Kona Attractions

Things to see in Kona

While you are in Kona, you have to make sure to visit the Hulihee Palace. This palace was once a destination for royal famillies to vacation. The palace itself is a simple building, but has verandas that overlook the amazing harbor of Kailua Kona. Much of the original furniture is still in place, along with a rich interior of wood and artifacts from a time long ago.
Kona also boasts the Hawaii Loves Barbie Dolls Museum, which is authorized by the toy maker Mattel. Barbie is one of the most famous icons to little girls, and considered a symbol of our age. The museum has one of the worlds most extensive collections of Barbie Dolls. While in the museum make sure to check out some of the rare Barbies from Japan, as well as G.I. Joe figurines.
After visiting the museum, you should head over the the Kailua Pier, which is located opposite Ahuena Heiau, which is in the NW of Kailua Kona. The pier is the hot spot for pleasure cruises, as well as being the launching point for fishing trips that are heading out to deep sea to catch prized fish. Even the commercial fishing industry, which is very pronounced in the area, embarks from this pier. Marine traffic is the dominant attraction at the pier, with snorkeling equipment and underwater camera rentals located right there.
After a long day in the sun, you should visit the historic Kahua Ranch for a evening, located 3200 ft above sea level on the Kohala Mountains. It is a 8,500 acre working ranch that provides unique experiences with tons of entertainment, fun, and storytelling around a campfire. If you have the time you could go on a narrated trip down Highway 19, into the town of Waimea, and continuing through the hills along Highway 250