Kick off your Kona adventure by visiting the Kona Coffee Living History Farm. The farm offers an insight into how coffee was farmed in Hawaii in the early 20th century, complete with costumed interpreters, historic buildings, and live demonstrations. You can even buy some freshly roasted coffee beans and enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Mauna Kea Beach is known for its soft white sand and clear blue waters, perfect for a relaxing day at the beach. The beach is located at the site of one of the world's largest astronomical observatories, and you can even take a sunset tour to the top of the mountain. Don't forget to pack some sunscreen and a good book!
Kahalu'u Beach Park is a great place to snorkel and see colorful fish and green sea turtles up close. The beach is also perfect for sunbathing and picnics. You can rent snorkel gear on the beach, as well as take surf lessons nearby.
For transportation, it's best to rent a car as public transportation is not very reliable on the Big Island. The rental car costs around $40-60 per day, and you can book it ahead of time online. Keep in mind that some of the roads can be steep and narrow, so be careful while driving.
If you have more time, you can visit some of the historic sites nearby, like the Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park, a former place of refuge for lawbreakers in ancient Hawaiian times. You can also go on a helicopter tour to see the stunning scenery from above. If you have less time, consider visiting just one beach and spending more time relaxing.
Kona International Airport (KOA) is the main airport in Kona and is located just 7.5 miles from downtown Kona. Airlines such as Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines operate daily flights to KOA from the mainland US, Canada, and Japan.