Our Favorite Big Island Spots
Sightseeing
I recommend a night in Volcano to take advantage of lava and star viewing at night and early access to the park attractions before the crowds!
71 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Volcano
I recommend a night in Volcano to take advantage of lava and star viewing at night and early access to the park attractions before the crowds!
Cities to Explore
Some of our favorite restaurants are here! The Saturday farmers market is a must! Stop here before adventuring to Hawi or Hilo
78 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Waimea
Some of our favorite restaurants are here! The Saturday farmers market is a must! Stop here before adventuring to Hawi or Hilo
Hawi
Kealakekua
Holualoa
Honokaa
Punaluu
Favorite Beaches
A round up of my favorite beaches on the island!
Kua Bay
Such a gorgeous beach! I’ve spotted many monk seals while here. The drive does require a good car! If you’re feeling up for it - keep hiking out to Makalawena!
19 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Mahaiʻula Beach
Such a gorgeous beach! I’ve spotted many monk seals while here. The drive does require a good car! If you’re feeling up for it - keep hiking out to Makalawena!
Large, white sand beach with lots of parking! Bring your umbrella
241 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hapuna Beach
Large, white sand beach with lots of parking! Bring your umbrella
Waialea Beach
Old Puako RoadNot the most swimable beach, but perfect for hanging out and watching surfers - easy parking getting!
25 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pine Trees Surfing Beach
Not the most swimable beach, but perfect for hanging out and watching surfers - easy parking getting!
Keike Beach (Queen's Bath)
Lots of shade & some grass. Limited parking so get there early!
26 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Kukio Beach
72-197 Waiulu StLots of shade & some grass. Limited parking so get there early!
Kaunaʻoa (Mauna Kea) Beach
Honokohau Beach
Dog friendly with historical sights to enjoy!
Coffee Tours & Shops
Our favorite coffee tours and shops
Kona Joe Coffee LLC
79-7346 Mamalahoa HwyHiCO - Hawaiian Coffee
74-5599 Pawai PlKona Coffee & Tea
74-5588 Palani RdArvo Cafe Waimea
65-1227 Opelo RdFree tours that run often! Engaging guides and wonderful coffee samples
43 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Greenwell Farms Inc
81-6581 Mamalahoa HwyFree tours that run often! Engaging guides and wonderful coffee samples
Just up the road from the house
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Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation
Just up the road from the house
Food scene
Ola Brew
74-5598 Luhia StKona Brewing Company
74-5612 Pawai PlDon’t sleep on this place tucked away by Costco! Such an amazing selection of poke made right in front of you
8 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pau Hana Poke
73-5617 Maiau StreetDon’t sleep on this place tucked away by Costco! Such an amazing selection of poke made right in front of you
Nothing fancy and to go only, but it’s such good and fresh Thai food
38 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Original Thai Cuisine LLC
75-5629 Kuakini HwyNothing fancy and to go only, but it’s such good and fresh Thai food
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
74-5599 Pawai PlBeach Tree Bar
72-100 Kaupulehu DrTommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store
68-1330 Mauna Lani DrThe Fish And The Hog
64-957 Hawaiʻi Belt RdMoa Kitchen
65-1298 Kawaihae RdAmacebiso ngesixeko
Ukuhamba-hamba
Have your own car
The Big Island is.. big! We strongly recommend having your own car as taxis and Uber’s are not very reliable and the neighborhood is not very walking friendly.
Izinto omele uzipakishe
Come prepared!
Are you heading to the Volcano or Mauna Kea during your trip? Being layers! Evenings cool down and in the winter, the mountain can get snow. Otherwise, pack your bathing suit, tennis shoes and casual wear! Unless dining at the resorts, no one really gets dressed up here. Skip the heels and leave room for souvenirs!