Top Things to do in Kailua-Kona
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What to do and see in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (HI): The Best Historical & Heritage Tours
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. Kona Shore Excursion: Kona Historical Coast and Culture Tour with Coffee Plantation
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Experience old Hawaii with a step back in time on the Kailua-Kona coastline with this 4.5-hour, small-group tour. Enjoy the scenic coastline while you learn of the ancient Hawaiian culture, the arrival of Captain James Cook, and the transition to modern-day Hawaii. Tour an old coffee plantation with optional stops at the Painted Church, or a local chocolate factory.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Help protect our island environment and bring your own refillable water bottle!, Light snacks, Air-conditioned vehicle, Kailua-Kona Pier pickup and drop-off, Kailua-Kona Hotel pick-up and drop-off (we may arrange meeting location for hotels outside of Kona), Kona Airport pick-up and drop-off (please contact us to make arrangements first)
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified
Reviewed By patleach17
This was one of our best tours. The vehicle was more than adequate - everyone was comfortable.Jill was very informative and took us to many local businesses we wouldn't have gone to on our own. Really enjoyed the Donkey Balls candy shop! Also, Coffee Plantation was a wonderful - yummy coffee, and this was the Beautiful side of the Big Island. Will come back!
2. Kohala Tour (North Island)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Our flexibility and accommodating style set Anuenue Rainbow Tours apart. We tailor each tour to the desires of the group – where we go and how long we stay at any stop along the way is up to you. (We've listed only typical attractions and times spent at each; we happily accommodate what you want to do.) Your attentive tour guide will point out features along the way and delight you with her knowledge of local culture and history. Your guide is a 38-year resident of the island with a degree in Hawai'ian culture and history, a passion for sharing her love of the island, a great sense of adventure, and an abiding aloha spirit. Our air-conditioned Honda Odyssey comfortably accommodates 2 to 7 guests as we traverse the beautiful Island of Hawai’i and experience the sights, sounds and flavors of this incomparable tropical paradise. We are committed to delivering an excellent customer experience! PLEASE NOTE: Your $75 payment through Trip Advisor covers the 1st hour ONLY, as time is flexible.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Good weather! (Tour will be rescheduled or cancelled and fully refunded if weather is bad.), Cost covers 1st hour of tour ONLY. Payment for additional hours arranged upon booking.
Exclusions: Cost of additional hours beyond the 1st hour
Reviewed By Brisbeachmom
Shelby, the owner, is an amazing tour guide. We spent 2 days with her and was a highlight of our 2+ week Hawaiian adventure and she did our airport transportation as well. (See my North and South Island reviews.) These were some of the best private tours I have ever gone on. She is very reasonably priced, takes to places you want find on your own, tells the island's history in a really fun way - totally recommend if you want to really get a sense of the Big Island. Mahalo Shelby - Eva
3. Circle Island Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Our flexibility and accommodating style set Anuenue Rainbow Tours apart. We tailor each tour to the desires of the group – where we go and how long we stay at any stop along the way is up to you. (We've listed only typical attractions and times spent at each; we happily accommodate what you want to do.) Your attentive tour guide will point out features along the way and delight you with her knowledge of local culture and history. Your guide is a 38-year resident of the island with a degree in Hawai'ian culture and history, a passion for sharing her love of the island, a great sense of adventure, and an abiding aloha spirit. Our air-conditioned Honda Odyssey comfortably accommodates 2 to 7 guests as we traverse the beautiful Island of Hawai’i and experience the sights, sounds and flavors of this incomparable tropical paradise. We are committed to delivering an excellent customer experience! PLEASE NOTE: Your $75 payment through Trip Advisor covers the 1st hour ONLY, as time is flexible.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Good weather! (Tour will be rescheduled or cancelled and fully refunded if weather is bad.), Cost covers 1st hour of tour ONLY. Payment for additional hours arranged at time of booking.
Exclusions: Cost of additional hours beyond the 1st hour
Reviewed By Brisbeachmom
Shelby, the owner, is an amazing tour guide. We spent 2 days with her and was a highlight of our 2+ week Hawaiian adventure and she did our airport transportation as well. (See my North and South Island reviews.) These were some of the best private tours I have ever gone on. She is very reasonably priced, takes to places you want find on your own, tells the island's history in a really fun way - totally recommend if you want to really get a sense of the Big Island. Mahalo Shelby - Eva
4. South Island Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Our flexibility and accommodating style set Anuenue Rainbow Tours apart. We tailor each tour to the desires of the group – where we go and how long we stay at any stop along the way is up to you. (We've listed only typical attractions and times spent at each; we happily accommodate what you want to do.) Your attentive tour guide will point out features along the way and delight you with her knowledge of local culture and history. Your guide is a 38-year resident of the island with a degree in Hawai'ian culture and history, a passion for sharing her love of the island, a great sense of adventure, and an abiding aloha spirit. Our air-conditioned Honda Odyssey comfortably accommodates 2 to 7 guests as we traverse the beautiful Island of Hawai’i and experience the sights, sounds and flavors of this incomparable tropical paradise. We are committed to delivering an excellent customer experience! PLEASE NOTE: Your $75 payment through Trip Advisor covers the 1st hour ONLY, as time is flexible.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Good weather! (Tour will be rescheduled or cancelled and fully refunded if weather is bad.).), Cost covers 1st hour of tour ONLY. Payment for additional hours arranged upon booking.
Exclusions: Cost of additional hours beyond the 1st hour
Reviewed By Brisbeachmom
Shelby, the owner, is an amazing tour guide. We spent 2 days with her and was a highlight of our 2+ week Hawaiian adventure and she did our airport transportation as well. (See my North and South Island reviews.) These were some of the best private tours I have ever gone on. She is very reasonably priced, takes to places you want find on your own, tells the island's history in a really fun way - totally recommend if you want to really get a sense of the Big Island. Mahalo Shelby - Eva
5. Hawaii Big Island Circle Small Group Tour: Waterfalls - Hilo - Volcano - Black Sand Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 64 reviews
This tour is perfect for the traveler that would like to see most of the island of Hawaii! We travel most of the climate zones and learn lots about the history, culture and geology! Our groups are kept small in our 15 passenger high roof van.
Inclusions: National Park fees, Lunch, Water, Snacks, Live commentary on board, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By ye0nmi85
Katie is a phenomenal tour guide. She asked what we would like to see (when I booked the reservation) then gave us an itinerary. We decided on 2 waterfalls, black sand beach, volcano, and Kaumana Caves. We got poured on at Akaka Falls but she said it was the best waterfall she has seen. She was totally prepared; an umbrella for me, a raincoat for my husband...she is super knowledgeable and a great person to spend the day with. We crammed a lot into 12 hours. I would definitely use her again! Thank you, Katie!
6. Hawaii Big Island Customized Private Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 45 reviews
This tour allows full flexibility with a private guide and a spacious, air-conditioned van. Circle the island or spend more time at the places that are more interesting to you. Please contact us with locations you would like to visit or we are happy to provide a sample itinerary that you can customize for your group.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Snacks, Bottled water
Exclusions: Gratuities, Additional activities (zipline, helicopter, boat), Meals are not included but we will provide snacks and water
Reviewed By Sean M
Katie was a superb guide. She took great care of us, and was very knowledgeable about Hawaiian history. We really enjoyed the tour of Volcano National Park.
7. Big Island in a Day: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Sightseeing, History
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 1,237 reviews
This 11 hour nature tour offers an in-depth look at Hawaii’s youngest and largest island. Explore the diverse landscape and natural wonders, including a visit of the Volcanoes National Park, walk through rainforests to soaring waterfalls and stroll black-sand beaches as you scan the horizon for green sea turtles. This family-friendly tour requires easy walking and introduces people of all ages to the island, and includes lunch, snacks, refreshments, and park entrance fees.
Inclusions: Small Group Tour Lead by a Professional Guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Lunch, Bottled Water, Luxury Mercedes Sprinter Van Transportation, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By kimlester70
Derek our guide was awesome. We had a party of 13! He was a lot of fun! Very informative! Been to the Big Island many times, and this is definitely worth doing.
8. Kona Tour: Coffee Plantation, Kealakekua Bay, Kaloko-Honokohau Park, and Bee Farm
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 49 reviews
Discover the history, beauty and culture of the Big Island on this 6.5-hour tour of the Kona coast. See sacred Hawaiian temples and ancient petroglyphs at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, and walk to Honokohau Beach to spot native wildlife. Admire scenic views of Kealakekua Bay, and go on a walking tour of Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, considered a sacred site. You’ll also visit a bee farm and coffee plantation for tastings at both, plus lunch. Numbers are limited to 10 to ensure you enjoy a small-group experience.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Bottled water, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Lunch, Honey and coffee tastings, Professional and Certified Guide
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By kimlester70
Derek our guide was awesome. We had a party of 13! He was a lot of fun! Very informative! Been to the Big Island many times, and this is definitely worth doing.
9. Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 209 reviews
Set sail for a 3-hour cruise to Captain Cook’s Monument for dinner, as a local historian shares stories and legends of the sites you will see along the way. First cocktail is on the house! Listen in to live Hawaiian music and enjoy a magnificent sunset as you sail back to Kona. Don’t forget your camera and keep an eye out for dolphins and seasonal whales.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Beverages, Buffet dinner, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Live entertainment, Sunset
Exclusions: Gratuities, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase - 1 complimentary drink included), Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By Cris L
Wonderful cruise with friendly, competent crew. The snorkeling was lovely and the location unique, highly recommend to visitors and locals alike!
10. Kona Shore Excursion: Hawaiian Sea Turtles , Historic Kona & Coffee
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 23 reviews
WANT TO SEE HAWAIIAN SEA TURTLES! Cruise ship friendly tour is approx 6 hr long.This is truly a wonderful experience showing all the highlights in and around Kailua-Kona. Explore historical cultural sights, our famous Kona coffee, scenic sights and best of all our local wild life! This tour has an optional ending, whether it is snorkeling at Kahaluu Bay also known as "Turtle Beach", Shopping and site seeing on the historical ocean front Alii Drive, or enjoying a cold brew at our local Kona brewery. Departure times may be adjusted to fit your ships arrival & departure.
Inclusions: Port pickup and drop-off, Snacks, Bottled water, Professional guide
Exclusions: Lunch (stop is made to purchase at local vendor) , Alcoholic Drinks ( Can be purchased at Kona Brewery), Optional:Snorkel Gear is available for rent at Turtle Beach. Please also bring towel and bathing suit if you choose this option, Gratuities
Reviewed By Rainbowtravel64
I’d like to start that I am a certified diver and I have realistic expectations when doing this type of trip. My issue wasn’t the lack of Manta Rays we saw, one very deep underneath the board, it was how the staff handled our adventure. Once at the site, we were asked to put on snorkels and wait to be told to enter the water. It was a cold evening and the weather was NOT perfect. There water was very choppy with intermittent rain. Neither staff member asked anyone what their swimming skills were prior to entering the water. No flotation devices other than the “noodle” to put under your legs to keep you flat. The “noodle” was NOT mandatory. Due to the current, the reason we went south of KONA, the board had drifted approximately 30-40 feet from the boat. Maybe an easy swim for some, but in choppy seas, not an easy swim for all onboard. Again, no discussion regarding swimming skills or flotation devices for personal buoyancy. We were lucky enough to see one Manta Ray within a matter of minutes. We then, laying flat, held onto the board waiting patiently. Approximately 15-20 minutes later were advised that we were moving to a new location and to return to the boat. Once in the boat, the captain, I believe Chris or Craig, told Buddha (I think that was his name) that he was “overriding his decision” and we would be returning to dock. He felt that the currents were too strong. Honestly, the whole in and out experience, had already made me to decide I was not reentering the water. Safety was a great concern for me. We returned to the dock where we were told that we would be able to go out another evening if we so desired. We did NOT return, as my entire party, 4 people, were concerned for their safety. We booked, based on reviews, so I’m not sure why this evening was any different. Maybe the trip should have been cancelled due to currents, which would have been understandable, but it wasn’t.
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