Location: Kalaoa
Day 1 - 14 Dec 2021
Kua Bay
Content: Probably my favorite beach in the Kona area! The water is so blue and the sands are so white! The waves are perfect for swimming and boogie boarding. Because of the waves, snorkeling can be difficult, but can be done on a calm day. Parking is pretty easy and close to the beach.
Location: Kailua-Kona
Day 1 - 14 Dec 2021
‘Alula Beach
Content: This beach is also known by locals as “Turtle Beach”. You are guaranteed to see at least a couple turtles hanging out around the shoreline. This beach is also accessible for swimming and snorkeling. There is tons of parking at the Honokohau Harbor and only a short walk into the park.
Kona Brewing Co.
Content: A must do in Kona! The place is so cute and the food and beer are amazing!
Location: Kailua-Kona
Day 2 - 15 Dec 2021
Kiholo Bay
Content: These beach is stunning! The black shoreline can be rocky at points but the contrast with the blue waters is unreal. Be ware, the road in is a little rough but is definitely accessible with a smaller car. Depending on how far you want to go into the bay, it could be about a mile walk from the car. The walk is fairly easy but along sand or pebbles the whole way. It’s a much quieter area and a good place to avoid crowds.
Location: Waikoloa Village
Day 2 - 15 Dec 2021
Lava Lava Beach Club
Content: This place is so cool! Our table was actually on the sand right next to the beach. The food and drinks were amazing. I got the pineapple chicken fried rice bowl with teriyaki steak added and am still drooling over this dish.
Location: Kailua-Kona
Day 2 - 15 Dec 2021
Sea Paradise Sailing and Snorkeling Tours
Content: One of the main attractions in Kona is the night time manta ray snorkeling. It cannot be done anywhere else in the world and it is amazing. Probably my favorite experience from the trip. There are tons of tour companies that can take you. Basically you float in the water next to these big lights that attract plankton which attract manta rays. The rays put on quite the show and are very friendly. It’s really crazy having this massive wild animal swimming inches from your face.
Location: Hawaii County
Day 3 - 16 Dec 2021
Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Content: This national historical park is full of history of pretty views. There is a $20 entrance fee required, or none is you have a national parks pass. The park doesn’t take too long to walk through but right next to the park is Two Step beach which is great for snorkeling. Two Step was my favorite place we snorkeled during the trip. It’s extremely open and the waters can get pretty deep.
Location: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Day 4 - 17 Dec 2021
Kīlauea
Content: This is one of the most active volcanos in the world and is currently actively erupting. You can see smoke and some lava during the day, but the main attraction is visiting at night to see the lava glow. Unfortunately, due to weather conditions in Hawaii, it can be hit or miss and unfortunately we were unable to go back after dark due to a thunderstorm. The parking lot can fill up and it is extremely busy from around 6pm-8pm but then eases up.
Location: Naalehu
Day 4 - 17 Dec 2021
South Point
Content: The southern most point in the United States. Cool to stop by if you’re driving by, but I wouldn’t go too out of my way. Good spot for some pics and easily accessible.
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
Content: This beach is super cool! It’s a pretty popular tourist spot as it is on the way to the national park and is very easily accessible but isn’t too crowded. Many people stop by to see it and move along so there plenty of opportunity for lounging around. The waters are colder, but swimming is still very possible. Turtles enjoy hanging out at this beach as well.
Location: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Day 4 - 17 Dec 2021
Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube
Content: The lava tube was a really cool experience, only about a 10 minute walk through. Parking can be tough as the parking lot if very small. A must do in the park!
Location: Kailua-Kona
Day 5 - 18 Dec 2021
Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar
Content: Really good spot for brunch! The views are amazing and so is the food! Reservations are recommended and tend to book up fast- we made our reservations about a month in advance!
Kona Farmers Market
Content: Super cute farmers market, popular with the locals for fresh produce and popular among tourists for souvenirs. I got Christmas presents for my whole family here!
Pine Trees Surfing Beach
Content: A popular spot among surfers and families! The beach is really long and there’s tons of parking in various lots and along the street. The shoreline is mostly made of lava rocks which can be really fun to explore.