Kona Coast Travel Guide

The coast south of Kailua Kona has the best access to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Take a tour over to the park where the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution are displayed. It boasts two of the world's most active volcanoes and offers insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands. Enjoy hiking, biking, lava viewing, helicopter tours and camping in the Volcano Village. Or take in one of the Big Island's many golf courses that are carved out of ancient lava flows.

If you wish to experience upcountry Kona Coast living at its best, then staying in one of the house rental accommodations with a lush tropical setting in Kealakekua is the way to go. Feel the Old Hawaii and the spirit of Aloha from your vacation rental only a few minutes scenic drive to Kealakekua Bay or Captain Cook.

If you are interested in snorkeling or diving in a beautiful location convenient to your condo rental, Kealakekua Bay is the perfect place for it. It is a Marine Life Conservation District where you can rent equipment and explore the water on your own, or take a guided day tour. The calm water of the bay is ideal for seeing colorful coral and a wide variety of tropical sea life. Pack up a picnic at your accommodation and relax on the shore after your ocean adventure. Kayaking and paddle boards are also a big hit in the area.

Visit the Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park. Captain James Cook landed here in 1779. He is considered to be the first European to make contact with native Hawaiians. There is a memorial to him on the shores of the Bay.

Kaupulehu is known for its rugged beauty and is one the most historic areas along the Kona Coast. Wake up to the panoramic ocean views that Kaupulehu vacation home rentals offered by the famous Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. Bask under the Hawaii sunshine, enjoy the generally pretty mild currents in the beach and several ocean activities such as swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and stand up paddle boarding. Swing by the spectacular lava-lined Hualalai Golf Course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Visit its Cultural Reserve and Interpretive Center at Kalaemano, an expansive 214-acre recreational area that shares with visitors and locals its culturally signicant history, artifacts and interpretive areas.

Some of the major events you might want to catch during your visit is the Big Island Film Festival in May; the King Kamehameha Day and Pu'uhonua o Honaunau Hawaiian Cultural Festival that are both celebrated in June; Ford Ironman Triathlon World Championship in October; and Kona Coffee Cultural Festival in November.