The Atlas Obscura Guide To Kailua Kona

2 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Updated March 6, 2019

Unusual Attractions in Kailua-Kona

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Keahole Point Blowhole

This unusual lava tube spouts seawater during high surf.

Aerial view of Algae farm at the Natural Energy Lab of Hawai’i.

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Algae Growing Ponds

Football field-sized microalgae production tanks on the Hawaiian coast create a stunning view from space.

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Kailua, Hawaii

Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm

Get up close and personal with these majestic fish.

6 miles from Kailua-Kona

Captain Cook, Hawaii

Kona Coffee Living History Farm

Try your hand at old-fashioned coffee growing at this museum devoted to one of the world's most coveted beans.

11 miles from Kailua-Kona

Kealakekua, Hawaii

Captain Cook Monument

A controversial memorial at the place where Captain Cook met his violent end.

11 miles from Kailua-Kona

Captain Cook, Hawaii

The Painted Church

A priest with no formal artistic training used basic house paint to create gorgeous religious scenes inside this historic church.

15 miles from Kailua-Kona

Captain Cook, Hawaii

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau

These ancient sacred grounds granted amnesty to those who managed to reach them.

16 miles from Kailua-Kona

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Atlas Obscura Itineraries

8 Watery Wonders in Hawaiʻi, Without Setting Foot in the Ocean

Yes, we know, Hawaiʻi is surrounded by water—the state is a watery wonder in and of itself. But the ocean is only the beginning. The volcanic islands' dramatic topography, unpredictable coastlines, and high rainfall mean that water in and around the Paradise of the Pacific cavorts in all sorts of stunning ways: waterfalls, blowholes, pools, and more. (Plus rainbows. Lots and lots of rainbows.) And you can enjoy all of these natural showstoppers without having to get your feet wet.

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