Welcome to one of the most sought after places to visit and live – Kailua Kona! We have lived here for 18 years on August 1st. We are always discovering and enjoying new things and unforgettable experiences. Our town is a fantastic place to visit AND a beautiful place to live! Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or a relaxation seeker, Kailua Kona has something for everyone. I wrote this post to include some top things to do and included links to our videos. You can see over 150 things about Hawaii Island on our YouTube channel, 365Hawaii. We also have a great real estate channel at “365Hawaii Big Island Real Estate Moment”.

Your Top 5 Things to Do When You Visit or Live in Kailua Kona:

1. Explore Historic Kailua Village: No visit to Kailua Kona is complete without immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of Historic Kailua Village. Take a leisurely stroll along Ali’i Drive, the main thoroughfare, and admire the beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture. Visit Hulihe‘e Palace, a former royal vacation home that now serves as a museum showcasing Hawaiian artifacts. Make sure to stop by Mokuaikaua Church, the oldest Christian church in the state. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, browse local boutiques, and sit ocean side at many of the waterfront restaurants. Here is a video of the Kailua Kona Stroll to give you and idea of the area!
2. Relax on Magic Sands Beach: After all the excitement, it’s time to unwind on the golden shores of Magic Sands Beach. Known for its ever-changing sand, this picturesque beach is perfect for soaking up the Hawaiian sun and enjoying the soothing sound of crashing waves. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters or try your hand at bodyboarding if the surf is safe. As the day draws to a close, witness a breathtaking sunset painting the sky in vibrant hues. Magic Sands Beach offers the perfect blend of relaxation and natural beauty, making it the ultimate spot to relax in Kailua Kona. The “ever changing sand” aspect is that sometimes all the sand gets wiped out by big surf! Here is what it looks like without sand and with the sand.
3. Visit the Kona Coffee Farms: Calling all coffee lovers! A trip to Kailua Kona wouldn’t be complete without indulging in the world-famous Kona coffee. Venture inland and explore the picturesque coffee farms that dot the verdant slopes of Hualalai Volcano. Take a guided tour and learn about the cultivation and production process from the knowledgeable farmers themselves. Discover the intricate flavors and aromas of freshly roasted coffee during a tasting session. Don’t forget to pick up some premium Kona coffee beans to savor the authentic taste long after your visit. We really enjoy Mountain Thunder Coffee in the Kona Cloud Forest. We created a video to loop in a tour of the Kona Cloud Forest AND Mountain Thunder. Straight up from Keauhou is Heavenly Hawaiian, which has a few unique experiences,,so we did a video there. Take a look!
4. Embark on a Volcano Adventure : Kailua Kona serves as an ideal base for exploring the awe-inspiring Volcanoes National Park. Witness the primal forces of nature at work as you gaze upon Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Take a scenic drive along the Chain of Craters Road and marvel at the vast expanse of hardened lava fields. Discover volcanic steam vents, ancient petroglyphs, and fascinating hiking trails that wind through the unique volcanic landscape. Be sure to visit after sunset to witness the mesmerizing glow of the molten lava. We recently filmed the newest eruption: Take a look!
5. Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay: Prepare to be amazed by the underwater wonders of Kealakekua Bay, a protected marine sanctuary known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. Hop on a boat or kayak and journey to this tropical haven. Dive into the pristine ocean and swim alongside colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and even eagle rays. Don’t miss the opportunity to snorkel near the iconic Captain Cook Monument, paying tribute to the renowned British explorer. Kealakekua Bay offers an extraordinary snorkeling experience that will leave you in awe of Hawaii’s natural beauty. To see the bay, go to 2:48 on this video..or watch how to hike down and tips on surviving this brutal hike. (If you want to go and hate to hike, take a snorkle cruise!).

Eric and Julie Ziemelis are Realtors with KW Big Island and specialize in giving you the updates/insights/truth and tips of traveling to, moving to and living on the Big Island of Hawaii. We offer opportunities for community and connection through our private Facebook groups and we have books and videos to help anyone looking to make Hawaii home. Join the Ohana and receive all the goodness and avoid the mistakes folks make in trying to move to Hawaii.

Eric Ziemelis | RS-80376
Julie Ziemelis | RS-85062
365 Hawaii Group
Keller Williams Big Island
Julie@Ziemelis.com