Kona’s vast region reaches into the past with its lava-sprinkled areas, nostalgic reminders of King Kamehameha’s final days, to present time, with plentiful pops of colors of the ocean, tropical flowers, clear sky views and rugged mountains on the horizon. Staying in one of our
Kona vacation rentals means you’ll have the luxury of having everything from coffee (and farms) to sacred grounds and cultural sites to numerous wildlife, plus soft and extreme adventures. Also consider our 9
Kona condos and 9
Kona luxury rentals.
The shopping, dining and spas in this area can fill your days easily too, so plan on a visit that encompasses many fulfilling experiences.
Things To Do
A bonus to staying in a
Kona vacation rental is Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona), with the charm of a New England fishing village, island-style. Find sacred grounds, churches and Hulihee Palace, which once served as yet another summer home for Hawaiian royalty. Today, Hulihee Palace is a museum filled with treasures of the past. Public tours are limited; once monthly, it’s the site for live music. Even if you see it from outside, while in Historic Kailua Village, you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the Kailua Pier, explore Mokuaikaua Church and Ahuena Heiau (King Kamehameha’s last home and a National Historic Landmarks).
After soaking up culture, bask in the sun and take advantage of the land, sea and sky adventures. The Kailua Pier is the site of the Ironman World Championships, where you can see contestants start or finish. Kona is famous for a number of water sports—snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, scuba and kayaking. Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, a Marine Life Conservation District, is the site where Captain James Cook’s first landed and also where he was killed. Kona is packed with history everywhere you go and that knowledge will enhance the sights and activities. Watch spinner dolphins and sea turtles from a distance while picnicking in the park. See more of Hawaii’s native wildlife (monk seals and more) at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park where you can hike and explore Kona’s coast, with sacred sites and petroglyphs. The abundance of hiking and culture continues with Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park.
Eat and Shop
While staying in our comfortable
Kona rentals, you’ll find a great deal of things to do and the location also offers more than 100 eateries, including Thai, seafood, hearty breakfasts and plenty of places for an entertaining evening and lively nightlife. Make sure to find time to visit a few coffee farms for tastings and to enjoy Kona’s incredible landscapes. Kona is home to grocery stores and two farmers’ markets, Kailua Village Farmer's Market and Keauhou Farmer's Market, with several items certain to liven up any picnic on the beach or the occasional dinner at home.
Coconut Grove Marketplace and the Ali'i Gardens Marketplace are fun and you’ll find a variety of traditional items and crafts, plus gourmet foods, coffees and more. Perusing the boutiques of outdoor markets and a shave ice will make for a leisurely couple of hours.
Getting Around
Rent a car to make the most of your stay in one of our Kona vacation rentals, as this location offers plenty of places to go, see, and explore.
Latest Kona Articles
Current blog posts about Kona or visit our
complete archive.
- Best Tours of the Big Island - 8.20.10
Access remote areas
If you are thinking of taking a tour on the Big Island there are many great choices from charter bus tours, boat tours, and helicopter tours. You can also tour remote areas on horseback or an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). - Best waterfalls on the Big Island - 8.6.10
Exploring waterfalls on Big Island will delight you as you seek them amidst tropical rainforests, state parks and gardens. The best ones share the qualities of being incredible sights and an experience in the journey to get to them. - Top Five Things to do with Kids on the Big Island - 7.28.10
The Big Island of Hawaii is family-friendly with lots of great activities for families with children. Here are some of the best family activities on the Big Island. - Kilauea Volcano is Top Hawaii Vacation Destination - 7.22.10
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
For many visitors on a Hawaii vacation, Kilauea Volcano on the southeast side of the Big Island of Hawaii is the number one tourist attraction. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park spans from the volcano’s huge summit crater surrounded by tropical rainforest down to the coast where the red-hot lava still pours into the sea. - Big Island Air Tour is Highlight of Hawaii Vacation - 5.17.10
Volcano Views Provide Stunning Look At Natural Forces
Air tours over the Big Island offer great views of erupting lava on Kilauea Volcano. As if that isn’t enough, you will also see lush rainforests, huge waterfalls and remote areas not accessible any other way.