Best Things to Do in Kona on Vacation | Travel Tips by Flytographer

Mary's Travel Tips for Kona

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kona?

For malasadas, the best were from Tex Drive Inn (Honokaa). In Waimea, the bbq from The Fish and the Hog (brisket tacos!) was very delicious, and we loved the burgers and fries from Village Burger. Hands down favorite meal was from Randy's Huli Chicken (south of Kona). For fresh eats, we loved Kaya's (south of Kona), The Booch Bar (Hilo), Halabar (at Mauna Lani Auberge), Tin Shack Bakery (Pahoa). I loved all the fruit, and every virgin and alcoholic pina colada I tasted. And anything with lilikoi is so good!

What are the best things to do in Kona?

Watching for whales (remember to pack binoculars if traveling to the Big Island in the winter months!), walking along the water, swimming & snorkeling in the ocean, Hapuna Beach.

What is your best overall travel tip for Kona?

The entire island is incredible to explore, so enjoy some beach days on the Kohala Coast and then explore the east and southern parts of the Island for a completely different experience. Polulu Trail, Kilauea Iki Trail at Volcanoes NP, Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic site. Worth waking early to watch all the spectacular sunrises.

Visited Kona in February

Photo Shoot Location: Old Kona Airport

Aly in Kona for Flytographer

Jennifer's Travel Tips for Kona

What are the best things to do in Kona?

Rainbow Falls, Pololū Trail

What is the best tip for a romantic getaway in Kona?

Go explore and enjoy this special moment together!

Visited Kona in April

Photo Shoot Location: Pauoa Bay Beach (Fairmont Orchid Beach)

Marissa and Rui in Kona for Flytographer

Rene's Travel Tips for Kona

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kona?

OBISIC. Is a must! Their shave ice is so soft.

What are the best things to do in Kona?

Night swimming with manta rays!! With Kina adventures

What is the best tip for celebrating your birthday in Kona?

Do a photo shoot with Flytographer! (Christian)

Visited Kona in March

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Christian in Kona for Flytographer

Camille's Travel Tips for Kona

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kona?

My favorite restaurant was Island Lava Java, for breakfast! The view of the ocean in the morning was perfect and the service was very friendly! The food was even better!

What are the best things to do in Kona?

Our favorite experience was definitely the Manta Ray Night Snorkeling tour! it was truly a unique experience to get to swim with mantas! Hidden gems near Kona are the Hawaiian Vanilla Company luncheon & tour and the Greenwell Coffee farm tour! We also drove to Kiholo Bay, where we saw many whales from the shore and spotted sea turtles in the nearby lagoon. Truly a hidden treat!

What is the best tip for going on your babymoon to Kona?

If you want a unique stay for a babymoon that is not at a resort, Holualoa Inn is the perfect place to stay! Such an amazing B & B with the friendliest staff and best breakfasts on a coffee farm!

Visited Kona in February

Photo Shoot Location: Old Kona Airport

Adriana in Kona for Flytographer

Lafras's Travel Tips for Kona

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kona?

ULU Ocean Grill at the Four Seasons is a beautiful upscale classy restaurant with amazing dishes and cocktails right on the beach. Pineapple’s Island Fresh Cuisine in Hilo has delicious local food and mai tais served in a hollowed out pineapple and is an affordable option.

What are the best things to do in Kona?

Mauna Kea sunset and stargazing! Do not leave Kona without doing this, it is unreal. Night Snorkel with Manta Rays! Catamaran charter was so much fun and we saw a pod of whales!

Visited Kona in December

Photo Shoot Location: Old Kona Airport

Adriana in Kona for Flytographer

Bryna's Travel Tips for Kona

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kona?

The Coffee Shack is family friendly and such beautiful views! Be sure to arrive there early!

What are the best things to do in Kona?

Manta Ray night swim on the Hula Kai and Fairwinds morning snorkel.

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kona?

It’s easy and very family friendly here. We’ve been traveling here since our oldest was 6 months old.

Visited Kona in November

Photo Shoot Location: Old Kona Airport

Marissa and Rui in Kona for Flytographer

Stephanie's Travel Tips for Kona

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kona?

Favourite restaurant: Basik in Kailua; Makani's Magic Pineapple Shack in Hilo; Underground Pizza in Waimea

What are the best things to do in Kona?

Seeing the stars on Mauna Kea and Hiking Mauna Loa

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kona?

Be comfortable with going off itinerary - they just want to swim, anywhere :)

Visited Kona in November

Photo Shoot Location: Puako Hidden Beaches

Samantha in Kona for Flytographer

Olivia's Travel Tips for Kona

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kona?

Shaka Tacoz food truck! The ono fish tacos were absolutely delicious! We went there twice during our stay.😛

What are the best things to do in Kona?

Watching the surfers from the rental property!🏄‍♂️

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kona?

Definitely do some research of kid friendly beaches. We’ve never been to this island before and as we knew, it had a lot of lava rock beaches. So you have to search out the soft sand beaches and usually make a drive to them. But it’s worth it!

Visited Kona in October

Photo Shoot Location: Kailua

Rojeena in Kona for Flytographer

Katie's Travel Tips for Kona

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kona?

Canoe House was a beautiful restaurant in an incredible setting right on the beach. Food was amazing and the service was great.

What are the best things to do in Kona?

Volcano National Park

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kona?

Go with the flow. Pack a few days of diapers, buy the rest when you get here. Lots of sunscreen! It can be hard, but it’s worth it!

Visited Kona in October

Photo Shoot Location: Pauoa Bay Beach (Fairmont Orchid Beach)

Marissa and Rui in Kona for Flytographer

Kalyn's Travel Tips for Kona

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kona?

Lava Lava Beach Club and the Waipio Fruitshack(

What are the best things to do in Kona?

We loved driving around the island with a guided tour app (Shaka and GuideAlong) to learn the history, best spots, and etc.

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kona?

If you like to drink lots of water, buy the big refillable jug at a water station (there is one outside Walmart) and then you can return and save waste.

Visited Kona in September

Photo Shoot Location: Old Kona Airport

Rojeena in Kona for Flytographer

Sally's Travel Tips for Kona

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kona?

Huggos on the Rocks,for the atmosphere, views and live music

What are the best things to do in Kona?

Punaluu Black Sand Beach (a little south), old Kona airport, Kua beach

What is the best tip for a friends' getaway in Kona?

We tried to fit as much as we could into our trip, we were about to explore and see both sides of the idea.

Visited Kona in July

Photo Shoot Location: Old Kona Airport

Sej in Kona for Flytographer

Cami's Travel Tips for Kona

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kona?

No favorite food honestly. It was kind of mediocre, but we loved the Pololu hike to the black sand beach. There was a restaurant on the side of the road on the way called Gillies that was absolutely fantastic!

What are the best things to do in Kona?

We snorkeled with the mountain rays, and that was an amazing experience! We loved every beach we went to there. They are breathtaking. Our resort was the Hilton Waikoloa resort, and one of our favorite activities was the lagoon there.

Visited Kona in August

Photo Shoot Location: Pauoa Bay Beach (Fairmont Orchid Beach)

Marissa and Rui in Kona for Flytographer

Laura's Travel Tips for Kona

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kona?

Kona Brewing-great food, great service, and a fun atmosphere.

What are the best things to do in Kona?

The Krishna Cow Sanctuary was so much fun, as was the catamaran trip to snorkel at the Captain Cook Monument with Fair Wind Tours.

Visited Kona in July

Photo Shoot Location: Pauoa Bay Beach (Fairmont Orchid Beach)

Samantha in Kona for Flytographer

Catherine's Travel Tips for Kona

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kona?

Java lava, lovely breakfast

What are the best things to do in Kona?

Dolphin encounter at waikoloa

Visited Kona in July

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Aubrey in Kona for Flytographer

Grace's Travel Tips for Kona

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kona?

Original Thai. Delicious food and the people working there were so nice and welcoming.

What are the best things to do in Kona?

Our favorite activities were on the Hilo side. Hiking Kilauea and going to ‘Akaka Falls and boiling pots.

Visited Kona in July

Photo Shoot Location: Pauoa Bay Beach (Fairmont Orchid Beach)

Marissa and Rui in Kona for Flytographer

Carol's Travel Tips for Kona

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kona?

We loved Humpy’s. Great food and awesome views!

Visited Kona in May

Photo Shoot Location: Old Kona Airport

Amanda in Kona for Flytographer

Nic's Travel Tips for Kona

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kona?

Pack an extra suitcase with all the beach stuff. Bring life jackets for the kids so they can have fun in the water and you don’t have to worry about their safety. Water shoes are a must. As are goggles and snorkels for all. Bring towel robes for the kids to keep them cozy. Worry about unscreen less by using big hats and rash guards. No sunburns and everyone stays happier!

Visited Kona in March

Photo Shoot Location: Pauoa Bay Beach (Fairmont Orchid Beach)

Marissa and Rui in Kona for Flytographer

Jessica's Travel Tips for Kona

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kona?

Kona Grill House was recommended to us by a few locals. They told us to get the “Rodzilla” and they were absolutely right! Best fish we had in Hawaii!

What are the best things to do in Kona?

Aside from the amazing beaches, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is an experience you won’t get many other places on the world!

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kona?

Plan out a few activities, but keep the schedule as fluid as possible. Unexpected Hawaiian adventures make for some great times and great memories!

Visited Kona in February

Photo Shoot Location: Pauoa Bay Beach (Fairmont Orchid Beach)

Marissa and Rui in Kona for Flytographer

Alyssa's Travel Tips for Kona

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kona?

Scandinavian shave ice

What are the best things to do in Kona?

Kua Beach

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kona?

You do more driving to get around than on the other islands.

Visited Kona in December

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Marissa and Rui in Kona for Flytographer

Alisha's Travel Tips for Kona

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kona?

Island Vintage Coffee Acai bowls

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kona?

Manua Lani Beach Club is a great beach for kids to play

Visited Kona in December

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Aubrey in Kona for Flytographer

Patricia's Travel Tips for Kona

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kona?

Kai eats was a family friendly place to eat and right by the ocean

What are the best things to do in Kona?

Volcano National Park

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kona?

Have lots of snacks and water for the humidity.

Visited Kona in November

Photo Shoot Location: Old Kona Airport

Amanda in Kona for Flytographer

Bethany's Travel Tips for Kona

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kona?

Magics Beach Grill. Amazing ono tacos, burgers and the best Mai-Tai's we experienced during our whole trip to the Big Island! The patio ocean view is incredible and made our trip to Magic Sand Beach afterwards very convenient.

What are the best things to do in Kona?

Kua Bay Beach. Big Island Circle Tour - Kailani Tours. Kohala Ziplines. Captain Cook's Monument hike. Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kona?

Water shoes are a must for most beaches (snorkels and boogie boards too). If your kids are 8 or older, Kohala Ziplines was an easy favorite.

Visited Kona in October

Photo Shoot Location: Old Kona Airport

Samantha in Kona for Flytographer

Pamela's Travel Tips for Kona

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kona?

Da Poke Shack, Gecko Girls Shave ice! You can't go wrong with either, true local experiences :o)

What are the best things to do in Kona?

South of Kona, Captain Cook, Place of Refuge. Travel the island, make sure to see Volcano National Park and go up to Polulu Valley, so many things to do on the Big Island!

What is the best tip for travelling with kids to Kona?

Book a condo instead of a hotel room to cut down on food costs and to have more room for them to spread out!

Visited Kona in October

Photo Shoot Location: Old Kona Airport

Adriana in Kona for Flytographer

Aaron's Travel Tips for Kona

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kona?

Fish Hopper and Island Lava Java

What are the best things to do in Kona?

Skydiving

Visited Kona in September

Photo Shoot Location: Old Kona Airport

Adriana in Kona for Flytographer

SEAN's Travel Tips for Kona

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kona?

Boi Cho tan and Browns Beach House

What are the best things to do in Kona?

Fish pond pedicure! Where in the tiny fish nibble at your feet and makes you feel so revitalized.

Visited Kona in September

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Adriana in Kona for Flytographer

Chantel's Travel Tips for Kona

What are the best places to eat and drink in Kona?

Shaka Tacos nd Magic Sand Beach Grill for lunch with a view. Foster's kitchen for yummy food

What are the best things to do in Kona?

The Manta Ray dive was amazing! Hapuna Beach was a beautiful white sand beach. The Kulaniapia Falls waterfall on the Hilo side was amazing. The Volcanoes National Park was spectacular to see lava flow at night! The Two-Step beach had great snorkeling. The Farmers Markets were great for snorkeling.

What is the best tip for going on your babymoon to Kona?

We loved staying at the beautiful Hilton Waikoloa Village because we got to see the dolphins at Dolphin Quest and sea turtles in their lagoon! Very beautiful property.

Visited Kona in August

Photo Shoot Location: Mahai'ula Beach & Makalawena Beach

Brittany in Kona for Flytographer