For the traveler that can’t wait to immerse their senses in natural beauty and make the most of adventure too, a trip to Hawaii is an absolute must. When your travel plans bring you to the Big Island and your time is being well spent in the Kona District, even better! While Kona is a year-round fan-favorite stop for many reasons, there’s something special about a trip this way when fall rolls around. The district takes up two-thirds of the west coast of the island and enjoys year-round wonderful weather. However, fall tends to be a bit less crowded than other times of year, so travelers can take advantage of more seamless access to the many natural wonders and sights that await. If you’re lucky enough to enjoy a fall getaway to Kona this year, the following are just a few of our many favorite activities in Kona that you’re going to want to be sure to add to the itinerary!
Explore Kailua Village
In the very heart of the Big Island, Kailua Village is perhaps one of Kona’s most iconic stops and well worth exploring during your fall getaway. Far from the quiet fishing village it started as, Kailua Village offers travelers access to a fun and welcoming coastal town. Today, this destination is complete with a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of shopping, dining, and options for exploration to enjoy! When you’re not savoring the fall menu at the many restaurants in this area, you can just as easily be strolling through the collection of historic destinations—many of which date back to the early 19th century. Kailua Village has a little something for everyone, making it a must-see on your fall adventure.
Check Out Puuhonua-o-Honaunau
There’s something about fall that inspires a sense of wonder and otherworld intrigue. Perhaps it’s the fact that Halloween is well on its way, or the slightly changing temperatures and scenery that have many of us looking at things through a more spiritual lens. Whatever the reason may be, the sentiment alone makes a visit to Puuhonua-o-Honaunau the perfect addition to an autumn getaway to Kona. This historic sight promises to be a highlight of your journey and has long been regarded as one of the state’s most sacred destinations. Self-guided tours of this stop are readily available and as you wander through, you’ll learn an immense amount of information regarding local culture and history as it pertains to a spiritual take on the island. Ancient fishing pools, a Great Wall, and totems are all on the lineup of landmarks you’ll encounter during this tour. It’s a unique experience that promises to provide insight you might have otherwise overlooked during your fall stay. This is definitely one of the best activities in Kona to explore!
Wander Through the Hulihee Palace
Dating back to 1838, the Hulihee Palace is a perfect place to connect with history during a fall trip to Kona. A stop here is a chance to get up close to what it meant to be a part of the Hawaiian monarchy and there’s plenty of architecture to admire along the way. Guests will wander through a Victorian palace that still hosts a plethora of ornaments, furniture and era-specific décor that feels like you’re stepping back in time. Guided tours are available daily at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. Be sure not to leave post-tour before swinging by the gift shop and picking up a meaningful souvenir!
Find Time to Enjoy Keauhou Bay
Kona is a district packed with historical relevance to be enjoyed during a fall getaway, but it’s also a place that’s brimming over with incredible natural beauty. Because the fall temperature and weather are so appealing in this part of the world, an autumn trip means plenty of opportunities for time on the sand and that’s just what can be found at Keauhou Bay. Situated just a short distance from Kailua Village, Keauhou Bay is a popular place to sunbathe, enjoy watersports on deep blue waves, or simply stroll and enjoy a mesmerizing coastline experience. Many travelers head here to indulge in afternoons of snorkeling. This particular activity has the potential to put you in close contact with incredible creatures like giant manta rays, sea turtles and colorful tropical fish in abundance.
Make it an Up and Away Fall Experience
Time on land in Kona is always a treat, but there’s something amazing about taking your vantage point sky high while you’re here in the fall. Big Island Air is a local company that specializes in booking private Cessna Caravan charters that offer up unsurpassed panoramic views of the entire island! Many of these Cessna Caravans can hold up to 9 passengers at a time and make sights of the coastline one-of-a-kind. From volcanoes and valleys to cliffsides and waves, it’s all yours for the enjoying from above.
Enjoy Your Island Adventure
When your travel plans bring you to Hawaii, the property professionals at Venture Hawaii are on hand to handle all of your accommodation details. Reach out today to learn more about our luxurious property options and to start planning! If you love playing golf, you’d be happy to hear that we offer amazing Kona golf course view rentals with easy access to your favorite sport!