Kona Guide Book
Sightseeing
Spiritual sanctuary for Hawaiian culture and history. Also known as the City of Refuge. Please be very respectful when visiting this park. It's the burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty.
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Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park
State Highway 160Spiritual sanctuary for Hawaiian culture and history. Also known as the City of Refuge. Please be very respectful when visiting this park. It's the burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty.
Really good snorkeling spot. It's about a 35 minute drive from Alii Cove. It's a fun drive. If you go to Two Step, the Pu'uhonua O Honaunau Historical Park is right next door. I'd stop by the park and check it out since it's so close.
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Two Step
Really good snorkeling spot. It's about a 35 minute drive from Alii Cove. It's a fun drive. If you go to Two Step, the Pu'uhonua O Honaunau Historical Park is right next door. I'd stop by the park and check it out since it's so close.
Good spot to see sea turtles. PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB the sea turtles. This is a sacred park. There are no beach chairs, umbrellas, or tents allowed on this beach.
Aiopio Fishpond
Good spot to see sea turtles. PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB the sea turtles. This is a sacred park. There are no beach chairs, umbrellas, or tents allowed on this beach.
If you want to see an active volcano, this is the place to go. It takes approximately 3 hours to drive here from Kona. This is an all-day excursion. Bring comfortable walking / hiking shoes. You can walk through a lava tube, walk across the caldera, walk to the overlook spot to see active lava. Plan on doing a bit of walking while you're here. If you don't want to drive home in the dark, it might be a good idea to spend the night in Hilo.
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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
If you want to see an active volcano, this is the place to go. It takes approximately 3 hours to drive here from Kona. This is an all-day excursion. Bring comfortable walking / hiking shoes. You can walk through a lava tube, walk across the caldera, walk to the overlook spot to see active lava. Plan on doing a bit of walking while you're here. If you don't want to drive home in the dark, it might be a good idea to spend the night in Hilo.
In Hilo, I think this is better than the lava tube in Volcano National Park but it's not as easy to walk through. The floor of this lava tube is uneven and you should bring good shoes to hike through here.
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Kaumana-grottorna
1492 Kaumana DrIn Hilo, I think this is better than the lava tube in Volcano National Park but it's not as easy to walk through. The floor of this lava tube is uneven and you should bring good shoes to hike through here.
Rainbow Falls
In Hilo, worth the visit if you're in the area.
Near Hilo, the waterfalls are gorgeous and a good place to go hiking.
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‘Akaka Falls
Near Hilo, the waterfalls are gorgeous and a good place to go hiking.
Downtown Kona, usually on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Local vendors, artists, craftsmen, sell their wares.
Kokua Kailua Downtown Village Stroll
75-5677 Ali‘i DrDowntown Kona, usually on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Local vendors, artists, craftsmen, sell their wares.
North of downtown Kona, they launch from the wharf about a 20 drive north of the condo. They have several snorkeling excursions and whale watching options available. We like their morning snorkeling trip to Captain Cook, probably the best snorkeling spot on the Big Island. Search the web for Alii Ocean Tours.
Ali'i Ocean Tours
North of downtown Kona, they launch from the wharf about a 20 drive north of the condo. They have several snorkeling excursions and whale watching options available. We like their morning snorkeling trip to Captain Cook, probably the best snorkeling spot on the Big Island. Search the web for Alii Ocean Tours.
North of Hilo, great place to stop. Fun experience, goats are really cute and friendly.
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Honomu Goat Dairy
28-257 Akaka Falls RdNorth of Hilo, great place to stop. Fun experience, goats are really cute and friendly.
Above Kona in the coffee belt, fun drive, fairly decent coffee tour, free coffee samples, their coffee is expensive but it is pretty good.
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Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation
Above Kona in the coffee belt, fun drive, fairly decent coffee tour, free coffee samples, their coffee is expensive but it is pretty good.
Food scene
This is our favorite spot for sushi. Do yourself a favor and try this place towards the beginning of your stay, you won’t regret it. Call your order in EARLY. They have a few tables outside but it's mostly a take out only restaurant. Good price, big portions, and good quality ingredients. The Makai Roll is so delicious (spicy ahi, tempura shrimp, papaya, and avocado - if you're feeling froggy add some masago). This place is a hidden gem.
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You Make the Roll
75-5725 Ali‘i DrThis is our favorite spot for sushi. Do yourself a favor and try this place towards the beginning of your stay, you won’t regret it. Call your order in EARLY. They have a few tables outside but it's mostly a take out only restaurant. Good price, big portions, and good quality ingredients. The Makai Roll is so delicious (spicy ahi, tempura shrimp, papaya, and avocado - if you're feeling froggy add some masago). This place is a hidden gem.
Near downtown Kona, okay place to grab lunch or dinner. Kind of overpriced and wait can be long.
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Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
74-5599 Pawai PlNear downtown Kona, okay place to grab lunch or dinner. Kind of overpriced and wait can be long.
Good spot to grab lunch or dinner. They have outside dining and good views.
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Foster's Kitchen
75-5805 Ali‘i DrGood spot to grab lunch or dinner. They have outside dining and good views.
This is a really good breakfast / lunch spot. It's a 10 minute walk from Alii Cove.
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Island Lava Java
75-5801 Ali‘i DrThis is a really good breakfast / lunch spot. It's a 10 minute walk from Alii Cove.
Good place for pizza and some of their famous beer. I'd recommend getting a flight first to see which beer you like the most. They always have beer there that they don't export and you can't get anywhere else (guava flavored beer, coffee flavored beer, passionfruit beer, etc.) It's worth checking out at least once. One life right? Don't blow it.
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Kona Brewing Company
Good place for pizza and some of their famous beer. I'd recommend getting a flight first to see which beer you like the most. They always have beer there that they don't export and you can't get anywhere else (guava flavored beer, coffee flavored beer, passionfruit beer, etc.) It's worth checking out at least once. One life right? Don't blow it.
Good place to grab lunch if you're visiting the Waikoloa area / beaches. They have several pre-made options and grab and go options. Also, a good place to buy souvenirs.
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Island Gourmet Markets
69-201 Waikōloa Beach DriveGood place to grab lunch if you're visiting the Waikoloa area / beaches. They have several pre-made options and grab and go options. Also, a good place to buy souvenirs.
Best breakfast or lunch option available in the Waimea area. Portions are huge, and it's a good value.
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Hawaiian Style Cafe - Waimea
65-1290 Kawaihae RdBest breakfast or lunch option available in the Waimea area. Portions are huge, and it's a good value.
Upscale dinner spot, and they have good Mai Tai's.
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Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Kona
75-5995 Kuakini HwyUpscale dinner spot, and they have good Mai Tai's.
Between Waimea and Hilo. If you're going to drive around the island, this is a good place to stop for malasadas, loco mocos, hamburgers, etc. Good value and they have an extensive menu.
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Tex Drive-In
45-690 Pakalana StBetween Waimea and Hilo. If you're going to drive around the island, this is a good place to stop for malasadas, loco mocos, hamburgers, etc. Good value and they have an extensive menu.
If you make it to Hilo, this is the home of the loco moco. Good fast food. They have a walk up counter with outside seating. It's a good spot, but if you could only eat at one spot in Hilo I'd go to the Hawaiian Style Cafe.
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Cafe 100
969 Kilauea AveIf you make it to Hilo, this is the home of the loco moco. Good fast food. They have a walk up counter with outside seating. It's a good spot, but if you could only eat at one spot in Hilo I'd go to the Hawaiian Style Cafe.
If you're in Hilo, this is the place to go for breakfast or lunch. Good value, huge portions, and friendly staff. Can't go wrong.
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Hawaiian Style Cafe Hilo
681 Manono StIf you're in Hilo, this is the place to go for breakfast or lunch. Good value, huge portions, and friendly staff. Can't go wrong.
In South Point, if you're headed to Volcano National Park or Hilo this is a good place to stop for malasadas, sandwiches, etc. FYI, their bathrooms are super duper clean.
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Punalu'u Bake Shop
95-5642 HI-11In South Point, if you're headed to Volcano National Park or Hilo this is a good place to stop for malasadas, sandwiches, etc. FYI, their bathrooms are super duper clean.
Near Hilo, if you're going to see Akaka Falls you should stop here for a quick snack. They have pastries, cookies, and other good stuff.
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Mr. Ed's Bakery
28-1672 Old Mamalahoa HwyNear Hilo, if you're going to see Akaka Falls you should stop here for a quick snack. They have pastries, cookies, and other good stuff.
In Hilo, good dinner spot. Good pizzas and calzones, but their lilikoi cheese cake is amazing. Definitely worth the experience. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
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Cafe Pesto - Hilo
308 Kamehameha AveIn Hilo, good dinner spot. Good pizzas and calzones, but their lilikoi cheese cake is amazing. Definitely worth the experience. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
In downtown Kona, nice ocean views, very relaxed atmosphere, good food, but a little pricey.
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Kona Inn Restaurant
75-5744 Ali‘i DrIn downtown Kona, nice ocean views, very relaxed atmosphere, good food, but a little pricey.
Food is tasty and fresh, there is plenty of room inside, big portions, and great service.
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Big Island Grill
75-5702 Kuakini HwyFood is tasty and fresh, there is plenty of room inside, big portions, and great service.
Near downtown Kona, great vibe, laid back, good selection of beer, ciders, and hard seltzers (especially the Dragon Fruit seltzer - so good). Nicer spot than the Kona Brewing Company. Good spot for lunch or dinner, salads and pizzas.
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Ola Brew
74-5598 Luhia StNear downtown Kona, great vibe, laid back, good selection of beer, ciders, and hard seltzers (especially the Dragon Fruit seltzer - so good). Nicer spot than the Kona Brewing Company. Good spot for lunch or dinner, salads and pizzas.
Da Poke Shack
76-6246 Ali‘i DriveIn downtown Kona, very fresh and delicious.
In downtown Kona, go for the garlic furikake chicken. One order is enough for two people, portions are big.
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Broke Da Mouth Grindz & Catering
74-5565 Luhia StIn downtown Kona, go for the garlic furikake chicken. One order is enough for two people, portions are big.
Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar
75-5770 Ali‘i DrIn downtown Kona, they make a good burger.
Beaches
It's right across the street from Alii Cove. Great place to sit on the beach, but be careful if you want to go into the surf / water. There are a bunch of rocks in the surf and they're slippery. DO NOT GO IN BAREFOOT! There are sea urchins on the rocks that will poke you. If you want to go snorkeling, go to Kahalu'u Beach Park (10 minutes south of Honl's). If you want to go swimming go to Magic Sands (8 minutes south of Honl’s). If you really want to go snorkeling or swimming at Honl's wear a life jacket or take a swim noodle with you. I can't stress this enough, if you don't see any locals in the water then stay out of the water.
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Honl’s Beach
It's right across the street from Alii Cove. Great place to sit on the beach, but be careful if you want to go into the surf / water. There are a bunch of rocks in the surf and they're slippery. DO NOT GO IN BAREFOOT! There are sea urchins on the rocks that will poke you. If you want to go snorkeling, go to Kahalu'u Beach Park (10 minutes south of Honl's). If you want to go swimming go to Magic Sands (8 minutes south of Honl’s). If you really want to go snorkeling or swimming at Honl's wear a life jacket or take a swim noodle with you. I can't stress this enough, if you don't see any locals in the water then stay out of the water.
This is a good place to go if you want to go snorkeling. They also have a free reef-safe sunscreen dispenser. FYI, it would probably be a good idea to wear a sunshirt to protect against sunburns (available at Costco, Walmart, Target, etc).
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Kahaluu Bay
Ali‘i DriveThis is a good place to go if you want to go snorkeling. They also have a free reef-safe sunscreen dispenser. FYI, it would probably be a good idea to wear a sunshirt to protect against sunburns (available at Costco, Walmart, Target, etc).
Also known as A-Bay, this is a good spot to go swimming. It's a short walk from the parking lot.
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Anaehoomalu Bay
Also known as A-Bay, this is a good spot to go swimming. It's a short walk from the parking lot.
This is probably the nicest beach on the west side of the Island. Parking is limited, so go early. The water is clear / blue and it's kid friendly. The beach bar has really good margaritas and mai tais.
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Kaunaʻoa (Mauna Kea) Beach
This is probably the nicest beach on the west side of the Island. Parking is limited, so go early. The water is clear / blue and it's kid friendly. The beach bar has really good margaritas and mai tais.
Good spot if you want to see a black sand beach. If you're in the area stop by the Island Gourmet Market at the Queen's Marketplace for lunch options.
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49 Black Sand Beach
Good spot if you want to see a black sand beach. If you're in the area stop by the Island Gourmet Market at the Queen's Marketplace for lunch options.
In South Point, black sand beach right off the highway. Good spot to see a sea turtle.
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Punalu‘u Beach
In South Point, black sand beach right off the highway. Good spot to see a sea turtle.
Gorgeous beach about 10 minutes south of Alii Cove. This beach is good for swimming, not so good for snorkeling or small children. Waves can be a little rough, it can get crowded, and watch out for rocks.
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Magic Sands Beach Park
Ali'i DriveGorgeous beach about 10 minutes south of Alii Cove. This beach is good for swimming, not so good for snorkeling or small children. Waves can be a little rough, it can get crowded, and watch out for rocks.
Really nice white sand beach north of Waikoloa, lots of parking. It costs $10 to park and $5 per person. Good place to go snorkeling (near the rocks), the water is super clear. This is a good backup option if the parking lot at Kauna'oa (Mauna Kea) Beach is full. FYI, this beach closes at 8:00 pm.
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Hapuna Beach
Really nice white sand beach north of Waikoloa, lots of parking. It costs $10 to park and $5 per person. Good place to go snorkeling (near the rocks), the water is super clear. This is a good backup option if the parking lot at Kauna'oa (Mauna Kea) Beach is full. FYI, this beach closes at 8:00 pm.
About 45 minutes north of the condo, quiet small sandy beach. It's usually not crowded and has clean facilities.
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Spencer Beach Park
62-3461 Kawaihae RoadAbout 45 minutes north of the condo, quiet small sandy beach. It's usually not crowded and has clean facilities.
About a 25 minute drive north of the condo, really nice beach. Free parking, busy on Sundays, will probably see goats and turtles. Just an overall beautiful white sand beach.
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Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay)
About a 25 minute drive north of the condo, really nice beach. Free parking, busy on Sundays, will probably see goats and turtles. Just an overall beautiful white sand beach.
About 40 minutes south of the condo, great place to go snorkeling. It's a really nice drive to get here. It's also right next to the Pu'uhonua O Honaunau Historical Park.
Two Step Beach
About 40 minutes south of the condo, great place to go snorkeling. It's a really nice drive to get here. It's also right next to the Pu'uhonua O Honaunau Historical Park.
Great place to go snorkeling. Is sheltered from big waves. Usually pretty quiet, and there is a lot of room to spread out.
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Kikaua Point Park
Great place to go snorkeling. Is sheltered from big waves. Usually pretty quiet, and there is a lot of room to spread out.
Black Rock Pizzza - Kona
Best pizza place in Kona.
At the southern end of Alii Drive about a 15 minute drive from the condo. A underrated beach very scenic. Easy and free parking. Great place to watch ships and the surf. It’s really fun to jump off the pier here.
Keauhou Bay Beach Park
At the southern end of Alii Drive about a 15 minute drive from the condo. A underrated beach very scenic. Easy and free parking. Great place to watch ships and the surf. It’s really fun to jump off the pier here.
Essentials
Target
74-5455 Makala BlvdGood place to buy supplies.
This is the place to go as soon as you get to Kona. They also have the cheapest gas on the island.
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Costco Wholesale
73-5600 Maiau StThis is the place to go as soon as you get to Kona. They also have the cheapest gas on the island.
Good place for supplies and souvenirs for people back home. Check out their snack aisle, you'll find snacks there you won't find anywhere else.
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Walmart
75-1015 Henry StGood place for supplies and souvenirs for people back home. Check out their snack aisle, you'll find snacks there you won't find anywhere else.
In South Point, if you're headed to Volcano National Park or Hilo this is a convenient place to stop for groceries, snacks, lunch supplies, etc.
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Ocean View Market
92-8676 Lotus Blossom LnIn South Point, if you're headed to Volcano National Park or Hilo this is a convenient place to stop for groceries, snacks, lunch supplies, etc.
In Kona, their poke selection is top notch. Have a lot of ready to go snacks. Has better prices than Safeway.
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Sack N Save Kona
75-5595 Palani RdIn Kona, their poke selection is top notch. Have a lot of ready to go snacks. Has better prices than Safeway.
Hotel Options in Hilo
If you visit Volcano National Park, I'd recommend spending the night in Hilo. Hilo has a lot of restaurants, sights, beaches, waterfalls, and lava tubes to explore. You won't be disappointed by spending some time in Hilo. It has a different vibe than Kona but it's definitely worth checking out and exploring.
Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel
If you visit Volcano National Park, I'd recommend spending the night in Hilo. Hilo has a lot of restaurants, sights, beaches, waterfalls, and lava tubes to explore. You won't be disappointed by spending some time in Hilo. It has a different vibe than Kona but it's definitely worth checking out and exploring.
Golf
About 15 minutes south of the condo, beautiful course, several holes right on the ocean, and amazing views. The driving range isn't as nice, but the course is amazing.
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Kona Country Club
78-7000 Ali‘i DrAbout 15 minutes south of the condo, beautiful course, several holes right on the ocean, and amazing views. The driving range isn't as nice, but the course is amazing.
Beautiful course! Clubhouse staff is extremely friendly and helpful.
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Mauna Kea Golf Course
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach DrBeautiful course! Clubhouse staff is extremely friendly and helpful.
Pickleball
Kona Pickleball Hui
10 minute drive from the condo
Reeser Str. 106, 46446 Emmerich am Rhein, Tyskland
They have a lot of courts. Good place to play.