Why Kona 

  • Average year-round tropical temperatures of 77 degrees Fahrenheit. 

  • Ample opportunities to immerse your guests in the island’s rich heritage. 

  • More than 40 gateway cities in the U.S. and internationally fly non-stop to Hawai’i year-round. Inter-island flights are quick and easy. 

 

What’s New in Kona 

 

Kona-What's new

 

  • Hawai’i invites all visitors to mālama, or to take care of our earth, each other and ourselves.  

  • Big Island Coffee Roasters recently opened its first café and roastery. 

 

There are plenty of options when it comes to things to see and do in Kona, as well as places to grab a bite to eat, or host a power lunch or dinner. Here, we look at a few spots to pique your interest. 

 

 

SEE 

 

Kona SEE

 

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

About 20 miles south of Kona is Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, a place of refuge. It’s estimated that this place of refuge was established around 450 years ago by ʻEhu kai malino, the then-ruling chief of Kona. On the grounds you will find the Great Wall, along with other important ceremonial sites, including the Hale o Keawe, ʻĀleʻaleʻa Heiau and the Ancient Heiau. 

 

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden 

On an island rich with tropical plants, learn all about them at the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden near Hilo. At more than 100 acres and growing, the public is welcome to follow the 1.25-mile trail to explore about 20 acres filled with native and other tropical plants. 

 

Watch Whales

The warm, shallow waters of Hawai’i are a popular destination for koholā, or humpback whales. In fact, scientists estimate that two-thirds of the entire North Pacific humpback whale population migrate back to Hawai’I from Alaska in the winter to breed, calve and nurse their young. If you’re visiting December through May, chances are you’ll see whales right off the beaches of Kona. 

 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services 

 

 

DO 

 

Kona DO

 

Swim with the Manta Rays 

Though you can’t swim with the humpback whales, you can jump into the water at night and swim with the manta rays. Hang onto a lighted surfboard and watch as the mantas perform their underwater ballets, feeding upon the plankton attracted to the light. 

 

Visit an Active Volcano 

The Island of Hawai’i is the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, and the biggest, thanks in large part to its active volcanoes, two of which are the most active in the world. Kīlauea has grabbed headlines over the past handful or so of years, its eruptions making for dramatic and impressive photos. (Safely) Visit Kīlauea and her sister volcano, Mauna Loa at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. 

 

Fly Over Waterfalls 

If you find yourself inspired by all the bird life that call Hawai’i home, take to the skies for a zipline ride over the island’s waterfalls. Not only will you have a fun story to share with family and friends, but you’ll see amazing views of the island from a bird’s eye view. 

 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services 

 

 

EAT 

 

Kona EAT

 

Kuleana Rum Shack  

New on the Kona dining scene is Kuleana Rum Shack, serving authentic, fresh and local Hawaiian dishes and drinks in a laid-back atmosphere. Mix things up beforehand with a Mai Tai making class and learn how to craft the original 1944 Trader Vic’s Mai Tai. 

 

Merriman’s Waimea 

Chef Peter Merriman’s aptly named flagship restaurant, Merriman’s, has been serving the authentic flavors of Hawai’i since 1988. With a long-standing commitment to Hawai’i Regional Cuisine, Chef and his teamwork with local farmers and ranchers to deliver the best flavors to their guests. Last year, Merriman’s Waimea became the state’s first carbon-neutral restaurant. 

 

FORC Restaurant 

An acronym for Farmer, Ocean, Rancher, Chef, FORC Restaurant is the brainchild of Chef Allen Hess, who focuses on Hawaiian regional cuisine. The vibe is a traditional country kitchen eating house featuring dishes like whole roasted fish, Big Island grass-fed beef and vegetarian dishes, too. The restaurant’s indoor and outdoor spaces are available for special events and private dining. 

 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services 

 

 

Stay/Meet 

 

ALHI Members Fairmont Orchid and Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection are ready to welcome you and your guests to Hawaii with aloha. 

 

Fairmont Orchid

 

Fairmont Orchid 

Situated on the Kohala Coast, Fairmont Orchid is ready to welcome your guests with aloha and make them feel like ohana. Take advantage of the warm Hawaiian trade winds and host your event in the resort’s outdoor space, covering two levels and 76,000 square feet. Your guests will luxuriate in any one of the 560 spacious guest rooms and suites, with an option to stay on the Fairmont Gold concierge floor. Integrate local customs into your schedule with hula lessons, snorkeling lessons, or a canoe regatta. 

 

 

Mauna Lani

 

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection 

Also along the Kohala Coast is Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, with nearly 300 guest rooms, 36 suites and five residences in which to make yourself right at home. Host a sunset reception on the Great Lawn with the sounds of the ocean as a backdrop, or watch the sunrise from an outrigger canoe. With nearly 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space, you’re sure to find the perfect spots for you and your group. 

 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services