14 Days of Beaches, Snorkeling, and Hiking in Kona Itinerary

Begin your day with a visit to Honaunau Bay, also known as Two Step. This spot is renowned for its incredible snorkeling opportunities. The clear waters provide excellent visibility of the vibrant coral reefs and marine life.

After a morning of snorkeling, head to Kealakekua Bay for more underwater exploration. This bay is not only historically significant but also offers some of the best snorkeling on the island. For lunch, stop by Super J's, famous for its traditional Hawaiian dishes.

Spend your evening at Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay). This beach is perfect for a relaxing evening swim or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery. For dinner, try Ray's on the Bay, which offers stunning ocean views and delicious seafood.

Start your day with a hike at Pololū Valley Lookout. The trail offers breathtaking views of the valley and coastline. It's a moderate hike that takes you through lush greenery down to a black sand beach.

After your hike, visit Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. Explore this sacred site and learn about Hawaiian culture and history. For lunch, enjoy local flavors at Broke Da Mouth Grindz, known for its mouth-watering dishes.

Conclude your day with an evening stroll along Ali'i Drive. This scenic route offers beautiful ocean views and plenty of shops and cafes to explore. Dine at Huggo's On The Rocks for a casual yet delightful dining experience right by the water.

Begin your day with a visit to Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. This park offers both cultural insights and natural beauty with trails leading through ancient fishponds and petroglyphs.

Head over to Makalawena Beach after exploring the park. This secluded beach requires a bit of hiking to reach but rewards visitors with pristine sands and clear waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling. Have lunch at nearby food trucks offering local delicacies.

End your day with an evening visit to Mauna Kea Summit. Although it's quite a drive from Kona, witnessing the sunset from this vantage point is unforgettable. Return to Kona for dinner at Ulu Ocean Grill, offering gourmet dining with spectacular ocean views.

Start your day with a visit to Keauhou Bay. This bay is known for its calm waters and is a great spot for kayaking and paddleboarding. You might even spot some dolphins! Enjoy breakfast at Green Flash Coffee, which offers delicious coffee and pastries.

Head over to Honokohau Marina & Small Boat Harbor for a snorkeling tour. The marina is the starting point for many boat tours that take you to some of the best snorkeling spots around Kona. For lunch, try Bite Me Fish Market Bar & Grill, known for its fresh seafood.

End your day with a visit to Kailua Pier. This historic pier is a great place to watch the sunset and enjoy the evening breeze. Dine at Foster's Kitchen, which offers farm-to-table dishes with a beautiful ocean view.

Hulihe‘e Palace is a must-visit in the morning. This former royal vacation home now serves as a museum showcasing Hawaiian artifacts and history. Enjoy breakfast at Daylight Mind Coffee Company, which offers great coffee and breakfast options with an ocean view.

Moku‘aikaua Church is just across the street from Hulihe‘e Palace. This church is the oldest Christian church in Hawaii, offering rich history and beautiful architecture. For lunch, head to 808 Grindz Cafe, known for its local Hawaiian comfort food.

Kona Brewing Company is perfect for an evening visit. Take a brewery tour, sample some local brews, and enjoy dinner at their on-site restaurant, which serves delicious pizzas and pub fare.

Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park offers another chance to explore ancient Hawaiian culture with trails leading through fishponds and petroglyphs. Have breakfast at The Coffee Shack, offering stunning views along with great coffee.

Captain Cook Monument Trail provides an adventurous hike down to Kealakekua Bay where you can snorkel near the monument dedicated to Captain Cook. For lunch, try Annie's Island Fresh Burgers, known for its locally sourced ingredients.

Spend your evening relaxing at Magic Sands Beach. It's less crowded in the evening, making it perfect for a peaceful swim or just enjoying the sunset. Dine at Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill, which offers delicious Hawaiian cuisine in a cozy setting.

Begin your day with some relaxation at Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area. This park has plenty of space for picnicking, walking along the beach, or simply enjoying the morning sun. Have breakfast at nearby Big Island Grill, known for its hearty breakfasts.

Visit Wawaloli Beach Park after your morning relaxation. The tide pools here are perfect for exploring marine life without having to snorkel deep waters. For lunch, head over to Pine Tree Cafe, famous for its local plate lunches.

End your day with an evening stroll through downtown Kailua-Kona, exploring shops and cafes along Ali'i Drive before dining at Fish Hopper Seafood & Steaks, offering oceanfront dining with fresh seafood options.

Start your day with a scenic drive to Akaka Falls State Park. This park features a short, easy hike through lush rainforest to view the stunning Akaka Falls, which plummets 442 feet into a gorge below. Enjoy breakfast at What's Shakin', a nearby cafe known for its fresh smoothies and breakfast options.

After visiting the falls, head to Rainbow Falls in Hilo. This iconic waterfall is easily accessible and offers beautiful views, especially when rainbows form in the mist. For lunch, stop by Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine, which offers delicious local dishes in an open-air setting.

Return to Kona for an evening visit to Kailua Village. Stroll through this historic village, exploring shops and galleries. Dine at Humpy's Big Island Alehouse, known for its extensive beer selection and tasty pub fare.

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is a must-visit. Start your day early with a drive to the park. Explore the Kīlauea Visitor Center and take a walk along the Crater Rim Trail for stunning views of the active volcano. Have breakfast at Tuk-Tuk Thai Food Truck, located near the park entrance.

Thurston Lava Tube is another highlight within the park. Walk through this massive lava tube formed by ancient volcanic activity. For lunch, enjoy a meal at The Rim Restaurant, offering panoramic views of Kīlauea caldera.

Jaggar Museum offers excellent exhibits on volcanology and Hawaiian culture. Stay until dusk to witness the glow from Halema'uma'u Crater's lava lake. Return to Kona for dinner at Big Island Grill, known for its hearty meals and local flavors.

Makalawena Beach is perfect for starting your day with some beach relaxation or snorkeling in its clear waters. Enjoy breakfast at nearby food trucks offering local delicacies.

Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay) is another beautiful spot for sunbathing or swimming. The turquoise waters are inviting, and it's less crowded than other beaches. For lunch, head over to Lava Lava Beach Club, which offers beachfront dining with delicious island-inspired dishes.

Spencer Beach Park is ideal for an evening visit with its calm waters and picnic areas. It's perfect for a relaxing swim or watching the sunset. Dine at Sam Choy's Kai Lanai, offering spectacular ocean views and fresh seafood.

Begin your day with a hike at Pu'u Wa'awa'a Cinder Cone State Park. The trail leads you up a cinder cone volcano offering panoramic views of Kona's coastline and surrounding areas. Have breakfast at nearby Gypsea Gelato, known for its refreshing gelato flavors.

Head over to Kiholo Bay after your morning hike. This bay features black sand beaches and turquoise waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling among sea turtles. For lunch, try Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill, famous for its poke bowls.

End your day with an evening visit to{ A-Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park}. Explore ancient fishponds and petroglyphs while enjoying the peaceful ambiance of this historical site.Dine at{ R-Foster's Kitchen}, offering farm-to-table dishes with an ocean view.

Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area is a great spot to start your day. This beach is known for its long stretch of white sand and clear waters, perfect for swimming or sunbathing. Enjoy breakfast at Banana Dang, which offers delicious coffee and acai bowls.

Kikaua Point Park is another beautiful beach to visit in the afternoon. It's a small, secluded spot with calm waters ideal for snorkeling. For lunch, head over to Quinn's Almost By The Sea, known for its seafood and local dishes.

Mauna Kea Beach is perfect for an evening visit. The beach offers stunning sunset views and is less crowded in the evening. Dine at Brown's Beach House, offering gourmet dining with spectacular ocean views.

Kahalu'u Beach Park is a great spot to spend your final morning in Kona. The calm waters are perfect for snorkeling, and you might even spot some sea turtles. Enjoy breakfast at Green Flash Coffee, which offers delicious coffee and pastries.

Magic Sands Beach is ideal for a relaxing afternoon before you leave. Spend some time sunbathing or taking a final dip in the ocean. For lunch, try Da Poke Shack, known for its delicious poke bowls.

Ali'i Drive is perfect for an evening stroll before you depart. Explore the shops and cafes along this scenic route one last time. Dine at Huggo's On The Rocks, offering a casual yet delightful dining experience right by the water.