12 Unique Things To Do In Kona Hawaii For Free

Best things to do in Kona is to travel to the Mauna Kea Summit. This peak has an elevation of 13,796 feet and popular for stargazing.

The volcano mountain is home to more than a dozen of massive telescopes. It is the largest observatory of its kind on Earth.

Mauna Kea Summit offers an incredible view of the lava desert, the valley, and Mauna Loa. One of the most incredible things to do here is star-gazing on a clear night.

A visit to the summit is a must for every traveler visiting the island of Hawaii. The place is all welcoming for families and group travelers.

Things to do in Kona HI is going on a long drive on Saddle Road. This scenic road stretches from the Mauna Loa to the Mauna Kea volcanoes.

Travelers mustn't miss a visit from the Hilo region to the Kona region of the Big Island. For this, you need to drive via the Saddle.

The road connects the east and west sides of the Big Island. It passes between the two largest mountains on the island, Mauna. Loa and Mauna Kea.

• Total Distance: 80 miles
• Driving Time: 2 hours (approx.)

Things to do in Kona is to go for a swim at the Magic Sands Beach. It is a public beach park with a white sand beach and rocky shoreline.

The place offers a great place to surf and swim and also a lifeguard to oversee the activities. Scuba divers can shore dive at a place called Mile Marker 4.

The Magic Sand Beach lies along Alii Drive, south of Kailua-Kona. This fun beach provides a magical sunset view and a great experience of water activities. 

• Address: 77-6474 Ali'i Dr Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
• Phone: 808 961-8311

There are a lot of attractive dining places and restaurants nearby. Within just three miles you will come across Gypsea Gelato, Island Ono Loa Grill and Jackie Rey's Kailua-Kona.

Things to do Kona is a visit to the Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. The place also features an archaeological site named Honokohau Settlement.

This historical site is spread across an area of 1.814 square miles. The Park was established and opened to the public on November 10, 1978.

This famous historical park is just five miles south of the Kona International Airport. The notable structures are a stacked-stone heiau and a thatched-roof canoe house.

• Address: Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
• Phone: 808 326-9057
• Opening Hours: 8:30 am - 4 pm daily
• Free Admission to the Park

Things to do on Kona is browsing the Kona Farmers' Market filled with local items. The place has more than forty outdoor vendors selling farm products, food and artwork.

The vendors at the market sell locally grown flowers, handicrafts, and specialties like Kona coffee. Kona boasts a productive soil that allows for diverse plantations.

This farmers' market is set up with the intention to connect farmers directly to consumers. You can find the freshest products as you stroll the market.

• Address: 75-5767 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
• Opening Hours: 7 am to 4 pm (Tue-Sun)

Kona Hawaii things to do includes hiking to Pu'u Wa'awa'a Forest Reserve. You will travel via a loop trail with wonderful forest and sea views.

This protected place has an ancient mound believed to resemble a jello mold. It is a typical Hawaiian cloud forest with plenty of orchids and ferns.

The place is perfect for a good close getaway from Kailua. It will take about four hours to enjoy a decent hiking experience here.

It is an easy hike to the top from where you will see Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Hualalei and North Kohala.

• Address: 71-1645 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
• Opening Hours: 6 am to 6 pm daily
• Trail Length: 6.5 miles

Things to do in Kailua Kona Hawaii is exploring the Sadie Seymour Botanical Gardens. It is located on the grounds of the Kona Educational Foundation Center.

This non-profitable botanical garden is spread across an area of 1.5 acres. It provides an overview of both the native and foreign plants that inhabit the Hawaiian islands.

This beautiful garden is lush with birds, colorful flowers, and large meadows. You will also find a horticultural library and an educational center.

• Address: 76-6280 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
• Opening Hours: 10 am to 4 pm (Mon - Fri)
• Free Entry For Visitors

Things to do in Kailua Kona is to pay a visit to the Mokuaikaua Church. MCC is the first-ever Christian church in Hawaii.

The Mokuaikaua Church was built in 1837 whereas the congregation was completed in 1820. This holy place covers an area of 43,560 square feet of space.

The church is open to the public for tours. It also features some artifacts on display such as a scale model of the Thaddeus.

• Address: 75-5713 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
• Phone: 808 329-0655
• Opening Hours: 9 am to 3 pm (Mon -Fri) / 9 am to 12 pm (Sun)

Things to do in Kona town is to explore the brewing process of beverages at Ola Brew. The place allows walk-throughs and observing the manufacturing process.

The beverages at Ola Brew are inspired by Aina and crafted with pride. The mission of the company is to increase Hawaii's agricultural economy.

The Big Island-based brewery with taprooms uses local ingredients and incorporates them into its special brews. The brews include Beers, Cider, Hard Seltzer and Hard Tea.

• Address: 74-5598 Luhia St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
• Phone: 808 339-3599
• Opening Hours: 11:30 am to 10 pm (Mon-Sat) / 11:30 am to 8 pm (Sun)

Things to do in Kona Coast is spending time at the Kekaha Kai State Beach. This public park is located along the north Kona coast.

Kekaha Kai State Beach was formerly known as Kona Coast State Park. The main beach areas of the park are Maniniowali Bay Makalawena, and Mahaiula.

This large and relatively underdeveloped beach park is one of the best hikes in Hawaii. It features three trailheads Kua Bay, Makalawena Beach and Mahaiula Bay.

Things to do at Kekaha Kai State Beach include fishing, sightseeing, snorkeling, swimming and hiking. You can bring your family for a picnic as well.

• Address: HI-19, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
• Free Entrance for visitors

Free things to do in Kona HI is enjoying time at Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area. It is a park built on an old landing strip site in north Kailua.

The recreation area is a state-operated beach park with attractive amenities and excellent facilities. It is spread across an area of 103 acres.

The Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area features ball fields, a skateboard park, hiking paths, beaches and tidal pools.

It has a scenic beach perfect for surfing, spearfishing and swimming. There is a jogging path and a picnic area as well.

• Address: 75-5560 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
• Opening Hours: 7 am to 8 pm daily

Things to do in Kona Hawaii for free is planning a trip to Kailua Pier. It is a raised platform next to the beach that hosts large and small boat tournaments.

Start your Kona adventure at Kailua Bay & Pier in Kailua-Kona with sportfishing, diving and snorkeling on the coast. 

You have a good chance of encountering manta rays, spinner dolphins, and whale sharks during the diving adventures from the Pier. 

This is a famous spot for launching boats and enjoying shore snorkeling. You will get to enjoy a wonderful view of the sunset. 

• Address: Kaahumanu Pl, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
• Open 24 Hours