7 Best Things to Do in Kona at Night for Families

So…things to do in Kona at night…because you’re travelling with your family and are looking for something besides just having a late-nate beer. The sun’s gone down, but your kids? They’re still going strong. If you’re on the Big Island wondering how to fill those evening hours with something more exciting than “just one more cartoon,” don’t worry—Kona at night is full of epic, only-in-Hawaii experiences that go way beyond the standard dinner-and-bedtime routine.

From lava glowing in the dark to snorkeling with manta rays, here are some family-friendly things to do in Kona at night that’ll have your whole crew talking about them for years.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Kona at Night

From watching the sunset by the west coast to snorkeling with giant manta rays, here are five of the best things to do in Kona at night for families.

1. Watch the Sunset

Look, you’re in Hawaii—the sunset is basically a free nightly show, and Kona’s west-facing beaches are prime front-row seats. Grab some snacks, lay out a blanket, and let the kids run wild while the sky turns all kinds of pink, orange, and gold.

2. Explore the Volcanoes at Night

Kīlauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and it’s even more dramatic at night when the lava lights up the sky. If your kids are old enough to handle a bit of adventure (and if the timing is right), this is one of the coolest, most unforgettable things to do in Kona after dark.

3. Attend a Luau

Easily one of our favorite things to do in Kona at night for families. Even if your kids don’t know what’s happening at first, once the music starts, they’re hooked.

Best Luaus in Kona:

• Island Breeze Luau – One of the most authentic experiences, held at a historic site.
• Royal Kona Resort Luau – A beachfront setting with some of the best fire dancing performances.

4. Stargaze at Mauna Kea

If you want to make your kids feel like tiny astronauts in a massive universe, take them stargazing at Mauna Kea. At 13,803 feet above sea level, it’s one of the best stargazing spots on the planet (NASA even tests space equipment here). With minimal light pollution, you’ll see constellations, planets, and even the Milky Way in full HD.

Good to Know: It gets cold up there (yes, even in Hawaii), so bring jackets, blankets, and maybe some hot chocolate.

5. Snorkel with Manta Rays

Snorkeling with manta rays is easily one of the best things to do in Kona at night. In fact, The Travel Channel named our Night Manta Experience one of the top ten must-do things to do in your lifetime. From Kona, we’ll sail you to one of the most successful viewing locations, where you can snorkel with manta rays as large as 16 feet in width.

Why It’s Family-Friendly:

• No experience needed – Just hold onto a floating raft and watch the magic happen.
• Manta rays are gentle giants – No teeth, no stingers, just graceful beauty.
• It’s safe for older kids and teens – And it’ll make them feel like marine biologists for the night.

6. Take a Moonlit Beach Walk (Because Sometimes Simple is Best)

After a full day of adventure, sometimes the best things to do in Kona at night (or anywhere) is nothing at all—just a slow, moonlit stroll on the beach, listening to the waves roll in. Maybe the kids are sleepy, maybe they’re still running on vacation adrenaline, but either way, it’s pure, peaceful Hawaii.

7. Visit a Black Sand Beach Under the Moonlight

Hawaiian beaches are magical during the day, but at night? Totally different vibe. Take the kids to a black sand beach under the moonlight, where the sand shimmers under the stars and waves glow with bioluminescence.

Where to Go:

• Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach – The most famous black sand beach, known for turtle sightings.
• Kiholo Bay – Less crowded and one of the best places to see bioluminescent plankton at night.

Pro Tip: Bring a red flashlight (regular white lights disturb wildlife) and watch for tiny glowing creatures in the waves!

Looking for Exciting Things to Do in Kona at Night?

There’s no shortage of unique things to do in Kona at night, whether you want to see the stars from a volcano vantage point, party at a Luau, or watch the sunset from a paradisaical beach. But if you want to do something truly breath-taking during your Hawaiian getaway, you might want to snorkel alongside manta rays on a tour that takes you to one of Big Island’s most scenic viewing points under the cover of night. Learn more about our Night Manta Experience or call us for more info.