Guidebook for Kailua-Kona
Sightseeing
One of the best snorkel spots on the Island and for the non-snorkelers a good place to see sea turtles. It is very close to our house.
239 locals recommend
Kahaluu Bay
Ali‘i DriveOne of the best snorkel spots on the Island and for the non-snorkelers a good place to see sea turtles. It is very close to our house.
Go to the bar at the Royal Kona to watch the sunsets. Probably the best view of the bay at sunset. Enjoy the happy hour.
27 locals recommend
Royal Kona Resort
75-5852 Ali‘i DrGo to the bar at the Royal Kona to watch the sunsets. Probably the best view of the bay at sunset. Enjoy the happy hour.
The park is good but south of the park is 2 Step a great snorkel spot. Early morning if you swim to the right of the coral into the deep sandy area, you may be lucky enough to swim with dolphins.
270 locals recommend
Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park
State Highway 160The park is good but south of the park is 2 Step a great snorkel spot. Early morning if you swim to the right of the coral into the deep sandy area, you may be lucky enough to swim with dolphins.
Walk down to the ocean at the end of the road. We like to drive into Waimea and take the mountain road. If it's a clear day you will get great views of Maui on your way to the lookout.
140 locals recommend
Pololu Valley
Walk down to the ocean at the end of the road. We like to drive into Waimea and take the mountain road. If it's a clear day you will get great views of Maui on your way to the lookout.
The largest sandy beach on the Big Island. Stop there on your way up to the Pololu Valley Lookout.
241 locals recommend
Hapuna Beach
The largest sandy beach on the Big Island. Stop there on your way up to the Pololu Valley Lookout.
There is free parking for the Beach Access and then you can walk into the hotel. There is a mono rail and boat rides. Then you can watch the bottle nose dolphins perform.
27 locals recommend
Hilton Waikoloa Village
69-425 Waikōloa Beach DrThere is free parking for the Beach Access and then you can walk into the hotel. There is a mono rail and boat rides. Then you can watch the bottle nose dolphins perform.
Great Views - similar to Pololu Valley Lookout. A must do on hour way to Hilo on the north drive.
201 locals recommend
Waipio Valley Lookout
Great Views - similar to Pololu Valley Lookout. A must do on hour way to Hilo on the north drive.
A great scenic stop with an amazing history. Stop for a few minutes on your way to Hilo.
29 locals recommend
Laupāhoehoe Beach Park
Hawaii 19A great scenic stop with an amazing history. Stop for a few minutes on your way to Hilo.
Our first snorkeling experience on the Big Island was here. Bring your reef shoes at low tide and snorkel at high tide.
83 locals recommend
Kapoho Tide Pools
Our first snorkeling experience on the Big Island was here. Bring your reef shoes at low tide and snorkel at high tide.
Wed evenings at the end of the road you will experience entertainment, good food, beverage, artists, and crafts. A little flavor from the hippy days which I find fun.
Kalapana Kapoho Beach Road
Kalapana Kapoho Beach RoadWed evenings at the end of the road you will experience entertainment, good food, beverage, artists, and crafts. A little flavor from the hippy days which I find fun.
Check for the volcano activity before you make the trip. Interesting fern vegetation and educational but a long drive if there isn't much activity.
880 locals recommend
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Check for the volcano activity before you make the trip. Interesting fern vegetation and educational but a long drive if there isn't much activity.
Bring coats. It's cold up there but a marvelous experience at the ranger station ad dusk. Avoid full moons because the moonlight will obscure the star gazing.
161 locals recommend
Mauna Kea
Bring coats. It's cold up there but a marvelous experience at the ranger station ad dusk. Avoid full moons because the moonlight will obscure the star gazing.
Southern most point of the United States. Near there people jump from cliffs into the ocean. My kids did this on their last trip over.
9 locals recommend
S Point Rd
South Point RoadSouthern most point of the United States. Near there people jump from cliffs into the ocean. My kids did this on their last trip over.
South Point Cliff Dive
My kids said it was fun.
Food Scene
It is like eating in a tree house. There are no windows but choose a window seat. You will be looking out over the pacific and experience the geckos who will come and eat from your jelly dishes.
137 locals recommend
The Coffee Shack
83-5799 Mamalahoa HwyIt is like eating in a tree house. There are no windows but choose a window seat. You will be looking out over the pacific and experience the geckos who will come and eat from your jelly dishes.
Island Lava Java
75-5801 Ali‘i DrEnjoy a morning breakfast or lunch here right along Alii drive.
Everything local is on the menu at Kens. If you want to try Kailua Pork or Oxtail Soup - this is the place.
83 locals recommend
Kens House of Pancakes
1730 Kamehameha AveEverything local is on the menu at Kens. If you want to try Kailua Pork or Oxtail Soup - this is the place.
Great Vegetarian and Vegan Food even enjoyable for meet eaters.
139 locals recommend
Cafe Pesto - Hilo
308 Kamehameha AveGreat Vegetarian and Vegan Food even enjoyable for meet eaters.