Witness the raw power of creation. Home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. A living laboratory where you can walk across land that was molten just decades ago. *Located on the East side (Hilo). Plan for a full day trip (2.5 hr drive).
Set aboard a 12-passenger speed boat, UFO Parasail of Kailua-Kona offers guests unparalleled opportunities to see the Big Island’s western Kona Coast from the exhilarating perspective of hundreds of feet in the air! Equipped with cutting-edge parasailing gear, UFO Parasail brings the excitement of parasailing to the Big Island.
Home to Maniniʻōwali Beach (Kua Bay). Stunning white sand and turquoise water. *20 mins drive from Kona Beach Estate
The "Place of Refuge." Sacred history and excellent snorkeling nearby at Two Step. In addition to the palm-tree fringed beach, it also includes reconstructed thatched-roof temples, royal fishponds, and sledding tracks. The grounds are equally as stunning, boasting pristine ocean views over the nearby bay. You can also walk across the tide pools to see fish, crabs, and, if you’re lucky, turtles. *45 mins drive from Kona Beach Estate
Often called the heart of the Kona Coast, Kailua-Kona is the island’s second-largest town after Hilo. Along its mile-long shoreline, you’ll find Kamakahonu Beach, Kailua Pier, and the historic Hulihe‘e Palace, once a retreat for King Kalākaua and Queen Kapiʻolani. Between beach time and sightseeing, browse the boutiques or join a food or ghost tour for a fun twist on local history.
Located in downtown Kona, the Kona Farmers Market is the perfect spot to experience local flavors and culture. With over 40 vendors, the market offers fresh produce, handmade crafts, and Hawaiian specialties like Kona coffee and macadamia nuts. Open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, it’s a bustling place to grab unique souvenirs, enjoy local snacks, or simply stroll through while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.
After sailing down the beautiful Kona Coast on a spacious 50 foot catamaran, your snorkeling adventure will begin in the pristine waters and the vibrant reef of the Marine Sanctuary of Kealakekua Bay. It’s believed that the coral (which can be 100 feet in length) was used as inspiration for designing the reef in Disney’s Finding Nemo.
Take a scenic drive through the lush Kohala region, passing through charming plantation towns like Hawi and Kapa’au, home to the iconic King Kamehameha Statue. Then, go off-road to an exclusive one-mile trail along a private stream, where you’ll find cascading waterfalls and refreshing pools perfect for swimming. To cap off your day, enjoy a picnic lunch at our secluded overlook with breathtaking views of Kohala’s famous valleys and sea cliffs.
For a truly unique marine experience in Hawaii, a visit to Ocean Rider offers an intimate, conservation-focused look at more than 20 endangered seahorse species and other rare marine life. This 90-minute guided tour supports sustainable breeding efforts that protect wild populations—and concludes with the unforgettable opportunity to hold a live seahorse.
A unique chance to learn about marine conservation efforts, focusing on octopus research. Visitors can take a guided tour to see these fascinating creatures up close and even participate in feeding them. The farm’s goal is to raise octopuses for repopulation and research, aiming to protect endangered species. It’s an educational and engaging experience for those interested in marine biology, making it one of Kona’s more unusual and memorable attractions.
Recent winner of a variety of coffee competitions and awards, grab your travel buddy and go for a one hour tour of the Hula Daddy plantation and roasting room, offered Monday – Friday. Aside from a great cup of coffee, their genuine hospitality and friendly staff is a unique delight.
A family-owned coffee farm that has spent the last three decades perfecting the art of crafting exceptional coffee. Experience the magic of coffee farming on an interactive farm tour and see how Kona Farm Direct transforms nature's bounty into a delightful beverage!
Treat yourself to an unforgettable vanilla experience set in a lush shade house oasis, where fragrant vines grow in abundance. Discover the captivating journey of the vanilla orchid—from rare treasure to global obsession—on a tour designed to delight every age. The experience ends on a sweet note with complimentary vanilla ice cream, and a curated selection of vanilla-infused treats and body products lets you bring a little of the magic home.