May 2025

We spent a week in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, and from the very beginning, we knew this trip was going to be about slowing down and truly enjoying the island. This was our second time visiting the Big Island, but this time we brought our friends Tony and Bri and it was their first trip to Hawaii, which made it even more exciting to share the experience with them. Our plan was simple: scuba dive, golf, and relax whether at the resort or on the beach.

Staying at Kona Coast II

We stayed at Kona Coast II, which turned out to be the perfect place for a relaxing week. Our one-bedroom unit felt more like an apartment than a hotel. It had everything we could need: a fully stocked kitchen, a cozy living room, dining area, and a huge balcony with a table for four that quickly became our favorite spot for morning coffee and evening sunsets. The views were spectacular, overlooking the Kona Coast Country Club and stretching all the way to the ocean.

Because we traveled with scuba gear and golf clubs, renting a car was a must. Right after leaving the airport, we made a quick stop at Costco to load up on fresh fruit, charcuterie board essentials, and drinks. Having a fridge full of good food made our trip feel more relaxed, and it was perfect for easy meals, beach days, and snacks for evenings on the balcony.

Beach Day at 2 Step

For beach time, we highly recommend 2 Step Beach at Honaunau Bay, located next to Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park. It was peaceful, gorgeous, and everything we wanted in a beach day. We even found a little spot under the mangroves that felt like our own private slice of paradise.

Scuba Diving with Manta Rays

The highlight of our entire trip was, without a doubt, scuba diving. We booked a two-tank dive trip with Big Island Divers, and they were absolutely fantastic, professional, kind, and incredibly knowledgeable.

The water was rough that day, so if you get seasick, be prepared. Our first dive was a coral reef dive where we spotted moray eels and schools of colorful tropical fish. But it was the second dive that left us speechless: a night dive with manta rays at Garden Eel Cove.

There are hardly words to describe what it felt like. The manta rays were enormous yet moved with such grace, gliding and spinning through the water as if they were dancing with one another. It was magnificent, majestic, and absolutely a bucket-list experience. If you’re ever in Kona and dive, this dive is a must.

Golfing at Kona Coast Golf Course

Our other unforgettable adventure was a round of golf at the Kona Coast Golf Course, which we had been eyeing all week from our balcony at the resort. The course is as beautiful as it looks from above with lush green fairways framed by black lava rock, ocean views at nearly every hole, and even a blowhole on hole 13 known as “Puka.”

It was both fun and challenging, and playing surrounded by such stunning scenery made for an unforgettable day on the course.

The Perfect Balance

Looking back, this trip was exactly what we wanted it to be – laid back and relaxing, with just enough adventure to make it memorable. Between scuba diving with manta rays, golfing by the ocean, and simply enjoying time at the resort and beaches with friends, our week in Kona was nothing short of amazing.

Until next time, Big Island you never disappoint.

If you’re thinking about planning your own trip to Kona, Hawaii I’d love to share more tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your visit!

Manta Rays on Night Dive