As a whole, the Hawaiian island chain features breathtaking scenery, a favorable year-round climate, and outdoor activities of all kinds that appeal to anyone. It is this favorable combination that draws an estimated 9.3 million tourists yearly to this Pacific paradise. While the whole of Hawaii is filled with hot spots and must-sees, Kailua Kona on the Big Island is that the top of list. This article explores the wonders of Kailua Kona and why it is an ideal spot to relax, recover, and rediscover yourself.

Take a peek at Kailua Kona’s famous tourist spots, grab a pen and paper to plan your next vacation getaway with this list of exciting things you can do in this beautiful place at The Big Island!

If you want to see the lush surroundings and beautiful sunset as you smell the mouthwatering aroma of the Kona coffee, with the cool water from the Pacific kissing your toes, then check why you have to be at Kona today!

Some Background on Kailua Kona

Before we dive into the four reasons why Kailua Kona should be your number one destination, a little geography and history lesson is in order. Kailua Kona is located on the west/northwestern side of the Big Island of Hawaii. Kailua Kona is located where the western slopes of the Hualālai volcano meet the Pacific Ocean. When you venture north of Kailua Kona, you will find gorgeous white sand beaches, the five-star resorts, and world-famous golf courses. When you venture south of the city, you will find prime spots for snorkeling in the deep blue ocean.

North Kohala trip Hawaii Island Recovery

Once a small sleepy village known for its fishing, the prime location of Kailua Kona has become the activity capital of the big island. Many of the locals call this city either “Kailua” or “Kona”. In addition to its beaches, resorts and water activities, Kailua Kona is also world-renowned for its Kona coffee which grows in the humid and lush forests found in the southern portions of this area.

4 Exciting Reasons to Visit Kailua Kona

If you are planning on coming to Hawaii for pleasure or to work on your recovery, there are four main reasons why this area should be your number one choice

Outdoor Activities

Kailua Kona is the perfect place for basking under the warm summer sun and the soft sand of Kona’s postcard-perfect beaches. Along with the sun and the beach, you can also enjoy the thrill of boating, diving, snorkeling, swimming, and surfing and get the best out of water sports as you forget all the concerns you may have in mind!

Clients go snorkeling

If water sports are not for you, then why not get on a bike and check the magnificent views found in Kailua Kona. Destinations include the Queen’s Palace, Moku`aikaua Church, The H.N. Greenwell Store Museum and the Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center. If you’re a coffee lover, drop by at the Kona Coffee Living History Farm, and find out why this 5.5-acre historic coffee farm produces the best coffee in The Big Island.

Shopping

Do you want to visit and buy local good and taste the scrumptious local dishes at Kona? There are plenty of shopping and dining destinations to be found. Start off at Ali’i Drive which is THE shopping hub in Kona and search for whatever your heart desires. You can also find great shopping at Ali’i Gardens, the Coconut Grove and the Kona Inn Shopping Village. For your dining pleasure, may we suggest Mi’s Waterfront Bistro, Ulu Ocean Grill and Sushi, Huggo’s for seafood steaks or Foster’s Kitchen.

Shopping in Hawaii

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

If you are ready for a two-hour drive, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is worth the mile. When you enter the park by car or helicopter, the park will greet you with displays and information about what it has to offer. There’s an art center near the entrance where you can view the art gallery and historical displays. There’s also a museum with a bookstore near the Crater Rim Drive, which hosts art exhibits.

Kilauea Volcano

Trekking

Do you want to walk on a foot trail or cross the cool Pacific waters at the Kealakekua Bato snorkel and kayak? It also has a monument for Captain James Cook since he first came to the island in 1778. If you love hiking or going on a four-wheel drive, then you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Green Sand Beach, also called, “Papakolea” at the end of your 2-mile journey. Get down on this giant bowl-shaped beach and enjoy

Here, at Kona, you can enjoy communing with nature as you take on every adventure that you haven’t tried before. Or you can simply spend your long cozy days relaxing in the sand beach, watching the wild dolphins, enjoying the cool afternoon breeze and listening to the splashing of the waves while waiting for the beautiful Hawaiian sunset.

Akaka Falls client HIR

The Perfect Place to Refresh the Soul and Recover from Substance Abuse

Kailua Kona is the perfect place to get away from everything and to focus on finding yourself. If you are struggling with substance abuse, Kailua Kona is home to Hawaii Island Recovery. Hawaii Island Recovery is a state-of-the-art treatment center that provides highly effective treatment programs for people with addiction. Call us toll-free today to learn more about our treatment programs.