Top Things to do in Kailua-Kona
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10 Points of Interest & Landmarks in Kailua-Kona That You Shouldn't Miss
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. Green sand beach (Papakolea)
2. Saddle Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,687 reviews
Reviewed By AroundtownCT - Atlanta, United States
Beautiful drive through mountains See lots of different landscapes and weather Best way to cross the island
3. Friends of NELHA
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
See the future now with Friends of NELHA and experience a fascinating tour of Hawaii Ocean Science Technology Park near Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. FON tours showcase the development of renewable energy resources and uses of cold deep seawater and warm surface seawater in innovative aquaculture and mariculture activities and much more. This is a one-of-kind science and technology site in the world, an exciting learning experience and a must-see stop on the Big Island. FON offers public presentations and tours of selected NELHA energy and aquaculture projects Monday through Friday at 10 am, excluding holidays. Reservations are required for Friday's Grand Tour. Friends of NELHA (Natural Energy Laboratory Hawaii Authority) is a nonprofit organization providing education and outreach in support of sustainable agriculture and renewable energy.
Reviewed By Bongo88
We visited the Kanaloa Octopus Farm at NELHA, and really enjoyed learning that work is being done to maintain populations of sea creatures, and to research how we can better live in harmony with the fascinating ocean environment.
4. Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Historic sites once covered much of the Kona Coast and these treasured places promote understanding of Hawaii’s heritage. The seven miles of Alii Drive, along the shoreline connecting Historic Kailua Village to Keauhou, generally follows the ancient route of the ala loa foot trail that evolved over time as a road. Four of the seven ancient Royal Centers in use in Kona are located on what is now called Alii Drive. There are dozens of Points of Interest and Scenic Stops along the route. Discover Hawaii’s history on the Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast Hawaii Scenic Byway.
5. Kipuka Pu’u Huluhulu
6. Pahoehoe Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2 reviews
7. Ali'i Drive
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 922 reviews
Reviewed By GC404 - Anchorage, United States
This seaside road winds its way along the coast from the Marriott at the north end, southward to the Sheraton (and continues all the down to Napoopoo Rd in Kealakekua)... most of the shops and eateries are located towards the northern end, and are easily visited on foot (or via the inexpensive Honu Trolley — their schedule is available on the web). Gift stores, coffee shops, historic sites, art galleries, tour operators, cafes/restaurants, bars, etc are all here :)) We especially like to stroll at sunset and during the evenings, when you can listen to live music while walking beneath the big old trees... In the central area, look for parking (free or paid) to the east a block behind the main thoroughfare (note: finding a parking spot can be challenging during the busy mid day period). Enjoy!
8. Hawaii Belt Road
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By wlbjayhawk - Wall Township, United States
View, views, and more views....it is a great experience to drive the Belt Road. Observe the ocean, at night observe sunset, and there are many places to stop and just see what is going on.
9. Bikeshare Hawaii Island
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 4 reviews
Bikeshare is now in Kona! Grab a bike from one of our Alii Drive stations, ride and dock it at the same or any another station when you are done. Easy. To get started: Arrive at one of three bike kiosks now on Ali'i Drive and use a credit card to get a bike. $3.50 will get you to most popular destinations on Ali'i drive. Return it to any kiosk within the time you selected. That's it!
Reviewed By JMA-Hilo - Hilo, United States
I live here in Hilo and have been riding these bikes for about three months. The bikes are regularly checked and in great shape, three gears that change smoothly. You can start by Hilo Bay, ride to downtown, park it at the Bikeshare Kiosk there, and then head to a cafe (once they've reopened). Then get on another bike and ride back. Or vice versa. There's a separate bike path, as well as one along the road. During the present (May 2020) pandemic, there's even a special offer for residents. Great way to enjoy the gorgeous scenery along the water in Hilo.
10. Maka Fine Art
A photographic partnership between Joshua Lambus and Eric Franke, Maka Fine Art features images of Hawaii by local artists displayed in a locally owned and operated gallery.
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