Spend a day at the beach
Kua Bay Beach
If you’re crossing the Pacific for a getaway to Hawaii, you’re likely craving some beach time. The Big Island may not be known for Maui’s abundance of white sand beaches (as the youngest island, many of its coastlines are rugged and still being developed), but there are still a few that make the “best of beaches” lists. Hapuna Beach and Kua Bay are our picks for idyllic white sand and turquoise waters.
Go snorkeling
Important disclaimer: Snorkeling in Hawaii is an incredible experience that should be enjoyed by all. However, please be respectful of the land and water and DO NOT STAND or come into contact with the reef. Learn more here.
The Kailua Kona Pier is the starting point for the world famous Ironman course
Just a short walk from the Pau Hana Condo is Kailua Kona Pier, the start of the Ironman World Championship. The Pier is a popular spot to swim, snorkel, and boat. The clear water and coral reef provides a strikingly scenic spot for viewing fish, and it’s not unusual to see a pod of wild dolphins.
If you’re open to a short drive, Kahulu’u Beach Park is my choice; it’s only a few miles south, and offers an incredible experience (be sure to use reef-safe sunscreen). Parking is easy, but expensive if you don’t park on the street: the lot will charge you $12 for a 4-hour time slot, but paying is super simple with the ParkMobile app (you just add your vehicle details and pay via Apple Pay).
Farther south, Two Step in Honaunau is another must-see (the reef is fantastic and entry into the water is a breeze), and great to combine with a trip to see Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park.
Kealakekua Bay is the best snorkeling spot on island, and arguably in the state of Hawaii. While you can park and enter the south side, the best snorkeling is on the north side near Captain James Cook monument, which is inaccessible by car. You can either hike down to the monument (it’s a challenging hike) or join a kayak/boat tour.
Manta ray dives on the Big Island
For something completely different and unique that likely qualifies as a life bucket list experience, book a night snorkeling cruise as an opportunity to swim with manta rays.
Take a SUP (stand up paddleboarding) lesson
Take a stroll down to the Marriott’s Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. On the white sand beach in front of the hotel (Kamakahonu Beach, known as King Kam Beach) you can rent equipment, book SUP lessons (group or individual), or schedule snorkeling tours with the Kona Boys. Just be sure to book ahead.
The Kona Boys stand near Kamakahonu Beach
Check out the markets
Kona Farmers Market
The Kona Farmers Market (open Wednesday to Sunday, 7am to 4pm) is located right behind Kailua Village (our condo complex), and offers a wide variety of locally grown produce and crafts. It’s always worth checking out the Ali’i Gardens Marketplace (Tues-Sun, 9am-5pm), the Keauhou Farmers Market (Sat, 8am-12pm) and the Ho’olulu Farmers Market (Wed and Fri, 9am-2pm).
Go on a hike
The Big Island is home to eight of thirteen of the worldwide climate zones, and 90% of Hawaii’s native flora and fauna can only be found in Hawaii. With consistently beautiful weather, there is arguably no better place to enjoy a long hike. Check out the best of the Big Island’s Hikes. One of my favorite very easy hikes that is closest to the condo (it’s just a 9-minute drive) is the Ala Mauka Makai Trail at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park. Don’t forget sunscreen!
Enjoy a luau
Nothing says Hawaiian vacation like a luau. If you’re looking to stay in Kona (as opposed to heading up to the resorts in the Waikoloa area), the Voyagers of the Pacific Luau on the front lawn of the beautiful Royal Kona Resort is a lovely experience with good food and great entertainment.
Go for a boat ride
There are so many options to get out on the water: a whale watching cruise in the winter months, a dinner or sunset cruise, or a manta night dive. Info about our favorites, coming soon!
Go on a road trip
There is so much more to see on the Big Island beyond Kailua-Kona. If you’re going to be here awhile and using the Pau Hana Condo as your launchpad for exploring the island, consider trips to (this is by no means an exhaustive list) Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea, Akaka Falls, Waipio Valley, the Hamakua Coast drive, the Punalu’u black sand beach, and Papakōlea Green Sand Beach.
Go shopping
In addition to checking out the farmers’ market, there are several adorable gift shops peppered throughout downtown Kailua Village and the surrounding area. The Olivia Clare Boutique offers lots of items from local artisans, as do the Tasty Kona locations. Up in Holualoa, there are several adorable shops including Kona Treehouse.
Olivia Clare Boutique
Lap swim at the Aquatic Center (for free!)
If you’re here for awhile, looking to keep up your exercise regimen, and love to swim, the Aquatic Center is beautiful, has lap swimming on weekdays, and is totally free. Check out their website for updated hours.
Ride bikes
Rent bikes at Bikeworks Kona and explore Kailua Village! The bike shop is about a 15-minute walk or 8-minute drive from Kailua Village. You can check out the rental prices here.
Relax with a massage
A key part of any visit to Hawaii is to slow down and relax. We’ve had terrific experiences with the massage therapists at Mālama Pono Massage, located in downtown Kailua-Kona, a short walk from the Pono and Pau Hana Condos. They’re very responsive via text at (808) 481-9584, and usually have availability within a day or two.
Malama Pono Massage in Downtown Kailua-Kona
Relax and watch the sunset
Hawaii is all about slowing down and enjoying the spirit of aloha. My favorite thing to do is to walk down to Ali’i (sometimes I pick up a coconut soft serve cone) and grab a place to sit on the seawall to watch the rowers do their thing as the sun sinks into the Pacific.
Watching the sun set on Ali’i drive in Kona, Hawaii
