Top Things to do in Kailua-Kona
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10 Sights & 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. The Vanillerie
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 214 reviews
We invite guests to our farm to see, smell, taste, and feel vanilla growing on the vine in our shade house oases in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, five minutes from the Kona International Airport. Come to learn about the beautiful vanilla orchid's fascinating history and experience entertainment and delight for all ages. Our vanilla infused food and body products excite all the senses, and allow guests to take the experience home with them.
Reviewed By 617areacode
The story of JR's decision to launch this vanilla farm and his many experiments in figuring out how best to grow, harvest, and process the beans so super interesting. Great little shop where you can try vanilla ice-cream (included with the tour) and buy other food and bath/body products. Seems as if JR is always inventing something new, so probably by the time you go, there will be even more to do or see!
2. Green sand beach (Papakolea)
3. Lekeleke Burial Ground
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By GC404 - Anchorage, United States
Easily reached via Alii Drive and found a short distance south of Keauhou Bay, this is the spot where a decisive battle was fought in Hawaiian history... there’s an excellent interpretive sign that describes these events here, and the gravel road that skirts the site leads to a nice place to view the sunset, plus big waves crashing on the shore when the surf is up (best to view safely away from the edge). Worth checking out when you’re in the Keauhou area!
4. Mokuaikaua Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 432 reviews
Founded in 1836 by Boston missionaries.
Reviewed By tammyhagelberg - Chino Hills, United States
Very welcoming! Heard a wonderful message from the book of Ezekiel while sitting on the breezeway. The traditional service was more contemporary than the description given on the website, which was a bonus for me. Got to hear about the history of the church, the refurbishment, the upcoming 200th celebration (April 4, 2020), and about the very generous anonymous donor that is helping to get this project completed. What a great way to start my vacation! Praise be to God!
5. 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
6. 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.
7. Kamakahonu
8. Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,151 reviews
Welcome to Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation, where visitors of all ages are invited to experience how our award-winning Kona coffee is grown and processed. Our free coffee experience tours are open to all ages and are available 7 days per week, with no reservation required. Located less than 20 minutes above the town of Kailua-Kona at 3,200 ft above sea level, our organic farm is nestled on the lush, volcanic slopes of the Hualalai volcano. The mild climate, rich soil, and perfect balance of sunshine and rainfall allow us to grow truly exceptional coffee, which slowly ripens to perfection before being hand-picked, processed, and roasted. Enjoy free samples of our finest coffees, be inspired by the breathtaking scenery of our cloud forest location, and gain an appreciation for the journey coffee makes from the farm to your cup.
Reviewed By SDB32569
Free tour was great - do the self guided tour for $10 per group - five minute walk through the trees on paved sidewalk viewing various Hawaiian vegetation like ginger acavado and Hawaiian fern:) buy the Kona Coffee!! Free samples as well!!!
9. 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.
10. Big Island Abalone
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
Big Island Abalone grows Japanese cold water abalone using deep seawater. We sell abalone and give tours of the farm to the public.
Reviewed By worldseatraveler
Hiroshi provides an awesome tour!!We learned a lot about how the abalones were raised, the parts of the abalone, and the companies distribution channels. The tour is definitely worth a visit. There is a minor tour fee and you get to taste the abalone at the end. It’s a taste so please don’t expect a meal.
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