Book ahead! There are several companies that offer this experience. We have personally gone with Jack's Diving Locker and Neptune Charlie's Snorkeling. This is a must do on the Kona Coast!

Book ahead! This place is up on the mountain, it's chilly here, and they do a hoe-down, horseback riding, and a potluck bbq every Wednesday. Great way to see the more country parts of the island, give back to a good family, and also snap some great photos.

($30 per car for a daily park pass) Kīlauea is located on the other side of the Big Island and is about a 2 hour (or a little over) drive from Kona. This is a national park with access to the Thurston Lava Tube, viewing sites, steam vents, and some cute gift shops. There are also great places to eat and see wildlife here. *No reservation required.

*The volcano is not currently erupting but is active from time to time. You can safely view and visit this park though, but definitely prepare for the drive! We have some favorite spots to share with you along the way that are favorites for many. :)

Did you know that it snows in Hawai‘i? We are blessed with not only snow in paradise but one of the best and clearest viewpoints in the world to see the stars, satellites, international space station, planets, and even the colors of the Milky Way. Our neighbor at the condo actually works up here and tells us all about it. Please know that you will need to acclimate halfway and it is very cold. No tour reservation is required. To go to the top of the mountain you will need four-wheel drive.

Viewing access from the halfway point can be reached by any car and also has a great view. We sometimes visit to grab hot chocolate and listen to the astronomers.

Free! In Hawai‘i we don't use street signs as a way to explain directions, but we may reference a special tree or noticeable spot. For example, to get to Kua Bay, you drive north from Kona and turn left at the hill that looks like a butt. -Yep, you read that right! Haha

Kua Bay is a white sand beach, where you can walk into the water pretty far out without it being too deep. A perfect spot for all ages and ability levels. Bring boogie boards here, body surf, or sip on a Kua Bay IPA! Our house is about 5 minutes or so from here too.

Side note: This spot is beautiful but fills up quick, so best to get there around 9:30 am or show up later around 3:00 pm to catch sunset and guarantee a parking spot. Also, Jonathan left Rose and I stranded here for a full day while he worked. -You should ask him about it.

Free! Easy in and easy out snorkel spot. All ability levels and ages are welcome. This was the very first snorkel spot that Jonathan took Erika and Rose too when we first visited him in Hawaii. We love this place so much!

There is a parking lot here, outdoor showers, and places to put beach chairs. Snorkels can be rented from a little truck by the building or you can buy snorkels and flippers at Wal-Mart that work perfectly here.

There are lots of beautiful fish to see here, but wear sunscreen because you will be floating on your belly for so long that your back will be roasted. -Ye been warned scallywag!