My Guide to Kona
Aloha! As the warm weather starts to roll in and we begin to feel the sun on our skins again, so does the itch to travel to tropical areas. I recently got the chance to visit my two favorite islands, Kona and Maui, and wanted to make two separate guides that highlight all the amazing spots to stay, eat, and experience while you’re there.
There is so much to discover throughout the numerous Hawaiian islands, and these guides just touch the surface of what you can experience on your next tropical vacation. There are a plethora of activities and experiences to partake in on the islands to cater to your every needs.
This travel diary is dedicated to my time in Kona and the many wonderful activities that one can can do while they are on the island. Kona is known for its deep-sea fishing, delicious coffee, and the coveted Four Seasons resort that boasts one of the best golf courses in the world. If the beautiful island of Kona is on your travel list, this guide is for you!
favorite beauty products to pack
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask: A versatile product that can be used as a daytime moisturizer, nightly mask, or an in-flight skinsaver— perfect for your on-the-go, travel needs.
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask: I love a minimal makeup look when traveling and so this mask gives me the best natural dewy finish when I wake up in the morning.
Necessaire The Deodorant: Visiting tropical areas means the temperatures are high and you’ll want to stay fresh and smelling good. I combat this with Necessaire’s aluminum and parabens free deodorant.
Gucci Mascara L’Obscur: As I said before, I usually opt for a natural makeup look when I travel, and one of my top makeup essentials is mascara. This one from Gucci is buildable, long-lasting, and accentuates every eye shape!
Glossier Cloud Paint: Another one of my top essentials is blush, this particular one from Glossier gives a subtle dewy finish and comes in a range of beautiful shades for every skintone.
Chanel Le Lift: My absolute favorite under eye patches for firming and preventing wrinkles. I use them the night before a big day out in the town adventuring, especially when the day starts bright and early.
Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF 35: SPF protection is so important everyday, but specifically when out in the hot sun exploring the island. This powder from Supergoop! is ideal for first application before walking out the door and for reapplying throughout the day to keep your skin safe and protected.
WHERE TO STAY
Find your peace at Four Seasons Hualalai
72-100 Ka’upulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
1 (808) 325-8000
An oceanfront resort surrounded and inspired by the local, natural surrounding. Located On the North Kona Coast, Four Seasons Hualalai is steps away from white-sand beaches, black-lava landscapes, and the sparkling blue ocean. This is the perfect getaway for anyone looking for a serene escape into tropical heaven.
WHAT TO EAT
Grab Some Cocktails at Residents’ Beach House
100 Kaupulehu Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(808) 325-8510
With views overlooking the ocean and a number of delicious Hawaiian cocktails to choose from, Residents’ Beach House is the perfect spot to start your night off at. The overall ambiance of this restaurant cannot be matched, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching the breathtaking sunsets from the patio while drinking Mai Tai’s.
Eat Authentic Island Faire at Canoe House
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, 68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
(808) 885-6622
If you are looking for authentic island cuisine, look no further than the esteemed Canoe House in Mauna Lani. This gorgeous restaurant is located at the Mauna Lanai Bay Hotel and offers sweeping ocean views as well as specialized 5-course tasting menu’s expertly created by the Head Chef and General Manager of the restaurant.
WHAT TO DO
Explore Kona.
To get a feel for Kona and its local culture, I suggest walking around and exploring as much as you can. Going on hikes to learn more about the unique landscape is another great way to explore the island and delve into the richness that lay there. I could explore Kona for hours and always find something new to discover. I recommend everyone do this too if it is your first time on the island.
Dive into the clear waters of Hawaii.
Hawaii is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the best adventures always seem to be beneath the waves. Snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, surfing, paddle boarding, taking a boat out, and whale-watching are just some of the few water activities you can partake in while you’re in Kona. I personally loved swimming with the stingray in the natural pond at Four Season Hualalai because it added an adrenaline rush to a truly unforgettable moment.
Where to Shop
Feel luxurious at Seaside Luxe.
One of my favorite boutiques at Four Seasons Hualalai is definitely Seaside Luxe. This boutique is the epitome of luxury resort wear and boasts some of the most well known brands in the world, such as Kimberly McDonald and Agua by Agua Bendita. The store is filled with everything you need to perfect your island look.
Gear Up on Poolside Accessories at Seaside Beach.
Seaside Beach is the perfect store to stack up on all things poolside and loungewear related. They have an extensive array of colorful tunics and swimwear that can brighten up any casual lounge moment. They rotate their designers every few months so the styles are always fresh and in season.
Traveling back to Kona was definitely what my heart needed and being able to try new activities while I was there was exhilarating. There are a number of other great spots to visit when you visit the beautiful island of Kona, and I have added a few of them to my list below!
