Guidebook for West Hawaii
Beaches
These are our favorite beaches on the west side of the island
This beach is great for swimming, skim boarding or playing volleyball. Great facilities and lifeguards. 5 minute drive from the house.
181 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Magic Sands Beach Park
Ali'i DriveThis beach is great for swimming, skim boarding or playing volleyball. Great facilities and lifeguards. 5 minute drive from the house.
Great place to see turtles and take a walk. There is even a little history and a hike you can take to see and learn about ancient Hawaii.
18 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Honokohau Beach
Great place to see turtles and take a walk. There is even a little history and a hike you can take to see and learn about ancient Hawaii.
Best for snorkeling and diving - world class marine sanctuary.
12 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Puako
Best for snorkeling and diving - world class marine sanctuary.
Best swimming on island. Amazing sunsets. Good facilities including showers, BBQ's and covered picnic areas. Note there is an entrance fee and little to no shade on the beach. The shore break can be harsh at times so mind the lifeguard flags/warnings.
241 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hapuna Beach
Best swimming on island. Amazing sunsets. Good facilities including showers, BBQ's and covered picnic areas. Note there is an entrance fee and little to no shade on the beach. The shore break can be harsh at times so mind the lifeguard flags/warnings.
This one makes the beach AND hiking list! Gorgeous and everything Hawaii should be!
80 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Makalawena Beach
Hawaii 19This one makes the beach AND hiking list! Gorgeous and everything Hawaii should be!
We recommend that you get here by 8:30 to get a spot - they only open up 10 parking spaces to the public daily. But facilities, gentle water entry, shade and beach bar make this worth the early trip!
70 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Kaunaʻoa (Mauna Kea) Beach
We recommend that you get here by 8:30 to get a spot - they only open up 10 parking spaces to the public daily. But facilities, gentle water entry, shade and beach bar make this worth the early trip!
This is a LONG drive and can be HOT in the summer. But, its a wonder and you almost always share the beach with turtles! Make it a stop on your day trip around to Hilo or the Volcano!
175 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Punalu‘u Beach
This is a LONG drive and can be HOT in the summer. But, its a wonder and you almost always share the beach with turtles! Make it a stop on your day trip around to Hilo or the Volcano!
Great for snorkeling and surfing when the tides are right. Little sand beach on the north side is a warm place to relax in between snorkeling in the bay and checking out the turtles on the protected south side shore.
239 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Kahaluu Bay
Ali‘i DriveGreat for snorkeling and surfing when the tides are right. Little sand beach on the north side is a warm place to relax in between snorkeling in the bay and checking out the turtles on the protected south side shore.
Banyans 'beach' is just south of Kona Bali Kai (walking distance from here) - in between the buildings. Consistent good waves with easy step entry at high tide. Great for watching surfers and grabbing a bite at the nearby Poke Shack.
10 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Banyan Mart
76-6265 Ali‘i DrBanyans 'beach' is just south of Kona Bali Kai (walking distance from here) - in between the buildings. Consistent good waves with easy step entry at high tide. Great for watching surfers and grabbing a bite at the nearby Poke Shack.
This is quite a drive, then a moderate hike, but well worth the work as one of only a handful of green (olivine) sand beaches in the world. The wind helps to modify the heat during summer. Be careful swimming there as the currents are very strong, but it's a must-see beach if you have the time.
148 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
This is quite a drive, then a moderate hike, but well worth the work as one of only a handful of green (olivine) sand beaches in the world. The wind helps to modify the heat during summer. Be careful swimming there as the currents are very strong, but it's a must-see beach if you have the time.
Wonderful, white sand beach with great swimming, body surfing and sunbathing. We recommend getting their early as parking fills quickly at this popular and easy to reach beach.
159 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Kua Bay
Wonderful, white sand beach with great swimming, body surfing and sunbathing. We recommend getting their early as parking fills quickly at this popular and easy to reach beach.
Neighborhoods
Little artist town right above (via Lako street) with galleries and antique shops. Enjoy 'first friday' every month when they put up kiosks along the road with coffee, food and even live music, while all the studios and stores remain open (5-8).
57 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Holualoa
Little artist town right above (via Lako street) with galleries and antique shops. Enjoy 'first friday' every month when they put up kiosks along the road with coffee, food and even live music, while all the studios and stores remain open (5-8).
Amazing farmers market, and great restaurants! Also the heart of the Paniolo (Hawaiian Cowboy) activities including fairs and rodeos. Also home to the HQ for the telescopes.
78 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Waimea
Amazing farmers market, and great restaurants! Also the heart of the Paniolo (Hawaiian Cowboy) activities including fairs and rodeos. Also home to the HQ for the telescopes.
Great little town with vintage shops, coffee farms and small bites
13 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Kealakekua
Great little town with vintage shops, coffee farms and small bites
Stunning drive up Kohala road to the end of the island through active ranches with horses, goats and cows everywhere. Great hikes along the shore and to Pololu Point. The town itself is a gem with great vintage shopping and a local made food market.
88 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hawi
Stunning drive up Kohala road to the end of the island through active ranches with horses, goats and cows everywhere. Great hikes along the shore and to Pololu Point. The town itself is a gem with great vintage shopping and a local made food market.
Food scene
Best pizza around - with great view!
Original in Captain cook - 2nd location in Coconut Grove in Kona.
25 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Black Rock Pizza
82-6127 Hawaiʻi Belt RoadBest pizza around - with great view!
Original in Captain cook - 2nd location in Coconut Grove in Kona.
Best special occasion restaurant- amazing farm to table. Requires advance reservations!
102 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Merriman's Big Island
65-1227 Opelo RdBest special occasion restaurant- amazing farm to table. Requires advance reservations!
Best local, no-frills, hole in the wall, bar with reasonable prices and interesting people.
13 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Sam's Hideaway
75-5729 Ali‘i DrBest local, no-frills, hole in the wall, bar with reasonable prices and interesting people.
Great beer and bar, cool vibe and rockin’ chicken!
20 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Willie's Hot Chicken
74-5599 Pawai PlGreat beer and bar, cool vibe and rockin’ chicken!
During the day, on the back side of the restaurant they have street tacos - 3 for $9 and they are good!
36 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Oceans Sports Bar & Grill
75-5811 Ali‘i DrDuring the day, on the back side of the restaurant they have street tacos - 3 for $9 and they are good!
Great cocktails with a local flair and stunning views. Likely a wait and on the high side of $$ but, amazing work with local ingredients and an owner who cares about their staff. One of our splurges - close and upscale but not toooo bougie.
91 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Magics Beach Grill
77-6452 Ali‘i DrGreat cocktails with a local flair and stunning views. Likely a wait and on the high side of $$ but, amazing work with local ingredients and an owner who cares about their staff. One of our splurges - close and upscale but not toooo bougie.
Expansive beer list (cocktails are not the draw here) with a shaded view and ocean breeze! Lots of good food (pizzas and salads are great) as are the starters. Location is key for a relaxed stop along the main drag.
21 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Kai Eats and Drinks
75-5776 Ali‘i DriveExpansive beer list (cocktails are not the draw here) with a shaded view and ocean breeze! Lots of good food (pizzas and salads are great) as are the starters. Location is key for a relaxed stop along the main drag.
Wonderful food, great view and worth the wait! Farm to table so they frequently run out of menu items. For best service go 1.5 hrs before or after sunset!
100 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Foster's Kitchen
75-5805 Ali‘i DrWonderful food, great view and worth the wait! Farm to table so they frequently run out of menu items. For best service go 1.5 hrs before or after sunset!
Best Japanese food around. Great happy hour and easy parking in South Kona.
43 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Kenichi Pacific
6831 Ali‘i DrBest Japanese food around. Great happy hour and easy parking in South Kona.
PHO KIM ANH
Good pho when you want warm, tasty soup!
Sooo good! Local, fresh and consistent, think local secret is among the vintage shops and between the artist town of Hōlualoa and the coffee farms of Captain Cook. Worth the wait and try the sauces! You won’t regret this stop.
38 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Rebel Kitchen
79-7399 Hawaiʻi Belt RdSooo good! Local, fresh and consistent, think local secret is among the vintage shops and between the artist town of Hōlualoa and the coffee farms of Captain Cook. Worth the wait and try the sauces! You won’t regret this stop.
Hiking
Amazing, moderate hike to a must-see beach. Pack water and sun protection!
148 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
Amazing, moderate hike to a must-see beach. Pack water and sun protection!
Amazing trails through jungle and desert terrain of the crater.
13 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Kīlauea Iki Crater
Amazing trails through jungle and desert terrain of the crater.
Pololu Trail
Pololū TrailStunning views of rugged wilderness with a windy black sand beach below
3.2 mile round trip with 1200 feet elevation change. If you went as far as Pololu, why not go to the next valley!
Honokane Nui Lookout
ʻĀwini Trail3.2 mile round trip with 1200 feet elevation change. If you went as far as Pololu, why not go to the next valley!
Very tropical, 100-acre park at 2000 foot elevation. Various trails of varying distance in the best rain forest on the island
17 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Kalōpā State Recreation Area
44-3480 Kalaniai RdVery tropical, 100-acre park at 2000 foot elevation. Various trails of varying distance in the best rain forest on the island
4 mile round trip to breathtaking beach. No facilities and touch lava trail, but worth it!
80 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Makalawena Beach
Hawaii 194 mile round trip to breathtaking beach. No facilities and touch lava trail, but worth it!
Great views and various cut-backs to chunk the hike to whatever you feel like. Almost always afternoon rain - beware!
11 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pu'u Wa'awa'a Cinder Cone State Park
71-1645 Hawaiʻi Belt RdGreat views and various cut-backs to chunk the hike to whatever you feel like. Almost always afternoon rain - beware!
Sightseeing
Great snorkeling and close to the Place of Refuge - make it a two-fer!
114 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Two Step
Great snorkeling and close to the Place of Refuge - make it a two-fer!
Beautiful and well presented slice of history between the palms and ocean. Must see.
270 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
State Highway 160Beautiful and well presented slice of history between the palms and ocean. Must see.
Worth the drive if you've ever wondered what a lava tube looks like. Go with the LONG tour to really get into the variety of the geology and an awesome tour with really knowledgeable guides!
24 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Kula Kai Caverns
92-8864 Lauhala DrWorth the drive if you've ever wondered what a lava tube looks like. Go with the LONG tour to really get into the variety of the geology and an awesome tour with really knowledgeable guides!
Neat little sanctuary with a variety of local fauna, glorious views and even a lava tube with petroglyphs.
26 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary
83-5401 Painted Church RdNeat little sanctuary with a variety of local fauna, glorious views and even a lava tube with petroglyphs.
Turtles, history and trails
45 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
Turtles, history and trails
Wonderful guided forest walk in high elevation away from heat. Must make reservations!
15 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Kona Cloud Forest
73-1865 Hao StWonderful guided forest walk in high elevation away from heat. Must make reservations!
Happy Hour
Great view, local vibe, reasonable prices and good happy hour.
40 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Laverne's Sports Bar
75-5819 Ali‘i DrGreat view, local vibe, reasonable prices and good happy hour.
Best Happy Hour in town with the most amazing view. Get there BEFORE dinner or be prepared to wait over an hour!
38 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Don's Mai Tai Bar
75-5852 Ali‘i DrBest Happy Hour in town with the most amazing view. Get there BEFORE dinner or be prepared to wait over an hour!
Island Lava Java
75-5801 Ali‘i DrGreat Happy Hour, amazing food and a view!
Great happy hour ON THE BEACH. Get there early.
171 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Lava Lava Beach Club
69-1081 Ku'uali'i PlGreat happy hour ON THE BEACH. Get there early.
Groceries and Supplies
Best choice for local fresh veggies and reasonable prices. Believe it or not, also the best for Poke bowls!
38 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Sack N Save Kona
75-5595 Palani RdBest choice for local fresh veggies and reasonable prices. Believe it or not, also the best for Poke bowls!
Home to KTA (groceries), CVS, Regal cinema, Kenichi's, Tap House, Bianelli's, Sam Choi, and lovely book store.
58 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Keauhou Shopping Center
78-6831 Ali‘i DrHome to KTA (groceries), CVS, Regal cinema, Kenichi's, Tap House, Bianelli's, Sam Choi, and lovely book store.
Safeway
75-971 Henry StTraditional safeway for familiar shopping.