A perfect weather for sunset at the summit! The scene is so beautiful even before the sun set. The drive wasn’t bad as long as you have the right vehicle. The staffs at the visitor center were very friendly and helpful to ensure the safety of everyone and every vehicle. Luckily didn’t experience high altitude sickness with the careful measure we took.

So cool! Windy and cold, but we'll worth it! The drive up the unimproved road was crazy, but we had a good guide help us! Thank goodness! One of the best sights I've seen!

The best views I've ever seen in my life. Truly feels like the top of the world. Go in the afternoon and stay until sunset! Went from snorkeling in the morning to hiking through snow at almost 14,000' in the afternoon. Pack water and your patience and don't rush to the top. The altitude (especially when coming from sea level hours earlier) can be killer.

Very cool place to check out. At almost 14,000 feet elevation the air is thinner and it gets a bit chilly. When we visited it was about 41 degrees out at the top. Excelent view!

You likely won't get a better view/experience that is as accessible and convenient as the Mauna Kea summit. Totally worth the money to take a tour bus (or bring your own 4x4 vehicle) up to the observatories around sunset. Be mindful that you are almost at 13,800ft above sea level which means lower air pressure and about 40% less oxygen, so there is a small risk of altitude sickness for some.

Gorgeous place to visit at sunset or sunrise. DRESS WARM. You need a 4x4 but we got up there with a Tesla Model Y. Rangers allow it, it has to be a dual motor one. Easy and safe ride up and back down with the help of the Tesla braking system… overall it was cheaper than doing the tour bus. If you’re a confident driver, do it!

Great hike to the top, the rangers were super helpful and kept an eye out for you. Bring plenty of water and keep a careful eye on the weather. Respect the culture and don’t go to the true summit. Altitude sickness is no joke, spend time acclimatising at the visitor center and go up slowly. Again a big thank you to the rangers.

Beautiful place. We did it without any tourist company. You end up going to the visitor center acclimating then heading up for the sunset. The view and experience was out of this world. That being said to get up there you absolute need a 4x4 car and one that can do 4L gears on the way down or you will burn your breaks to the point of failure. The park rangers will not let you go up without proper car, driving experience, and fully understand the risk which include acclamation sickness. If you are unsure of the drive and getting up there’s. I would suggest booking with a local company. They do the fancy photo shoot and what not. That being said it’s worth the trip, hike, and trek to get there. Bring warm clothing…it’s about 40f up there and sometimes gets colder.

One of the best things I did on the big island. Watching the sunset and star gazing from almost 14'000 ft above. They offer tours but if you are an experienced 4x4 driver then just go yourself and save some bucks. You do have to wait 45 minutes to get adjusted to the altitude half way up.

An interesting place. Unless you have 4x4 or want to hike many many miles up a steep mountain, you can just visit the little information center. Staff was a mix of friendly and a younger gentleman who was sulky and more interested in his phone than anything else. The little gift shop only accepts cards and refused cash, which I find annoying. There is a couple of information displays and a cool model of how the observatories look. Outside you can walk a short hike up a steep hill for a great view. The other gated hike near the visitor center is extremely short and weak, with a single native offering platform and not much else. We enjoyed the drive up through the clouds and the hike up the hill, but if you are expecting a large visitor center you will be disappointed.

WARNING: should have full tank of gas ⛽️ before going there. You need to set to 4L mode and manual mode when downhill (2 most of time, not above 3, this is to protect your brake from overheat), which is very gasoline consuming (for Jeep Wrangler, not sure about others). Nice view. Not that cold in summer. Can see stars in visitor center.

Absolutely incredible in any season. The view from up here makes you feel like you’re on another world looking down. This is a must see if you’re on the island! And if you don’t have a Four-wheel-drive, the station at the bottom is still worth it. Come stare at the crystal clear night sky through a telescope and enjoy a hot chocolate for your effort.

1400メートル下のインフォメーションセンターから友人の4WDに乗り換えて標高4200メートルの山頂へ。酸素は地上の約50％しかなく数歩で息つきが必要でした。下りはエンジンブレーキを最大限活用して降ります。下のインフォメーションセンターで、前輪のディスクブレーキの温度を測定され高ければ、そこで温度が下がるまで待機させられます。 (Translated by Google) From the information center 1400 meters below, change to a friend's 4WD and go to the top of the mountain at an altitude of 4200 meters. Oxygen was only about 50% of what it was on the ground and I needed to catch my breath after a few steps. On the descent, make the most of engine braking. At the information center below, the temperature of the disc brake on the front wheel is measured and if it is high, you will be made to wait there until the temperature drops.

Phenomenal sunset in a sublime sea of clouds. Stamp this as an absolutely "MUST SEE," on your Big Island to do list, it's an extraordinarily enchanting experience far beyond the majesty of mere words to describe !!! You have to have a 4x4 vehicle to drive past the visitor center to the summit. I opted for booking with Mauna Kea Summit Adventures, as the one time expense of $312 (including taxes, yummy lasagna dinner & brownie dessert, warm jacket, hot chocolate and extensively fascinating stargazing tour after sunset) ended up being some of the best money I spent on the Big Island. Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain on earth, yet it doesn't hold the distinction of highest elevation because most of it is under the ocean. To witness the sunset here was an ethereally exquisite peek into the divine that I honestly can't recommend enough. P.S. local hint... give a looksie on the opposite side of the mountain just before sunset to see its sacred shadow :)

So so so worth the trip to the top for sunset!!! You need a 4 wheel drive vehicle. We were very glad to have some warmer clothes and jackets. Go early with time to acclimate at the lower parking lot (where the shop and restroom are). Someone suggested waiting 20-30 minutes there before driving up, especially for those more sensitive to higher elevations. Even if you’re used to higher elevations you might feel it at the top. We got mild headaches and dizziness when walking around at the top, but not bad. Worth it!

After 7 Mile drive up dirt roads that you need a 4x4 vehicle and acclimatize at the visitor center for a minimum of 30 minutes, It was well worth the wait. You literally drive through clouds and watch as the sky and the earth and the ocean meet. There is truly nothing like it anywhere else and it is an amazing view worth every minute of your drive and trip. This is probably one of the most breathtaking views and sites I've ever seen in my entire life. You're missing out if you do not go and visit. Probably one of the most recommended things to do on the island. Not to mention it's free and literally nothing else can compare. The whole trip was worth it for the views. Make sure to check the weather beforehand for clouds and whether or not it's going to be super cold and you would need extra layers.

Great views, snow on the peak, you can see Maui in the distance and after sunset the Milky way. I paid $280 for my trip up there with a guide. It was very educational. If I had to do it over again, I would rent a 4x4 (required to reach summit) and gone by myself. It gets very busy at sunset 🌇 and was cold on the summit. Bring a jacket and wear pants. You can purchase a souvenir stocking cap for $25 in the gift shop. 🐐🐑🐏 There were a lot of goats and sheep on the way to Mauna Kea.

The road to the summit was unfortunately closed due to poor road conditions caused by ice, winds, etc. That being said, the view from the visitor center was breathtaking. I was a bit bummed out after learning about the road to the summit, and the pictures from the visitor center just seemed okay. Totally different experience in person, as the view during sunset was amazing. We stayed for a bit to stargaze, which was also a very worthwhile experience. Highly recommend visiting if you are on the Big Island, just make sure to check conditions beforehand.

If this is on your bucket list, go and enjoy! The view is amazing! The drive up isn't that bad. Nor is the ride down. They do a really great job maintaining the road as well. It was cloudy while I was at the top, but that does not take away from the view at all. I was still able to see an amazing sunset! And if you're into DSO astrophotography, take a small rig with you and go down to a couple of the parking areas below the summit. As long as you're off the summit, you're free to hang around and see the night sky for as long as you would like weather conditions do dictate a little sincs it is a very steep road.

Elevation at the top is 13K feet. Some people hiked but we drove. Pretty epic views. Hydrate and make sure you pace yourself on the way up. The park rangers will check your brake temperature at the bottom so, run in 2nd or 3rd gear on the way down (4L).

It was definitely worth to get on the very top. But we made it only after 3 tries and here is why. First of all I didn’t expect that it will be difficult to me to get even to the visitor center first. Because of high elevation I was feeling heartbeat and general weakness. We bought a portable oxygen tank in the local CVS store. It helps a little bit to stay calm and breathe. After some time with a several stops on the way to the visitor center we got there and I realized that the maximum I did for today. We went to the hill near the visitor center on the very top and I made a proposal to my gf;) It was amazing. We decided to give me one more chance and come back the other day, but ranger told that our 4x4 pick up truck wheels were dirty and we can’t get to the observatory. The next day we wanted to find local car wash, but it was impossible. You need to go to Hilo at least, to get your wheels cleaned. We were lucky and the guy in one of the local detailing stores agreed to take a hose and help us. And finally, the way to the visitor was super easy to me( I was doing this 3rd time😀 ), we did it! It was scary and my hands/face were numb, but we've got to the very top!! Thanks god!;) Here are some tips: 4x4 vehicle Full GAS tank 1-2 hours acclimatization before at the visitor center Clean tires ENTERING BEFORE 5:30pm and leaving at once after sunset.

Challenging 13 mile round trip (4700' + feet of vertical gain) from the visitor center to the telescopes. You could also cheat and drive up the road (lol) but the hike is fantastic. Please be respectful and do not walk to the actual summit.

Mauna Kea is a captivating natural wonder of the Hawaiian Islands. I recommend arriving at the summit before sunset to enjoy the incredible scenery. During sunset, a magical atmosphere unfolds, painting the sky with vibrant colors. Don't forget about the hour of acclimatization before the ascent, near the tourist center. This will help your body adapt to the high altitude and make your journey more comfortable. Enjoy the incredible beauty of Mauna Kea!

pretty beach. lots of tide pools in the rocks where you can see hermit crabs and small fishes. street parking available

Beautiful white sand beach. One of the few on the big island. The beach is not too big (wide) and constitutes two smaller bays where you can hang out. This beach is a great choice for riding waves for swimming. Not a lot of space to sit on the beach, but plenty of parking nearby.

Wonderful beach to snorkel and sit at!! The snorkeling was better than captain cook we thought and very easy to get in and out of the water! Very nice that it’s a state park so there were a bathroom and outdoor showers! Parking is limited so go early even on a weekday!

Small sand beach. Pretty but busy on sundays. Bathroom and showers available. Parking available. Free.

Great local beach for relaxing and snorkeling. Get here early as it gets full fast and there is limited space to drop chairs/blankets. Restrooms, water fountains, and showers are available. Snorkeling available on far sides of the ocean but there are lots of rocks. Current today was very rough so use caution. When in doubt don’t go out!!!

Beautiful white sand beach. A decent stretch has no rocks at all. Has public bathroom and showers to rinse off. Lifeguards for morning and afternoon. The day we came waves were pretty mellow, easy for kids to play in

We visited on a Sunday late morning and it was fairly busy. There was not much space for sitting or shade but it was a beautiful beach, with nice sand and swimming area. There was a lifeguard on duty but only on half of beach. Great place to enjoy the beautiful views and soaking up the sun. There was a water fountain, toilets, and showers to rinse off.

This was my husband & my favourite beach while visiting the big island. Free parking. The waves could get bigger which were super fun to dive through. White sand, good for snorkelling. Saw sea turtles twice! Life guards are on duty and also have bathrooms and showers

In mid February there was basically no beach. The winter waves had washed it away. People were still in the water boogie boarding. We sat on the lava rocks and watched the whales. Too many to count. Just amazing.

Beautiful rocky enclave with small sandy beach. Be careful after dark - we encountered a tweaker. Excellent place to spot mongoose.

Great beach for having fun in the water. It had waves just like a wave pool. Easy to manage (and i can’t swim!) amazing for boogie boarding and body surfing. Nice sandy area to lay and it’s smooth sand where you’ll be swimming. Very clear water. I’d bring a boogie board, but snorkeling here is for the more experienced when the waves are out. :)

Nice nature walk ($10 per group) and a short free tour of the processing facility. Staff were friendly, but they get a lot of rude tourists as well. Lots of merch for sale, coffee was good but not as good as other Kona farms we visited.

We Chose to tour this location because of the greats reviews. We toured one other coffee plantation as part of a tour but this was still by far a better education into coffee processing than we grit at the other place. The tour guide was friendly, knowledgeable and by touring on a Sunday we were able to see all the machinery while not in use. Signed up for the twelve month coffee club because we loved it so much!

Our tour guide brought us here and the friendly staff welcomed us and included us on a free informative tour. Beautiful views from the mountaintop and a surprise lava tunnel. Bought one of Garry Palms paintings. He was there to autograph it. I set in my coffee area at home. 💗it.

Mountain Thunder offers free tours of their processing center and provide an interesting background on coffee and how it's harvested. They have coffee to drink for free and beans for purchase. There is a paid walking tour of part of the property where there are lava tubes. This was a nice experience and I'd recommend it.

Great tour and location! So many Kona farms to choose from and so glad we picked Mountain Thunder. Fabulous tour guide..short, but super informative tour and free. Nice gift shop with plenty of coffee to purchase and other coffee related gifts. Coffee was superb. You must do the Cloud Forest Sanctuary self guided tour while there. It is $10 for a group and we’ll worth it. It’s short, but gorgeous. The constant mist from the clouds is also refreshing. Great local business to support.

Really informative tour with explanation of the different beans and process to pick the beans that qualify as Kona coffee. Had 4 flavors for tasting. Was really nice drive up to the farm - was at 975m altitude. Was cooler and refreshing after coming up from Kona. Tours started promptly every 30 min as advertised. Option to do scenic walk for $10 and gift shop. Would highly recommend.

I adored this place. It was easily one of the most fun things I did on this island. I learned a lot about coffee that was interesting even though I'm not a huge coffee person. The nature trail was gorgeous and was very safe as long as you aren't trying to hurt yourself. I saw many cats, which was a huge and welcome surprise. The gift shop had free tastings of their different roasts. All the products we bought were gorgeous quality and a great price for what we got. The staff was super friendly and relatable. I genuinely enjoyed the time I spent with them even though it was very little. The only upsetting part is that I couldn't stay longer. There's not a ton to do as it's primarily coffee growing, so the tours go by fast.

Wow! What a fun and fascinating stop. The tour guide couldn’t have been any more excited to tell us all about the process, and it’s obvious they LOVE what they do. The shop has all manner of unique gift ideas, plus some major high quality locally produced (and environmentally/bird/trade friendly) coffee. And the extra nature trail is SO worth it! Make sure you take some time to visit this hidden gem!

Just awesome! Definitely worth a stop on your trip. I don’t drink coffee BUT tried the samples and thought that there were really good. They show you the factory and give the history and story of what they do here. REALLY INTERESTING!! You can see the coffee beans growing out back!!

It's a good experience. No reservations required. They offer a self guided tour of the plantation, which is a short 15-20 min walk with views of lava tubes and the mountainside. They also offer a 20-min step by step explanation of their coffee making process. No visit inside the mill though. One of the few coffee plantations with their own mill, they provide their mill to other plantations in the area. Free coffee tastings for visitors. Coffee sold at the gift shop is a little expensive, though.

The tour is free. If you want to walk down through the rainforest and see coffee trees (and lots of other plants) it’s only $10 for your party. There’s a gift store and free coffee to sample. We enjoyed the tour very much and enjoyed the coffee samples as well. Kona coffee really is something special. All of the staff were friendly, there were places to sit both up by the shop and down at the end of the rainforest trail. The self-guided trail has a few lava tubes, various fruit trees and other plants, and clouds… yes, there are clouds that come in partway through the day - we were fortunate to have accidentally timed it right and got to watch the clouds come in. It started heavily raining about one minute after we got back to our car.

9_7_2023 Christmas shopping time (Coffee beans/ground, soaps, candle, delicious cookies, candy, bags, stickers).The coffee tour is free and you can taste all their coffees for free. The atmosphere was perfect within the cloud forest, sun in morning and rain the the afternoon. The coffee tour was very educational and well worth the 15 minutes. The cat princess is a new family member and so beautiful.

Free tours of the coffee processing every 30 minutes. The tour guide was super awesome and informative. The little gift shop has free coffee for tasting and some great souvenirs. Highly recommend the chocolate covered pea berry coffee beans. Say hi to the local kitty as well :)

Cute free short introduction to coffee and the roasting process. There is an optional $10 per group for a self guided tour of the lava tubes and native plants with a great viewing platform that you could eat a packed lunch on. Nice gift shop with coffee and related products.

SO, SO, SO WONDERFUL! Above and beyond five stars! Our tour guide was incredible, funny, and informative. They gave us samples of coffee and coffee beans, as well as free fruit. The views were gorgeous, and it was a whole different mysterious atmosphere; such a change from the sunny beaches! A massive highlight of Hawaii. You need to include this in your Hawaii experience!!

The Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation offers free tours every 30 minutes. They also offer free coffee! We enjoyed the tour and learned a great deal about how they grow their organic coffee. They do offer a Nature Trail walking self guided tour for $10. Although we were tempted, it had just stopped raining and since the path looked pretty steep, we were concerned about slipping. Interestingly, before going on the trail you have to sign a waver that you won’t hold the plantation responsible if you hurt yourself! They have a great gift shop and a coffee club that might beca wonderful way of enjoying their coffee when you are no longer in Hawaii.

A very nice place to take a coffee tour and learn the process from plant to cup. A benefit of this location is it's accessibility as the terrain is flat and paved; the distance to walk is quite short (maybe 5-10 minutes). I appreciated seeing the 3 kinds of sorting machines (density, size, color), which I hadn't seen on previous coffee tours. My guide says it often rains in the afternoon so you may want to consider that in your timing.

This cloud forest coffee plantation was a trip highlight. The ride up the mountain into the jungle is the perfect setting to enter the premises where your are offered amazing coffee and get to learn all about the process of how it's made from a knowledgeable and fun team that clearly loves what they do. We opted for the nature walk which I also recommend to see the jungle plants up close while not being too difficult. Their overlook also offers a nice group picture opportunity at the end of the short walk. Met a local that drives an hour just to get their favorite coffee there. Do not leave without a bag of their top tier coffee, the peaberry.

Mountain Thunder is a beautiful farm. They have free Kona coffee sampling and tours every 30 minutes. There is a nature trail available for guests to enjoy. It is well maintained and has caves along the route. The path leads to a large porch/patio that overlooks the ocean-so serene!

Lovely spot to learn about Kona coffee and take a stroll through the forest. The view from the observation deck is spectacular. Great tour, our guide was very informative. And it was free.

A nice tour to learn more about saving sea horses. Very educational. Great for kids and adults. About an hour long and they have dedicated sea horse ambassadors you can interact with at the end of the tour. Off the beaten path and near the airport.

We took a tour here and it was super cool. The tour is a bit overpriced in my opinion, but if you are a big seahorse enjoyer I would recommend going anyway. You get an awesome opportunity during the tour to hold seahorses. It’s so cool seeing them at their various stages in life. This tour is very informative. Great for children and adults alike.

We had a nice visit to Ocean Rider. Although the $70 price tag seems a bit steep for what the experience consists of. The tour was informative and I did learn some interesting facts. I also appreciate their conservation forward outlook, but this is a sea horse farm and they are raking in the $$

Great experience with people working to make a difference for ocean life. The admission price seemed high but no regrets after the tour. This is an effort worth supporting.

I absolutely love Ocean Rider! Their sea horse conservation is such wonderful thing for our oceans and delicate sea horses. Don't miss this tour! It's amazing what you'll learn and you get to have a seahorse latch on to your fingers at the end. There's also a touch tank and fantastic gift shop. 💙

We have been to the Big Island 3 times and I've always wanted to tour the seahorse farm. My husband has been reluctant but this time, he agreed reluctantly to go with me. It was super cool; Danny was an informative and interesting guide. After we left, my husband said, "That was pretty cool"😎. Great way to spend an hour or so. Totally recommend it 😊

Not quite worth the amount that they are asking for the experience, but I see it as a tax on maintaining the high standards of their farm. Very fun to see everything from baby seahorses onward, and having one perch on your finger is a highlight! Staff was also very knowledgeable and we learned a lot!

What an experience of a life time. Educational and intriguing. Lots learned. Tour guides very knowledgeable. More than what we had expected. You do need to book an appointment for the tour and there are three times available. I suggest booking ahead of time. We were on the cruise ship and booked at ourselves as our excursion and Uber there. We had no issues getting out there or returning back since it is close to the airport Uber were available though it seemed like it was out-of-the-way. Great for all ages but it I a walking tour on gravel terrain and out side. They also had a great gift shop with reasonable prices and cute things. Make sure to read all information prior to booking. if you are planning to also do another animal interaction, make sure it is after the seahorses as they are very strict on cross contamination.

What a unique experience! Definitely focused on seahorses but you learn a lot about them while on the tour. Of course the highlight of the tour is actually getting the seahorse to latch on to your fingers. You cannot let them buy they put the seahorse so it latches on to you. Really cool to see them up close. Totally worth the cost of admission. The things in the gift shop aren't too pricey either. If you're on the island this is definitely a must do. I don't know where else you'll be able to do this.

Would not do it again and can’t ethically recommend it. This place farms seahorses for profit to sell as pets. They specialize in the domestication of seahorses. And then charges $70 per person to hold a seahorse and calls themselves a non profit. And the kids giving the tours are young, just new to the island and job and have basically read a handbook and give the tour.

Danny was a great guide - very knowledgeable and friendly! Highly recommend this for anyone visiting Hawaii. Come support our seahorses!!

Very enjoyable hour spent visiting this seahorse farm. Guide did a good job educating us about these animals. They gave us time to interact with the seahorses and observe… They also have a small on site aquarium to view some of the larger ones.

A great educational Seahorse Farm tour is offered. It's a bit pricey, but you do get to have a Seahorse cling to your hands formed like a coral reef structure. Seahorses are one of life's mysteries of the sea, so we indulged. Tour guides are passionate about their work.

What a blast! Our guide was excellent!! Knowledgeable and enthusiastic! We learned so much about Sea Horses - a very fun experience!

Our second favorite Hawaiian excursion was the Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm & Seahorse Hawaii Foundation. The Seahorse Hawaii Foundation has made incredible strides saving and conserving seahorses. Their facility on the Big Island is impressive, informative and fun. We were able to hold (or be held by) seahorses and even named two of them 🌺

Great tour, our guide Erica did a fantastic job! The seahorses are incredible and supporting preservation is extremely important! Mahalo!

We visited on Halloween of 2023. Not only was the tour everything we had hoped for (holding a seahorse, viewing beautiful seahorses/their babies up close), it was extremely informative about the seahorse trade and how this specific place breeds them ethically. Be respectful of the animals if you visit, listen to the guidelines and keep your hands clean. Absolutely wonderful. Yes, there are large groups during the tours. They still make sure everyone receives a fully immersive experience. We were not upsold anything and genuinely enjoyed this once in a lifetime experience for our kid.

I didn't know you can farm seahorse but I'm glad they did! Aim to reduce poaching, the farm caters of conservation study and accessibility to pet trade without the dangers of harvesting these Majestic little creatures in the wild

Awesome find! Very interesting and informative. Does my heart good to know places like this exist. The good work done here is well worth our support.

Very interesting and informative. Learned a lot about seahorses. Was very impressed with their goal to produce seahorses that survive in home aquariums. Highly recommend this tour.

Fantastic and informative tour about the endangered seahorse and Ocean Rider's efforts to breed them to prevent their extinction from being fished in the wild. You'll learn everything you want to know about seahorses and even get to feed them and hold one. Our tour guide (Erica?) was extremely knowledgeable and engaging. Highlights include: seahorse babies in the nursery, leafy sea dragon tank, and holding a seahorse.

Seahorse tour was super fun and interesting, the tour guide Lawrence did a really great job of sharing just how cool seahorses really are. If you love the ocean and conservation, this is a great place to go!

We had an okay experience here. The beers were okay. The food was okay. The service was also just about okay. The location is quite nice, so we expected more from it. We're just bummed. We had the mixed grill plate. We only enjoyed the grilled sausage. The chicken and the pork were just okay.

Great food, mostly pizza, sandwiches, salads, and beer. They have a cool merch store, and you can get canned beers to go. The atmosphere was really low-key, and the food was really fresh. Nice staff all around. Parking is okay, but somewhat tight.

This brewpub is popular with both locals and tourists. The food menu is geared toward standard pub grub. Their pizzas are a hit with most guests. One of the charming things here is to try beers from Backyard Batches - limited editions experimental brews.

Really cool place. The food was good (pizza), and the waiter was attentive. We arrived at about 130pm after a brewery tour, and it was getting very busy. Food and drinks served in a timely manner. Definitely will come back if I travel to Kona again.

5 stars for the service and the tour, which was a lot of fun, very informative, and very generous on the tastings. They even bus you to the brewery, even though it's only a 5 minute walk from the restaurant. We also stayed for dinner and drinks after and were seated immediately and had fantastic service. 4 stars overall for the beer... Good quality but between Kona and Maui, I personally found Maui to be much more interesting and flavorful.

The food and our waiter were on point, the hostess was a different story which is why there’s not 5 stars. We ordered the Beer Queso and two pizzas, pepperoni and The Captains. I had there two Porter beers, highly recommended. The waiter was on point and fast with bringing out our food. The hostess was a different person all together, she was very rude. She was more focused on correcting our vernacular of calling the porch/patio a “Lanai”. I realize we’re in Hawaii and that’s what it’s called but we’re not local and was disappointed in the way she acted. The Hawaii Kai location is definitely a better atmosphere and much nicer hostess team.

When in Kona, on the Big Island, and you like beer, then you have to visit the Mother Ship for Kona Beer and some tasty food. This is where it all began for Kona Brewing and they have as many as 20 Kona beers on tap. Do a tasting flight of four or eight shots to pic you fav of the day and dig into one of their pizzas and a salad. Relaxed atmosphere, friendly wait staff and, oh yes, the Beer! We had the large Captain pizza and a small Cesar salad. Several small shops nearby for a nice stroll after eating. Most seating is outdoors under shade, small bar and a few tables inside. Be sure to walk around ... The walls inside are lined with some great Kona memorabilia and music legends. No reservations are being accepted, walk ins only. Was about $75 for two, including tip. Aloha!

Stopped here during our last day. Most seating is outdoors which is fine as weather was great. Recommend beer flight as there will probably be a few you want to try. We had the mana plate and pork tacos and both were terrific. Their Kona pulled pork, chicken and sausage were all very good with good portions.

Some of the best beer I’ve ever had! Their food is spot on as well. I got the Black sand porter, Castaway IPA, Lemongrass luau, and the Fire rock pale ale. I also got the pork tacos and a the brownie w/ice cream for dessert. Definitely recommend visiting!

So the restaurant is in the back of the brewery, a comfortable terrace, there is a host seating guests and they are very polite. The waitress was also fantastic and the food came very quickly. The waitress also made some recommendations for the beers and they were both great. The variety of the menu is very good for the beers. The food was a bit underwhelming, which can be understandable considering this is mainly a beer shack. The pizza was bland although the ingredients were plentiful, the pizza rolls were just pepperoni wrapped in a roll, nothing amazing, and the pulled chicken sandwich was mediocre. The chips served with it where crunchy, a bit too much I would say, but there are options for sides like mac and cheese and more. Prices are a bit high, but it's a local brewery in Hawaii, don't expect discounts. The music was good, and the ambience was making the whole place relaxed and laid back. There's a large parking lot right in front.

A great option. We only had two of us and we were able to find seats in the bar area which is open seating. If you have a big party or come at peak times there may be a wait but I don’t think very long.. we had excellent service at the bar and the food was good. I think the best deal is for their slices of pizza. It was inexpensive. Husband raved about the buffalo chicken one I eat plant-based so I got the hummus which was so many vegetables that I could not finish it. I also believe they had an option for a plant-based burger, but I did not get it. We then did the brewery tour, which was cool to learn about the history and their processes. It seems to have plentiful parking that was not paid for however, we came by Uber (since we were at another excursion that an) and then we walked back to the cruise port which was about five minutes away. I had pre-booked the tour and needed a time change which would they were very accommodating and changed time with no issue. You get a free gift (key chain) on the tour that was a nice touch. I wish we could have just bought one of the cans of beer to go and not a six pack to take back on the ship but other than that a good time.

Nice open air shaded seating. Friendly attentive server got us started with a couple brews. I had the dark coconut beer which I enjoyed as a novelty. Then had the Kua Bay IPA which was excellent. For dinner we had Naahehu (loaded) nachos and a small Captain pizza. Both were very good and filled us up.

Fun tour at sunset (indirect). The tour guide was great and we had dinner afterwards. Nice service all around. The pork tacos were the winner at dinner (not pictured). I’m going to have to come back tomorrow to try that pizza!

I have been enjoying Kona Brewing Companies beer in Arizona for years now. My goal when I got here on Kona is to make sure I made it to the Brewery before I left. The Koko Brown Coconut Ale was INCREDIBLE. They certainly don't have that available in Arizona so that was a treat to have. Got the Pretzel Sticks and the Pepperoni Rolls for food and those hit the spot as well. Rounded out the whole experience with some Kona Seltzers which were very good. I would easily recommend stopping in for either food or definitely the drinks. Hope to be back in the future.

One of the best brewery experiences I’ve ever had. Portions were a good size and even though we ended up sharing a small pizza we still had some to take home. The beer menu speaks for itself and since I couldn’t choose just one I went with a flight and was happy with all of my options. Would have loved to go back but the timing never worked out. We still can’t believe how good the pizza was!

Didn't try the food, but we did a guided tour and had a great time. Blythe was a fun guide who made our tour funny and enjoyable. We got the chance to sample 5 beers each was unique and delicious.

Good food great beer. It was a hot day so the fans were nice to have, otherwise there is indoor seating available. Service was a tad slow but they were slammed for the lunch rush so it was understandable. Recommend the pretzel and the BBQ chicken sandwich. The mac salad might just be the best I've ever had, I wish I could have gotten a growler of that!

Been here 30 times. While I always try to order something else I end up regretting it. Get the slice and the salad. This is the best thing on the menu. Simple, inexpensive and good. The beer here is a lot of stuff you see at the stores. I always ask for seasonal options as they are ever changing and can be really great. Service While service is always pretty good what prompted me to leave the review today was Dan. Dan is really awesome at his job. He’s quick, attentive, polite. Everything a server should be. Thanks Dan. Atmosphere Good for young kids as they can play on the astroturf (small area). The outdoor seating is nice as there are many plants and shade. It can get a bit warm but that’s just Kona.

We stopped in with our friends who live in Kona, so we could try some of our favorite beers from one of my favorite breweries. The service was exceptional and the pizza was delicious. I really liked the layout and we bought a couple of T-shirts.

Really enjoyed our time at Kona Brewing! Great service and a beautiful spot for lunch. I’ll be back to sample the beer (I’m pregnant), but there were great alternatives and I loved the pizza and pretzels.

Beer and atmosphere are ahhhhmazing! Staff was too! But don’t go here looking for a good “all around” menu. Just wanted to try some beers and chicken wings…with a hummus plate. The hummus plate was like a deconstructed fresh salad that was more than we could eat! BUT DON’T GET THE WINGS! ⚠️ They were the smallest, fatty, disappointing wings I’ve ever had. I think McDonald’s could do a better job if they wanted. They were so small that the bones broke just trying to eat them and fatty to the point where I stopped eating them. Beer and wings should go together so disappointing but all else was good. @Kona, get better wings especially for the price or take off the menu 😉 Cheers 🍻

Kona Brewing CO Brew Pub is an excellent spot where you can enjoy ordering delicious food and pair it with a delightful glass of beer. Due to its popularity, be prepared for a wait, especially in the evenings. We began with the beer flight, a good choice if you want to explore various beer options. Our order included Poke, Fish Sandwich, and Hawaiian Pizza, all of which were delicious. The Poke and fish sandwich are made from fresh catches, so be aware that these dishes may feature different types of fish on various days. I highly recommend trying the poke; it was well-seasoned with a delicious sauce. I definitely recommend visiting this place.

Food was really good, we hade fish tacos and it was delicious! Beer is also very good But unfortunately the service and waiters are not very friendly. One of the waiters gave us a bad attitude!

I went reluctantly since I really wanted some local food. But : the location has outdoor seating, the beer is interesting and everyone found something they liked. The food was good and I strongly recommend the pork belly sandwich, the nacho chips were different then on mainland US, crispier, the pizza was tasty and we chose a garlic one/ you could really taste it. Kinda American food with a twist.

My wife and I loved our dinner at Kona brewing!! We’ve always been huge fans of the beer so it was so cool to go in person and try the different flavors. Also, the food was really good! It was pretty packed but our server Blake held it down through the chaos. It is a little pricy but so is everything in Kona! Overall great experience and we’ll surely return in the future.

Awesome beach when the sand is in but can be very dangerous when sand is out like it is right now. Lots of sharp rocks in the water and on shore and if you don't get in or out fast enough, you can get bashed onto the rocks. Lifeguards on duty from 930am to 5pm daily. Public washrooms and outdoor shower. Great place for watching the sunset.

First the bad is the crowds and only because it's such a great beach to relax and body surf if the water is calm it's less crowded for the most part its friendly even the surfers, there is a lifeguard not sure what time they start but there is one. The water has a beautiful color a nice sunset when it's clear skies, I can't speak about the restrooms since we rent across the street so we walk back to our place. It's very clean sand the earlier you go the better, we usually go by 8am you can pick your spot and lots of parking (free) but the scenic part is closed during construction and yes at that time it's warm we have gone as early as 715am weather is warm as well as the water. You will get some good waves to body surf I'm no expert but I'm assuming 3-4 ft and I sure some bigger ones at times. 4 stars because I never used the restrooms to comment. This is a must to visit put it on your list also after watching the teal and blue ocean stay for the Golden sunset. I'm sure everyone will love this beach. My pictures are from 3 different days.

This beach is a spot for surfing/body boarding. This ain’t a friendly beach amongst kids as the waves are pretty raging. Free parking across the street and couple of food trucks available to grab some kines. Not much shades though. Public bathroom and outdoor shower is available on the area. Highly recommended beach!

This pace definitely lives up to its name!! Seeing the turtle's shadows while the waves where cresting was just MAGICAL!!! This is a place that is best viewed with the natural eye, no picture can do it justice, the crystal-clear water the turtles, the snorkeling all that just makes this place Magical. Great place for little ones, creates a lot of natural pools for them to enjoy and right across the street is a shaved ice stand makes this spot perfect!

Magic Sands Beach Park, although small and rocky, offers a unique experience for beachgoers in Hawaii. This is especially attractive to snorkelers, providing a chance to explore vibrant marine life when the waters are clear. However, it's important to note that the beach can become rough at times, making swimming and snorkeling challenging. Additionally, due to its popularity, Magic Sands Beach Park tends to get crowded, especially during peak times. If you're seeking a tranquil and spacious beach setting, this might not be the ideal choice. Nevertheless, for those who appreciate snorkeling opportunities and don't mind a bit of a crowd, Magic Sands Beach Park still offers a chance to enjoy the beauty of Hawaii's underwater world.

Such a great park, big canopy of trees to shade the area. I hung out and did a workout in the grass. There are some locals that were blasting music, but it was pretty good music. Plenty of free parking on the street. If you go to the park with the sand watch out for the waves First day I got here they were pretty big.

The allure of this beach is simply enchanting. From its breathtaking views to the pristine white sandy shores, the landscape is a testament to natural beauty. The presence of tide pools adds an extra layer of fascination, providing opportunities for exploration and discovery. What sets this beach apart is the clarity of its water—a mesmerizing azure expanse that invites you to take a refreshing dip. The transparency of the water allows for glimpses of the vibrant marine life beneath the surface. Moreover, the beach boasts some noteworthy waves, adding a touch of excitement for those seeking a bit of adventure. In the realm of Hawaiian beaches, this place stands out as truly magical. If I had to choose just one beach to visit on the Big Island, it would undoubtedly be this gem. The harmonious combination of scenic beauty, crystal-clear waters, and the rhythmic waves creates an experience that lingers in the memory long after leaving its shores. It's a slice of paradise that captures the essence of the island's coastal wonders.

A good friend of mine took me to this beach for a kickback and I've found myself running back here literally from where I live. Wonderful place that has demonstrated how cool it is to meet new people. Enjoy life with a beautiful and unique sunset while the wind carries away your reservations on the life you deserve

I got here at around 7 in the morning and there were a moderate amount of people here. This definitely isn’t a lowkey spot, as it’s posted on many tourist sites for the big island. Make sure you get here super early to have the beach to yourself for a few minutes, and definitely come by the evening to watch a beautiful sunset on the sands. Bring your own volleyball, and there’s a net hoisted up that you can enjoy with your friends. The beach is good for boogie-boarding with the kiddies and to sit back and relax. Definitely recommend this place to anybody that wants a nice beach to sit around on! NOTE: this isn’t a huge beach, it’s pretty minuscule compared to the other beaches on island. It’s about a similar size to the Green Sands Beach at South Point.

Gorgeous beach! Crystal clear blue warm water, with lots of tropical fish and sea turtles to swim with. Absolutely stunning sunset. The beach was crowded, there was plenty of parking. Lifeguards on site.Waves can be rough suddenly.

Great sand for your tired feet. They do have a lifeguard and restaurants near by. Beach is totally breathtaking so warm. It is considered a bit dangerous for snorkeling. So be cautious always.

Magic Sands Beach Park is a neat little beach across the street from the condo we stayed at. It features soft sand entry but also rocks. The upside of the rocks is very good snorkeling on either side (but easier on the right side). The waves and current can be challenging, so the ease of snorkeling and swimming varies by day and time of day. The new bathroom/shower building opened during our week there, and is small but nice. Really the only negative we found at this beach is certain annoying locals who hang out at the road above: loud music, pot smoking, and we nearly saw a fight. Sit closer to the water to give some buffer from the Ali'i Drive dwellers. I wouldn't really call this a "destination beach" but if you are staying nearby it is worth at least a day here.

My wife & I went to several beaches to check out, but this was by far our favorite. If you're lookin for a wonderful sandy beach to relax in the sun, & enjoy the beautiful warm water, then this would be it. There is a little bit of lava rock to the right side to avoid when you enter the water, but most of it is sandy bottom, & some small to medium waves to play in. It got a little crowded the times we were there, but not obnoxiously so. From my experience, over all the other beaches we went to, you'd wanna wear scuba or sand shoes to handle walking on all the lava rock. Still beautiful water to get into anywhere ya go, but the soft white tropical sand here is pretty darn perfect, & no worries getting scraped up.

Cute smaller beach. There's plenty of parking in a lot and by the road. Popular local spot. They have sand but also lots of volcanic rocks to the shore. Many people boogie board. We were able to see the fins of some whales while at the beach. There's also a volleyball net to play some beach volleyball. The people that played look profesh.

Beautiful beach for body surfing and dancing with the waves! It is usually crowded. Easy access, if you can find a parking spot across the street. It is a good place to watch sunset, but again, a lot of people. If you want some solitude, better go somewhere else on the island.

Lovely beach with lifeguard stand and gentle wave action. Beautiful park with historical markers and a small interpretive trail. Parking is limited.

Amazing and beautiful beach! Worm ocean, sand and an impressive vawes. Have to be care becouse they can be very big. Lifeguards warn of them when they are coming.

Highly recommend this beach for boogie boarding enthusiasts! The waves here are impressively large, providing an exhilarating experience. It's reassuring to know there's a lifeguard on duty; they were quick to respond and provide guidance when someone was injured by the powerful waves. Despite the beach's compact size, it's packed with amenities - from rinse-off stations to shaded areas, not to mention the delightful shaved ice and snack stand nearby. Plus, the convenience of free parking is a big bonus. A fantastic spot that guarantees a fun-filled day!

Small but beautiful beach. The waves this week were just a nice size. Not too large but big enough to make swimming interesting. Lots of tweens boogie boarding after school as well. There are washrooms at the south end of the beach and a nice restaurant and bar at the north end.

Beautiful beach with crystal clear water. Beach is a mix of sand and rocks. It's not a large beach so seating is up close and cozy but not too bad. The waves here are crazy big and strong though so be aware of that.

Beautiful beach, just a bit crowded, but understandable. Bathrooms available. Huge waves, so you couldn't go deep unless you were a very good swimmer. Life guards on duty and always advising people to be careful and watch their kids.

A magnificent historic home filled with Hawaiian artifacts and early photos. If you are interested in history and culture, this is worth a visit. There is a sense of deep roots and reverence in this place.

Tour was very informative and the guide had a vast knowledge of the history of the royal families that have stayed there in Hawaii.

Smaller summer palace of the Hawaiian royals. Great docent tour of the full two floors. Lots of great artifacts to view. Book a tour online to view on the weekdays.

Visiting Hulihe‘e Palace in Kailua-Kona on a rainy day turned out to be a delightful experience for our family. The historic charm of this former royal summer residence provided a captivating backdrop for learning about Hawaiian royalty. Despite the weather, the well-preserved artifacts and royal regalia were fascinating to explore, offering a unique insight into Hawaii's cultural heritage. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly, making our visit both educational and enjoyable. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in Hawaiian history and culture. A rainy day well spent!

Nice tour of an interesting piece of Hawaiian history! Guide was very knowledgeable and happy to answer questions and go into details on the rich history of the royal family. A bit difficult to find parking so make sure to show up early to find spots that are cheap but it's well worth it!

Beautifully kept museum with a great and informative tour by the docent, who knew the history and made it meaningful abd fun. I'd recommend a stop by next time you are in Kona.

Great way to learn about the Hawaiian culture.. Very sad, what is happened to their culture. But this place is a great way to keep it alive.

We came to Kona after snorkeling to specifically see the Palace. When we walked up, there was a sign that outlined the entrance requirements. It indicated that you could not enter in swimwear, or even if it had a swim cover. We were in swimwear and t-shirts- nothing immodest, and not different from anyone else walking around this part of Kona. As we read the tour pricing, a guide explained the pricing and then suggested that we would be better off doing the free walkaround and then deciding if we wanted to go in. It was a little off putting- we go to historic sites all the time and I've never had a guide try to talk us out of it. So, just walked around the property and read the PDF version of the history. Saved $100 bucks I was happy to spend.

What a refreshing change of pace from all the retail and food choices here on Alii Drive. So worth your time to stop in here and witness first hand the history, koa furniture, architecture, interior design, artifacts, historical photography, and pics of Royalty, (ask about Princess Ruth) throughout both floors of this well kept Palace. But first, you'll need to head towards the ocean and stroll around to the back, through the wonderfully manicured grounds to enter. The sounds, fragrance, and rhythms of the water, immediately relax you for your journey back in time. The best part... You are asked to take your shoes off and wander about barefoot, yes barefoot! If that doesn't sound appropriate for you, they will provide you with slippers for over your shoes. We absolutely chose barefoot 🤙 The flooring is immaculate and made with local materials, so the feel is incredible. The "Daughters of Hawaii" currently run the Museum and offer tours if you like. Small donation fee at the back door, and it's definitely worth every dollar.

Great summer palace with most of the original furnishings. There is a self guided tour but the tour with the guide was far more through. You learn about all the rulers of Hawaii since the Europeans arrived. Weapons, games, clothing, furniture, etc. are on display. 2 stories and a gift shop. No parking nearby so we walked from our rental. Lots of shops and restaurants in the area. Get there early on cruise ship days as it can get crowded.

The palace has a lot of interesting history and antiques. The guided experience isn't necessary, but they definitely have more information than is on the plaques and they seemed to be really into the content and history of the palace and the family that used to live there. No shoes and no photography inside, but you can take pictures of the outside.

So glad we came here and paid for the tour. There is so much history, and it is complicated, to the home that I would not have learned as much by just reading the (helpful) pamphlet and walking around. Sunshine was our tour guide and she has so much knowledge to share. Be prepared to remove your shoes, don't forget to check out the gift shop, and use the restroom ahead of time as there is no bathroom on site.

The building itself is interesting. They have some cases with artifacts but not a whole lot. Much of the furniture is original. If you are interested in more than just seeing the building, take the guided tour. The items will be explained as well as some history. Be aware that the coercive part of the history of how Europeans, read americans,displaced the royal government and took over is glossed over.

There was some good surf on the beach and onto the lava during our visit. The parking here can be busy and there is a mix of small parking lots and "off the road" parallel style. Be careful as there are some sandy spots and the road is very narrow (one car width close to the beach). There is a coarse sand beach, families with popup covers and tents and a large lava platform with pools. Immediately behind the beach are some sacred area and a nice path through native and invasive plants which are lableled.

We spent 6 days in Kona and only saw one turtle so we came here right before heading to the airport (it's about a 10 minute drive) and had our turtle desires satisfied! We first drove up to the visitors center, where the hike begins. After checking the map we decided to take the shorter path without the hike. To get there you have to drive out of the parking lot and down the road near the harbor. From there it's only a short walk to the beach (about 3-5 minutes). Check the map and it'll show you the alternative route. If you choose to hike in, you would take the path from the visitors center. We ended up spending more time there just watching the turtles swim around and poke their heads up. Please be respectful of the rules and the turtles when visiting. There were people trying to touch the turtles and getting extremely close to them. The reason we have places like this is so we can experience nature and what it has to offer, but that means we should be respectful of their space. There was a park ranger there giving some good information about the turtles, where they came from, and where they go when they leave. Overall a great time learning and seeing green sea turtles! Would highly recommend.

We had an amazing morning snorkeling and watching turtles here. The snorkelling is OK to good - visibility can be murky in a lot of places but easier entry than many other places. Snorkelling on the left hand of beach and then sit and watch the turtles on the right. Please let them be and don’t go too close. We chose to do the walk from the visitor centre which was nice but hot. Be prepared and bring water and snacks as there is nothing around. Definitely worth a half day trip here.

We entered the park via the marina harbor side, not the visitor side. If you enter via the visitor side you do have to walk a little over a mile to see the sea turtles. If you enter thru the marina, you will follow the road in, and take the first right turn. Keep driving until you reach the end. The sea turtles can be seen at the Kaloko- Fish Pond. There are no signs indicating turtles until you enter the path. Do head towards the visitor center-unless you wana walk in the hot sun. Plenty of sea turtles to see. Some are swimming in the ocean and others are basking in the sun. We did not pay to pay for parking or entrance fee.

Pack your sunscreen! Or visit on a cloudy day! Lots of hiking here on pretty easy trails. Pleasant beach, but park near the harbor. Water doesn't fall down the mountain like it used to so it's a lunar landscape and hot hot hot around the visitor center, but understanding how Hawaiians used to survive and thrive isn't fully brought to life here but waking around the petroglyphs does spark the imagination.

We stopped on our last day on the Big Island and so glad we did. It was a nice walk to the beach after talking to the very helpful ranger. There were people, but it wasn't too crowded. Within 5 minutes we found 3 turtles relaxing on shore. It was so nice being able to hang out with them - from a respectful and safe distance. What a way to end our trip.

Beautiful park for the big island but rocky. You will see sea turtles. Be careful on the rocks they can be moss covered and slippery.

Breathtaking views of the ocean!! Very peaceful and quiet. Sacred sites to see. Sea turtles can be seen swimming here and also come over to the shore. The water here is mostly calm and is perfect for swimming and some snorkeling as well. You'll enjoy your visit here. There are also some boats parked at the harbor. I saw some people fishing near the harbor as well.

This is a deceivingly large historic site once you begin to explore. The parking area is free to access and the visitors center with restrooms is nearby. However, most of the park is on the coast or on trails leading to the coast. If you can't walk a couple of miles or are short on time, you'll probably miss the bulk of the park. At least you can stop by and read the signs on the short nature trail near the parking area.

Amazing place! A little hidden away, but just follow Google maps. We parked at a marina and then walked a few hundred yards to the beach. Light winds that day and beautiful! Saw sea turtles and other 🐠 fish in the waters. Great place to snorkel 🤿.

Beach was excellent! Large protected area would be good for kids and inexperienced swimmers as its waves were minimal, but its a bit rocky so swimming shoes are a good idea. Saw 5 turtles chilling in the water by the beach. Didn't check out the walking trails or other facilities on my stay, but there was a portapotty by the beach for public use.

Worth the small hike. Wish we brought our beach chairs and towels but not sure if you're really supposed to swim here. We saw lots of sea life: many honu, many sea urchins, and so many fish.

This historic site is easily accessible but brutal on a sunny day. The paths lead across bare lava fields with no shade in sight. A hike down to the beach (0.7 miles) will reward you with skinny beaches that have biting black flies. The highlight of the beach is the green turtles that feed right off shore. Do not approach them as they are protected and should not be harassed. However, if you stand in the water long enough, they will cruise by close enough to see them clearly. I had a wonderful time time and got very sunburned.

January 30th, 2024 This was one of the highlights of our trip to the Big Island! Saw 23 Green Sea Turtles in and out of the water. The hike was pretty far and the bathrooms along the trail were all closed for renovation, it would have been nice to know that ahead of time. (So I took off a star for that!!) Tide pools were full of life and we had a lot of fun seeking out odd creatures, but we had to leave before we were ready due to the bathrooms being closed.

Great park!! One of our favorites because of the beach and turtles. Lots of turtles and the only real sand beach on this side of the island. Stop at the visitor center and buy a T-shirt or something to support the park.

Beautiful secluded beach that is not super crowded and is shady before noon. We saw turtles swimming around in the Crystal clear water. Bring your snorkel gear! One minus about this place is that there are no showers or bathrooms so keep that in mind if you have kids in your group. Parking is plentiful in the gravel lot near where the boats launch south of the visitors center and is a quick five minute hike to the water.

An excellent stop to learn more about the native Hawaiian peoples and how they lived. Free admission. A very nice interpretive center and gift shop, bathrooms and plenty of parking. Beautiful beach and snorkeling area, saw several sea turtles. Access to the beach can be had by driving down to Honokohau harbor and parking.

It was the most beautiful place we visited in Hawaii. The entrance is free, and the views are to die for! This place met all the expectations and really portraits the Hawaii I had envisioned prior to visiting. We saw lots of green turtles just floating in the ocean, and the lava rocks and lava tubes told a story of growth and perseverance. It was really uplifting, definitely recommend a visit if you are in the area.

This is such a fantastic park in the national parks system. We loved coming here. Learned a lot talking story to the staff. Then hiking a bit along the trails. Such a rich cultural area. It’s very peaceful you can snorkel here as well but it’s not the best. There are Honu in the water but please keep your distance. The scenery is gorgeous and knowing the history just adds to the experience. And it’s free!!!

Great park! Has a nice boardwalk showcasing petroglyph carvings in the rocks, beautiful clean beaches, archaeological rock fish traps, and lots of turtles hanging out! I parked on the north side of the marina and walked in near the fish traps.

Free parking and free entry. Gift shop. Long hot walk (less than a mile to beach), so bring water...available at entrance filling station. I would bet turtles are always around; we saw at least nine. Seeing the fish traps would be a worthy cultural gig, then let the kids play in the shallow water...with turtles right there (stay 20 feet away; camera zoom is nice).

It's good for even first time snorkelers.

We stumbled across this around 545pm. A ton of spinner dolphins swam Into the bay. Several snorkelers got to swim next to them. We were watching them jump from the shore. It was awesome.

OK place to snorkel. The reef isn't very healthy but there are some fish. Getting in and out is relatively easy making it a good place for kids.

Crowded! Every day this week that we drove by it was totally crowded with no place to park.

Nice but not as nice as other beaches on the big Island.

Parking fee. 12 dollars

This church is rich in history, being billed as the first Christian church in Hawaii. It was undergoing intense remodeling while I visited, so I was not able to freely tour. I do recommend visiting when you can, as it provides a glimpse into Hawaiian history that is rich and intriguing.

I love history and this church is living history. Great service and met real people doing God's work! Every time we come back to the Big Island this is our church home. Always see a multicultural gathering with a strong missions application. The building is beautiful and the people are very warm and inviting. Very blessed to have found this church so far from our church home of 29 years on the mainland.

Beautiful church, great service, and we got a tour and some amazing info afterwards!

Hawaiians oldest church and elementary school this church stands a sentinel of Hawaiian history.

Beautiful, old (200+ y.o.) church. Too bad it was closed.

Fun place to stop for a quick history lesson Did you know Christianity was introduced to the Hawaiians back in the early 1800s? That was something I learnt. The church is the proof of it. The church is not that big so it will take you 5min although the introduction video by the entry is worth the few minutes. It is impressive to see the structure and learn its history. A fun stop on the big island. Happy travels

Hawaii's first Christian church built in 1837. Beautiful construction with lava walls with crushed coral for the mortar. Bring a fan, because there is not much breeze.

Church was closed for renovation.

You can feel spiritual energy inside this church!

The main church building s closed & still under construction. Service is held in adjacent open area until maybe December 2023.

Great place to watch the sunset!!! Little tide pools that kids can play in safely. Obviously be aware of rising tides that will increase depth and waves. Not a swimming beach. In my opinion. 1 thing I didn't like was how sketchy the old buildings in the area were. Homeless, etc . Many people watching the sunset every night. But when the sunsets, keep it moving!

Loved this place. It felt like a hidden gem. Free and easy parking, beach, walking paths, and lava rocks. Very easy to get to and tons of space to park. Seemed to be many more locals than tourists here. I would give it 5-stars but the long-term campers might be uncomfortable for some visitors, though the entire place is very safe and friendly.

Best part is how much parking there is! And pretty cool the parking lot appears to be the old runway. Beach area is nice for lounging but closer to the water it gets rocky and isn’t great for swimming. With water shoes you can wade out a bit but the surf can also be a bit punishing coming over the taller rocks.

Beautiful beach. It's great for a picnic and beautiful pictures, but you have to be careful not to fall on some of the large slippery rocks. Not great for swimming in my opinion and there are some odd shady characters there in the late evening, so beware.

A nice quiet beach. Not too many people overall. Some parts are more sandy and some parts are more rocky. You can get some shallower areas if you do not like getting into the deeper water. I would not try and snorkel in the area. Rougher waters and rocky bottom. Plenty of other places nearby you can snorkel at easier.

Great place to walk or run or workout, great place to picnic. Large enough that you have privacy. Can drive your car far into the part & enjoy the beach the whole day, although a bit rocky if you want to swim.

Another Beachy type of place in Kona. Used to be Kona's old airport runway, hence the local name "Old A's." When you drive in be prepared for the uneven or potholed pavement that is not really up kept. To the left side when driving in is the beach. I noticed green trash cans every couple meters apart. I suggest those are probably the better spots to park and walk to the shore. The beach is not too far from where you would park so not too bad. It can be private if you want sometimes but others since more people live in Kona lots of people can be all around you. On the right side as, you drive in is a running track and a skate park. When the running track which is pavement not rubberized did not have much vegetation now there is. There is a little succulent garden to enjoy and some benches to eat on. I forgot to mention the beach is kind of rocky and shallow. There are certain areas where is easy to get in to swim but not a swim friendly place. Lots of rock, some nice parts to dip and sit or short swims. Beach shoes would be recommended if you have kids or do not want cut feet.

That’s the heart of Kona recreation! Unfortunately the living situation for locals and low income people, make them gather a lot out there, but rarely I see any trouble. Fields are 24/7 accessible. Parks close on sunset, so are the restrooms. The gym holds lots of COVID tests, and vaccination. The pool is nice and very taken care of. AYSO is held on the main soccer field. Little league baseball is available as well. The walking path is awesome. The trails are great . There’s many people all the time not the most secluded place but you can find your space for sure. You can spot wales, sharks, and dolphins eventually. Don’t touch the turtles please! Have fun and enjoy!

Lovely lava beach site with plenty of parking and well kept fitness track +.

A great, very easy beach hike with incredible views and a very chill vibe.

Absolutely gorgeous!! Lovely place to enjoy the beach and the rough beauty of the lava rocks with the ocean!

Lovely gardens and park to walk around. Just over a kilometre loop around the park. So many different flowers, plants and little gardens. Mongoose like animals and stray cats who are fed and looked after by locals. Peaceful place. Beach is also really nice sign lots of tidal pools to look for fish and cool down. Quiet beach with picnic benches and shaded areas to sit. Portaloos as the change rooms seem to have been burnt down or collapsed. Showers and taps available.

Beautiful park. Would recommend walking up the coast and then back down through the park. It was so nice to see the turtles along the shoreline and the park is great for runners. There is plenty of parking and a book exchange which is well kept.

Nice place to stop and see the beach. There are pavilions, picnic tables, and outhouses. Beach is sandy along the coast but all black rock in the water. Tons of free parking and also free access.

Beautiful spot to have a picnic or just view the ocean! Saw a lot of Mongoose & cats roaming which was cool.

Nice and quiet on a Thursday plenty of parking. NO swimming but nice for a picnic or yoga. Close to stores and restaurants. Some abandoned buildings around.

Well, it's a little difficult to explain this place at first glance. There's a .7 mile walking/jogging paved path that is surrounded by gardens managed by volunteers. Here you will see plants that you would expect and other plants like cactus that would seem out of place. On the other side of this recreational area, is a pebble beach with places to BBQ and eat at. Every indication is this is a local hangout. Right in the middle of these two different things appears to be an old runway for planes of the way back era. For car traffic, it's huge and it seems strange, but it's an interesting way to repurpose land that was used for something completely different..

Awesome beach when the sand is in but can be very dangerous when sand is out like it is right now. Lots of sharp rocks in the water and on shore and if you don't get in or out fast enough, you can get bashed onto the rocks. Lifeguards on duty from 930am to 5pm daily. Public washrooms and outdoor shower. Great place for watching the sunset.

First the bad is the crowds and only because it's such a great beach to relax and body surf if the water is calm it's less crowded for the most part its friendly even the surfers, there is a lifeguard not sure what time they start but there is one. The water has a beautiful color a nice sunset when it's clear skies, I can't speak about the restrooms since we rent across the street so we walk back to our place. It's very clean sand the earlier you go the better, we usually go by 8am you can pick your spot and lots of parking (free) but the scenic part is closed during construction and yes at that time it's warm we have gone as early as 715am weather is warm as well as the water. You will get some good waves to body surf I'm no expert but I'm assuming 3-4 ft and I sure some bigger ones at times. 4 stars because I never used the restrooms to comment. This is a must to visit put it on your list also after watching the teal and blue ocean stay for the Golden sunset. I'm sure everyone will love this beach. My pictures are from 3 different days.

This beach is a spot for surfing/body boarding. This ain’t a friendly beach amongst kids as the waves are pretty raging. Free parking across the street and couple of food trucks available to grab some kines. Not much shades though. Public bathroom and outdoor shower is available on the area. Highly recommended beach!

This pace definitely lives up to its name!! Seeing the turtle's shadows while the waves where cresting was just MAGICAL!!! This is a place that is best viewed with the natural eye, no picture can do it justice, the crystal-clear water the turtles, the snorkeling all that just makes this place Magical. Great place for little ones, creates a lot of natural pools for them to enjoy and right across the street is a shaved ice stand makes this spot perfect!

Magic Sands Beach Park, although small and rocky, offers a unique experience for beachgoers in Hawaii. This is especially attractive to snorkelers, providing a chance to explore vibrant marine life when the waters are clear. However, it's important to note that the beach can become rough at times, making swimming and snorkeling challenging. Additionally, due to its popularity, Magic Sands Beach Park tends to get crowded, especially during peak times. If you're seeking a tranquil and spacious beach setting, this might not be the ideal choice. Nevertheless, for those who appreciate snorkeling opportunities and don't mind a bit of a crowd, Magic Sands Beach Park still offers a chance to enjoy the beauty of Hawaii's underwater world.

Such a great park, big canopy of trees to shade the area. I hung out and did a workout in the grass. There are some locals that were blasting music, but it was pretty good music. Plenty of free parking on the street. If you go to the park with the sand watch out for the waves First day I got here they were pretty big.

The allure of this beach is simply enchanting. From its breathtaking views to the pristine white sandy shores, the landscape is a testament to natural beauty. The presence of tide pools adds an extra layer of fascination, providing opportunities for exploration and discovery. What sets this beach apart is the clarity of its water—a mesmerizing azure expanse that invites you to take a refreshing dip. The transparency of the water allows for glimpses of the vibrant marine life beneath the surface. Moreover, the beach boasts some noteworthy waves, adding a touch of excitement for those seeking a bit of adventure. In the realm of Hawaiian beaches, this place stands out as truly magical. If I had to choose just one beach to visit on the Big Island, it would undoubtedly be this gem. The harmonious combination of scenic beauty, crystal-clear waters, and the rhythmic waves creates an experience that lingers in the memory long after leaving its shores. It's a slice of paradise that captures the essence of the island's coastal wonders.

A good friend of mine took me to this beach for a kickback and I've found myself running back here literally from where I live. Wonderful place that has demonstrated how cool it is to meet new people. Enjoy life with a beautiful and unique sunset while the wind carries away your reservations on the life you deserve

I got here at around 7 in the morning and there were a moderate amount of people here. This definitely isn’t a lowkey spot, as it’s posted on many tourist sites for the big island. Make sure you get here super early to have the beach to yourself for a few minutes, and definitely come by the evening to watch a beautiful sunset on the sands. Bring your own volleyball, and there’s a net hoisted up that you can enjoy with your friends. The beach is good for boogie-boarding with the kiddies and to sit back and relax. Definitely recommend this place to anybody that wants a nice beach to sit around on! NOTE: this isn’t a huge beach, it’s pretty minuscule compared to the other beaches on island. It’s about a similar size to the Green Sands Beach at South Point.

Gorgeous beach! Crystal clear blue warm water, with lots of tropical fish and sea turtles to swim with. Absolutely stunning sunset. The beach was crowded, there was plenty of parking. Lifeguards on site.Waves can be rough suddenly.

Great sand for your tired feet. They do have a lifeguard and restaurants near by. Beach is totally breathtaking so warm. It is considered a bit dangerous for snorkeling. So be cautious always.

Magic Sands Beach Park is a neat little beach across the street from the condo we stayed at. It features soft sand entry but also rocks. The upside of the rocks is very good snorkeling on either side (but easier on the right side). The waves and current can be challenging, so the ease of snorkeling and swimming varies by day and time of day. The new bathroom/shower building opened during our week there, and is small but nice. Really the only negative we found at this beach is certain annoying locals who hang out at the road above: loud music, pot smoking, and we nearly saw a fight. Sit closer to the water to give some buffer from the Ali'i Drive dwellers. I wouldn't really call this a "destination beach" but if you are staying nearby it is worth at least a day here.

My wife & I went to several beaches to check out, but this was by far our favorite. If you're lookin for a wonderful sandy beach to relax in the sun, & enjoy the beautiful warm water, then this would be it. There is a little bit of lava rock to the right side to avoid when you enter the water, but most of it is sandy bottom, & some small to medium waves to play in. It got a little crowded the times we were there, but not obnoxiously so. From my experience, over all the other beaches we went to, you'd wanna wear scuba or sand shoes to handle walking on all the lava rock. Still beautiful water to get into anywhere ya go, but the soft white tropical sand here is pretty darn perfect, & no worries getting scraped up.

Cute smaller beach. There's plenty of parking in a lot and by the road. Popular local spot. They have sand but also lots of volcanic rocks to the shore. Many people boogie board. We were able to see the fins of some whales while at the beach. There's also a volleyball net to play some beach volleyball. The people that played look profesh.

Beautiful beach for body surfing and dancing with the waves! It is usually crowded. Easy access, if you can find a parking spot across the street. It is a good place to watch sunset, but again, a lot of people. If you want some solitude, better go somewhere else on the island.

Lovely beach with lifeguard stand and gentle wave action. Beautiful park with historical markers and a small interpretive trail. Parking is limited.

Amazing and beautiful beach! Worm ocean, sand and an impressive vawes. Have to be care becouse they can be very big. Lifeguards warn of them when they are coming.

Highly recommend this beach for boogie boarding enthusiasts! The waves here are impressively large, providing an exhilarating experience. It's reassuring to know there's a lifeguard on duty; they were quick to respond and provide guidance when someone was injured by the powerful waves. Despite the beach's compact size, it's packed with amenities - from rinse-off stations to shaded areas, not to mention the delightful shaved ice and snack stand nearby. Plus, the convenience of free parking is a big bonus. A fantastic spot that guarantees a fun-filled day!

Small but beautiful beach. The waves this week were just a nice size. Not too large but big enough to make swimming interesting. Lots of tweens boogie boarding after school as well. There are washrooms at the south end of the beach and a nice restaurant and bar at the north end.

Beautiful beach with crystal clear water. Beach is a mix of sand and rocks. It's not a large beach so seating is up close and cozy but not too bad. The waves here are crazy big and strong though so be aware of that.

Beautiful beach, just a bit crowded, but understandable. Bathrooms available. Huge waves, so you couldn't go deep unless you were a very good swimmer. Life guards on duty and always advising people to be careful and watch their kids.

Nice chance for a hike that isn’t too hard but isn’t too easy. You walk along the coast north and if you are lucky you will see some turtles hanging out on the rocks or swimming. If you walk to the very end and climb over lava rock you come to a nice lagoon type area where the water color is so turquoise you can’t believe it and the water is super calm. In this channel is where lots of turtles were swimming. I didn’t have time to swim in this lagoon type area but I really wish I did, people in the water looked like it was really nice.

The road is relatively tricky to get down and the parking is rough but the beach is lovely lava rock and you're likely to see sea turtles sun bathing! Please respect the rules and stay 20 ft away. You can still get amazing photographs and see the beautiful creatures without being disruptive.

We loved this spot. The maps will tell you to turn right at the bottom but it's a gated service road. Go down just a tiny bit more and there's limited parking with a turn around. Definitely recommend water shoes for this walk. Especially if you want to go in the water. About 2-3 min into your walk if you look to your right you'll see a tiny sign hanging in the tree. There is a fresh water pool, although small and cold, it was refreshing and really neat. Keep walking along the shoreline and you're 100% sure to see sea turtles right up close, some are on the beach too. Keep your distay, you're in their home. The walk to the actual bay is about 1.7m but totally worth it and and easy "hike". Good calf workout lol. When you get to the bay if you go over towards the far side a bit more it gets a bit deeper and more black sand, pebble area. 10/10 explore this area/bay! Please leave it as you found it. That is what keeps these places so beautiful and "untouched".

Such a beautiful and peaceful place. The shoreline walk was amazing and we saw lots of sea life including turtles, fish and birds. The sand changed dramatically along the way, and was incredible to walk barefoot on. A definite must do when on the Big Island!!

Definitely find the trail down to the bay area and then walk to the right for about 30 min or so and then you can see and swim with sea turtles and other sea life.

Awesome area to see tidepool wildlife!! Hike is about a mile, easy trail. Parking available in small lot on side of road. Not really a beach for swimming. Pretty wavy to do snorkeling. We saw at least 5 turtles. They were not beached but swimming, so you do have to look closely. Other wildlife: Urchins Sea cucumbers Shore crabs Hermit crabs Cowries Black tip shark And more..

Wear feet protection (sandals, etc) as this black sand is rough. Sea turtle and wild goats sightings were the highlights.

It's a free access beach, but hardly any beach sand. It's all rocky. We hiked up a little bit towards the bay from the parking lot to find the turtles and yes we found few of the sea turtles along the rocks where there are pockets of water getting locked

Awesome beach, though maybe a bit less... hospitable than others. The road down to the beach area is pretty good, until the last bit at the bottom where you definitely want ground clearance (we left our rental at the top of the hill and hiked down). The beach itself has some sandy bits, but mostly rocky. There's also some fantastically spikey bushes that will easily pierce skin (and a couple that went through flip flops too). Snorkeling is pretty good, though it was pretty choppy when we were there. It's not easy to find a nice entry either (at least where we looked, we didn't check the whole beach), lots of rocks. I think one person of our party of 8 made it out without either scuffs/cuts from the rocks or a few new holes poked from the bushes, but we all had smiles.

Just over a 10 minute hike off the highway very large beach with under 20 people. Today the surf was a bit lower so we were able to get in swimming but still a bit cloudy, so not good snorkeling. There has been a high surf since we arrived on January 19, with not much relief in the forecast. A beautiful spot that we had been meaning to come see for sometime, so glad we did

It's quite a long walk on the beach to get to the bay. The water on the coast itself is warm enough but doesn't have the opal blue of the pool. The road that goes to the bay is private. There's a shortcut if you park along the highway. Use satellite view on maps to see the trail.

This is quite a bit of a hike from the parking area at the end of the dirt road off the highway. It's definitely shorter taking the hike from the shoulder of the highway, BUT it won't be as pretty. From the parking near the turnabout, you'll head to the beach and follow the shoreline all the way to the cove. You're going to traverse over black pebbled beaches, past some huge mansions and the Bali House (make sure you check out wiki for this), past some private residences at the entrance to the bay, and then across a ton of lava depending on how far you go up into the cove. I wanted to get to the very end to see if it was shallow and easier to see the bottom...it wasn't. The soot from the brackish water makes snorkeling basically pointless. You can see plenty of fish and turtles everywhere, but I wouldn't recommend this area for snorkeling at all. In the bay, and along the beach hike, we easily saw around 20 turtles. They were feeding in the waves in like 6 inches of water, so they were easy to see and photograph, yet it would be pointless to snorkel in 6 inches or a foot of water. Definitely come for the adventurous hike, which is mostly flat but like walking on sand in those pebbles, so I'd recommending bringing a minimum of closed toed shoes. We saw some elderly people even, but they looked pretty hot as they came back from the walk. Definitely don't try this in flip-flops. There is a flooded lava tube really close to the entrance to the beach front, to the right, but don't enter it because entering lava tubes is illegal now. I highly recommend heading into the greenish-blue cove and do some rock jumping off the lava!

Be prepared to get a leg workout! The trail is a soft gravel and pebble surface. To get to the lagoon you're gonna have to do some bouldering. The varied terrain is really interesting, but you have to pay attention and hike with both hands free. The color contrast of lava rock and blue water is striking. Fun watching the locals fish. Plenty of turtles!

Kiholo Bay is an awesome beach and hidden away is Queen's Bath is an awesome place with an underground cave, the water is real cold though.

Clear water, great spot for sunset watching and just a mile away from restaurants & shops. Perfect for your water adventure hunger. Homeless almost dominate the area though.

It's a pier. We watched dolphins play, feed fish with a bunch of other people, and watched the sunset. The rowers practicing was an added bonus and glad we got to watch. Nice area with a beach next to it with canoe, boards, and kayak rentals.

Historical place, not much of a beach unless kayaking is your thing. Food is great at Fish Hopper

Excellent. So picturesque and a hop skip and a jump from many shop’s restaurants and bars Is here can grab a Taxi or catch a tour to many of the attractions this town of Kona Big island of Hawaii has to offer.

Great place for an open water swim! Lots of fish right off the beach! Take care of the coral and sea life on the bottom. Do not walk on the rocks! For your sake (urchins) and for the ocean life.

Very nice experience for the family. Snorkeling, jumping off 2nd deck of boat, also can water slide off the boat. Free food and beverages. Alcoholic beverages are not covered. Crew explains things in detail. Great experience.

My family and I went on the Body Glove dinner sunset cruise. It was wonderful!. Enjoyed every minute of it.

Though no fault of the pier, this is a port that you must tender from the ship. Boo. The pier is lovely, with a small welcome center and a recreation of King Kamehameha's retirement home! Even better, unlike almost all Hawaiian ports of call, Kona is an extremely walkable town with local shopping, great tiki bars (like the legendary Don the Beachcomber's), very good restaurants, awesome breweries (including the brewery Mecca Kona Brewing Co), and even beaches (I recommend the somewhat-difficult-to-find Queen's Bath, a short walk from the pier).

It was a rainy day, city was under fog, we couldn't see much. Quite a walk from cruise ship to city. But you will not get bored. Very clean, very well maintained roads and sidewalks. Not a single homeless nor begger.

It was really cool seeing all the fishermen and women lined up along the pier. They were catching quite a few fish. Within about a 1 mile radius there are many shops and restaurants. There are also a lot of people. Hawaii is very strict on usage of masks so that's a good thing with that many people. You couldn't really see the sunset from the pier as it was hidden behind trees but the view is still beautiful. I would recommend going there and enjoying the scenery. If you read my review, please hit the like button. Thank you.

Nice pier, we had a dinner cruise meet here. Nice spot for people to fish from as well.

Kailua Pier is great, nice beaches, markets, coffee shops.

The tiki hut you see in the photo is for hotel resort guests. So, as a tourist or local you cannot go visit it unless you're a guest of the hotel and it is open. It's a clean area, lots of activities to do and cool touristy shops to visit around the pier. Definitely a place to go if you're wanting to see down town. My only advise is to stay away if their is a cruise ship docked out in the ocean. Or you will be overwhelmed with crowds.

Beautiful little pier. Close walking to shops, food, Kona Brewery, etc. our Norwegian cruise ship tender here. There is a great roped off swim area where tri-athletes practice.

I recently experienced the Body Glove Historic Dinner Cruise with Captain Rick, and it exceeded all expectations. The historical insights shared by Captain Rick added a fascinating layer to the scenic journey. The dinner was not only delicious but also served with impeccable hospitality. The combination of a stunning sunset, rich history, and Captain Rick's engaging narration made this cruise a memorable and highly recommended experience.

This is where cruise ship tenders pull in, and where just about all water based activities in Kona start. Bathroom available. Next to a place of historical significance in relation to King Kamehameha. Just across the road from an ABC Shop, as well as other ships and restaurants (Quinns is a great place for a meal).

Love the pier and downtown area, it's amazing day or night! Sunny, rainy I don't care just walk out view the city let your trouble float away with the tide!

We had to tender in from the ship. The water was gorgeous. People were kayaking. Lots of restaurants & souvenir shops nearby if you don't have an excursion planned. They were actually having the Ironman competition near the pier area.

Great music while we wait for hop on hop off that stops by several locations, $40.