does—and it shows! 💰 Great Value This tour is an incredible bargain for the amount of insight and tasting you get. 💵 Educational, fun, and budget-friendly—what more could you ask for? 💬 Final Thoughts & Recommendation If you’re visiting the Big Island and want to do something a little off the beaten path, The Vanillarie is a hidden gem 🌿. Highly recommend this tour to anyone curious about local agriculture, gourmet ingredients, or just looking for a sweet afternoon. Mahalo, Candy! 🤙🍦

Near the Kona airport. Informative and fun. Aurora our guide spent time educating us about the history of vanilla. Growing vanilla orchids. You get to see the plants and growth in all stages. Learn why vanilla is one of the most expensive spices in the world! Family friendly. Two hour tour. Reasonable cost $25. Flat access, however, gravel walk makes it unfriendly for strollers or wheel chairs. Best of all you get to sample their vanilla icecream. It was made with beans grown at the farm.

Candee was great guide telling the story of the diva known as Vanilla. The premises were organized and they had a lovely gift shop to try and sample products. They provided vanilla ice cream made using their own vanilla at the end of the tour that was the best my wife has had (and vanilla is her favorite so she's had some good ones). We are so excited to share the gifts of vanilla we bought here with friends and family back home.

My husband and I loved our tour here with Aurora! I had no idea harvesting vanilla is such a time intensive labor of love. The Vanillerie does everything by hand, and encouraged us to look into buying our own beans and making our own vanilla as well! Aurora was a great guide, fun and conversational while also getting granular about the process of growing, harvesting, and curing vanilla beans. Would highly recommend, especially if you’re looking to kill some time before your flight as it’s right by the airport!

When you exit the parking lot and reach the beach, turn right and walk for about 2.5 miles. You’ll cross a small bridge where turtles are often seen hanging around. On your right, you’ll see the lagoon that’s in the photo. Keep walking and go over the rocks — you’ll find this amazing sea turtle spot with super calm waters, perfect for snorkeling. I saw 13 turtles there that day! Try to go in the morning, because after 2 p.m. the ocean gets really rough, which can make it harder to see them. It’s a long walk but totally worth it!

Check all trails or Google maps for hike in locations. This is an awesome spot to see sea turtles and if you bring snorkeling gear it is great for that. It was best for us to hug one of the banks ( lava rock or rocky / sandy side) to see many animals. Lots of things to see. Hike was easy, maybe best to have shoes so small rocks don't interfere with flip flops.

The place is not clearly marked and the road to the parking lot is very bumpy and unpaved. I recommend to use a 4WD but you can use a rental car. After we parked, we saw several goats walking around. The bay is very pretty but the hike there is long and rocky: about 4-5 miles and I recommend to use water shoes or walking shoes not slippers. If you walk a bit further you will see a monk seal and if you go all the way to the bay and if you are lucky, you will see some sea turtles. The place is not very crowded and has a lot of animal life

We were there twice and both of the times we saw a lot of sea turtles and we also saw a spotted eagle ray.

My favorite place for snorkeling, swimming and watching turtles. Hardly ever many people there so just go there anytime.

The absolute prettiest experience ever! We started at the trail head for the day use and parked our car. Right before the parking spots is a little rocky but we had a jeep so it was perfectly fine. I definitely recommend tennis shoes as the beaches are pebbles and rocks and to get to the lagoon you have to climb over lava rocks and it does not feel great walking on it in sandals. Once we walked down to the trail head you can either go left or right. We did both. We took a right and walked around 2.5 miles one way to find the lagoon. Once you get there it is absolutely beautiful and worth every step. We saw lots of turtles, beautiful fish, a sting ray and beautiful goats. I would definitely recommend bringing snacks and lots of water!

It’s all about the water and this place is magical. Good for snorkeling, will need some rubber shoes but just beautiful.

Arrived via cruise ship, lovely little town to wander through. This cultural heritage site is a very short walk off the pier. Historic temple and royal Tahitian site. Walk through from beach side and respect the signs to not enter areas.

This pier is free and open to public foot traffic. On either side, you will find beautiful, sandy-bottomed beaches with shallow turquoise water, nicely protected from big waves. Although it is used for commercial purposes, like docking tour boats, it's also a fun place for locals and tourists to enjoy the ocean. You will see people fishing, launching paddle boards, and kids jumping off the railings. The water is so astonishingly blue, it doesn't look real! And, the views of Kona and the King Kamehameha temple are stunning.

Came in on a Norwegian cruise ship. Nicest pier in Hawaii so far as most were commercial and warehouses. This pier was like a small town with plenty of shops and restaurants.

Great place to go with kids to a safe secluded beach. It is also a fun site as it is where the Ironman swim is held. The pier itself requires a key to park on but still fun to walk on and view the historic structures. It is also a great place to dive, just make sure to bring a flag and float as it is an active boat channel and ramp.

Beautiful pier. It is a nice place to watch the sunset, watch people fish and admire the ocean views. The water was an unreal shade of blue and there were tons of fish to watch.

I recently experienced the Body Glove Historic Dinner Cruise with Captain Rick, and it exceeded all expectations. The historical insights shared by Captain Rick added a fascinating layer to the scenic journey. The dinner was not only delicious but also served with impeccable hospitality. The combination of a stunning sunset, rich history, and Captain Rick's engaging narration made this cruise a memorable and highly recommended experience.

Its popular for travelers and locals also. Its easy to access from any place in downtown. If you do not want to travel far away for swimming and snorkeling, this place could be one of the best spot for them. There is shower and toilet facility. Parking would be challenging, and you may want to park your car at the public parking lot and walk down to the pier. ABC store is near by the pier and you may want to buy some drink or snack.

Our Big Island vacation included St. Michael the Archangel Church while visiting Kailua-Kona. We were not able to attend a mass, but the church is so peaceful and beautiful with its open-air layout you want to just sit and take it all in. The architecture is modern and simple allowing one to focus on their spiritual needs. There is a small cemetery along the parking lot with a sculpture that makes you feel the full emotional bond of a mother and child. The grounds are beautifully manicured and have wonderful statues and religious icons, including a gorgeous marble statue of St. Michael and a Blessed Virgin choral grotto. Upon entering the church you are greeted by the baptismal font which is an actual fountain, filling the space with the sound of its tranquil flowing waters. Magnificent mosaics of Mary, Jesus and local saints adorn the rear of the nave. The stations of the cross that adorn the walls of the nave are beautiful in their subtle colors. St. Michael the Archangel is just a short walk away from Huliheʻe Royal Palace and definitely worth a visit, even if you’re just passing by or looking for a quiet moment.

I loved this church so much! From the shell leis they greeted us with to the beautiful liturgy to the fun outdoor gift shop, St. Michael the Archangel created a wonderful experience for everyone attending Mass. It didn't hurt that as we walked to the church we were treated to one of the most beautiful sunrises I've ever seen. Wonderful, sacred place.

Beautiful church. Pray for parking 🫶🕊️ children's cemetery and special remembrance for the unborn. Eucharistic adoration Wednesdays and daily mass at 7am

First time on the island looking for a Catholic Church.. boy did we find the place! This church was bright and airy. Everyone was very welcoming and made you feel like you have been coming here for years. The music is outstanding with a Hawaiian touch.

The history & Mission of St. Michael the Archangel was founded at the time of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi on our beautiful church grounds just a short walk away from Huliheʻe Royal Palace. The priests of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary established our faith community on July 5, 1840, with the first permanent church building having been completed in 1850. #hawaii #travel

Wonderful church that offers Spanish church at noon...really beautiful

Beautiful church. Plenty of room and lots of airflow inside. Extra parking in the back with an easy walkway around. Wonderful and friendly people.

A very interesting tour! Highly recommend!! Our guide, Kai is very knowledgeable and personable. He was accommodating to my husband’s needs who walks slowly with a cane. The Kona BBQ food truck next door is also a win while you wait for the tour to start or enjoy at the end.

Wonderful opportunity to get up close and see the process of farming abalone. This was such an informative and fun tour for everyone in our group​! We really had a great time learning about the importance of farming abalone. Our tour guide was absolutely amazing, he was very knowledgeable about every process involved in the care of abalone. My niece and nephew enjoyed the hands on part of the experience as well so it's great for families. We all loved this experience and look forward to going back with friends and family to learn all about abalone!

The farm just reopened last week after closing for about a year. It's the biggest abalone farm in the US. The tour was very interesting and informative. We learned so much about abalone and the history of the farm from our tour guide, Carlos. Since it just reopened, there were no baby abalone, but they should start reproducing again in a few weeks once their new biologist joins. Carlos was very knowledgeable and he even gave us some sea grapes and a steamed abalone to eat at the end, which were delicious! This was probably our favorite activity on the big island! We got some more abalone at their food truck next door after the tour. Highly recommend even if you don't do the tour!

I will never look at an Abalone the same way again! Or seaweed, or sea urchins… Carlos was a wonderful guide, very knowledgeable and fun. The steamed abalone and sea grape treats at the end were absolutely delicious. There is a food truck on site serving up abalone dishes, we did not partake, but the menu looked great. I highly recommend this tour while in Kona!

The tour was absolutely amazing and interesting! The staff showed us abalone in different ages, and I was super shocked that it was so small even if it is already one year old. We also learned a lot about their growing environment and food. The abalone food truck is great. We love the abalone sashimi.

This is a great tour! Carlos is a wealth of information and is a great presenter. I used to dive for abalone in Alaska…so many things I didn’t know about them. I will never look at them the same.

Carlos gave an exceptional tour. He is very engaging and informative. It was excellent to see the care Big Island Abalone has for the ecology and welfare of the island and the species. The tour was followed by the Kona BBQ experience. WOW! The meal was so delicious. If you haven't visited you are missing out.

Really nice beach, having a bumpy ride to get here (make sure you have the correct vehicle) but incredible to see the landscape. The beach is really nice, small walk from parking to beach, where you get to see some animals. I even got to see a monk seal! 10/10

Excellent beach. Take your 4wd vehicle over the 10 minute bumpy drive. Park and walk RIGHT along the trail. 5 minute walk to a great boogie boarding beach for kids. Don't walk straight from the parking lot as that beach is very rocky.

Pros:secluded, uncrowded, shade, seals (restricted area). Cons: high clearance rough road to get there, rocky floor along shore, no real snorkeling. Not worth the effort w so many other beaches.

The road reach to the beach is very tough, you must have 4X4. But it’s worthy, it’s not that famous one, due to the road,but we like it very much, beautiful quite beach, clean water, soft sand, you can stay there for whole day.

A great little beach with not too many people.The way to the beach is a little walk. The road is unpaved, a lot of holes and stones. Cars of all types were driving on the road, but they drive real slow. We finally made it there, and it was worth it.

Wow!! Simply breathtaking. Beautiful views of the beach + relatively calm for swimming + even has some shady areas too. And not far to reach from parking lot by the trail.

WARNING: Rough road conditions. If you have a sedan drive slow and be extremely cautious. You don't want to damage your rental vehicle and end up paying for repairs. Let SUVs/4x4s pass you. Road is unpaved, rocky, and full of deep pot holes. There is a small section of paved road that has tall speed bumps. Beach: Short 10 min hike. This is the second further beach and not the one where the actual parking lot is. Most people park near the trail entrance ( that leads to the second nicer beach) just before the main parking lot. If you make it to the beach - you can snorkel, and boogie board. One of the few almost rockyless white sand beaches on Big Island. Mild to moderate waves. No showers. Really one of the quietest nicest beaches on Big Island but an obstacle to get to if you don't have an all terrain vehicle.

Great place for Hawaiian souvenirs, food, plants, art, coffee etc. You name it this market seemed to offer it all. I enjoyed all the little shops this place had to offer. Great courtyard space with tables and chairs and everyone working was very nice.

Marvels of Hawaii, love this place!! The owner is amazing as well, super nice and friendly and has excellent service. Always willing to answer any questions you have, taste test any products you may be interested in. Love the variety in food - balasamic, tea, snacks, seasonings, etc. and the Star Wars art and memorabilia, it is truly amazing. Definitely check this place out you’ll have an amazing experience!

I love this quiet little market. It’s never too crowded always a parking spot and I find very peaceful place to have some lunch and browse the different boots of local merchants. The birds are chirping and happy and it’s fun to see them gathering around the tables where people eat in the grass under a big tree. I usually buy some things from the local merchants to support Business here and order a wicked good fish burrito from.Shaka Tacoz. Local made soaps and coffee beans are always great here . Plus lots of other goodies.!

This is a cool stop while on the Big Island of Hi. This is an upscale marketplace to come and look. There are food vendors and local artisans. It’s a worth a stop.

Had a lovely morning walking around the various stalls of local wares. Definitely something for everyone. Everyone was very friendly and keen to help and offering suggestions. The photographer is very talented with an array of ocean and island nature scenes. The beautiful selection of silver jewelry provided a fabulous one of a kind gift shopping opportunity. Our taste buds will definitely enjoy the tea and vinegars we will enjoy once back home. The fish tacos are not to be missed either. We understood Shaka tacos to be the best on the island and the recommendation was not wrong. Fish tacos were some of the best we have ever had - and the venison tacos were perfectly cooked chopped venison (no minced). Will definitely visit again before our vacation ends and highly recommend.

Waited an hour for the shave ice place to open. Glad I did. Best shave ice I had in all of Hawaii

Some nice jewelry and knick knacks for home, but I really liked the more unquie stands such as the flower stand with fresh herbs and fruit to grow and the food stands. A nice marketplace that is away from the more busy Kona Shopping further north on Ali‘i Dr, but similar pricing.