Kailua-Kona in Hawaii

A whole host of pristine, sugary-white coastal playgrounds resides within easy reach of Kailua-Kona, with options to suit both serious snorkelers and safety-conscious families.

Perhaps the most popular spot is Kahalu’u Beach Park, a scenic stretch about 10 minutes south of the city. A thriving reef and calm, lapping waves make it a hit among snorkelers.

Head 20 minutes north of town, and you’ll arrive at Kikaua Point Park, a secluded cove encircled by cragged volcanic rock. Keep an eye out for its sea arch.

The 40-minute trip north to Spencer Beach Park is worth it for the verdant, shady lawns lining its pretty golden sands – it’s a picturesque scene worth posting on Instagram. About 10 minutes north of town, the sheltered Alula Beach attracts snorkelers, divers, as well as curious sea turtles.

If your kids have grown tired of the beach, there’s plenty of family-friendly attractions around town to keep them amused.

The Vanillerie is a boutique vanilla farm offering educational tours of its glasshouses and fields. As you’d expect, you get the chance to pick up some vanilla-infused souvenirs – sauces, soaps, and the like – at the end.

At the Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark, your kids will adore gawking at this lifesize reconstruction of the former king’s residence. A small museum and cultural centre attached add insight.

With all that learning, the kids will want to let off steam. The KBXtreme Premier Entertainment Center has an exhilarating collection of arcade games and 10-pin bowling lanes. 

Mauna Kea is the highest peak in Hawaii and the tallest mountain in the world (if you measure from the seafloor). It features an adventurous 6-mile hike to the summit. The steep, arduous trail ascends this towering volcano over several painstaking hours, but it awards you with spellbinding views at the top.

Be aware that altitude sickness is real at these heights – and the weather at the top can be dangerous. If you’re not seeking a thorough thrashing, you can drive up to the 4,205-metre peak instead. Mauna Kea is also home to Keck Observatory, the world's largest astronomical observatory.

Downtown Kailua-Kona, also known as Kona’s central commercial hub, straddles the scenic Kailua Bay. The key attraction here is Kailua Pier, an iconic docking spot for local fishing boats. Just past the pier, the turquoise-tinged waters of Kailua Bay offer a pleasant place to swim.

Scores of swanky restaurants and ritzy high-rise hotels dominate the district, which also hosts Kona’s best after-dark scene. Stop by Hulihe‘e Palace to admire Victorian-era artefacts and learn about the Hawaiian royals of yesteryear.

The Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park gives you a tranquil respite from the downtown crowd of Kailua-Kona. The lush cultural park also provides insight into early Hawaiian life through ancient petroglyphs, ingenious fishponds, and crumbling old ruins.

Scenic hiking trails lead to jagged coastal rocks and age-old temples. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way – it’s not uncommon to encounter sea turtles, native birds, and monk seals. Need to cool off? There’s a smattering of sandy beaches right along the coastline.

Kailua-Kona packs a gastronomic punch for a city of its size. From small, hole-in-the-wall takeaways to refined silver service digs, there’s a restaurant for most appetites within easy reach of downtown.

For authentic Hawaiian nosh at affordable prices, give Big Island Grill a shot. This unassuming eatery serves enormous portions of the usual Hawaiian staples – think kalua pork, saimin, and loco moco.

Fancy splurging on a memorable meal? Ulu Ocean Grill and Sushi Lounge is worth the drive for its innovative take on traditional Hawaiian fare. Of course, the restaurant's uninterrupted ocean views is a huge perk.

For a quintessential local dining (and drinking) experience in Kailua-Kona, check out Kona Brewing Co. This hip yet homely microbrewery does mean pizzas and frothy ales under a corrugated tin roof.

While it doesn’t compete with Waikiki, you’ll find a respectable selection of markets, malls, and stalls around Kailua-Kona.

For artisanal artworks and fresh local produce, stop by Ho’oulu Community Farmers & Artisans Fair. The lively open-air market runs from 9 am to 2 pm on Wednesdays.

Kona Commons Shopping Center is your go-to Kona mall for designer apparel and other everyday goods. Parking is easy and there are plenty of food stalls to fuel your retail escapades.

Right in the middle of downtown, Kona MarketPlace is all about indie fashion and eccentric art. Alfresco dining and epic ocean views give cause to while away an afternoon.

Kailua-Kona is bopping for revellers in the know – at least during the peak season (December through March).

Kick-start your night on the tiles with a dinner and show at Island Breeze Lū‘au. This entertaining open-air extravaganza features a bottomless Hawaiian buffet and traditional Polynesian performances to the backdrop of Kailua Bay.

Live music lovers should check out Gertrude’s Jazz Bar. Also overlooking the bay, this energetic venue sees vocal local performers bust out your favourite jazz and blues ballads.

Contrary to its namesake, MY BAR + Pizza and More is more nightclub than bar (there is pizza, though). The feverish LGBTQ-friendly venue has a jam-packed dancefloor and a breezy upstairs veranda. 

You’ll find a wide array of exciting outdoor adventures to enjoy in this perpetually sunny Big Island city.

Kayaking is a popular pursuit all along the west coast, where there’s a plethora of reefs, sea caves, and lava tubes to explore. Top spots include Kamakahonu Beach, Ho’okena Beach Park, and Honaunau Bay.

For vertigo-inducing thrills, Kohala Zipline has 5 sky bridges, 9 ziplines, and a rappel challenge. UFO Parasail is another enjoyable option if you’re not afraid of heights.

Atlantis Submarines Kona runs fantastic underwater tours to shipwrecks and deep reefs. Although expensive, it’s worth it for anyone who wants to explore beneath the ocean without signing up for a PADI course.