Why I Love the Kona Side
If Hilo is the soul of Hawaiʻi Island, Kona is its heartbeat. The west side of the Big Island is sunny almost every day — a striking contrast to the lush, rain-soaked east — and that reliable weather shapes everything about the experience here. The ocean is calm and clear. The sunsets are extraordinary. And the energy, especially along the waterfront in Kailua-Kona, is warm and genuinely alive.
This is the side of the island where you linger over a long dinner, wake up early for a manta ray dive, spend an afternoon on a coffee farm, and end the day with a cocktail watching the sky turn pink over the Pacific. It rewards travelers who like to move between activity and ease — and it pairs beautifully with a few days in Hilo and Volcano for a complete Big Island experience.
Kailua-Kona & the Kohala Coast
It helps to understand the geography before you arrive. Kailua-Kona — usually just called Kona — is the main town on the west side. It has a historic waterfront, a walkable strip of restaurants and shops, the old Huliheʻe Palace, and a relaxed, slightly funky character that I find very appealing. This is where you eat, explore, and get a feel for local life.
The Kohala Coast is a different world entirely. About 25 to 35 miles north of Kona town, this stretch of coastline is home to some of Hawaiʻi's most celebrated resort properties — set against dramatic black lava fields and the deep blue of the Pacific. The resorts here have their own beaches, restaurants, and activities, and many guests barely leave the property. That's understandable, but I always encourage people to venture out.
The two areas complement each other well. Base yourself on the Kohala Coast for the resort experience, and make the easy drive south into Kona for dinner, coffee, and a taste of real town life.
Photo: Kailua-Kona waterfront or Kohala Coast aerial — to be added
Experiences Worth Planning Around
The Kona side has a handful of experiences that genuinely deserve to be anchored into your itinerary — not just added as afterthoughts.
01
Twilight Manta Ray Snorkeling
This is one of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters in all of Hawaiʻi. After dark, boats anchor at a site off the Kona coast where underwater lights attract plankton — and the manta rays follow. These are gentle, filter-feeding animals with wingspans that can reach twelve feet, and they glide directly beneath you in slow, graceful loops. It is genuinely awe-inspiring. Book through a reputable operator and go on a calm night if you can.
02
Kona Coffee Farms
The Kona coffee belt runs along the slopes of Hualālai and Mauna Loa, and a visit to one of the small family farms here is a lovely way to spend a morning. You'll learn how the coffee is grown, processed, and roasted — and you'll taste the difference between estate-grown Kona and the blends sold everywhere else. The farms are unpretentious and genuinely interesting.
03
Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay
One of the best snorkeling spots in the state, Kealakekua Bay is a marine sanctuary with exceptional coral and fish life. The most rewarding way to reach the best section is by kayak or boat — the paddle is beautiful and the snorkeling at the far end of the bay is outstanding. The Captain Cook Monument marks the spot.
04
Golf on the Kohala Coast
For golfers, the Kohala Coast courses are among the most dramatic in Hawaiʻi — lava fields, ocean views, and trade wind breezes. The Mauna Kea Golf Course and the courses at Mauna Lani are consistently well-regarded. Worth building a morning around if golf is part of your trip.
Photo: Manta ray snorkeling or Kona coffee farm — to be added
Where to Stay
The Kohala Coast has several exceptional resort properties, and the right choice depends on what kind of experience you're looking for. Some guests want a lively, amenity-rich resort with multiple pools and restaurants; others prefer something quieter and more design-forward.
Mauna Lani is one property I can speak to personally. It sits on a beautiful stretch of coast with two white sand beaches, a thoughtfully restored fishpond, and a sense of place that feels genuinely Hawaiian rather than generic resort. The rooms are spacious, the food and beverage program is strong, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed without feeling sleepy. It's a property I'm happy to recommend.
There are other excellent options along the coast — including Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Fairmont Orchid, and the Four Seasons Hualalai — and the right fit depends on your priorities, travel dates, and budget. This is exactly the kind of decision I enjoy helping with.
Photo: Mauna Lani resort or Kohala Coast beach — to be added
The COULTOUR Little Black Book
A few notes on eating and drinking well on the Kona side. This list will grow as we update this guide.
Dinner
Merriman's Waimea
Not on the coast, but worth the drive north into Waimea for farm-to-table cooking that has defined Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine for decades. Peter Merriman is a genuine pioneer.
Huggo's on the Rocks
Right on the water in Kailua-Kona. The food is solid, but the real draw is the setting — tables practically in the ocean, especially at sunset.
Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill
A local favorite in Kona for good reason. Unpretentious, consistently good, and a nice break from resort dining.
Poke & Local Eats
Da Poke Shack
A Kona institution. Small, no-frills, and the poke is excellent. Arrive early — they sell out.
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
Another strong poke option in Kona, with a broader menu if you want a proper sit-down meal.
Coffee & Morning
Daylight Mind Coffee Company
A beautiful space right on the Kona waterfront. Good coffee, good food, and a lovely spot to start the morning before the day heats up.
Kona Coffee & Tea
A reliable stop for well-sourced Kona coffee in a relaxed setting.
Happy Hour & Sundowners
Lava Lava Beach Club
Toes in the sand, cold drinks, and a front-row seat for the sunset. It's exactly what it sounds like, and it's wonderful.
Canoe Club at Mauna Lani
If you're staying on the Kohala Coast, the Canoe Club is a lovely spot for an early evening drink with an ocean view.
Photo: Kona waterfront dining or poke bowl — to be added
How Long to Stay
If you're combining the Kona side with Hilo and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park — which I strongly recommend — three nights on the Kohala Coast or in Kona is a good baseline. That gives you time for a manta ray dive, a morning in Kona town, and a day trip to a coffee farm or Kealakekua Bay, without feeling rushed.
If the Kohala Coast is your primary destination — a resort-focused trip with golf, spa, and beach time — five to seven nights is more appropriate. The pace here is genuinely relaxing, and the best experiences unfold when you're not trying to fit everything into two days.
Either way, I'd suggest flying into Kona (KOA) and out of Hilo (ITO), or vice versa, to avoid backtracking. The inter-island drive between the two sides is beautiful but takes about two hours — worth doing once, not twice.
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