Your Perfect Kona Itineraries
Curated Plans for Every Type of Traveler
Written by a Local Expert
Leilani AkoFind Your Perfect Kona Adventure
Kona offers a million different adventures. To help you find yours, I've put together a few sample itineraries based on how you like to travel.
Three Perfect Days in Kona (First-Timer's Guide)
If it's your first time here, this plan balances history, adventure, and relaxation.
📅 Day 1: History & Kailua Town
Morning
Start your morning in South Kona with a visit to the powerful Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, followed by snorkeling at Two Step next door.
Lunch
Grab lunch with a million-dollar view at The Coffee Shack.
Afternoon
Explore the historic sites along Aliʻi Drive, including Huliheʻe Palace and Ahuʻena Heiau.
Evening
End the day with sunset drinks at Huggo's on the Rocks before your evening Manta Ray Snorkel tour.
☕ Day 2: Coffee & Coastline
Morning
Dive deep into coffee culture with a morning tour at the Kona Coffee Living History Farm.
Lunch
Try the authentic Hawaiian food at Kaaloa's Super J's.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun at the beautiful Kua Bay.
Evening
Grab take-out from Pine Tree Cafe and have a sunset picnic at Old Kona Airport Beach Park.
🏄 Day 3: North Coast Adventure
Morning
Take a scenic drive north to the Kohala district for a morning zipline tour with Kohala Zipline.
Lunch
Have lunch in the charming, old-school town of Hawi.
Afternoon
On the drive back to Kona, stop at the various scenic lookouts.
Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a fresh poke bowl from Umekes.
A Kona Coffee Lover's Itinerary
For those who came here for the world's best cup of joe, this is your perfect day.
☕ The Ultimate Coffee Day
9:00 AM - Kona Coffee Living History Farm
This isn't just a tasting; it's a cultural immersion that provides the essential historical context for everything else you'll taste today.
11:00 AM - Greenwell Farms
Their free guided tour gives you a fantastic look at how a large, historic coffee plantation operates from seed to cup.
1:00 PM - The Coffee Shack
The food is delicious, but the panoramic view of the coastline and Kealakekua Bay is the main event.
2:30 PM - Hula Daddy
Now that you have the basics, it's time for a connoisseur's experience. Book a tour at this boutique, award-winning farm to taste some truly exceptional, small-batch coffee.
4:00 PM - Hōlualoa Village
Wind down with a stroll through the art galleries of Hōlualoa village, the artistic heart of coffee country.
Mahalo for Exploring Kona with Me!
You've completed the ultimate Kona guide! Ready to explore more of Hawaii or return to the main guide?
📋 Planning Tips
- Best Start Time: Early morning
- Transportation: Rental car needed
- Advance Booking: Tours & restaurants
- Pack Layers: Coast to mountains
💰 Budget Estimates
$30-50 per person
$75-125 per person
$200+ per person
🚗 Getting Around
- Rental car essential
- Parking can be limited
- Allow extra travel time
- GPS recommended
📖 Kona Guide Navigation
💡 Leilani's Tip
Don't try to cram too much into one day! Kona is meant to be savored. Pick 2-3 main activities per day and leave time to just soak in the aloha spirit.
More Ways to Experience Kona
Kona on a Budget
Experiencing the magic of Kona doesn't have to break the bank.
Free Fun
The best things in Kona are often free. Snorkel from the shore at Kahaluʻu Beach Park and Two Step. Hike the rugged trail to the secluded Makalawena Beach. Walk along Aliʻi Drive and see historic sites like Huliheʻe Palace and Ahuʻena Heiau from the outside. Take a free coffee tour at Greenwell Farms or Mountain Thunder. Watch the sunset every night from a different beach—Old Kona Airport Park is a local favorite.
Cheap Eats
Your best friends are grocery stores like KTA and Costco for picnic supplies. For meals out, hit up the food trucks like Shaka Tacoz and plate lunch spots like Pine Tree Cafe. The farmers markets are great for fresh fruit, baked goods, and affordable snacks.
Money-Saving Tips
Rent your snorkel gear for the entire week from a shop like Snorkel Bob's; it's much cheaper than renting daily. If you're really adventurous and have time, you can navigate parts of the island using the public Hele-On Bus, which even stops at places like Greenwell Farms and the entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
A Kamaʻāina Weekend in Kona
For my fellow locals looking for a staycation, here's how to see our home with fresh eyes.
Hidden Gems
Instead of your usual beach, make the trip to Kiholo Bay. The mix of black sand, freshwater springs bubbling up in turquoise tide pools (the "Queen's Bath"), and the history of Kamehameha's massive fishpond make it a truly special place. Or, skip the coast and go for a hike in the cool, misty forests mauka of Hōlualoa.
New Eats & Drinks
If you haven't been yet, check out Ola Brew Co. Not only do they have great local beer, but they also make ciders and seltzers using local fruit, and their food menu is solid.
Kamaʻāina Deals
Always, always ask for the kamaʻāina discount! Many places, from hotels like the Royal Kona Resort to activities like Hawaii Ghost Walks, offer special rates for residents. They don't always advertise it, so don't be shy. Just have your Hawaiʻi ID ready. It's our reward for being lucky enough to live here.
Know Before You Go: Practical Tips for Your Kona Trip
Getting Around
To truly explore the vast Kona district, a rental car is essential. The Big Island is, well, big, and public transportation is limited.
Weather
Kona is famous for its microclimates. It can be 85 degrees and sunny on the coast, and a few miles up the mountain in Hōlualoa, it can be 70 degrees and misty. Always pack layers, including a light rain jacket, especially if you plan to explore the uplands.
What to Pack
The number one thing to pack is reef-safe sunscreen. The chemicals in regular sunscreen are incredibly damaging to our fragile coral reefs. Look for mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Many responsible tour operators, like Fair Wind, will even provide it for you. Also bring sturdy shoes for walking on uneven lava rock, a hat, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.
Traveling with Aloha
Remember, you are a guest in our home. Lead with aloha, be patient (we're on island time!), respect the ʻāina and the culture, and you'll leave with more than just a tan—you'll leave with a piece of Kona in your heart.
A hui hou (until we meet again)
Whether you're planning your first visit to Kona or you're a longtime visitor looking for fresh perspectives, I hope these itineraries help you discover the magic of this special place. Remember to travel with pono, and let the ʻāina share its truest self with you.