The best things to do in Big Island

11 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Entertainment · 11 places · showing the latest additions first

808 Escape

Entertainment

Skip the same-old and rally the crew for 60 minutes of clue-chasing at 808 Escape, where you can hunt for missing Tiki in Tiki’s Shack or…

77-6425 Kuakini Hwy C-104 (Kailua-Kona)

Skip the same-old and rally the crew for 60 minutes of clue-chasing at 808 Escape, where you can hunt for missing Tiki in Tiki’s Shack or play hero with Mahalo Airlines: Flight 808 at Kona Airport. Smart, locally flavored puzzles that hit just the right challenge level, perfect for a midweek reset.

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Kona Country Club

Entertainment

Locals-only reminder: Kona Country Club keeps it classic in Keauhou with 18 holes riding sunny skies and gentle ocean breezes, plus a grass…

78-7000 Ali‘i Dr (Kailua-Kona)

Locals-only reminder: Kona Country Club keeps it classic in Keauhou with 18 holes riding sunny skies and gentle ocean breezes, plus a grass range and short-game area to tune up, and it’s a former Golf Digest Top 100 Public pick. Sneak in a round this week and let the views reset you.

From the Big Island newsletter, August 5, 2026

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Island-style eats (including pig roasted in an oven) served at an all-you-can-eat buffet, paired with tropical cocktails.

75-5852 Ali‘i Dr (Kailua-Kona)

Island-style eats (including pig roasted in an oven) served at an all-you-can-eat buffet, paired with tropical cocktails.

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Private beach, golf club, and real estate agency with turtles.

87 Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy (Kailua-Kona)

Private beach, golf club, and real estate agency with turtles.

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Makani Golf Club

Entertainment

Club featuring an 18-hole public golf course, plus activities such as stargazing & glow golf.

71-1420 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd (Kailua-Kona)

Club featuring an 18-hole public golf course, plus activities such as stargazing & glow golf.

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Night tours to watch graceful manta rays swimming under lights and gliding beneath the surface.

74-5583 Luhia St A20 (Kailua-Kona)

Night tours to watch graceful manta rays swimming under lights and gliding beneath the surface.

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Sea Quest Hawaii

Entertainment

Bustling tour operator providing snorkeling, whale-watching and other nautical adventures, including night cruises.

78-7138 Kaleiopapa St (Kailua-Kona)

Bustling tour operator providing snorkeling, whale-watching and other nautical adventures, including night cruises.

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KBXtreme

Entertainment

Family-friendly bowling alley featuring an arcade and a restaurant.

75-5591 Palani Rd (Kailua-Kona)

Family-friendly bowling alley featuring an arcade and a restaurant.

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Mauna Lani Golf

Entertainment

Stylish venue for golfers, with 2 scenic 17, 26, 29, 30, 34 courses plus a relaxed par 3 course.

68-1050 Makaiwa Pl (Waimea)

Stylish venue for golfers, with 2 scenic 17, 26, 29, 30, 34 courses plus a relaxed par 3 course.

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Makalei Golf Club

Entertainment

Woodland golf course featuring Bentgrass greens, scenic views, and abundant wildlife, including peacocks.

72-3890 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd (Kailua-Kona)

Woodland golf course featuring Bentgrass greens, scenic views, and abundant wildlife, including peacocks.

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