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  • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

    Top Spots in and near Kailua-Kona

    • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

      Relax at Honokohau Beach

      4.0
      0.5 mi
      Stop first at Hal Ho'okipa, the park visitor information center. It[s about 4.1 miles south of Kona Airport. Its a neat little building where you can pick up a map and learn more about the area. From there you can take the 0.5 mile Ala Hele Ike Hawai'i trail that leads to the coastal trail (Ala H...
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    • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

      Explore Wawaloli Beach

      Located just south of Kailua-Kona International Airport, Wawaloli Beach is a hidden gem that many tourists miss completely on the way out of the airport.   To get there just simply turn into the Natural Energy Lab on Makako Bay Dr from Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway (HI19). About a mile down the road i...
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    • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

      Hike to Makalawena Beach

      4.5
      From the parking area at Kekaha Kai State Park, it's about a 20-30 minute walk to the beach. The walk is through black lava fields and is very exposed. Depending on how much gear you're carrying, it could seem like an eternity by the time you hit the beach. If you have a 4-wheel drive car with go...
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    • Captain Cook, Hawaii

      Snorkel Two Step Beach

      5.0
      Finding the location is fairly simple. If you are just going to snorkel and relax you don't need to go into Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Park. Instead park just outside of it and facing the entrance of the park you will walk down a one way street on the right. You can attempt to park down the on...
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    • Waikoloa Village, Hawaii

      Catch a Sunset at Anaehoomalu Point

      5.0
      0.5 mi / 20 ft gain
      This beach is a great if you're looking for a more secluded beach in Waikoloa Village.  Rarely are there more than ten people there even during sunset when people flock to the beach.   If you aren't staying at the Hilton next door then this spot is a little harder to access. There are two beach a...
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    • Hawaii County, Hawaii

      Hike Mauna Kea via Humuula Trail

      12 mi / 4800 ft gain
      Mauna Kea is one of the volcanoes that helped form the Big Island of Hawai’i. However, its last eruption was around 2600 BC. Mauna Kea sits at an elevation of 13,796ft above sea level making it the second highest mountain I’ve hiked as I write this post – just shy of Mt Whitney. Interestingly, mo...
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    • Hawaii County, Hawaii

      Catch a Sunset and Stargaze at Mauna Kea's Summit

      4.6
      While you can drive right to the summit of Mauna Kea on the 14 mile access road, the last 7 miles are on a very bumpy dirt road, so make sure your vehicle has plenty of clearance and good tires. All wheel drive will help a lot.The drive up is amazing itself. Usually there is some fog lingering ar...
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    • Waimea, Hawaii

      Horseback Ride on Kohala Mountain

      Enjoy a 2 hour horseback ride on Kohala Mountain in Waimea on the north side of the Big Island! There are several ranches in the area through which you can take a guided tour - I would recommend Paniolo Adventures, but you can look up the ranches in the Waimea / Kohala Mountain area. The ranches ...
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    • Waimea, Hawaii

      Explore Lapakahi State Historical Park

      1 mi / 50 ft gain
      Drive north along the Akoni Pule Highway for approximately 45 miles. When you reach Lapakahi State Historical Park, turn left of of the highway and find a parking spot.  The fishing village itself consists of several volcanic rock walls along the shore. It is a great stop while exploring the nort...
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    • Waimea, Hawaii

      Explore Waipi'o Valley

      5.0
      3 mi
      From the parking area, walk down the narrow, crazy steep four-wheel drive road for 0.75 mile until the road levels. A few 4WD vehicles, either foolhardy (tourist) or knowledgable (local) may be inching up and down. Head to the right toward the beach for 0.45 mile and arrive on the black sand beac...
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    • Waimea, Hawaii

      Backpack Waimanu Valley

      4.3
      15.3 mi / 7300 ft gain
      Prep: Before you go, you must book purchase a permit/campsite for the number of nights that you wish spend. You can get the permits online from the State of Hawaii Department of Natural Resources Website. There are 9 sites located within the valley and some are most definitely better than other...
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    • Waimea, Hawaii

      Photograph Waipi'o Valley

      5.0
      0.4 mi
      Located near the northern tip of the Big Island, Waipi'o Valley is one of the most beautiful views that you can experience in all of Hawaii. Waipi'o Valley is an hour and 30 minute drive from Kona and an hour and 10 minutes from Hilo. To access the lookout, take HI-19 west to HI-240. Make sure to...
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    • Waimea, Hawaii

      Awini Trail along the Kohala Coast

      4.7
      Take Hwy. 270 along the northern Kohala Coast and all the way to the end at the Pololū Valley overlook. You can park almost anywhere along the road there (besides the private homes), but spots fill up so get there early. Start at the Pololū Valley overlook. If you are not fond of hiking, you can...
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    • Pāhoa, Hawaii

      Halema‘uma‘u Trail

      3.5
      0.92 mi / 36 ft gain
      Everyone knows that Hawaii was formed from a series of volcanoes over millions of years. But did you know that you can experience one of them up close? Well, as close as you can while staying safe, obviously. The Halema'uma'u Crater has been active since 2008 when the vent first erupted. Since t...
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    Top Activities

    Guides, Insights and Stories from Kailua-Kona

    Catching the Sunset at Mauna Kea Visitor Center

    Catching the Sunset at Mauna Kea Visitor Center

    Cameron Catanzano