Kailua-Kona

Charming oceanside town on the Big Island's west coast with a rich cultural heritage and excellent snorkeling. It's known for manta ray encounters, Kona coffee, and being a perfect tropical escape.

Things to do

• Manta Ray Night Snorkel — Join guided night snorkeling tours off the Kona coast to encounter graceful manta rays attracted to plankton under underwater lights.
• Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park — Explore this sacred Hawaiian place of refuge with restored temples, fishponds, and cultural sites that offer insight into pre-contact Hawaiian life.
• Kailua Pier Snorkeling — Wade directly from the historic pier to see tropical fish, sea turtles, and coral reefs in calm, shallow waters.
• Kona Coffee Farm Tour — Visit a working coffee plantation in the Kona Coffee Belt to learn about cultivation, roasting, and taste freshly brewed coffee.
• Holualoa Village Art Walk — Stroll through this hillside artist community to browse local galleries, studios, and shops displaying Hawaiian-inspired artwork and crafts.
• Captain Cook Monument Kayak Trip — Paddle by kayak to Kealakekua Bay to visit the monument commemorating Cook's arrival and enjoy world-class snorkeling in the bay.

Food to try

• Fresh Ahi Poke — Cubed raw ahi tuna marinated in soy, sesame oil, and local seasonings is a staple at local plate lunch shops and casual restaurants.
• Kona Coffee — The region's signature arabica coffee, grown on volcanic slopes, is prized worldwide for its rich, smooth flavor and is best enjoyed freshly roasted and brewed.
• Kalua Pork — Slow-roasted pork traditionally cooked in underground imu ovens, often served as a main dish or in sandwiches at local eateries.
• Local Plate Lunch — A casual island meal combining two scoops of rice, a protein like teriyaki chicken or laulau, and a vegetable side, reflecting Hawaii's multicultural heritage.
• Malasada — Portuguese-influenced fried pastry doughnuts dusted with sugar, available fresh at local bakeries and food trucks throughout town.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Sacred Sites — Many locations like Pu'uhonua o Honaunau and local heiau (temples) are sacred to native Hawaiians; observe posted signs and be respectful when visiting.
• Learn Basic Hawaiian Phrases — Using words like mahalo (thank you), aloha (hello/goodbye), and ohana (family) shows respect for local culture and is appreciated by residents.
• Support Local Farmers and Artisans — Buying directly from Kona coffee farms, visiting Holualoa galleries, and shopping at farmers markets helps sustain the local community and economy.
• Ocean Safety Awareness — The Pacific waters are beautiful but can be strong; always check conditions, follow posted warnings, and consider using local guides for water activities.