By: Nicole Rosania, travel content creator and writer at The Abroad Blog
There is no shortage of fun activities in Kona, Hawaii. Kona is a region on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. The main town is Kailua-Kona, which is where the Mango Sunset B&B is located. This is also where you’ll find the island’s largest international airport, the Kona International Airport. Mango Sunset BnB is conveniently located just a 10 minute drive from the airport. This guide is going to cover the top activities in Kona to enjoy during your trip.
Since Kona has a large airport and is one of the main regions to visit on the Big Island, it’s the best starting point for exploring Hawaii’s attractions. Many of the island’s top sights are just a short drive away from Kona, and there are many activities in Kona to enjoy locally.
What To See In Kona
Hulihee Palace
In terms of sights, you need to visit Hulihee Palace during your stay in Kona. This palace is located in historic downtown Kailua-Kona on Ali’i Drive. It’s a former royal vacation home dating back to 1838. The palace was originally built out of lava rock (in typical Hawaii fashion!), and was the first home of the High Chief.
This place has been home to more members of Hawaiian royalty than any other residence in Hawaii. The home was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Today, it’s a museum showcasing artifacts from the time of King Kalākaua and Queen Kapi‘olani,, including wood furniture, portraits, and more. The palace is closed from Sunday - Tuesday, but is open the other days for self-guided and docent-guided tours. Docent-guided tours are generally available Wednesday to Saturday at 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Walk-ins are welcome, although reservations are encouraged. These tours cost $22 per person. If you’d like to do a self-guided tour, you can visit from 10 am - 3:30 pm for $16.
Address: 75-5718 Ali'i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Mokuaikaua Church
Mokuaikaua Church is the oldest Christian church on the Hawaiian Islands. This church is also located centrally in downtown Kona on Ali’i Drive. The congregation dates back to 1820 and the building was completed in 1837.
You can join the community for a contemporary worship on Sundays at 10 am, or pop in for a visit during your trip to Kona!
Address: 75-5713 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Kona Farmers Market
Kona has several farmers markets each week! Visiting a farmers market is one of the top activities in Kona. The Kailua-Kona Village Farmers Market is probably the most popular. It runs from Wednesdays through Sundays 7am - 4pm and has 100% Big Island grown produce and goods. You can purchase things such as honey, flowers, Kona coffee, macadamia nuts, and handmade bread from local farmers.
This farmers market is managed by the Kona County Farm Bureau, which is “committed to the growth of more community-oriented food systems that serve to advance island prosperity”.
Address: Corner of Alii Drive and Hualalai Road, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Kamakahonu
Located at the north end of Kailua Bay in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island is Kamakahonu. This historic residential compound was once the residence of Kamehameha I, and included a place of worship (heiau), thatched houses for chiefs and women (ali'i), storehouses, and more.
Unfortunately, many of the original structures at this historic site were destroyed, but a number of the buildings were reconstructed in the 70s. This historic site now sits adjacent to the King Kamehameha Hotel, who’s name pays homage to one of the most important historical sites in all of Hawaii.
Fun fact: Kamakahonu is the spot where the first missionaries to reach Hawaii came ashore in 1820. Here, they received permission from the king to remain in the Islands.
Today, this national historic landmark is maintained by a nonprofit organization focused on the preservation and maintenance of ancient Hawaiian structures and burial sites.
Address: Kaahumanu Pl, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Top Activities To Enjoy In Kona
Go To The Beach
There are a plethora of world-renowned beaches located within driving distance of the Mango Sunset BnB. Catching some rays at a beach is one of the top activities to enjoy in Kona.
Two beaches that we recommend visiting are…
Queen’s Baths: A series of shallow swimming holes, perfect for families and snorkeling. This place is located just a 15-20 minute drive from the Mango Sunset BnB. It can be a little tricky to find — park near the soccer field and walk across until you see signs for shoreline access on a fence. Go through the gate and follow the path to the beach.
Magic Sands Beach: This popular beach is also located right in Kailua-Kona. There is street parking adjacent to the sandy beach. This beach is a bit small and can get crowded, but it has incredible waves for boogie boarding. This place is loved by both tourists and local surfers.
Swim With Manta Rays
Sound intimidating? This is one of the coolest travel experiences you can have on this planet. Swimming with wild manta rays is THE top activity in Kona, Hawaii.
We recommend booking this night tour. Each tour is about 2 hours long and includes a 15 boat ride (in the pitch black… spooky!) to the mantas’ favorite feeding spot. Once there, your guide will use a blue light to attract plankton, which the rays eat.
Despite being 15 feet long, their throats are the size of dimes, so they won’t hurt you! They will do flips and glide right in front of you under the water. They will most likely brush against you (and it’s 5 years of good luck if they do!), but don’t touch them. Be mesmerized through your snorkel and don’t forget your underwater camera!
That brings us to the end of a guide about the top activities to do in Kona! Of course, there is so much more to do around the island — all of which are easily accessible from downtown Kona with a car. However, downtown Kona is conveniently located near the BnB and has so many incredible experiences to enjoy.