Hawaii is on nearly every American’s “must-do” travel list. Temperatures year-round see highs in the 70s and 90s and lows in the 60s. One thing to keep in mind is that even if the overall climate is lovely, the changes in elevation and terrain will create microclimates. This is really important in Kona due to the elevation of the coffee farms. Be sure to check the forecasts before your trip.
Kona Means Coffee
If you’re looking for cultural experiences, Kona has a lot to offer. First, any coffee lover will instantly know the name Kona means delicious coffee. If you’re looking for a coffee experience unlike anything else in the world, head over to the artist enclave Holualoa where you can sample all types of Kona coffee and meet local artists. If that idea really interests you, then you may want to consider visiting in November during the annual Holualoa Village Coffee & Art Stroll where you can lift your spirit with coffee and delight your soul with artisanal wares.
However, Kona is more than coffee—a lot more.
Experience Hawaii in Kona
Looking for a truly unique experience on your Hawaiian vacation? Kona has you covered there too. How about visiting a seahorse farm? Where else can you do that? There are 36 species of seahorses in the world and you can see half of them at the seahorse farm in Kona. Watch pregnant males and get close to tiny baby seahorses.
The only thing that rivals the seahorse farm is the near-by octopus farm. Visit that farm to get up-close to these ancient creatures and learn about what makes them so utterly fascinating.
Want to see more ocean wildlife? Check out the Atlantis Kona Submarine Adventure. For 45 min, you’ll be 100’ below the surface of the ocean and you’ll see the life that lives in the sea. Expert guides will make sure you don’t miss a thing. The boat is limited to just under 50 people so be sure to plan ahead if you want to do this.
Examine Hawaii through Kona
Native Hawaiians are very concerned with preserving their culture. They want non-natives to know and respect Hawaiian culture and Hawaiians know this cannot be done without outreach. Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park is an ancient area of refuge. In use until the 19th century, it was a place where someone could find absolution if they broke one of the ancient laws and where defeated warriors or non-combatants could find safety during times of conflict. You can walk among discovered temple platforms, fishponds, and old village sites.
Eager to see more? The Honokohau Settlement and Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park is a 1,160-acre park created to preserve and celebrate the history of the Hawaiian people. While there you can see napping sea turtles and lush native vegetation. You can also walk among sacred ruins. Please be respectful of the turtles and remember that the ruins are sacred.
Curious about royal history? Historic Kailua Village offers great shopping and dining, but it’s also home to several historic spots like the Hulihee Palace, a royal palace built in 1838.
Discover Hawaii via Kona
Relaxing in the sun, snorkeling, diving, deep-sea fishing, and all the other activities we generally think of when we think of Hawaii are available in Kona. Want a Manta Ray boat tour? Got it. Want to swim with the dolphins? Yes, you can do that too. Want to sit back with a Mai Tai and get lost in the song of the ocean? Absolutely.
Whatever you want out of Hawaii, Hawaii can deliver. All she asks for is a bit of respect. Bring your curiosity and your love of life when you visit Hawaii and she’ll show you that the world is much more than you could have ever imagined.
Stop waiting. You deserve this. Book your vacation today, and check out our Vacation Planning Resource Center for information to guide you on your next trip!
Top Things To Do In Kona
- Manta Ray boat tours
- Deep-sea fishing
- Snorkeling
- Historic Kailua Village
- Atlantis Kona Submarine Adventure
- Ironman World Championship (October)
