Planning a trip to Kona on the Big Island of Hawai’i? If we had to pick, November might be the best month for visiting Kona. It’s one of the “cooler” months here in Hawai’i and it’s also the month that the 100% Pure Kona Coffee Half Marathon and 5k is held!
Whether you want an adventure, are looking to immerse yourself in culture, or just need to relax to the sound of the waves and bask in the sun (wearing your reef-safe sunscreen of course), there’s so much to do and see. To help you make the most of your time in Hawai’i, however, we’ve narrowed it down to the 10 best things to do in Kona.
#10 Enjoy a Kona Sunset
Not only does Kona produce some of the best coffee in the world, but we are also known for some of the best sunsets on the planet! The warm, glowing colors of a Kona sunset are so spectacular in fact that everyone in West Hawai’i seems to stop what they are doing to take it in. The blowing of the pu (conch shell), oohs, ahhs, and clapping from sunset seekers all make the experience unforgettable. It’s believed that Kona sunsets are exceptionally stunning thanks to the lack of visual obstructions on the horizon paired with expansive views of the ocean and a sprinkling of volcanic dust. If the conditions are just right, you might even see the green flash. This burst of vivid green occurs as the last sliver of the setting sun fades into the Pacific and is caused by an atmospheric refraction of light. While you can experience the magic of a Kona sunset from anywhere on the west facing shores that has a clear view of the horizon, our favorite spots to watch the sunset are Magic Sands Beach or Honl’s Beach at the Wai’aha Beach Park (both are on Ali’i Drive), at Honokohau Beach (behind Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park), or at Kikau Point Beach Park (between Kua Bay and Kukio Bay).
#9 Visit the Place of Refuge
South of Historic Kailua Town you’ll find Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park sitting on the shores of Hōnaunau Bay’s protected waters. It was near here that the aliʻi (Hawaiian royalty) chose to establish ceremonial and residential sites, including the Royal Grounds of Kauwalomalie, which can be accessed from the park. In ancient times, the Puʻuhonua was a place of refuge surrounded by a massive dry stacked wall measuring 965-foot long. The Puʻuhonua functioned as protection for defeated warriors, the kapu breakers (those who broke the sacred laws, the kapu, and were sentenced to death), and civilians during times of battle from physical harm … if they reached the boundaries of the Puʻuhonua’s boundaries. Today, the park is still sacred to anyone who sets foot on its grounds and is home to some of Hawaii’s most significant traditional sites.
#8 Step into St. Benedict’s Painted Church
Perched above the Bays of Hōnaunau and Kealakekua is the Painted Church, a small but significant historical site. The church was erected by Belgian priest Father John Velghe in 1899, who decorated the chapel with paintings that brought stories to life for the many parishioners who were unable to read. Father Velghe used ordinary house paint to create narratives and the colorful paintings are still visible on the walls and ceiling of the Painted Church. Today, the Painted Church is still an active parish, with mass scheduled several times a week. The church is also open to the public Tuesday through Friday, from 9:30am to 3:30pm. As with Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau, be respectful of this sacred, historical site when visiting.
#7 Experience a Lu’au
No Hawai’i vacation would be complete without attending a lū‘au and for a traditional Polynesian experience, you can’t beat the Royal Kona Resort’s Voyagers of the Pacific lū‘au. The Royal Kona is conveniently located within walking distance from Coconut Grove, where the 100% Pure Kona Coffee races start and end. As you are regaled with stories of how the ancient Polynesians traveled across the Pacific to Hawai’i Island, you can dine on savory kālua pig cooked in a traditional imu (underground oven) and other delicious lū‘au food at the all-you-can-eat buffet. Throughout the evening, you can stop by the open bar for a mai tai or other libation while you enjoy the rhythms of Hawaiʻi and the South Pacific. And for the grand finale of this lyrical revue, Samoan fire knife dancers will take your breath away and leave you talking about the memorable evening for years to come.
#6 Snorkel at a Monument
If you’re up for a challenge (other than running the 100% Pure Kona Coffee Half Marathon), then grab some water, some snacks, and your snorkel gear and get ready to hike to another world! History buffs will appreciate hiking South Kona’s Ka`awaloa Trail to the Captain Cook Monument. After British Captain James Cook died at this spot in 1779, a portion of the land was ceded to Great Britain for a monument, so technically, the monument is on British territory. Before Cook’s controversial presence here, however, the bay at the end of the Ka`awaloa Trail was a thriving Hawaiian village. You can glimpse this area’s many layers of history while hiking down about 1,300 feet in nearly 2 miles. For this hike, you’ll need trail running or hiking shoes, sunscreen, and plenty of water to drink. It takes most visitors about an hour to hike down to the bay, and the trail may or may not be overgrown (although it is always visible). There’s a good reason to hike this trail with your snorkel gear - When you reach the bottom and head left along the stone wall, you’ll discover the monument, as well as the clearest water you may ever snorkel in! Hop in and swim with schools of exotic fish until you’re ready to hike back up. Need a refreshing treat after making it back to the top of the trail? Head to Gypsea Gelato in Kealakekua for some handmade gelato!
#5 Hike in a Cloud Forest
Cloud forests are a magical type of ecosystem found where mid-latitude tropical rainforests meet mountains… and we happen to have one just miles outside of Historic Kailua Town. If you’re up for a hike, but you’re not interested in the challenge (or heat) of the Ka’awaloa Trail, you’ll appreciate the Makaula-'O'oma Trail. Located in the Honuaula Forest Reserve, you can easily explore this exotic trail by taking Kaloko Drive for about 4 miles until you see Makahi Street and turning left. At the end of this street is the trailhead and from there, you’ll have some options. To explore the Upper Jurassic Trail, turn right, climb to the top of the reserve, and turn left to follow the Crosstown Trail. When you reach the Mallway Trail, follow it downhill to loop back to the trailhead. The Upper Jurassic loop is 2.3 miles round trip, with 636’ of elevation gain. To explore the Lower Jurassic Trail from the trail head, head downhill on the Pig Skull Trail, descending through the lush forest until you hit the Pipeline Trail at the bottom. Pipeline will pass the Mallway Trail before intersecting with the Lower Jurassic Trail which will take you back up to the trailhead. The Lower Jurassic loop is about 3.4 miles long, with 700’ of elevation gain. No matter what loop you choose, you’ll be hiking in a cloud forest, so don’t be surprised if conditions are damp. Be prepared by bringing a rain jacket and wearing sturdy shoes that can handle any mud or wet tree roots and rocks you might encounter.
#4 Shop at the Artisan Markets
The Ho'oulu Community Farmers and Artisans Market is the place to shop on Wednesdays and Fridays. The 'Ohana Vendors at this market are very special, as everything sold at the market is 100% made, grown, and created on the Big Island of Hawai’i. Held on the lawn in front of the Outrigger Kona from 9am to 2pm, you can pick up everything from raw honey from regenerative hives and earrings made of repurposed plastic to homegrown microgreens and artisan vinegar brewed in Hawaii from tropical fruits. As you peruse the "GALLERY ON THE GREEN,” you’ll also find ocally grown estate coffee, seasonal produce (like the biggest avocados you can imagine!), jams, nuts, and even live music every Wednesday, from 9am to 2pm.
And if you’re in town for the Kona Coffee road races, you’re in luck! The Made in Hawai’i Artisan Market is part of the kick-off to the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival. Held from 2pm - 9pm at the Hale Halawai County Pavilion on Ali’i Drive, it’s a celebration of Hawaii’s best arts and crafts. Shop for authentic accessories, apparel, and other treasures made by small businesses showcasing their talents in handmade products. The market also features a fusion of multicultural food offerings from popular food trucks and pop-up food vendors.
Uncle Jon Kunitake at UCC Coffee Farm
#3 Take a Coffee Farm Tour
Out of all the gourmet coffees out there, Kona coffee is ranked among the best. And if you’re not a coffee enthusiast, you will be after touring one of Kona’s world-famous coffee farms. Ever since the first coffee trees were planted hee in the late 1820s, Kona + coffee has been a match made in heaven! Kona coffee farms dot the slopes of Hualalai. Take a farm tour and enjoy the pastoral view of the Pacific from a field of coffee plants. Learn about our area’s rich volcanic soil and ideal growing climate and the hard work that goes into growing coffee, breathe in the aroma of beans roasting, sip on the distinct coffee brewed from the farm-grown beans, and of course pick up a bag of coffee to bring home. Here are a few coffee farms that typically offer tours during the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival:
#2 Attend the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
Speaking of the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, the festivities will begin on November 1st and last through the 10th. In its 53rd year, this celebration of the Kona coffee lifestyle is Hawaiʻi’s Oldest Food Festival. Since 1970, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival and the local community have shared the unique history and culture of Kona coffee pioneers, farmers, and artisans with residents and visitors alike. Kona’s unique nearly 200-year coffee heritage is preserved, perpetuated, and promoted through this 10-day long festival. Festival events include a cupping competition, recipe contest, lei contest, and crowning of Miss Kona Coffee, Miss Aloha Hawaii, and Little Miss Kona Coffee… And it all starts with the mesmerizing Festival Lantern Parade at sunset on Friday, November 1st, featuring colorful lanterns and cultural costumes to honor the Big Island’s multicultural history diversity.
#1 Run the 100% Pure Kona Coffee 5k or Half Marathon!
November means cooler temps in Kona, but it’s still warm enough for beach lounging … and running in shorts. It really is the perfect time of year to take the ninth annual “shot” at the 100% Pure Kona Coffee Half Marathon and 5k! Rooted in the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, the scenic half marathon has attracted runners, coffee-lovers, and coffee farmers who also happen to run since its debut in 2015. This year, join us and over 600 others running the 5k, aptly named the “the espresso shot,” and the iconic Half Marathon. Run the scenic coast of Kailua-Kona down Ali’i Drive to the infamous “Pit” at the “End of the World.” And enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean as you complete the half marathon or 5k distances. Then celebrate with a cup of coffee in your one-of-a-kind Kona Coffee finishers mug.
Make the most of your time in Hawai’i and come run with us! Registration is now open for the half marathon and 5k race on November 9th so register now!