While much of the world experiences plunging temperatures as winter arrives, Kona carries on with warm temperatures and balmy ocean waters. Thanks to its proximity to the equator, Hawaii sees only a small amount of fluctuation in temperature throughout the year. That means that no matter what time of year you plan your Kona vacation, you will be greeted with weather ideal for outdoor adventuring and exploring beautiful beaches. Visiting Kona in the winter means all of the top island activities to look forward to will be available, in addition to seasonal highlights such as whale watching. And if your trip falls during the winter holidays, the island will be alive with a twinkling festive cheer, island-style of course. Stay in the know with all the best things to see and do with this Kona winter guide!
Winter Weather in Hawaii
Throughout the winter, temperatures in Kona range in the mid-70s and low 80s. Without the more intense heat of summer, this makes winter a great time to enjoy other Kona things to do outdoors, such as hiking and waterfall viewing. The evenings often dip down into the upper 60s, so be sure to bring along a light jacket for evening walks or for heading out to dinner. The rainy season in Kona falls between November and March, so winter does tend to see more wet days in comparison to a summer island day. However, rain rarely lingers throughout the day, but instead provides a short, refreshing shower. Visitors are often surprised at how localized the rain can be in Hawaii, with rain in one area coinciding with a perfectly sunny beach experience just a few minutes away. So, there’s nearly always a sunny experience awaiting somewhere on the island!
Kona Things to Do in Winter
Humans aren’t the only ones who move in mass quantities to warmer winter locations. From November to March, humpback whales also make their way from the cold Alaskan waters to the warmth of Hawaii’s tropics. That makes one of the most popular winter Kona things to do, embarking on a whale-watching excursion. While it is possible to catch sight of an occasional whale spout from the shoreline, getting a closer view aboard a boat is well worth the effort. Whale-watching tours vary, from high-speed Zodiac rides to leisurely sails aboard a Catamaran. Whichever method you choose, watching whales breech and slap their tails alongside your boat is sure to be a memorable experience!
With warm weather continuing throughout the winter months, any day is a good beach day in Kona. Your vision for your beach day will direct which Kona beach is best for you, as some beaches cater better to certain activities than others. Whether you want to lounge in the warm sand and soak in the views or don a mask and snorkel to join the vibrant underwater world, you are sure to find a postcard-perfect beach near Kona on which to do so. Kealakekua Bay is a Marine Life Conservation District and offers beautiful clear waters that are ideal for snorkeling. Spinner dolphins can often be spotted leaping and playing in the bay. For those staying in Kona, King Kamehameha Beach, also known as King Kam Beach, is a great option for a convenient dip in the sea before heading on to another adventure. The calm waters here make it great for paddle boarding and swimming.
Activities such as hiking, waterfall viewing, ATV adventures, ziplining, and horseback riding, among others, are all easily accessible island adventures throughout the winter. If your Kona winter visit coincides with the winter holidays, be sure to book your desired activities in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly!
Restaurants
The slightly milder temperatures of winter mean that finding a restaurant with air conditioning won’t be a factor when it comes to selecting your dining location. The refreshing breezes of winter make this a great time to take advantage of the outdoor and open-air dining options throughout Kona. Fuel up for your day at Kona Coffee Café, which opens right up onto the oceanfront. For lunch, snag an outdoor table at Da Poke Shack to give this local favorite dish a try. And for dinner, the Kona Brewing Company Pub & Brewery’s outdoor patio is the perfect place for washing down a cold local brew.
Kona Winter Rentals
The Kona area is a great place to base your stay on the Big Island. From Kona, you will enjoy easy access to a wide variety of island activities. With a mixture of condos, private homes, and beach villas, there are a wide variety of accommodation options in Kona to suit your travel needs. Our Kona winter rentals offer features such as an open-concept floor plan with a full living room, kitchen, and private bedrooms. Browse our listings here or contact our team at Venture Hawaii Rentals for more information!
