Sun & Summit Destinations
Kona: The Big Island's Sunny West Side
Manta rays at night, Kona coffee farms, a sacred place of refuge and a day trip to an active volcano.
- Best time
- Any time. Kona is dry and sunny year-round; winter brings humpback whales
- Getting there
- Kona International (KOA) is about 15–20 minutes from Kailua-Kona
- Getting around
- Rent a car. The island is big and buses are limited
- Stay
- 5–7 nights
Snorkeling and the mantas
Kahalu'u Beach Park is a calm, shallow reef where sea turtles often rest on the rocks. At night, boats leave Keauhou Bay for the manta ray snorkel, one of the best wildlife experiences in Hawaii. Two Step at Pu'uhonua o Honaunau is the place for more experienced snorkelers.
Coffee country and history
Drive the Mamalahoa Highway through Holualoa and the Kona coffee belt for farm tours and tastings. Visit Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, an ancient place of refuge, and Hulihe'e Palace on Ali'i Drive in town.
Day trips
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: about 2.5 hours each way, so start early
- Hapuna and Kua Bay beaches on the Kohala Coast for white sand
- Waipi'o Valley Lookout on the Hamakua Coast
- Mauna Kea's visitor center for stargazing (bring warm clothes)
Where to stay
These resorts are in very different spots. Pick the one that fits how you want to spend the trip.
Stay at Club Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort
Tell us your dates and we'll check availability and send you a quote.
