things to do in Kona for free

Best Things To Do in Kona for Free ( Top Sights and Attractions, Kailua-Kona Big Island)

Are you looking for the best things to do in Kona for free in Hawaii?  Look no further, for we got you covered. 

The Big Island is the largest of the Hawaiian island and is home to diverse natural wonders and cultural adventures.  Kailua-Kona offers rich history, beautiful rugged volcanic landscapes, and pristine beaches. 

Here are the best things to do in Kona for free or on a budget. …

Best Things To Do in Kona for Free ( Sights and Attractions Big Island, Hawaii )

1. Keahou or Kona Farmers Market

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When visiting Kona on a Wednesday or Friday. Take a trip to Keahou Bay and visit Keahou Farmers Market. You will find local produce jams, food, and island produce to take back home to your hotel or vacation rental.

You can also visit the Farmers Market at Alii Drive which offers a variety of hand and craft goods, 

Magic Sands Beach

kona hawaii

A strip of white sands beach can be found right on the strip of Alii Drive. You will find locals bodyboarding and visitors sunbathing.

Hulihe'e Palace

Once a summer palace for Royalty.  Today, a palace displays King Kalakaua and Queen Kapi’olani Victorian artifacts. Nice manicured lawn overlooking Kailua-Kona Bay.

 A perfect place to watch the annual Ironman Kona Triathlon 2.4 miles swim.

Honokohau Harbor

Kona is famous for its sport fishing. Here you will see charter boats arriving with large catches. The Two 14,000 ft volcanic mountains rise above the sea which makes the ocean calm and great for fishing conditions. 

In addition, the steep volcanic sleep makes deep sea fishing on the footstep of Kona where Marlins can be caught.  Watch as anglers return with their huge catch. 

things to do in kona big island hawaii for free

The best part of Kona is watching the sunset daily. You have a picturesque shot as you see the sunset below the ocean horizon.

Take a walk at Old Airport

kailua kona big island hawaii beach

Affectionately known as “Old Airport” for the locals because it was once an airport runway. It is right at the beach where locals hang out and barbecue. 

You can also take a walk on the old airport strip, be careful, as vehicles will pass you by because it is also used as a public road. You can also walk or jog along a carefully manicured garden and enjoy a beautiful sandy beach.

Watch the Manta Rays at night

manta ray watching at night kona hawaii

If you are staying at Outrigger Kona Bay Resort, you are in a good spot. Head down to the deck and watch the Manta Rays come out at light feeding. Light is beamed into the water and the Manta rays will come out. You will also see swimmers up close next to the Manta Rays. 

Watch the Ironman Triathlon

Get inspired by watching the Ironman Triathlon held annually in Kailua-Kona.  A remarkable race as top athletes compete in a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bicycle ride, and 26-mile run. The best athletes visit in the fall to compete in this series of long-distance triathlon races.  You will be able to watch each event for free as they pass by either riding a bike, running, or finishing or starting their swim at Kailua-Kona. 

Visit Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark

On the grounds of King Kamehameha Hotel, was the site  King Kamehameha I where lived during his remaining years. In addition, this is where the first missionaries landed on the island. 

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park

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The names of two Ahapua’a, a Hawaiian term for subdivision of land distributed by the Chief. When visiting here, you will see the Kaloko and Honokohau fishponds. 

Centuries ago, the Hawaiian land system used the fishpond to ensure that there was an abundance of food to share.

Drive or Stroll Around Alli Drive

Alii Drive is a famous road in Kailua-Kona Hawaii.  The road is lined with various shops and restaurants offering local cuisines and specialties. 

The road offers beautiful beaches to relax including Magic Sand Beach and Kailua Bay Beach.  Alii Drive is also famous for hosting Ironman World Championship, which is the most prestigious triathlon event in the world.

No matter what your interest is, Kona offers a truly unique and amazing experience.  

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