Big Island Adventure Guidebook
Food scene
Simple and no frills local style Japanese fare. A few sandwiches and burgers on the menu but the bento boxes are best. Tempura is great!
54 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Teshima's Restaurant
79-7251 Hawaiʻi Belt RdSimple and no frills local style Japanese fare. A few sandwiches and burgers on the menu but the bento boxes are best. Tempura is great!
Close to the house and they serve some outstanding beverages! Some of my favorites are the following: Maple Brown Sugar Latte, Matcha and Iced Chai.
17 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Kona Mountain Coffee
73-4038 Hulikoa DrClose to the house and they serve some outstanding beverages! Some of my favorites are the following: Maple Brown Sugar Latte, Matcha and Iced Chai.
Coffee tasting with chocolate pairings, tour, and VIEWS!!
7 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Buddha's Cup
78-1377 Bishop RdCoffee tasting with chocolate pairings, tour, and VIEWS!!
Four Seasons - Perfect spot for an evening cocktail, snack or to have dinner. Make sure you visit Frank at the bar, heʻs the best! My suggestions are the wild mushroom pizza and burger.
28 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Beach Tree Bar
72-100 Kaupulehu DrFour Seasons - Perfect spot for an evening cocktail, snack or to have dinner. Make sure you visit Frank at the bar, heʻs the best! My suggestions are the wild mushroom pizza and burger.
Food is great here! Great Frozen Mai Tai and happy hour! Pineapple Creme Brûlée and sliders is a must or Bread Pudding. Dinner can be pricey but took friends here when they were visiting and we all liked our food and cocktails. Totally would recommend!
66 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store
68-1330 Mauna Lani DrFood is great here! Great Frozen Mai Tai and happy hour! Pineapple Creme Brûlée and sliders is a must or Bread Pudding. Dinner can be pricey but took friends here when they were visiting and we all liked our food and cocktails. Totally would recommend!
Great location to grab a pupu and a drink! Food can sometimes be a hit or miss and overpriced for what you get, but you are right on the beach so no complaints there!
171 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Lava Lava Beach Club
69-1081 Ku'uali'i PlGreat location to grab a pupu and a drink! Food can sometimes be a hit or miss and overpriced for what you get, but you are right on the beach so no complaints there!
Izakaya Shiono
74-5599 Pawai PlaceGreat Ramen and Sushi
Simple, easy and especially when you're hangry! Budget friendly
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Daiichi Ramen
74 -5452 Makala BlvdSimple, easy and especially when you're hangry! Budget friendly
Pau Hana Poke
73-5617 Maiau StreetAwesome poke spot! My go to place!
Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation
Fun spot for a bite to eat and an adult beverage! Food is average at best
77 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Humpy's Big Island Alehouse
75-5815 Ali‘i DrFun spot for a bite to eat and an adult beverage! Food is average at best
Great for ocean views and music! Food is standard fare and average (really good food and consistency is sometimes difficult to find on the island)
25 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
On the Rocks
75-5824 Kahakai RoadGreat for ocean views and music! Food is standard fare and average (really good food and consistency is sometimes difficult to find on the island)
Amazing place and views, especially sunset! Pricey but worth it. Food and drinks are phenomenal. Great for a date night or special occasion. Try the tasting menu for dinner!
24 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
CanoeHouse
68-1400 Mauna Lani DrAmazing place and views, especially sunset! Pricey but worth it. Food and drinks are phenomenal. Great for a date night or special occasion. Try the tasting menu for dinner!
Small and intimate! Very limited seating. Strongly recommend making reservation. Couple who owns this restaurant is from Japan. Husband was a chef and they make a great team that deliver on the food.
Seiji's Sushi
75-5669 Ali‘i DrSmall and intimate! Very limited seating. Strongly recommend making reservation. Couple who owns this restaurant is from Japan. Husband was a chef and they make a great team that deliver on the food.
Onolicious pizza, huge beer selection and views for days!
21 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Kai Eats and Drinks
75-5776 Ali‘i DriveOnolicious pizza, huge beer selection and views for days!
This place is soo good!! You will not be disappointed!!
8 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Original Big Island Shave Ice Co, Inc.
69-250 Waikōloa Beach DrThis place is soo good!! You will not be disappointed!!
Royal Thai Cafe
78-6831 Ali‘i DrGreat Thai place!
All vegan menu. Happened onto this place on a whim to try as I don't make it a point seek out vegan eateries since I'm an omnivore, but I'm glad I did. I've been back numerous times!
12 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Journey to Good Health Cafe LLC
75-5729 Ali‘i DrAll vegan menu. Happened onto this place on a whim to try as I don't make it a point seek out vegan eateries since I'm an omnivore, but I'm glad I did. I've been back numerous times!
Herbivores
75-5722 Hanama PlAll vegan spot (vegan fast food if you will)
Basik Cafe
75-5831 Kahakai RdSweet Journey Soft Serve
Delicious vegan soft serves!
Kona Joe Coffee LLC
79-7346 Mamalahoa HwyDelicious Coffee and incredible views!
Krua Thai Cuisine
75-5705 Kuakini HwyAs of December 2022 my favorite Thai place!
I wish I knew about this place earlier! When you arrive late on a flight and not a lot of options are available this place will satisfy! Their plate lunches do not disappoint!
11 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Chubby's Diner
75-5591 Palani RdI wish I knew about this place earlier! When you arrive late on a flight and not a lot of options are available this place will satisfy! Their plate lunches do not disappoint!
Great shop with an owner that has over 53 years of experience in the business! He has items I’ve never seen before! Plus they offer free wine tastings every Friday from 3-6pm!
Westside Wines
75-5660 Kopiko StGreat shop with an owner that has over 53 years of experience in the business! He has items I’ve never seen before! Plus they offer free wine tastings every Friday from 3-6pm!
Decent prices on food and drinks. A very nice spot to catch a gorgeous sunset. Mai Tais specifically here are spot on (as it should from their restaurant name :))
38 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Don's Mai Tai Bar
75-5852 Ali‘i DrDecent prices on food and drinks. A very nice spot to catch a gorgeous sunset. Mai Tais specifically here are spot on (as it should from their restaurant name :))
Not Panda Express type Chinese food in Kailua-Kona. Order the Crispy Chicken, Chicken lettuce cups, Hot and Sour Soup, Singapore Fried Rice Noodle, Salt Pepper Shrimp, Scallop with Black Bean Sauce, Capital Pork Ribs, Peking Duck
Ocean Seafood Chinese Restaurant
75-5626 Kuakini HwyNot Panda Express type Chinese food in Kailua-Kona. Order the Crispy Chicken, Chicken lettuce cups, Hot and Sour Soup, Singapore Fried Rice Noodle, Salt Pepper Shrimp, Scallop with Black Bean Sauce, Capital Pork Ribs, Peking Duck
Kiri Thai
Great Thai place to get your fix and my go to for Thai
Only one of three places to get Pho in Kona. Decent broth and noodles but portions are on the smaller side. Probably here and TK Noodle House are the only viable options on this side of the Island if craving pho. If traveling to Hilo, you'll have better options.
PHO KIM ANH
Only one of three places to get Pho in Kona. Decent broth and noodles but portions are on the smaller side. Probably here and TK Noodle House are the only viable options on this side of the Island if craving pho. If traveling to Hilo, you'll have better options.
Like the tenders more than the sandwich, but definitely still good if wanting hot chicken and the usual sides
20 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Willie's Hot Chicken
74-5599 Pawai PlLike the tenders more than the sandwich, but definitely still good if wanting hot chicken and the usual sides
Call to order and early! Local and tucked away hidden fave. Budget friendly and delicious.
26 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
You Make the Roll
75-5725 Ali‘i DrCall to order and early! Local and tucked away hidden fave. Budget friendly and delicious.
Go early for fresh bavarian cream malasadas. Go first when they open. They sell out fast. Ask the husband and wife team about their faves. Doesn't disappoint.
Paradise Bakery Hawaii
Go early for fresh bavarian cream malasadas. Go first when they open. They sell out fast. Ask the husband and wife team about their faves. Doesn't disappoint.
Reasonable prices for food and drinks. Not fancy but does the job right. Big fan of the burger and fries and Cobb salad (big portion)!
66 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Quinn's Almost by the Sea
75-5655 Palani RdReasonable prices for food and drinks. Not fancy but does the job right. Big fan of the burger and fries and Cobb salad (big portion)!
All vegan. Can sometimes take awhile to get your order due to limited staff at times but it's darn tasty Indian food!
Swami’s Dosa Grill Lunch
74-5533 Luhia StreetAll vegan. Can sometimes take awhile to get your order due to limited staff at times but it's darn tasty Indian food!
Have not tried it yet but reviews seem to be good online.
23 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Kamana Kitchen
75-5770 Ali‘i DrHave not tried it yet but reviews seem to be good online.
Solid burger. Also, try the GIANT burger on the menu. I shared it with a friend and it was delicious!
16 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Ultimate Burger
74-5450 Makala BlvdSolid burger. Also, try the GIANT burger on the menu. I shared it with a friend and it was delicious!
Excellent Italian food. A must! Lots of celebrities have visited.
40 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pueo's Osteria, LLC
68-1820 Waikoloa RdExcellent Italian food. A must! Lots of celebrities have visited.
Lani Tea House
Bubble teas and other Taiwanese style drinks! Best one I think on the island.
Tenkatori Kona
Japanese style fried chicken! So good ! Good place to grab n go.
No frills, just a great place to get sushi and udon on Ali'i Drive. For quality and price it doesn't get any better than this place. Sushi Cocoro and Udon Noodle is the name of the restaurant not Tunaichi.
11 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Tunaichi Sushi & Noodle
75-5699 Ali‘i DrNo frills, just a great place to get sushi and udon on Ali'i Drive. For quality and price it doesn't get any better than this place. Sushi Cocoro and Udon Noodle is the name of the restaurant not Tunaichi.
Beers, burgers, pizza, salads, some plate lunches
226 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Kona Brewing Company
74-5612 Pawai PlBeers, burgers, pizza, salads, some plate lunches
Great vibe, interesting beverages, and great coffee
18 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
HiCO - Hawaiian Coffee
74-5599 Pawai PlGreat vibe, interesting beverages, and great coffee
In Waikaloa Village Resort area. My go to for my cravings for bar food (burgers, pizza, wings, quesadillas, great variety of beers).
Tropics Restaurant & Taphouse Kona
In Waikaloa Village Resort area. My go to for my cravings for bar food (burgers, pizza, wings, quesadillas, great variety of beers).
Black Rock Pizzza - Kona
Best pizza on the Kona side easily
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort
Open every Sunday. Times subject to change so search online to ensure hours of operation before you leave. Small farmer's market
Keauhou Farmer's Market
Open every Sunday. Times subject to change so search online to ensure hours of operation before you leave. Small farmer's market
Office
South Kona Farmer's Market. Right across Kona Chips. Many vendors and one of my favorites.
This is a take out spot. Sandwiches are legit. A lot of their cooking comes from old family recipes. Open Tues-Friday 10AM -230PM but could be 330PM sometimes. Call and check for hours to be sure.
Christine's Deli
75-159 Lunapule RdThis is a take out spot. Sandwiches are legit. A lot of their cooking comes from old family recipes. Open Tues-Friday 10AM -230PM but could be 330PM sometimes. Call and check for hours to be sure.
Great atmosphere, wonderful people, and locally inspired cuisine.
51 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Red Water Cafe
65-1299 Kawaihae RdGreat atmosphere, wonderful people, and locally inspired cuisine.
At Mauna Lani Resort. Great place for celebrating a special occasion. Drinks and food are consistently good and ambiance is airy and elegant. Been here for both lunch and dinner with zero complaints on anything. I look foward to always coming here.
Hālani
At Mauna Lani Resort. Great place for celebrating a special occasion. Drinks and food are consistently good and ambiance is airy and elegant. Been here for both lunch and dinner with zero complaints on anything. I look foward to always coming here.
Only good Mexican food on the island and is authentic. Food portions are on the smaller side at least for dinner but the quality is what you are paying for and you can taste the freshness. Everything is made from scratch and is homemade. I heard their breakfast/brunch items are equally amazing.
Alebrije Mexican Restaurant & Bar
Only good Mexican food on the island and is authentic. Food portions are on the smaller side at least for dinner but the quality is what you are paying for and you can taste the freshness. Everything is made from scratch and is homemade. I heard their breakfast/brunch items are equally amazing.
Sightseeing
Keauhou Bay
Visit and explore one of the most stunning lagoons ever! So magical!
17 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Kiholo Bay
71-1890 Queen Ka'ahumanu HwyVisit and explore one of the most stunning lagoons ever! So magical!
Only 20 minutes from the house and one of the most incredible beaches Iʻve ever been to.
159 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Kua Bay
Only 20 minutes from the house and one of the most incredible beaches Iʻve ever been to.
Go visit, you wont be disappointed. There is a fee for Non-Hawaiian residents and the pay station does take credit cards.
241 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hapuna Beach
Go visit, you wont be disappointed. There is a fee for Non-Hawaiian residents and the pay station does take credit cards.
Makalawena Beach
Hawaii 19Definitely one of my favorite places on earth.
Beautiful and private beach! Need to get a pass from the guard shack as it's limited. Once they run of passes, you are out of luck. Go early to secure a spot!
26 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Kukio Beach
72-197 Waiulu StBeautiful and private beach! Need to get a pass from the guard shack as it's limited. Once they run of passes, you are out of luck. Go early to secure a spot!
Voyagers of the Pacific Luau
75-5852 Ali‘i DrHighly rated Luau
Island Breeze Luau
75-5660 Palani Rdhighly rated Luau
Beautiful and a nice hike. Check weather for a clear day. Mostly downhill steps to the beach with amazing views. Bottom of hike you get to the beach and just stunning views of the cliffside.
140 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pololu Valley
Beautiful and a nice hike. Check weather for a clear day. Mostly downhill steps to the beach with amazing views. Bottom of hike you get to the beach and just stunning views of the cliffside.
G o o g l e (Jello Mold Hike). 8 Miles roundtrip. Not much cover so have a hat and lots of sunscreen, water, and snacks. Beautiful vistas.
11 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pu'u Wa'awa'a Cinder Cone State Park
71-1645 Hawaiʻi Belt RdG o o g l e (Jello Mold Hike). 8 Miles roundtrip. Not much cover so have a hat and lots of sunscreen, water, and snacks. Beautiful vistas.
Beautiful stroll through the park. Can get busy but such lush and beautiful scenery
341 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Akaka Falls State Park
875 Akaka Falls RdBeautiful stroll through the park. Can get busy but such lush and beautiful scenery
Rainbow Falls
A cool place to visit when the volcano is active
880 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
A cool place to visit when the volcano is active
Definitely worth the trip up. Go to the visitors center area if you want to look at the stars and maybe even a shooting star.
Mauna Kea Observatory
Definitely worth the trip up. Go to the visitors center area if you want to look at the stars and maybe even a shooting star.
Makuala O'Oma Trail
Waimea Town Market at Parker School
65-1224 Lindsey RdSATURDAYS 730am to 12pm
Swim, snorkel, hike. Beautiful spot and clear water.
89 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Kealakekua Bay
Swim, snorkel, hike. Beautiful spot and clear water.
Great hike, can be difficult at times so have the right shoes. Bring lots of water, sunscreen, and snorkel and snacks especially if you want to explore and snorkel. If you don't want to hike you can find tour companies who will take you by boat or rent a kayak to explore the clear waters. So many fish here and water clarity is phenomenal!
64 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Captain Cook Monument Trail
Napoopoo RoadGreat hike, can be difficult at times so have the right shoes. Bring lots of water, sunscreen, and snorkel and snacks especially if you want to explore and snorkel. If you don't want to hike you can find tour companies who will take you by boat or rent a kayak to explore the clear waters. So many fish here and water clarity is phenomenal!
Neighborhoods
Hawi
Beautiful and enchanting!
Art enclave in the heart of Kona coffee country on the slopes above Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona) and Keauhou.
57 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Holualoa
Art enclave in the heart of Kona coffee country on the slopes above Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona) and Keauhou.
Services
Hawaii Sanctuary by Saima Day Spa
Great massaged by Mihai! Great experience from start to finish.
Get groceries, souvenirs, bentos, musubis, sushi, burgers, fresh and take away hot meals, acai bowls, smoothies, bubble tea, pastries, poke, plate lunches, salads, sandwiches, ready cut fruits. Pretty much a one stop shop. Cost effective option in this resort area. My go to before or after the beach
83 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Queens' Market Place
69-201 Waikōloa Beach DrGet groceries, souvenirs, bentos, musubis, sushi, burgers, fresh and take away hot meals, acai bowls, smoothies, bubble tea, pastries, poke, plate lunches, salads, sandwiches, ready cut fruits. Pretty much a one stop shop. Cost effective option in this resort area. My go to before or after the beach
Kings' Shops
250 Waikōloa Beach DrShopping in Waikoloa resort area
J & K Wash & Go
74-5565 Luhia StGet your laundry done here and eat next door at Killer Tacos while you wait or Ola Brewery for a few beers or ciders.
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Tyke's Laundromat Inc
74-5483 Kaiwi StGet your laundry done here and eat next door at Killer Tacos while you wait or Ola Brewery for a few beers or ciders.
Akamai Wash N Dry
Kona Cloud Forest
73-1865 Hao StKoru Medical Spa
Tattoo
Referred to me by my colleagues. Zach and Anthony are supposed to be amazing!
Lady Luck Tattoo & Body Piercing
Referred to me by my colleagues. Zach and Anthony are supposed to be amazing!
Grocery stores/Convenience Stores
My fave go to grocery store that has a lot of variety!
156 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
KTA Super Stores
74-5594 Palani RdMy fave go to grocery store that has a lot of variety!
Costco Wholesale
73-5600 Maiau StTarget
74-5455 Makala BlvdNice grab and go spot for fruits, vegetables, dry goods, snacks, convenience items, plate lunches, beverages, ice, etc. They have a little bit of everything!
16 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Matsuyama Food Mart
73-4354 Hawaiʻi Belt RdNice grab and go spot for fruits, vegetables, dry goods, snacks, convenience items, plate lunches, beverages, ice, etc. They have a little bit of everything!
Matsuyama Market
Nice local grocery spot to get the essentials!
Food Scene
Rock 'n Crab Kona
Seafood boil if you are in the mood
Absolutely delicious fine dining. One of my top 3. Drinks are top notch as well. Definitely a must try
Hālani
Absolutely delicious fine dining. One of my top 3. Drinks are top notch as well. Definitely a must try
Simple and delicious Chinese food. Their spicy menu items are my favorites. Also have another location in Kailua-Kona too.
Big Island Fireart
Simple and delicious Chinese food. Their spicy menu items are my favorites. Also have another location in Kailua-Kona too.
Absolutely a must. Make reservations days in advance. Merriman was one of the 12 founding chef's of Hawaii regional cuisine.
102 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Merriman's Big Island
65-1227 Opelo RdAbsolutely a must. Make reservations days in advance. Merriman was one of the 12 founding chef's of Hawaii regional cuisine.
Sushi Sam
Great sushi place! Only open for dinner from 5pm to 9pm
Shiono-ya is located inside the KTA store in Kailua-Kona, serving take-out sushi and japanese food bentos with the same good quality as other Shiono dine-in restaurants in the same town. Grab and go is easy.
SHIONO-YA
Shiono-ya is located inside the KTA store in Kailua-Kona, serving take-out sushi and japanese food bentos with the same good quality as other Shiono dine-in restaurants in the same town. Grab and go is easy.
Local plate lunches, burgers, and Chinese food. Reasonably priced and good sized portions. Great for takeaway and head to the beach!
Kona Chinese BBQ
Local plate lunches, burgers, and Chinese food. Reasonably priced and good sized portions. Great for takeaway and head to the beach!
Sushi Sam
Nice spot for great sushi!