Activities
Popular Attractions near Kona Plaza
Popular attractions near Kona Plaza
During your vacation at Kona Plaza in Kailua-Kona, immerse yourself in the local culture and outdoor experiences. Explore popular attractions like Kona Pier and Historic Kailua, where you can enjoy stunning views and the vibrant beach atmosphere. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, the nearby jetty and plantation sites offer unique insights into the region’s heritage and natural beauty, making your trip truly memorable.
- Kailua Pier: A tropical hub for excursions, this jetty offers stunning ocean views and a vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy activities like snorkeling and whale watching right from the pier.
- Magic Sands Beach: Renowned for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, this beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and catching waves. Experience the laid-back beach vibes.
- Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park: A cultural treasure, this park showcases ancient Hawaiian fishponds and petroglyphs, offering a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of the islands.
Places to Eat
1. Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar
Located on the wrap-around lanai at The Waterfront Row (75-5770 Ali‘i Dr), Papa Kona serves breakfast through dinner with panoramic views over Kailua Bay. The open-air setting, locally-inspired menu and craft cocktails add to a relaxed yet elevated experience. Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar+1
Tip: Go for a sunset table and try their happy hour (3-5 pm daily).
2. Island Lava Java
Family-owned, this open-air café/restaurant specializes in fresh, local ingredients, 100% Kona coffee and an easy island atmosphere. Great for brunch, lunch or dinner in a more casual setting. islandlavajava.com+1
Tip: Ideal for families or a relaxed morning stop with ocean breeze.
3. Kai Eats + Drinks
Oceanfront dining on Ali‘i Drive featuring wood-fired pizza, burgers, tacos, 48 craft beer taps, and sunset surf-views. A lively, trendy spot for food + drinks. Kai Eats And Drinks
Tip: Walk-in friendly; aim for a lanai table around sunset for the full experience.
4. Huggo’s
An island classic since 1969, Huggo’s offers fresh-caught seafood, prime rib, and an iconic waterfront location in downtown Kona.Huggo’s
Tip: Dress a bit nicer for this one; request an oceanside table for the full ambiance.
5. Jackie Rey’s Kona
A refined, open-air Hawaiian restaurant offering fresh seafood, steaks, and carefully crafted cocktails. A strong choice for a memorable evening out. OpenTable+1
Tip: Consider it for a special-occasion dinner; reservations are wise.
Festivals
Kailua-Kona is a vibrant hub of cultural festivities throughout the year. Here are some of the most notable annual festivals you can experience in and around downtown Kailua-Kona:
☕ Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (November)
As Hawaii’s oldest food festival, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival celebrates over 200 years of Kona coffee heritage. Held annually in November, this 10-day event features coffee tastings, farm tours, cultural performances, and a lantern parade along Ali‘i Drive. Highlights include the Kona Coffee Cupping Competition and a lively marketplace showcasing local artisans. Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
🏊♂️ Ironman World Championship (October)
Kailua-Kona hosts the world-renowned Ironman World Championship each October. Athletes from around the globe compete in a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon. The event transforms Ali‘i Drive into a bustling spectator zone, offering an electric atmosphere for visitors and locals alike. sorayaletournel.com
🎉 Hawai‘i Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural Festival (June)
Taking place in early June at the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort, this festival celebrates the diverse cultures of the Pacific and Asia. The event features a vibrant marketplace, culinary showcases, fashion shows, and cultural performances, including the Le Kaua Ailao Fireknife Competition. hikuauli
🎶 Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival – Kona Style (August)
This family-friendly event celebrates the soulful sounds of Hawaiian slack key guitar. Held annually in August at the Outrigger Kona Resort, the festival offers live performances, cultural activities, and a festive atmosphere suitable for all ages.
🎨 Kailua Village Art Walk (Every Wednesday)
Every Wednesday evening, downtown Kailua-Kona comes alive with the Kailua Village Art Walk. Local artists and artisans display their work along Ali‘i Drive, complemented by live music and food vendors. This free event offers a delightful way to experience the local art scene and enjoy the evening ambiance. Kailua Kona Estate
🎄 Kailua Kalikimaka Concert & Christmas Tree Lighting (December)
Celebrate the holiday season with the annual Kailua Kalikimaka concert and Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Held in early December at Emma’s Square across from Huliheʻe Palace, the event features live Hawaiian music, keiki (children’s) hula performances, and the lighting of the community Christmas tree. konaweb.com
These festivals offer a rich tapestry of experiences, from cultural celebrations and culinary delights to world-class sporting events. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, there’s always something exciting happening in Kailua-Kona.
Farmers Markets
🌿 Farmers Markets & Farm Stands Near Kailua-Kona
| Name | Location / Address | Days & Hours* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kona Village Farmers Market (aka Kona Farmers & Crafts Market / Kailua Village Market) | On Aliʻi Drive, corner of Aliʻi Dr & Hualālai Rd (next to Kona Public Library) | Wed–Sun, 7:00 am – 4:00 pm Love Big Island | One of the main markets in Kona, with produce, crafts, Kona coffee, and souvenirs Kona Concierge |
| Keauhou Farmers Market | Keauhou Shopping Center (fronting Ace Hardware), 78-6831 Aliʻi Drive | Saturdays, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm Kona Concierge | 100% locally grown produce, coffee, honey, etc. keauhoufarmersmarket.com |
| Ho’oulu Community Farmers & Artisans Market | Lawn in front of Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, Keauhou Bay | Wednesdays & Fridays, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Big Island Guide | Local produce, artisan goods, relaxed setting The Big Island Market |
| Aliʻi Garden Market Place | 75-6129 Aliʻi Drive, Kailua-Kona | Wednesday – Sunday, ~9:00 am – 5:00 pm Kona Concierge | Market with local produce, arts & crafts, etc. alohadreams |
| South Kona Fruit Stand / South Kona Green Market | 84-4770 Māmalahoa Hwy (old Higashi Store area), Captain Cook (south of Kona) | Mon, Wed, Fri (9 am–5 pm) & Sat, Sun (10 am–4 pm) Go Hawaii | Great for tropical fruits, smoothies, coffee, etc. Kona |
| Pure Kona Green Market | Amy Greenwell Botanical Gardens / Kealakekua Ranch Center, Captain Cook area | Sundays, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Love Big Island | Focused on local farmers, sustainability, crafts Love Big Island |
Local Entertainment
On the Rocks
$20–30
Gertrude’s Jazz Bar Lounge
Laverne’s Sports Bar
Blue Dragon Tavern & Cosmic Musiquarium
Aloha Vibes
Da Shark Shack
·4.5(813 reviews)
Note: Operating hours and entertainment schedules may vary. It’s recommended to check with each venue for the most up-to-date information.
Enjoy your evening in Kailua-Kona!
How to get around
Getting around Kailua-Kona is quite manageable without a car, thanks to a variety of transportation options tailored to different preferences and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of the most convenient ways to explore the area:
🚍 Public Transit: Hele-On Bus
The Hele-On Bus is Hawaii County’s free public transit system, offering fixed routes throughout the Big Island, including Kailua-Kona. The buses operate daily from approximately 3:15 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Schedules and live tracking are available via the Moovit app heleonbus.hawaiicounty.gov.
🚋 Trolley Service: Kona Trolley (Route 201)
The Kona Trolley, also known as Route 201, is an open-air shuttle that runs daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. It operates along Aliʻi Drive, connecting popular spots like Kailua Pier, the International Marketplace, and the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort. The fare is $2 per ride Explore The Big Island.
🚴 Biking: Rentals & Bike Share
Kailua-Kona is bike-friendly, with several options for cycling enthusiasts:
HI Bike: Offers bike rentals and operates a bike share program along Aliʻi Drive. You can rent bikes by the hour or day, providing flexibility for short trips around town heleonbus.hawaiicounty.gov.
Bike Works Kona: Provides a range of bicycles for rent, from beach cruisers to performance bikes, suitable for exploring the coastline or venturing further out 365 Kona.
🚖 Ride-Sharing & Taxis
Services like Uber and Lyft are available in Kailua-Kona, offering convenient options for short trips or when public transit isn’t available Facebook. Local taxi companies, such as Kona Taxicab, also operate in the area Tripadvisor.
🛺 Airport Transfers
For arrivals and departures, SpeediShuttle and Roberts Hawaii provide shared and private shuttle services from Kona International Airport (KOA) to various destinations along the west coast, including Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa, and Kohala resorts Explore The Big Island.
🚶 Walking
Downtown Kailua-Kona is compact and pedestrian-friendly. Many accommodations, shops, restaurants, and attractions are within walking distance, especially along Aliʻi Drive. Exploring on foot allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local atmosphere Wikipedia.
💡 Tips for Getting Around
Plan Ahead: Public transit schedules can be limited, especially on weekends. Check the latest schedules on the Hele-On website or through the Moovit app.
Stay Central: Choosing accommodations near Aliʻi Drive can minimize the need for transportation, as many attractions are within walking or biking distance.
Combine Options: Mixing walking, biking, and occasional ride-sharing can offer flexibility and cost savings.
Top 10 Activities In or Near Kailua-Kona
Top 10 Activities in Kailua-Kona / the Kona Coast
Mauna Kea Summit / Star Gazing
One of the highest peaks in Hawaiʻi, Mauna Kea offers spectacular sunsets, stargazing, and an unforgettable alpine environment above the clouds. Hawaii GuideManini‘ōwālī Beach (Kua Bay)
A beautiful crescent-shaped white-sand beach with clear waters, often highly rated for snorkeling, swimming, and scenic views. U.S. News TravelThe Vanillerie (vanilla farm / plantation experience)
A smaller but very well rated farm / agro-tourism experience, offering tours, tastings, and insight into vanilla cultivation. TripadvisorKaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
A cultural and natural site with ancient Hawaiian fishponds, petroglyphs, historic trails, and shoreline walks. Hawaii ActivitiesNight Snorkel / Dive with Manta Rays
This is a “bucket-list” experience in Kona: swimming or diving with gentle manta rays under the stars. Big Island GuideSnorkeling at Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook Monument area)
Known for clear waters, abundant marine life, coral reef, and historical interest (site of Captain Cook’s death). Kona CoastHulihe‘e Palace / Historic Kailua Village
In the heart of Kailua-Kona, the palace and surrounding historic town (with old churches, shops, and local culture) are popular attractions. U.S. News TravelMagic Sands Beach / Laʻaloa Beach
Also called “White Sands,” this beach just south of Kona is prized for its beauty and relatively easy access. Lonely PlanetKohala Waterfalls Adventure
A tour combining waterfalls, hiking, and scenic nature. On Expedia, this activity has very high (10/10) review scores. expediaZip & Dip Waterfall Adventure / Waterfall Tours
Day tours that combine waterfalls, swimming, nature scenery, and adventure (ziplining + waterfalling) are highly rated. expedia