Come with Me! From Mauka to Makai in Kona

A Few of my Favorite Things to Do in Kona, Hawaii

Wake Up, Sleepy Head!

Run your fingers through that salty hair, slap on your favorite pair of shades, and head over to Kona Coffee and Tea for your caffeine fix. It’s here you’ll find a tasty cup of world famous Kona coffee, grown right up the hill on the side of Hualalai volcano. You’ll also discover a lively early morning crowd of Kona locals talking story and getting jazzed before work, or winding down post surf.

Let’s Get Reel

Hopefully, you remembered your bikini because we’re going fishing. Kona is, at heart, a little fishing town. Whether you are looking to catch the big one, or simply want to enjoy some fun with your family on the water, Kona Family Fishing runs charters out of Honokohau Harbor, just north of town center. They’ll even feed you on board, and provide you with a packaged fillet of your catch to take home. Fishes, beware.

Dinner, with a View

After a late afternoon cat nap, and a vigorous application of aloe vera all over your sunburn (it’s OK, it happens to the best of us) you’re probably ready to grind (local speak for pig-out on delicious food). A trip up the mountain to charming historic Holualoa Village is well worth it for a meal at Holuakoa Gardens Cafe. Serving brunch and dinner, Holuakoa cooks up some delicious fare using locally sourced ingredients. Outdoor garden style seating offers an awesome view of Kona’s famous sunsets. Holualoa Village itself is home to some funky art galleries and shops — many housed in buildings dating back to the early 1900s. First Friday nights everyone in town shows up for the monthly art crawl, with live music, food trucks, and vendors, 5:30-8:30 pm.

Bedtime Snorkel

While you may feel like you’ll sink to the bottom after that pan seared fish, it’s time to put on a life vest and rally for one last adventure — a manta ray night snorkel with Anelakai Adventures. This unique company operates out of the Keauhou Harbor on a traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe, with just six people per tour. Imagine paddling silently over a moonlight ocean to the feeding grounds for gigantic manta rays. These gentle giants can reach up to 15 feet from wingtip to wingtip, and live for over 40 years. Hop in the water and watch the mantas glide by like underwater airliners beneath your fin tips. The experience is a magical and one of a kind encounter.

Are you tired yet? This is how we do it in Kona — a daily dose (or two) of salt water, and plenty of good food — it’s the simple things. Until next time, sweet dreams, sailors.

Does this sound like the life for you? Let’s talk about finding your home in Kona.