A week in Kona?

[m32]

Hey all,

My wife and I are planning to go to Kona for a week in November to celebrate our wedding anniversary. I proposed in Oahu so we thought about going back there but we've heard that Oahu is the most "commercialized" of the islands so we thought we'd try another island.

For those that have been to Kona, can you please share your list of must-dos as well as restaurants to hit? We're big fans of good local food as well. Thanks in advance!

Edwin

[Giovannibravo]

We went on a cruise that stopped through Kona last year. We went to the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. Great views and learned about the native Hawaiian culture.

[piratfisk]

Originally Posted by m32

Hey all,

My wife and I are planning to go to Kona for a week in November to celebrate our wedding anniversary. I proposed in Oahu so we thought about going back there but we've heard that Oahu is the most "commercialized" of the islands so we thought we'd try another island.

For those that have been to Kona, can you please share your list of must-dos as well as restaurants to hit? We're big fans of good local food as well. Thanks in advance!

Edwin

I'd second that staying away from Oahu is the move. It's all the worst parts of LA, just made smaller, slower & put on an island. I don't want to denigrate that island too much because HI is one of my favorite states. You'll have a good time on the big island. Recommend a PADI "discovery dive" if you're into diving, but not certified. Helicopter tours are lots of fun, too. When we were on Kauai the last time (I love this island.), we toured the Kauai Coffee Company. Had a blast, learned a lot, too. There are a few growers on Hawai'i & if you're into agriculture & the supply line of your food, you should check that out.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

My dad had a "summer" house in Kailua-Kona in the 90s and early 2000s. Gorgeous spot. Agree you made the right move.

[Redfoot]

We did 12 days there in 2022- hopped a few VRBO, but would do hotel on the north west side next time.

I would suggest:
-Volcano National Park

-Waipi'O lookout (VERY strenous hike, but it was awesome)

-Drive to southern tip of the island (stop for fresh roasted macadamia nuts on side of road if you can)

-Manta ray night dive (or snorkel if you are not certified)

-You might be early for whales, but call around and see about a boat day if you like the water. Beautiful views and a bonus if you see Humpbacks

-Chocolate and Coffee farm tours (these are fun, we did a few)

-We had an AWESOME dinner at Canoe House- in the Auberge resort. Really fantastic evening and beautiful property.

-Luau- everyone has an opinion- we did the one at Mauna Kea and had fun, but I can see how it gets a bad rap

Wish we would have done the observatory, but it was cloudy and we never made it up.

Pahoa was an..... interesting..... area. Nude beach, kava bars, lots of lost sailors if you get my drift.

Let me know of any specific questions, happy to help.

[Watchdoyouwant?]

We go to the Big Island a lot and love it. Kona itself though is not my favorite place, and I probably wouldn't recommend staying in Kona proper. Downtown has suffered in the last number of years. Lots of crappy tourist shops and for rent store fronts. It wouldn't be my first choice of places to go/stay on the on the westside of the island.

Mauna Kea/Mauna Lani/Fairmont Orchid/Four Seasons Hualalai resorts are all lovely. Beautiful beaches. Great restaurants from Meridia, Canoe House, Napua, Browns, etc. Waimea (inland) also has great restaurants like Merrimans. There is a great Japanese bakery there too.

Place of Refuge (not its Hawaiian name) is really interesting and worth a visit. Snorkeling from two step beach next door is also above average. If you're a weaker swimmer, some of the chartered snorkel tours would be worth taking a look at. They pop you right where you need to be.

While we prefer the Kona side, if you go to the Big Island, you have to go to Volcano National Park. Do see the lava tube and do the crater hike if you can. Post hike meal at Volcano House is always fun. Visiting VNP is a full day trip from the Kona side, but do go. Hilo is not my favorite town, but there are some tasty restaurants to be found--and a famous mochi shop that is very popular. Worth stopping on the way.

Hilo side of the island is wetter, and has waterfalls. All neat to see too. Coffee farms are fun as well to visit. Luaus at Fairmont and Mauna Kea are much better than at Waikoloa. The Kona Rosewood has a paniolo dinner that is awesome.

A lot of guides will say hit up the Malasada Lady. My personal view is skip the malasadas and get the mochi donuts from the KTA--much better. Foodland has really good poke at a great value.

Near the Waipi'O lookout, there is a food truck that has the best laulau I've ever had.

I could go on and on. BI is one of my favorite places.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Waikoloa is a must. Always loved the Hilton there. Very cool back in the day.

[Yoda_Eating_Pizza]

Originally Posted by Watchdoyouwant?

A lot of guides will say hit up the Malasada Lady. My personal view is skip the malasadas and get the mochi donuts from the KTA--much better. Foodland has really good poke at a great value.

Agree on Foodland having great poke. I haven't been to a Foodland in Kona, but Sack N Save (also owned by Foodland) has good poke.

Mrs Yoda grew up in Kona, but we don't go back there as often as we used to.

[Ballzzz]

Four Seasons Hualalai one of our favorite resorts we have ever stayed at!

[Giovannibravo]

Originally Posted by m32

Hey all,

My wife and I are planning to go to Kona for a week in November to celebrate our wedding anniversary. I proposed in Oahu so we thought about going back there but we've heard that Oahu is the most "commercialized" of the islands so we thought we'd try another island.

For those that have been to Kona, can you please share your list of must-dos as well as restaurants to hit? We're big fans of good local food as well. Thanks in advance!

Edwin

I'd try to get over to Kauai, it is so much more beautiful.

[MichelleP]

I've only been to Kauai, Maui and Oahu. Oahu was my least favorite. I've been to Kauai many times but not in several years. It is the most beautiful of the 3 I've been to IMO. I had the best time in Maui but again, many years ago and not since the fire.

[DoubleJG]

Love the big island! Been there a couple times now. They have some beautiful beaches. Would stay on the Kona side, the four seasons and Kona village are both 5 star stays. But, you can have a wonderful time at a VRBO for much cheaper too. I’ll leave you with the returns at the Kona resort (it doesn’t look like much, but food is amazing!). They have a couple other really great restaurants in downtown too, too a bit of research and you’ll find some great ones. Enjoy!


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[m32]

Thank you all for sharing your advice. It has been very helpful and now we have a slew of cool places to eat. I think we have settled to stay mainly on the NW side of the island.

We do expect to spend time at the east side of the big island to check out the volcano. Should we plan to stay a night or two on that side or is it usually just a day trip? If the former, are there any recommended (nice/modern) hotels out that way? All I've seen are older/more traditional hotels.

Edwin

[Watchdoyouwant?]

Originally Posted by m32

Thank you all for sharing your advice. It has been very helpful and now we have a slew of cool places to eat. I think we have settled to stay mainly on the NW side of the island.

We do expect to spend time at the east side of the big island to check out the volcano. Should we plan to stay a night or two on that side or is it usually just a day trip? If the former, are there any recommended (nice/modern) hotels out that way? All I've seen are older/more traditional hotels.

Edwin

Day trip. I suggest you take the Saddle Road.

As a point of reference, we've done 'Akaka Falls and VNP, including the full crater hike, lava tube, desolation trail, petroglyphs etc. in a single day driving to and from the general area you'll be at. It's a long day, but absolutely doable and fun.

Only caveat would be if you don't like driving in the dark or in fog. Saddle Road is fine, but it can be dark and foggy.

[m32]

Originally Posted by Watchdoyouwant?

Day trip. I suggest you take the Saddle Road.

As a point of reference, we've done 'Akaka Falls and VNP, including the full crater hike, lava tube, desolation trail, petroglyphs etc. in a single day driving to and from the general area you'll be at. It's a long day, but absolutely doable and fun.

Only caveat would be if you don't like driving in the dark or in fog. Saddle Road is fine, but it can be dark and foggy.

@watchdoyouwant, thanks! One follow up question, on our trip to Oahu, we rented a jeep wrangler (and took the top off all the time!). This time, I was thinking of renting a BMW 4 series convertible. Do you recommend the jeep again or is a 2-dr convertible fine? Thanks!

Edwin

[Watchdoyouwant?]

For the Saddle Road, you're fine with the BMW. It's a nice paved highway. It can be a bit iffy in the dark with rain or fog, but not more than any other dark rural highway.

It's a surprise to most given it's Hawaii, but keep in mind the Saddle Road can get cold--like near freezing. So you'll want the top up!

Also, bring a layer and rain shell when you go to to VNP. It can be (comparatively) chilly given the wind and altitude.

[xjeeunitx]

Oahu is great if you stay out of Waikiki! Kauai was our favorte thus far.