Kona
Country: USA · Region: Hawaii · Arrival: tender · Currency: US Dollar
Kona is the main town on Hawaii's Big Island's western coast, known for sport fishing, snorkeling, world-class sunsets, and Kona coffee grown on nearby slopes. Home to the Ironman World Championship and Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, it offers excellent weather with over 300 days of sunshine annually.
Top sights
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, Hulihe'e Palace, Mokuaikaua Church, Kahaluu Beach, Kekaha Kai State Park, Sadie Seymour Botanical Gardens
Things to do
- Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
- Free park with Honokohau Beach featuring Hawaiian green sea turtles, snorkeling opportunities, petroglyphs, and hiking trails; visitor center located half a mile north of entrance.
- Hulihe'e Palace
- Museum built in 1838 for Hawaiian royals to vacation, now displaying Victorian artifacts; located at 75-5718 Ali'i Dr, open M-Sa 9AM-4PM, $10 admission.
- Mokuaikaua
- Hawaii's first Christian church located at 75-5713 Alii Dr, open daily 7:30AM-5:30PM, free admission.
- Sadie Seymour Botanical Gardens
- Educational botanical garden located 1 hour walk south of downtown Kona, open M-F 9AM-4PM.
Beaches
- Kahaluu Beach
- Popular snorkeling beach with great coral and marine life, equipment rental available on-site, secure storage lockers for $5, and a bar nearby; can be crowded.
- Kekaha Kai State Park
- Beautiful white sand beach north of Kona with bathrooms, fresh water fountains and showers; steep shorebreak makes it better for body boarding than swimming for inexperienced swimmers.
Where to eat
- Pancho and Lefty's
- Authentic Mexican restaurant on Alii Drive serving lunch and dinner Tu-Sa 11AM-9PM with great food at good prices.
- Kona Brewing Company
- Pub known for hand-spun pizzas, organic salads, and fresh local beers on draft; open 11AM-10PM with happy hour M-F 3-5PM and live music Sunday evenings.
Bars and nightlife
- Huggo's on the Rocks
- Waterfront bar right on the water with great sunsets and live band entertainment.
Forecast for Kona
Loading the live forecast.
Weather in Kona by month
Averages from 2015 to 2024, not a forecast. Within about two weeks of a date, the live forecast above is the one to trust.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainfall | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 34°F | 21°F | 0.6 in | 4 |
| February | 38°F | 23°F | 1.0 in | 5 |
| March | 49°F | 32°F | 1.3 in | 5 |
| April | 59°F | 42°F | 1.7 in | 6 |
| May | 69°F | 53°F | 3.4 in | 8 |
| June | 74°F | 62°F | 3.9 in | 8 |
| July | 79°F | 70°F | 8.2 in | 12 |
| August | 80°F | 71°F | 10.1 in | 17 |
| September | 73°F | 62°F | 4.7 in | 8 |
| October | 63°F | 49°F | 2.9 in | 7 |
| November | 50°F | 36°F | 2.8 in | 7 |
| December | 37°F | 23°F | 0.9 in | 4 |
Getting around
Walking is manageable in town, but renting a car is recommended to reach resorts, beaches, and cultural sites; the Kona Trolley ($2) travels from Sheraton Keauhou along Alii Drive 9AM-9:15PM.
What to eat
Ali'i Drive features numerous restaurants and bars; local specialties include authentic Mexican at Pancho and Lefty's, poke bowls at Da Poke Shack, and hand-spun pizzas at Kona Brewing Company.
Tips
Book Manta Ray Night Dives early as they are the most reliable place in the world to see giant manta rays up close, and morning helicopter tours have the least cloud cover.
Best for
Snorkeling, diving, sport fishing, sunsets