The Kona Coast is famous for its sunny skies and perfect beach weather, but even paradise has its rainy days. When the clouds roll in and the tropical showers start, don't let it dampen your vacation spirit. Some of Kona's most unique experiences are actually perfect for overcast days—and a few might even be better when it's raining.
Discover Hawaii's Only Working Salt Farm
Rain or shine, Kona Salt Farm offers one of Kona's most authentic cultural experiences. Located at the Hawaii Ocean Science Technology Park, this working salt farm produces genuine Hawaiian sea salt using deep ocean water from 2,200 feet below the surface.
The oceanfront Farm Store offers complimentary salt tastings featuring 13 flavored and smoked varieties paired with fresh fruits and veggies. Learn why authentic Hawaiian salt is so rare (only two legitimate producers exist statewide) and discover why chefs across the islands choose these salts.
Farm tours include umbrellas and covered areas, or experience a 47-degree deep ocean water foot soak in a covered oceanfront cabana.
73-907 Makako Bay Drive, Kailua-Kona
Open daily 9am-4pm | Book tours and foot soak
The Vanillerie: Taste and Tour Hand Grown Vanilla
Just a few minutes down the road is The Vanillerie, a lovely small vanilla farm offers another delicious escape from the rain. Take a guided tour through vanilla orchards or check out their great store of products made with their own luscious vanilla.
75-5718 Aliʻi Drive, Kailua-Kona
For directions and opening hours: https://www.thevanillerie.com/
Have you ever been to a Seahorse Farm?
Or ever held a Seahorse? Now is your time! One of Hawaii’s most unique and popular attractions, their tours are lead by naturalists with certified biology degrees with special training in ocean conservation. Located on the Hawaii Ocean Science Technology Park they are open Monday to Friday.
73-4388 Ilikai Place, Kailua-Kona
Book your tour at https://seahorse.com/
Mountain Thunder Coffee
Hawaii is the only U.S. state to grow coffee commercially. Not far up the road on the slopes of Hualalai lays the Mountain Thunder Coffee Farm. They offer free guided 20 minutes educational tours days a week rain, or shine. See how coffee is grown, fruit is milled, dried and roasted and sample the finished product. Open daily from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.
73-1942 Ha'o St, Kailua-Kona
For directions https://mountainthunder.com/
Hulihe'e Palace: A Window into Hawaiian Royalty
Discover where monarchs once danced, debated, and dreamed. Hulihe‘e Palace invites you to experience the soul of Hawai‘i’s royal past.
Set along the waterfront in the heart of Kailua-Kona, Hulihe'e Palace offers both self guided and docent led tours. Whether you're seeking shelter from a rainy day or simply want to deepen your understanding of Hawaiian culture, Hulihe'e Palace offers a rare opportunity to step back in time and connect with the islands' royal heritage.
75-5718 Aliʻi Drive, Kailua-Kona
For directions, opening hours and to book: https://daughtersofhawaii.org/hulihee-palace/
Kona Brewing Company
They offer guided 60-minute behind the scenes tours to see the brewing process firsthand 7 days per week that include four 4-oz beer samples for those over 21 and provide transportation to the brewery form the Kona Pub. All guests must be 15 years of age or older to participate in the tour.
Book at https://konabrewinghawaii.com/
