3 Best Sights in Kailua-Kona, Big Island

More than 30 artists and craftspeople are represented in this small but lovely gallery. They feature original works as well as archival giclée pieces. If you are looking for Big Island artists, a stop at Glyph is a must.

On a walking tour of this 20-acre working coffee farm (by advance reservation only), visitors can witness the workings of a small plantation, pick and pulp their own coffee beans, watch a roasting demonstration, and savor a tasting. Lee and Karen Patterson have perfected their coffee over many years, winning local cupping competitions. The gift shop carries whole beans and logo swag including bags, T-shirts, and mugs. Coffee brewing workshops and one-on-one tours with a master roaster are also offered.

Shallow and easily accessible, this salt-and-pepper beach is one of the Big Island's most popular swimming and snorkeling sites, thanks to the fringing reef that helps keep the waters calm, visibility high, and reef life—especially honu (green sea turtles) and colorful fish—plentiful. Kahaluu was a favorite of the Hawaiian royal family, too. Because it is so protected, it's great for first-time snorkelers. Avoid areas marked off for coral regrowth and be sure to use reef-safe sunscreen. Outside the reef, very strong rip currents can run, so caution is advised. Listen to lifeguard instructions. Never hand-feed the unusually tame reef fish here; it upsets the balance of the reef.

Experienced surfers find good waves beyond the reef, and scuba divers like the shore dives—shallow ones inside the breakwater, deeper ones outside. Snorkel equipment and boards are available for rent nearby, and surf schools operate here. A community group has provided reef-safe sunscreen dispensers on-site. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (small fee); showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; surfing; swimming.