Kona Trolley Guide
A handy route and schedule guide for getting around Kona without driving every trip.
Save the PDF to your phone before heading out so it is easy to reference while you explore.
Open the trolley guide →Lennis’ local favorites
Trusted Island recommendations.
A growing collection of places, guides and businesses Lennis has experienced and would genuinely share with a friend.
A living directory
Choose the vacation that feels right to you.
Hawaiʻi Island is big. Some guests love an all-day adventure; others prefer to stay close, snorkel, relax and enjoy Kona. These recommendations make it easier to choose either kind of day.
Stay close to Kona
Easy local adventures
Great choices when you want a memorable day without spending most of it in the car.
Hiking Near Kailua-Kona
Browse nearby trails by length and difficulty before heading out.
Bring plenty of water and sun protection—the Kona sun can be intense.
Explore Kona trails →Shore Snorkeling Along Aliʻi Drive
Several well-known snorkeling spots are close to both condos, with fish and frequent turtle sightings.
Lennis’ tip: shore snorkeling can be wonderful, so you may not need to pay for a separate snorkeling tour.
See snorkeling locations →Kona Beach Days
Compare white-sand beaches, snorkeling coves and relaxing places to set up for the day.
Pack the condo’s chairs, umbrella, cooler, drinks and snacks for an easy beach picnic.
Browse Kona beaches →Make a day of it
Worth the drive
These outings take longer, but the scenery and destination can make the drive part of the experience.
A Full Day in Hilo
Plan an early start for waterfalls, tropical gardens, the farmers market and Carlsmith Beach Park.
Lennis loves Akaka Falls, the botanical gardens and Carlsmith’s beautiful—though surprisingly cool—water.
Plan a Hilo day →Captain Cook Kayak Rentals
Kayak toward the Captain Cook Monument and bring your snorkeling gear for time in the water.
A fun active option for guests who want to combine paddling, scenery and snorkeling.
View kayak rentals →Volcano & Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the caldera viewpoints and the lava tube, then stop at Punaluʻu on the return toward Kona.
Bring comfortable shoes and a sweatshirt—the park can be much cooler than Kona.
Visit the park website →Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
One of the world’s rare green-sand beaches, reached by a sunny hike or a rugged local ride.
Lennis’ tip: take water, sunscreen and sturdy shoes. The paid local ride is quick but very bumpy.
Learn about Green Sand Beach →A Big Island must
Manta-ray experiences
Lennis has done the manta experience several times and considers it worth every penny.
Manta Ray Night Snorkel
A nighttime manta experience with traveler details and booking information.
Choose an operator and departure that fits your comfort level, schedule and swimming ability.
View this option →Manta Swim with Hot Cocoa
Another manta-ray option featuring an evening swim and hot cocoa afterward.
Keauhou guests are especially close to popular manta departure areas.
View this option →Lennis’ food favorites
Good food, drinks and Kona sunsets.
Six places Lennis recommends for everything from fresh poke to a special dinner.
Magics Beach Grill
Oceanfront food, drinks and a beautiful sunset setting.
Visit website →Huggo’s
A Kona classic for waterfront dining, fresh fish and sunset views.
Visit website →On The Rocks
Casual oceanfront atmosphere, tropical drinks and live music.
Visit website →Da Poke Shack
Fresh poke on Aliʻi Drive—perfect to pick up before the beach.
Visit website →Kona Brewing Hawaiʻi
Local beer, pizzas, pupus and a relaxed outdoor lānai.
Visit website →Jackie Rey’s Kona
Fresh seafood, steaks and cocktails for a special dinner.
Visit website →This list will keep growing.
Lennis will continue adding trusted charter companies, tours, restaurants and local businesses as she experiences and recommends them.