
easy
1.5–2 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires standing and walking short distances on paved surfaces
Walk Ali‘i Drive after dark with a local guide who threads Kona’s royal past, missionary history and supernatural sightings into a 90–120 minute evening tour. Expect flat, wheelchair-accessible routes, historical context, and plenty of eyewitness accounts and photos.
The sun has just slipped behind the low volcanic ridge and Ali‘i Drive takes on a different rhythm: streetlights throw long ovals over lava rock and palm trunks, and the ocean hushes to a steady exhale. A small group gathers at the Friendly Activities kiosk in the Kona Inn Shopping Village, where the guide’s lantern casts a pool of warm light and a map of the coast’s old names is passed between strangers. It feels less like a theatrical fright show and more like stepping through a newspaper clipping about a town’s own memory—lively, sharp, and sometimes uncomfortable.

Nighttime streets are lit but a flashlight helps on uneven sidewalks and for reading site plaques; use it with courtesy to other guests.
Coastal evenings are cool and breezy—bring a light jacket or windbreaker that you can easily remove.
Many stops are at historically significant locations—do not climb on heiau ruins or private property and follow guide directions.
It’s an evening walk but Kona’s sun and humidity can still dehydrate you—drink water beforehand; small bottles are fine on the tour.
The tour traces locations tied to the end of the kapu system and the arrival of missionaries in the 19th century, which dramatically reshaped Hawaiian religion and governance.
Respect for cultural sites and shoreline habitat is emphasized; avoid disturbing fragile coastal vegetation and follow guide instructions to minimize impact.
Supportive shoes handle paved sidewalks and occasional uneven spots along Ali‘i Drive.
Coastal evenings get cooler; a light layer keeps you comfortable without bulk.
summer specific
Useful for reading plaques and navigating dim areas without disturbing others.
A camera with good high-ISO performance or a small tripod helps capture long-exposure photos and reported orbs.