Hidden Gems: Secret Spots in Kona, Hawaii You Need to Discover

Kona, located on the sun-drenched western coast of the Big Island, is often known for its world-famous coffee, picturesque coastline, and vibrant sunsets. But beyond the guidebook favorites lies a treasure trove of lesser-known experiences—places that feel like whispered secrets shared only among those who look a little deeper.

While many visitors flock to popular attractions like Hapuna Beach or the bustling streets of Kailua-Kona, this post is your curated guide to the overlooked corners and quiet wonders that make Kona unforgettable. These are the places where you’ll find secluded beaches wrapped in black lava, tide pools teeming with marine life, and trails leading to panoramic ocean views with no one else in sight.

Whether you’re a curious explorer, a nature lover, or simply looking to connect with Hawaii in a more meaningful way, these hidden gems offer moments of discovery and magic. In this guide, we’ll take you to the secret spots in Kona, Hawaii that are rich in natural beauty, local flavor, and authentic island atmosphere. Get ready to explore like a local and uncover the Kona few tourists ever see.

Makolea Black Sand Beach: A Volcanic Hideaway

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Tucked away within the Kekaha Kai State Park, Makolea Beach is a dramatic black sand stretch accessible only by a short hike through ancient lava fields. Unlike more visited black sand beaches like Punaluʻu, this one remains relatively unknown, offering serenity and striking scenery in equal measure.

The journey is part of the magic. The trail starts from the Mahaiʻula section of the park and takes you over solidified lava flows, where cracks and textures tell geological stories of ancient eruptions. Once you reach the beach, you’re rewarded with fine black sand, swaying palms, and turquoise water bordered by rugged lava rocks.

The beach is great for sunbathing, tide pooling, and photography—though swimming should be approached with caution due to unpredictable currents.

Makolea Beach Summary:

Keiki Ponds: Nature’s Tide Pool Playground

Located just south of Kailua Pier, Keiki Ponds is a hidden coastal area that’s easy to miss but ideal for families, photographers, and tide pool explorers. The word “keiki” means child in Hawaiian, and this name suits the spot perfectly—natural lava rock formations create shallow pools that are calm, warm, and teeming with life.

These tidal lagoons offer a safe space for little ones to splash around, while adults will enjoy searching for sea cucumbers, hermit crabs, and colorful fish. The lava rocks also form striking natural compositions, perfect for landscape photography.

Although it’s just a short walk from downtown Kailua-Kona, the area is often overlooked. That’s part of its charm—you can enjoy the sounds of the ocean without the crowds.

Keiki Ponds Visitor Checklist:

Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Cinder Cone Trail: Big Island’s Otherworldly Hike

For a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure, head inland to hike the Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Cinder Cone Trail. Located about 30 minutes north of Kailua-Kona, this extinct volcanic cone offers panoramic views stretching from the Kohala Coast to Mauna Kea. The hike is moderately challenging and, thanks to its remote location, seldom crowded.

The trail winds through dry forest and pastureland, offering a unique contrast to the lush rainforests elsewhere on the island. You’ll likely spot wild goats, native birds, and curious lava rock formations as you climb the gently sloping cone.

Once you reach the summit, you’re rewarded with a sweeping 360-degree view that feels truly magical. The cone itself, whose name means “many folds,” lives up to its poetic title with a summit that wraps the sky around you in a soft embrace.

Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Trail Guide:

Two Step: A Hidden Snorkeling Haven

Two Step, located near Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, is a local favorite for snorkeling thanks to its clear, calm waters and vibrant marine life. While it’s gaining recognition, it’s still more low-key compared to places like Honaunau Bay or Kealakekua.

The name “Two Step” comes from the natural lava rock ledges that allow snorkelers to easily step into the ocean—literally in two steps. Once you’re in, you’re immersed in a living aquarium: sea turtles, butterflyfish, coral heads, and even dolphins if you’re lucky.

The key to this hidden gem is timing—early morning visits offer the calmest water and fewest crowds. It’s also close to sacred cultural sites, making it a deeply spiritual and natural experience in one.

Two Step Essentials:

Uluwehi Falls (Secret Waterfall Hike)

If you’re up for a bit of adventure, Uluwehi Falls—sometimes called “Secret Falls”—is a little-known waterfall hidden in the uplands near Holualoa. This is not a maintained trail and should only be attempted by confident hikers, but the reward is a secluded waterfall oasis surrounded by ferns, bamboo, and ancient ohia trees.

The trail is known by word of mouth and isn’t marked on many maps, so local knowledge or a guide is recommended. The route takes you through thick vegetation and muddy terrain, eventually leading to a gentle waterfall cascading into a pool perfect for a refreshing dip.

Uluwehi Falls is not for everyone, but for those who crave solitude and love discovering untouched nature, this spot delivers a true Hawaiian jungle experience.

Uluwehi Falls Explorer Table:

| Difficulty Level | Moderate to hard (depends on weather) |
| Time Needed | 2–3 hours round trip |
| Best Season | Dry season (June to October) |
| What to Bring | Bug spray, water shoes, dry bag |
| Safety Tip | Go with a guide or local friend if possible |

The Painted Church of Hōnaunau: Art and Spirit Combined

Though small and humble from the outside, the Painted Church near Hōnaunau is a true artistic treasure. Officially called St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, this historic structure is filled with hand-painted murals depicting biblical scenes against a tropical Hawaiian backdrop.

Father John Velghe, a Belgian priest, painted these murals himself in the early 1900s, using limited supplies and immense creativity. The effect is ethereal—the Gothic arches, painted illusions of cathedral ceilings, and soft color palette feel both holy and whimsical.

It’s free to visit and often quiet, making it the perfect reflective stop between more adventurous outings.

Painted Church Highlights:

Conclusion

Kona is a place where every curve of the coastline and trail through the hills holds a story—if you know where to look. These hidden gems in Kona, Hawaii, offer travelers a chance to connect with the island beyond the surface. Whether it’s a black sand beach found after a lava hike, a reef teeming with life beneath quiet waves, or a cinder cone that lets you see the whole island from above, these secret spots invite deeper exploration and quieter awe.

For those willing to wander, Kona reveals its most magical moments not in the crowded hotspots but in the silence of the lava fields, the shimmer of tide pools, and the hush of jungle falls.