What are reasonably priced activities to do in Kona, Hawaii?

Question

My family will be travelling to Kona, Hawaii in November and we were wondering how to have a good time, but not spend a bundle. We are prepared to spend some money, but we want to avoid some of the expensive tourist traps. We enjoy beaches, swap meets, sightseeing mountains and parks. We already have a resort booked and it does have have kitchen facilities, so we can buy food and cook on some nights too. We don't mind dining in some reasonably priced restaurants with good food either, just not every night.

Answer 1

Best restaurant: Sam Choy's
Cheap spots: Volcano National park, any beach.
Snorkeling: Magic sands beach (you will swim with sea turtles and HUGE Trigger fish).

Note: Kona has the best scuba diving sites in Hawaii


Tip: when you go to pay for anything, say, you want the "Kia-mana Rate" usually if you can pronounce it, they think you are a local, and you will get a BIG discount.

Good luck and have a nice trip...

Answer 2

It sounds like you already have a good budget plan by cooking your own food.

The first thing I would suggest to do it to look for a local guide. You will be appraoched by many so just pick one you feel comfortable with.

I did a lot of guiding as a teenager and I would only take people to the off the beaten path places where I would go myself. Most entertainment would be free as any local guide can tell you where the waterfalls, hidden caves, local eateries, that they grew up enjoying themselves. Just make it clear that you are on a budget.There is no shame in that on any of the islands. In fact it will make you more local. Also pick up some local coffee, some of the best in the world.

Also- Do not ask for a local rate if you are not a local. This will only cause embarassment for you and the vendor. I don't ask for expect for airline tickets, boat rentals or something expensive, and I am always asked for ID to prove it if I don't know the people. On regular items it is only a 10% discount anyway, but every year another group comes over trying this and it is just doesn't work and isn't good for anyone.
Best Wishes

Answer 3

There are no tourist traps on the Big Island! There are so many outdoor things to do. Buy the book HAWAII, THE BIG ISLAND REVEALED, By Andrew Doughty & Harriett Friedman. It is the best! Have a great time, we've been there about 7 times and we're going back this January. Oh yes, try to eat at small local owned restaurants, they are a real treat and not as expensive as the hotel restaurants. There are farmer markets in Kona and Hilo. Buy your veggies and fruits there, you will save. Aloha

Answer 4

I think you are going to the Big Island. Kona has lots to do, as does the island itself. Snorkeling, sea shell collecting, renting bicycles, visiting Rainbow Waterfall and hiking in the cave. The Macademia Nut plantation is in Hilo, and a bag of warm nuts is very inexpensive and delicious. Flea markets carry seafood, flowers, all kinds of things. No trip would be complete without watching the sunset in the ocean, body surfing, or enjoying the locals and nightlife. Enjoy your trip! Can't wait to get back there.

Answer 5

I completely agree with REA - but the book Big Island Revealed - it is the bible to finding your way around the big island - we went this past november and had a great time - some of our highlights were: watching the lava flow into the ocean at volcanoes national park, hiking across the Kileau-Iki crate, snorkeling near the captain cook monument - we took sea kayaks over -the best snorkeling on the island! swimming with sea turtles at Keauhou Bay, and visiting akaka falls state park - the whole island is amazing - but it is also pretty big so plan your traveling well. I can send you pics if you want. just contact me. and don't ask for local rate - they won't believe you.

Don't go on the submarine - too much money for what you see.

Answer 6

We bought most of our souvenirs at Wal-Mart, they have a section of the store filled with the same items, that are higher priced downtown.
There are some wonderful "flea-markets" with really good prices also.
The best advise I can give you that saved me a ton of money when we went in July, was that we packed a whole suitcase with groceries for our trip. You will be floored when you see the prices of groceries out there! I packed two boxes of cereal, mayo (plastic bottle), ketshup, mustard, etc. Also all of our munchies; peanut butter, jelly, crackers, chips, cookies, etc. The only thing I did not pack was perishables and canned goods.
On your way to volcano national park there is a coffee farm on your right that has a free museum and lots of free samples. Make sure you stop at black sands beach on the way to the park also.
Hope that helps!

Answer 7

Great question! I'm going to Kona myself in December and enjoyed reading everyone's answers. My friend lives there and she loves the snorkeling, diving, and nature/scenery in general. My boyfriend is into disc golf and so we will likely be going to Hilo's park to play-- a very affordable and fun activity.

Answer 8

Swim on public beaches

Answer 9

Have a great trip! That sounds so exiting!