Are you planning a stop in Kona for a few days en route to another island? Or maybe you already live in Hawai‘i and want an impromptu weekend getaway. The western coast of the Big Island is rather large and has plenty of activities to keep you busy. It all depends on how far you’re willing to drive to get there. Some of these activities rely on good weather, but luckily the Kona coast is known for its year-round sunny and dry beach weather. Here are a few places to consider that are unique to the Big Island.
Flumin’ Kohala Ditch, Hāwī (North Kohala)
Take a leisurely float down the century-old irrigation system of Kohala’s old sugar cane plantations. The entire length of the course is over 20 miles, however, the tour covers just 3 miles. Enjoy the lush green forests and the relaxing sound of waterfalls and streams. As you pass through the winding ditches, elevated flumes, and pitch-black tunnels your guide will highlight the history of this magnificent structure and the town it served. The tour is operated by locals who enjoyed riding down these very waterways as a childhood pastime. This opportunity for such a rare experience is definitely worth the drive up north.
Mahukona Harbor (North Kohala)
If you’re on the way back from the Flumin’ Kohala Ditch tour, this is a nice spot to take in the enchanting views of the ocean. What’s more, on a clear day you can even catch a glimpse of East Maui. As a former port for the Kohala Sugar Company, you can find the remains of old milling equipment scattered throughout the area. Submerged near the center of the harbor lay ruins of an old shipwreck, which particularly makes for a thrilling snorkeling adventure.
Mauna Kea Summit
Did you know that the Big Island is home to the tallest mountain in the world? More than half of it is submerged, leaving 13,000 feet above sea level. Take a thrilling trip up Mauna Kea, which coincidentally holds the largest telescopes in the world. In all honesty, it looks and feels as if you’re on another planet. Your body will feel the intense pressure and temperature differences from the drastic change in elevation. And there’s even a chance you’ll see snow! Witness an absolutely amazing sunset as the observatories rotate into position. For the stargazing portion of the night, the staff will set up portable telescopes for your viewing pleasure. The guides are entertaining and overflowing with knowledge making it an overall fun experience. Book your Sunset and Stargazing Tour with Mauna Kea Summit Adventures.
The Original Donkey Ball Store, Kainaliu
Donkey balls are large macadamia nuts encapsulated in beefy layers of chocolate. As a result, the final product is a ball measuring about an inch in diameter, with the layer of chocolate being as thick as the nut itself. They offer more than 50 flavors across a handful of variations such as monkey balls, chicken balls, goat balls, and so on. You can even watch as the workers handcraft the balls through a window right inside the shop. You won’t want to buy just one bag/flavor, trust me, they are delicious.
Also, if you have the time, take a walk around and explore the historic town of Kainaliu. Grab a bite at Rebel Kitchen, check out the old Aloha Theatre, or stop by one of the local boutiques.
Broke Da Mouth Grindz, Kailua-Kona
This is the place to put all of your local-style plate lunch cravings to rest. Their menu offers a mixture of Hawaiian, Filipino, Korean and Japanese cuisines. Some of the menu items include lau lau, kalua pig, garlic furikake chicken, pork adobo, bi bim bap, and so much more. Their purple sweet potato salad with bacon bits adds a unique twist to go along with your meal. The restaurant is tucked away in an industrial area off the side of Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway.
Anaeho‘omalu Bay, Waikōloa
Also known as “A-bay,” this scenic spot is located just in front of the Waikōloa Beach Resort. What you do here rests on how ambitious you’re feeling. The nearby “King’s Trail” is a mild trek through lava fields featuring petroglyphs carved into rock by the ancient Hawaiians. The northern portion of the trail will eventually lead you past protected royal fish ponds located on the ocean side. Not in the hiking mood? You can opt to cool off in the water with a snorkel, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard which are all available to rent from a stand right on the beach.
Waimea
Looking for a change in scenery? Discover the quiet little town of Waimea, positioned between the volcanic bases of Kohala and Mauna Kea. As you arrive in town, it’s impossible to overlook the rolling green pastures sprinkled with grazing cattle. Famously known for its paniolo (cowboy in Hawaiian) culture, it is also home to Parker Ranch, one of the oldest and largest cattle ranches in the United States. The ranch takes reservations for self-guided tours where you’ll have the chance to walk through the property and view its historical family homes.
So, if you’re short on time, but want to make the most of your stay in Kona, these are a handful of things to check out that will surely leave an impression. The Big Island has a lot to offer, so make an effort to get out there and explore the natural beauty of this special place. The drive is always worth the reward.
If you need some pointers to prepare for your trip to Hawai‘i, then head over to this post: Hawai‘i Travel Tips: Know Before You Go
