Kona, Hawaii

Welcome to the Big Island of Hawaii and to Kona. The Kona Coast is a land of infinite variety, ranging from pristine beaches to rolling uplands that are home to coffee plantations, macadamia groves and the largest privately owned cattle ranch in the United States. To the southeast lies Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, and Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. And offshore lies a fisherman's paradise. Kona is hailed as "The Billfish Capital of the World," and the town hosts the annual Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament.

Twice as large as the other major Hawaiian Islands combined, Hawaii's terrain ranges from tropical beaches to the alpine crags and basalt heights of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. At over 10,000 feet above sea level, Mauna Kea is the highest point in the Pacific Basin. On Hawaii, the temperature is always a result of elevation.

Note: Kona is an anchorage port. Transportation from ship to shore is via the ship's tender service.

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Points of Interest

  • Place of Refuge
  • Kealakekua Bay & Captain Cook Monument
  • Aquatic Adventures
  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
  • St. Benedict's Painted Church
  • Ahu'ena Heiau Temple
  • Kona Coffee Sampling
  • Cloud Forest Sanctuary

More about Kona, Hawaii Points of Interest

  • Place of Refuge

    Situated on Honaunau Bay, Puuhonua O Honaunau is one of Hawaii's most sacred places. Immerse yourself in ancient Hawaiian culture, explore the Royal Grounds and enjoy this serene historic site.

  • Kealakekua Bay & Captain Cook Monument

    The largest sheltered natural bay on the island, this marine sanctuary teems with tropical wonders. On its shores, you'll find a monument, erected in 1874, dedicated to explorer Captain Cook.

  • Aquatic Adventures

    Enjoy the breathtaking coastline and turquoise waters of the Big Island from a glass-bottomed boat, canoe, submarine or catamaran. For intimate views of the marine life, choose a guided snorkeling excursion.

  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

    See active volcanoes, dramatic lava landscapes and get insight into the birth of the Hawaiian Islands from 70 million years of volcanic activity.

  • St. Benedict's Painted Church

    This active Roman Catholic church featuring painted frescoes of biblical scenes along the interior ceiling and walls is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • Ahu'ena Heiau Temple

    The great king's ancient temple, built on the gentle shores of Kamehameha Beach in 800 AD, was a holy gathering spot and traditional place of sacrifice dedicated to the god, Lona.

  • Kona Coffee Sampling

    The high elevation, distinct climate and rich volcanic soil create an ideal environment for harvesting the unique Kona coffee bean. Tour a thriving plantation and sample a robust, aromatic brew.

  • Cloud Forest Sanctuary

    Discover the dense, lush forest and magical botanical gardens that cling to the slopes of the sleeping volcano, Hualalai. A guided walk through this peaceful sanctuary is a nature lover's dream.

13 EXCURSIONS

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Glassbottom Boat Reef Tour

1 hours | Kona | K O A - 6 1 5
  • Ahu'ena Heiau Temple
  • Aquatic Adventures

Discover the wonders under the sea without getting wet! A glass-bottomed boat tour of Kona's reef is an opportunity to view coral gardens, schools of colorful tropical fish and a host of fascinating marine creatures. An onboard naturalist points out sights of interest on this adventure for the whole family.

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Easy Activity

From

$69.95

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Easy Kona: Place of Refuge, Painted Church & City Drive

3.5 hours | Kona | K O A - 2 0 0
  • Kealakekua Bay & Captain Cook Monument
  • Place of Refuge
  • St. Benedict's Painted Church
  • Kona Coffee Sampling

Discover magnificent Kona on a narrated tour featuring the island's memorable highlights. Experience breathtaking scenic beauty on a guided drive to the "Place of Refuge," an enchanting cultural site built to shelter Hawaiians who broke the law. Visit the glorious "Painted Church" and sample Kona's famous java at the Royal Kona Coffee Store.

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Easy Activity

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$79.95

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Easy Kona: Place of Refuge, Painted Church & City Drive (Wheelchair Accessible)

3.5 hours | Kona | K O A - 2 0 1
  • Kealakekua Bay & Captain Cook Monument
  • Place of Refuge
  • St. Benedict's Painted Church
  • Kona Coffee Sampling

Discover magnificent Kona on a narrated tour featuring the island's memorable highlights. Experience breathtaking scenic beauty on a guided drive to the "Place of Refuge," an enchanting cultural site built to shelter Hawaiians who broke the law. Visit the glorious "Painted Church" and sample Kona's famous java at the Royal Kona Coffee Store.

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Wheelchair Accessible, Easy Activity

From

$79.95

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Captain Zodiac Rafting & Snorkeling Adventure

3.5 hours | Kona | K O A - 7 7 5
  • Kealakekua Bay & Captain Cook Monument
  • Aquatic Adventures

Enjoy a thrilling ride along the scenic Kona Coast in a high-speed Zodiac. View dramatic lava tubes, sea caves and the Captain Cook Monument en route to Kealakekua Bay. This marine sanctuary is yours to discover on a snorkel safari. Refresh with fresh island fruits after your swim.

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Strenuous Activity, Includes snack

From

$149.95

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Kona Coffee & Cloud Forest Explorer

4 hours | Kona | K O A - 2 7 0
  • Kona Coffee Sampling
  • Cloud Forest Sanctuary

Nature lovers will thrill to a guided walk through the spectacular Cloud Forest Sanctuary, located on the slopes of Hualalai Volcano. Then, sample the Big Island's renowned coffee at a nearby plantation and conclude with a stop at Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park for its sandy shores, sacred temples and petroglyphs.

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Strenuous Activity, Includes snack

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$169.95

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Kona Coast Whale Watching

2.5 hours | Kona | K O A - 6 4 0
  • Aquatic Adventures

Have a whale of a time searching for magnificent sea creatures like whales, dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles and more as your captain sets a course along Kona's beautiful coast. Hear the whale song through a hydrophone while an on-board marine-life naturalist answers your questions.

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Easy Activity, Includes snack

From

$179.95

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Historic Kona Lunch Cruise

2.5 hours | Kona | K O A - 6 2 5
  • Kealakekua Bay & Captain Cook Monument
  • Ahu'ena Heiau Temple

Journey back to the Big Island's origins aboard a 65-foot catamaran as you sail down beautiful Kealakekua Bay. Enjoy live Hawaiian entertainment and a local historian who will dazzle you with stories, legends and facts referencing the many landmarks and historical sites seen along the way! Lunch is included.

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Easy Activity, Includes meal

From

$189.95

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Atlantis Submarine Adventure

1.25 hours | Kona | K O A - 6 1 0
  • Aquatic Adventures

Explore the magnificent coastal waters off Kailua-Kona on a submarine voyage that takes you 125 feet below the surface. The Atlantis features large viewing ports and an onboard naturalist, who points out sights of interest as your cruise explores a coral garden perched atop an ancient lava flow, teeming with fish.

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Moderate Activity

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$199.95

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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Kahuku Unit

7.5 hours | Kona | K O A - 2 1 0
  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
  • St. Benedict's Painted Church
  • Kona Coffee Sampling

Capture the Aloha spirit with an all-day tour of some of the island's most popular attractions. Sample 100% Kona coffee at Bay View Farms. Admire the artwork inside St. Benedict's Painted Church. Behold extraordinary lava landscapes at Volcanoes National Park, and stroll along Punalu'u Beach in search of green sea turtles.

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Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From

$229.95

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Historical Kona Foodie Walk

2.5 hours | Kona | K O A - 3 8 5
  • Ahu'ena Heiau Temple

Immerse yourselves in the burgeoning Kona food scene on a guided walk through downtown Kona with stops in some of the best restaurants and establishments along the way. You'll be treated to tasty nibbles, "must haves," and an extra helping of the island's fascinating history and lore along the way.

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Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From

$249.95

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Best of Kona by Land & Sea

6.75 hours | Kona | K O A - 6 2 0
  • Kealakekua Bay & Captain Cook Monument
  • Ahu'ena Heiau Temple
  • Place of Refuge
  • St. Benedict's Painted Church
  • Kona Coffee Sampling

This fascinating full-day tour shows off Kona by land and by sea. You'll enjoy a panoramic drive to historic sites with a stop for Kona coffee and shopping. Then a lunch cruise of Kealakekua Bay is another opportunity to witness flora and fauna through the eyes of your onboard experts.

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Easy Activity, Includes meal

From

$299.95

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A Taste of Kona

4 hours | Kona | K O A - 2 6 5

Indulge your senses with the beauty and flavors of Kona, known for its island-grown delicacies. Sample locally-made dark chocolate at Kokoleka Lani Farms. See how coffee, rainwater and cacao are transformed into soap at Kona Natural Soap Company. And taste fresh Gourmet Blend Kona Joe Coffee at Kona Joe Coffee Farm.

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Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes snack

From

$299.95

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Kona Joe Coffee Farm & Roasting Experience

3 hours | Kona | K O A - 2 8 0
  • Kona Coffee Sampling

Unique growing conditions and nutrient-rich volcanic soil produce the world-famous Kona coffee. Visit Kona Joe Coffee Farm, the world's first trellised coffee farm. Learn the production process from field to cup on a guided walk and try your hand at roasting beans to take home. Conclude with a coffee tasting and locally produced chocolates.

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Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity

From

$329.95

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