10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Kailua-Kona That You Shouldn't Miss

July 3, 2021 Lashaunda Abraham

Coffee drinkers will recognize Kona as the source of some of the best beans in the world. Get your blood pumping with a walk along the “Royal Footsteps” waterfront stretch of Alii Drive, or take stargazing to the next level with a nighttime visit to the summit of Mauna Kea. Waterfalls, volcanoes, and soft black sands are just some of the natural features that make Kailua unique. Shimmy your hips at a hula-filled luau, or get an eyeful of native history at the Kamakahonu compound.
Restaurants in Kailua-Kona

1. The Volcano Van Private Tours

Excellent
95%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 323 reviews

The Volcano Van Private Tours

We are a personal and private tour provider serving all areas of the Big Island of Hawai'i, We allow our guests to get an up-close look at the Big Island's great volcanoes, including world famous Kilauea, the most active volcano on earth. Whether you're staying in the rain forests of Hilo, or the sun-drenched beaches of Kona and Kohala; we'll pick you up and introduce you to a day full of unforgettable excitement!

2. Hawaii Forest and Trail

Excellent
88%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,820 reviews

Hawaii Forest and Trail

Our exclusive private land access and interpretive guiding approach immerse guests into the island’s unique characteristics, nature, and culture. With Hawaii Forest & Trail, don’t just plan a vacation, prepare for a Big Adventure. Explore hidden craters, swim in private waterfalls, and discover the natural beauty of the island. We are accepting online bookings at http://www.hawaii-forest.com.

3. Aloha Ocean Excursions

Excellent
94%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 254 reviews

Aloha Ocean Excursions

Get up close and personal with the Hawaiian coastline and marine life on our exciting boat tours, whale watching excursions and snorkeling adventure! Located in Kona in Hawaii's Big Island, Sea Hawaii Rafting offers an adventure of a lifetime. Our Zodiac adventures are state of the art and environmentally friendly. Our experienced captains and crew will lead you to discover the best Hawaii has to offer.

4. Tropical Sun Sportfishing

Excellent
95%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 175 reviews

Tropical Sun Sportfishing

Tropical Sun Sportfishing is one of Kona's premier sportfishing charter operations. Her captain, Ryan Lutes, brings over ten years of experience of fishing on some of the finest boats in Hawaii and has experience in commercial fishing, sportfishing, bottom fishing, and major fishing tournaments and his crew is the very best you'll find anywhere in the world! We love to fish and you'll see why! All equipment, tackle and ice provided. Light tackle, heavy tackle and flyfishing tours available and combination fishing and snorkeling upon request. Custom fishing adventures and tours for families and adventurous groups. Absolutely the best "Value" in Kona and certainly the friendliest crew. Families and children welcome and "Customer Satisfaction" is our number one priority!

5. Hawaii Outdoor Guides

Excellent
97%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,108 reviews

Hawaii Outdoor Guides

We offer the Big Island’s best guided nature and sightseeing tours for small groups. Sure, there are larger tour companies on Hawai’i Island, but none offer the level of care and customization that we can provide. We have access to the best places at the best times. We are an insured and permitted tour operator and a member of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau. Don't settle for less! Day Tours: Small-Group Volcano Tour Active Lava Flow Hike Tour (if active and accessible) Mamalahoa Circle Island Tour Hilo Hot Steam Volcano Tour Small-Group Waterfall Tour Waikoloa Dry Forest Tour Kilauea Iki Trail Hike Multiday Tours Thank you for your interest and we hope to see you soon on one of our tours. Warmest Aloha and Mahalo Hawaii Outdoor Guides

6. Three Ring Ranch

Excellent
95%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
1%
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0%
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5.0 based on 164 reviews

Three Ring Ranch

The Three Ring Ranch is a private, USDA licensed, non-profit, exotic animal sanctuary located right above the village in Kona. The Only accredited sanctuary facility in Hawaii. Home to zebra, bison, nene, hawks, monkeys, owls, flamingos and reptiles, as well as many other rare, endangered and exotic animals. We host 2 hour educational excursions by appointment only. Book online from our web site. Please do not come to security gate without an appointment. We have no way to allow visitors to walk around the grounds unless in one of our tour/educational programs for safety and liability reasons. Children need to be over age 6 to attend. Leave your dog at home. Bring your camera!

7. Eka Canoe Adventures

Excellent
93%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 379 reviews

Eka Canoe Adventures

Eka Canoe Adventures specializes in reef and manta ray snorkeling adventures with a cultural touch. One of a few historically accurate Hawaiian double-hulled canoes, Wa'a Kini Kini is your unique gateway to the waters of the Kona coastline. Regarded by the Travel Channel as one of the most thrilling experiences on earth, here you can catch a front-row "swim" as magnificent manta rays dance in the deep. They can weigh more than 1,000 lbs and span more than 15 feet! Fear not... mantas only filter feed. The manta ray night snorkel experience is simply not one to miss. Not to be overlooked, there's simply nothing quite like snorkeling over some of the most beautiful reefs Hawaii has to offer. With a perfect blend of sun, sea, and sail, our Pawai snorkel adventure offers a few relaxing hours on the ocean and an underwater ecosystem you'll never want to leave.

8. Kona Kozy's Comedy & Magic Show

68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr Ste E3, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI 96743-9704 +1 808-430-1957 [email protected] http://www.konakozy.com
Excellent
95%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,042 reviews

Kona Kozy's Comedy & Magic Show

Kozy's Tiki Palace Comedy & Magic Nightclub Gallery of Artistic Curiosities Paul Kozak AKA… Kozak The Magician Kona Kozy Kozy is recognized as a “World Class Comic Magician” Multiple Award Winner, Internationally Acclaimed with 38 years of experience as a Headline Performer and Producer. Kozy spent 25 years touring as a headliner in the Global Stand Up Comedy Market, Nightclubs, Theaters and Casino Resorts. TV credits: HBO, Showtime, The Tonight Show, The Late Show, Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, ABC, NBC, CBS as well as The International Broadcast Market Kozy is a 4 time “Merlin Award” winner ( The Merlin Award in Magic is the equivalent of an Oscar, Tony, Emmy, Grammy ) Currently has been Awarded; International Comic Magician of The Decade (alongside Criss Angel as Magician of The Decade) Kozy has also had the Honor of a Command Performance for The Royal Family in The UK at The Palladium Theatre in London Having grown tired of the constant touring, Kozy settled into a successful 5 year run Headlining at the Sahara Casino in Las Vegas in their 2,000 seat Theater with a large scale Magic Production, performing 7 days a week. After 5 years in Vegas, The Tropicana Casino hired Kozy for a 5 year contract in Atlantic City, NJ. Kozy became the longest running, most successful Magic Show in the History of Atlantic City. Currently Kozy has made the Big Island his permanent home and is honored to bring The Magic of Hawai’i to the stage at Kozy’s Comedy & Magic Nightclub.

Reviewed By PAULB-Alaska - Alaska, United States

If I could give Kona Kozy a 10 it I would still feel like it's not enough! This guy is a true entertainer, comedian, and over the top jaw dropping magician! We're visiting the Big Island again and wanted something fun to do with some friends who were visiting as well. We've experienced Kona Kozy a couple years ago and were definitely expecting to be entertained again but since we saw his show before we did not expect to be completely mesmerized and have our minds blown all over again! Kozy's new venue is intimate, up close and personal. Sitting 5 ft from where he performs his magic one would expect to "figure out" how this man makes what seems impossible, possible. Instead, you are left baffled, befuddled and completely entertained! Everyone in the audience kept saying over and over again "how did he do that!". Indeed.... If you are looking for a very fun filled, laugh your butt off and entertaining evening, you cannot go wrong with Kona Kozy's Magic show! Paul B Anchorage, Alaska

9. Mrs. Barry's Kona Cookies

73-5563 Maiau St, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI 96740-2660 +1 808-329-6055 [email protected] http://www.konacookies.com/
Excellent
78%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 81 reviews

Mrs. Barry's Kona Cookies

Mrs Barry's Kona Cookies. Featuring Award Winning Macadamia Nut cookie, along with 12 other delicious flavors, just like your Mother or Grandmother use to make. Open since 1980. A Delicious Way to Say "Aloha"

Reviewed By TravelTea - Foster City, United States

Located in an industrial area near Costco and the airport, this cookie shop makes the best chocolate-dipped (milk or dark) shortbread cookies. There is a small parking lot or you can find street parking. It was our 1st time visit, so we bought both types of choco-dipped shortbread cookies and a bag of mixed cookies (to try the variety) for omiyage to family on the mainland. OMG, everyone went nuts (no pun intended) for the shortbread cookies! Although pricey ~$1/cookie, they are the most authentic & delicious treats from HI. Make sure you bring enough back because your friends/family will be clamoring for them and they will be gone in no time. There is no shop in Honolulu but you can buy these cookies online. We gassed up our car rental at Costco, stopped by Mrs. Barry before heading to the airport. They survived the flight in our hand-luggage. However, next time, we will have to check them in else they'll be eaten up on the flight home.

10. Blue Water Hunter Spearfishing Charters

Excellent
91%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
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Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 45 reviews

Blue Water Hunter Spearfishing Charters

Blue Water Hunter Spearfishing Charters of Kona, Hawaii specializes in freediving and spearfishing charters. We are proud to be the first and only legally operated and insured freediving and spearfishing boat charter business in the state of Hawaii, and possibly the entire USA. Most charters are spearfishing oriented but spearing a fish is only PART of the entire adventure. We often encounter dolphins, whales, manta rays, sharks and other magnificent creatures of the sea. For those vacationing on the Big Island, this can be a very exciting once-in-a-lifetime experience. Owner Rob White is a top expert in his field with over 30 years of experience. When you are in the ocean you really want an expert guiding you every step of the way to ensure a safe experience. All charters offer a guided dive, which means one of us will be in the water with you at all times to help you with your gear, to help identify approaching game fish and to identify and aid in dangerous situations. A smaller boat means a more personal experience. Our favorite dive locations are close by and the weather is generally very good.

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