🌺 Top 10 Things to Do in Kona, Hawai‘i (Based on Real Visitor Favorites)
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to paradise, Kona offers unforgettable experiences for every kind of traveler. Here are the 10 must-do activities, ranked by popularity, uniqueness, and guest reviews.
1. 🌌 Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Kona is one of the only places in the world where you can snorkel with giant manta rays after dark. These graceful creatures feed near the surface, and guided tours offer an up-close, awe-inspiring experience.
2. 🚀 Flight of Aloha — Flying Theater Experience
One of Kona’s newest and most talked-about attractions, Flight of Aloha lets you soar over Hawai‘i in an immersive 8K flying theater — complete with motion, wind, mist, and scent.
Located inside the King Kamehameha Hotel, this all-ages indoor attraction is a perfect option before or after the beach, and offers a thrilling, cultural ride for just $29.99.
“Better than a helicopter ride — and no motion sickness.” – 5-star Google review
3. 🌊 Snorkel Kealakekua Bay
This marine sanctuary is famous for its coral reefs, spinner dolphins, and sea turtles. Many choose to kayak or boat in for prime snorkeling near the Captain Cook Monument.
4. 🪂 Parasail with UFO Parasail
See the Kona coast from 1,200 feet above the water with UFO Parasail — the island’s longest-running parasail operator. Take off and land directly from the boat, no swimming required. It’s safe, thrilling, and great for first-timers or seasoned adrenaline junkies.
5. ☕ Tour a Kona Coffee Farm
Kona coffee is world-renowned, and you can tour working farms like Mountain Thunder or Hula Daddy for tastings, roasting demos, and incredible views.
6. 🌅 Take a Sunset Cruise
From romantic catamaran sails to family-friendly excursions, sunset cruises offer breathtaking views, marine life sightings, and often live music or pupus onboard.
7. 🐋 Whale Watching (Winter Season)
From December to April, humpback whales migrate past the Big Island. Book a guided tour and you might witness breaching, tail slaps, or even singing whales beneath your boat.
8. 🏝️ Relax at Magic Sands or Kamakahonu Beach
Kona’s west-facing beaches are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or sunbathing. Magic Sands is great for wave play, while Kamakahonu is calm and ideal for families with young kids.
9. 🏛️ Visit Historic Kailua Village
Explore Hulihe‘e Palace, Mokuaikaua Church (Hawai‘i’s oldest Christian church), and the waterfront shops and restaurants on Ali‘i Drive.
10. 🏞️ Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
Hike coastal trails and explore ancient Hawaiian fishponds and sacred sites. This lesser-known gem offers quiet beauty, cultural depth, and often honu (sea turtle) sightings.
📌 Bonus Tips:
Book manta tours Flight of Aloha and parasail rides in advance — they fill fast.
Stop by the King Kamehameha Hotel for multiple activities: Flight of Aloha, coffee shops, UFO Parasail, and the Island Breeze Lūʻau.
Reef-safe sunscreen is a must at beaches and snorkeling spots.
✈️ Final Word
From flying across Hawai‘i in a theater to gliding above the ocean by parasail, Kona offers unforgettable ways to explore, learn, and feel the magic of the islands. Whether you’re in town for a few hours or a few weeks, these ten activities deliver the best of the Big Island.