Big Island Recommendations & Tips!
Lets go Kau Kau! ( Hawaiian for food/eat)
Budget Friendly Restaurants, Local Faves, and Splurge Worthy Spots
The best mai tais on the planet! Happy hour from 3-5 daily. A great spot to take kids as well with a large grassy lawn in full sight from the restaurant. The perfect sunset spot.
69 residents recomanen
Kona Inn Restaurant
75-5744 Ali‘i DrThe best mai tais on the planet! Happy hour from 3-5 daily. A great spot to take kids as well with a large grassy lawn in full sight from the restaurant. The perfect sunset spot.
Don't be fooled by the humble exterior, this place has been around since the 70s and pumps out great bar friendly food and drinks. Try their fish wrap or fish and chips (best in town). Ask for the Ono fish for a mild, white fish that is caught locally! Also - this place has the best steak fries!
66 residents recomanen
Quinn's Almost by the Sea
75-5655 Palani RdDon't be fooled by the humble exterior, this place has been around since the 70s and pumps out great bar friendly food and drinks. Try their fish wrap or fish and chips (best in town). Ask for the Ono fish for a mild, white fish that is caught locally! Also - this place has the best steak fries!
Very popular and can be VERY busy but it's a great place for a pizza and gives you a chance to try some of their beers that you can't buy in bottles (my fave? the Hula Hefeweizen!)
Try mid afternoon to miss the lunch and dinner rush or head there a bit later in the evenings to shorten your wait. Better yet? Grab a pizza to go and a growler of beer from the shack out front and head to the beach!
226 residents recomanen
Kona Brewing Company
74-5612 Pawai PlVery popular and can be VERY busy but it's a great place for a pizza and gives you a chance to try some of their beers that you can't buy in bottles (my fave? the Hula Hefeweizen!)
Try mid afternoon to miss the lunch and dinner rush or head there a bit later in the evenings to shorten your wait. Better yet? Grab a pizza to go and a growler of beer from the shack out front and head to the beach!
No view but if you are into craft beers , hard ciders, and unique seltzers this is a local fave. Food options vary, look up online before going to make sure that their kitchen is open on the day you plan to go.
64 residents recomanen
Ola Brew
74-5598 Luhia StNo view but if you are into craft beers , hard ciders, and unique seltzers this is a local fave. Food options vary, look up online before going to make sure that their kitchen is open on the day you plan to go.
Absolutely delicious Thai food. Their pumpkin curry is SO GOOD and so is their garlic pepper chicken 😋😋😋. This is a BYOB location so if you want beer or wine, bring what you want in a cooler and they will give you a glass and an opener. This is a local spot and is in an unimpressive strip mall with zero view but it is delicious for dine in or take out and the prices are reasonable.
17 residents recomanen
Orchid Thai Cuisine
74-5563 Kaiwi StAbsolutely delicious Thai food. Their pumpkin curry is SO GOOD and so is their garlic pepper chicken 😋😋😋. This is a BYOB location so if you want beer or wine, bring what you want in a cooler and they will give you a glass and an opener. This is a local spot and is in an unimpressive strip mall with zero view but it is delicious for dine in or take out and the prices are reasonable.
Very casual spot at the local harbor full of locals and visitors and LOTS of fishermen. Good burgers, fresh fish, and big icy schooners of beer.
34 residents recomanen
Harbor House
74-425 Kealakehe PkwyVery casual spot at the local harbor full of locals and visitors and LOTS of fishermen. Good burgers, fresh fish, and big icy schooners of beer.
Great Lunch and Dinner Specials - Also good for takeout. Affordable and delicious sushi and other things like bento boxes, teriyaki, and more. I love their sizzling beef. This is in a strip mall with no view.
9 residents recomanen
Sakura
75-1027 Henry StGreat Lunch and Dinner Specials - Also good for takeout. Affordable and delicious sushi and other things like bento boxes, teriyaki, and more. I love their sizzling beef. This is in a strip mall with no view.
SPLURGE WORTHY - Good food, good drinks - incredible location on the ocean next door to one of our most famous beaches in town - Magic Sands - White sand when the surf is small, solid rocks when the surf is large!!
91 residents recomanen
Magics Beach Grill
77-6452 Ali‘i DrSPLURGE WORTHY - Good food, good drinks - incredible location on the ocean next door to one of our most famous beaches in town - Magic Sands - White sand when the surf is small, solid rocks when the surf is large!!
SPLURGE WORTHY - Fabulous fish and other dishes, a Kona favorite for decades. Excellent service on the waterfront.
162 residents recomanen
Huggo's
75-5828 Kahakai RdSPLURGE WORTHY - Fabulous fish and other dishes, a Kona favorite for decades. Excellent service on the waterfront.
SPLURGE WORTHY - If you can get a reservation, enjoy amazing service on the ocean at either Ulu (Four Seasons fine dining option) or the Beach Tree Grill
15 residents recomanen
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
72-100 Ka'upulehu DriveSPLURGE WORTHY - If you can get a reservation, enjoy amazing service on the ocean at either Ulu (Four Seasons fine dining option) or the Beach Tree Grill
Very local spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Order at the counter. Their spicy garlic chicken plate is absolutely delicious (and not remotely healthy lol). We love grabbing takeout there and heading to Pine Trees (Kohanaiki) beach to watch the sunset.
45 residents recomanen
Pine Tree Cafe
73-4040 Hulikoa DrVery local spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Order at the counter. Their spicy garlic chicken plate is absolutely delicious (and not remotely healthy lol). We love grabbing takeout there and heading to Pine Trees (Kohanaiki) beach to watch the sunset.
Frozen Mai tais, fried chicken, live music, all in a casual and fun environment. My favorite is the sweet Hawaiian fried chicken and their lilikoi vinaigrette. My kids love the waffles! This is part of the Brewery Block, lots of local shops and restaurants!
Save some $$ and pick up a gift card at Costco, last I checked you could get $100 value gift card for $80!
20 residents recomanen
Willie's Hot Chicken
74-5599 Pawai PlFrozen Mai tais, fried chicken, live music, all in a casual and fun environment. My favorite is the sweet Hawaiian fried chicken and their lilikoi vinaigrette. My kids love the waffles! This is part of the Brewery Block, lots of local shops and restaurants!
Save some $$ and pick up a gift card at Costco, last I checked you could get $100 value gift card for $80!
Same owners as huggos. G.orgeous location with fun drinks and un-fussy food. Delicious steak tacos! insider tip - park across the street for free parking, do not park in the lot next door to the restaurant, it's exorbitantly expensive.
21 residents recomanen
Kai Eats and Drinks
75-5776 Ali‘i DriveSame owners as huggos. G.orgeous location with fun drinks and un-fussy food. Delicious steak tacos! insider tip - park across the street for free parking, do not park in the lot next door to the restaurant, it's exorbitantly expensive.
I know I know! But where else will you get a budget steak with a gorgeous ocean view?! This particular outback pumps out pretty decent food, usually decent service, and is full of locals. Grab a table outside and enjoy!
7 residents recomanen
Outback Steakhouse
Market PlaceI know I know! But where else will you get a budget steak with a gorgeous ocean view?! This particular outback pumps out pretty decent food, usually decent service, and is full of locals. Grab a table outside and enjoy!
Let's Go Beach
Also known as Manini'owali . An absolutely gorgeous white sand beach about 15 minutes from our house.
*A very popular location, either plan to go early (by 9am) for parking or go late afternoon and stay through sunset.
* No shade, be sure to bring your own if you need it
*When the surf is down this is a tranquil spot known for crystal clear water and can be fun for snorkeling or just lounging and floating. When the surf is up please be very careful! Not for beginners.
159 residents recomanen
Kua Bay
Also known as Manini'owali . An absolutely gorgeous white sand beach about 15 minutes from our house.
*A very popular location, either plan to go early (by 9am) for parking or go late afternoon and stay through sunset.
* No shade, be sure to bring your own if you need it
*When the surf is down this is a tranquil spot known for crystal clear water and can be fun for snorkeling or just lounging and floating. When the surf is up please be very careful! Not for beginners.
Also known as Beach 69 (it's off the 69 mile marker on the highway) in the historic area of Puako. Abundance of shade, good for swimming and snorkeling. Absolutely beautiful about 35/40 minutes north from our cottage.
109 residents recomanen
Waialea Beach
Old Puako RoadAlso known as Beach 69 (it's off the 69 mile marker on the highway) in the historic area of Puako. Abundance of shade, good for swimming and snorkeling. Absolutely beautiful about 35/40 minutes north from our cottage.
Ranked as one of the world's best beaches, Mauna Kea never disappoints, with pristine water, soft white sand, and a beachfront bar and restaurant that you do not have to be a hotel guest to enjoy. Insiders Tip - Order a Tropical Itch at the bar - it's no longer on the menu but they've been serving it up for 50 years!
Extra Insiders Tip - If they say they are "Out of Beach Passes" ask them if you can valet instead. As long as you order food or a drink at the restaurant, they will reduce the valet fee from $40 to $20. Verify this day of just in case the policy has changed.
70 residents recomanen
Kaunaʻoa (Mauna Kea) Beach
Ranked as one of the world's best beaches, Mauna Kea never disappoints, with pristine water, soft white sand, and a beachfront bar and restaurant that you do not have to be a hotel guest to enjoy. Insiders Tip - Order a Tropical Itch at the bar - it's no longer on the menu but they've been serving it up for 50 years!
Extra Insiders Tip - If they say they are "Out of Beach Passes" ask them if you can valet instead. As long as you order food or a drink at the restaurant, they will reduce the valet fee from $40 to $20. Verify this day of just in case the policy has changed.
Very popular with visitors and locals. Big white sandy beach with a large shore break in the winter (be careful!) but also very calm days. Be sure to bring your own shade. Look up full details about this spot on google.
241 residents recomanen
Hapuna Beach
Very popular with visitors and locals. Big white sandy beach with a large shore break in the winter (be careful!) but also very calm days. Be sure to bring your own shade. Look up full details about this spot on google.
Not for casual swimming but this is one of our favorite spots to go with our beach chairs, takeout and a cooler of our favorite drinks for dinner on the beach at sunset! Once you get to the bottom of the main road, head left and pick your favorite spot to settle. Want to watch surfers? Drive down almost to the end of the road and park anywhere past the main bathrooms.
25 residents recomanen
Pine Trees Surfing Beach
Not for casual swimming but this is one of our favorite spots to go with our beach chairs, takeout and a cooler of our favorite drinks for dinner on the beach at sunset! Once you get to the bottom of the main road, head left and pick your favorite spot to settle. Want to watch surfers? Drive down almost to the end of the road and park anywhere past the main bathrooms.
Definitely recommend an SUV or something with some ground clearance if you're going here but this is one of our favorite beaches. The entrance is just north of the airport and even though it's a bumpy ride followed by a bit of a walk, it's absolutely beautiful. .This is also a popular spot for seeing occasional monk seals. I recommend parking before you get to the end where you see a gate to your right with a trail. Walk down the trail for about 8-10 minutes and then pick a spot on the beach! No need to pack an umbrella for this one, there's plenty of trees. Use caution getting in the water, it can be rocky.
19 residents recomanen
Mahaiʻula Beach
Definitely recommend an SUV or something with some ground clearance if you're going here but this is one of our favorite beaches. The entrance is just north of the airport and even though it's a bumpy ride followed by a bit of a walk, it's absolutely beautiful. .This is also a popular spot for seeing occasional monk seals. I recommend parking before you get to the end where you see a gate to your right with a trail. Walk down the trail for about 8-10 minutes and then pick a spot on the beach! No need to pack an umbrella for this one, there's plenty of trees. Use caution getting in the water, it can be rocky.
Let's Go Holoholo (Hawaiian for - travel/have fun/cruise)
If you are up for the drive, it's great to drive south in the morning around the southern most tip of the island and make your way to the National Park where you can learn about the volcano, sometimes see it in action, and experience multiple climates as you make your way there. After leaving, continue on to Hilo for a late lunch early dinner before returning home over Saddle Road.
880 residents recomanen
Parc Nacional dels Volcans d'Hawaii
If you are up for the drive, it's great to drive south in the morning around the southern most tip of the island and make your way to the National Park where you can learn about the volcano, sometimes see it in action, and experience multiple climates as you make your way there. After leaving, continue on to Hilo for a late lunch early dinner before returning home over Saddle Road.
Island Breeze Luau
75-5660 Palani RdA classic Kona luau at the King Kamehameha Hotel.
Voyagers of the Pacific Luau
75-5852 Ali‘i DrAnother classic Kona luau!
For an evening away, this is 40 minutes from our cottage located in a massive resort. The luau has always been festive and fun.
7 residents recomanen
Legends of Hawaii Luau
69-425 Waikōloa Beach DrFor an evening away, this is 40 minutes from our cottage located in a massive resort. The luau has always been festive and fun.
Fun snorkel trip to Kealakekua Bay. Smaller boats and they feel adventurous because they are zodiac style.
15 residents recomanen
Sea Quest Hawaii
78-7138 Kaleiopapa StFun snorkel trip to Kealakekua Bay. Smaller boats and they feel adventurous because they are zodiac style.
A beautiful drive with great scenic views. It's a steep but manageable hike to the valley floor for kids and adults if you are in relatively good health, not recommended for anyone with knee or ankle issues, it will definitely strain them. DO NOT SWIM HERE, no really...it's very dangerous no matter your skill level.
The town of Hawi is a fun stop along the way for coffee, ice cream, or a tasty lunch at one of the local spots.
89 residents recomanen
Mirador de Pololu Valley
52-5100 Akoni Pule HwyA beautiful drive with great scenic views. It's a steep but manageable hike to the valley floor for kids and adults if you are in relatively good health, not recommended for anyone with knee or ankle issues, it will definitely strain them. DO NOT SWIM HERE, no really...it's very dangerous no matter your skill level.
The town of Hawi is a fun stop along the way for coffee, ice cream, or a tasty lunch at one of the local spots.
Feeling adventurous? We did this as a family with our young kids and it was equal parts terrifying and exhilarating! Even if you just stop by to watch the adventures for a bit it's a beautiful location and you can grab an ice cream or a snack and take in the views. They also offer other types of adventures. This is about an hour and 45 minutes from our cottage as you head towards Hilo via the Hamakua coast.
55 residents recomanen
Experiència de tirolina i rapel a les cascades de Umauma
31-313 Old Mamalahoa HwyFeeling adventurous? We did this as a family with our young kids and it was equal parts terrifying and exhilarating! Even if you just stop by to watch the adventures for a bit it's a beautiful location and you can grab an ice cream or a snack and take in the views. They also offer other types of adventures. This is about an hour and 45 minutes from our cottage as you head towards Hilo via the Hamakua coast.
Groceries & Supplies
Big Island based grocery chain. Great for local produce and fresh fish as well as a decent wine and cheese selection.... can be expensive for packaged things like cereal, crackers, etc. Head to Costco, Target or Walmart for the best deals on those things.
156 residents recomanen
KTA Super Stores
74-5594 Palani RdBig Island based grocery chain. Great for local produce and fresh fish as well as a decent wine and cheese selection.... can be expensive for packaged things like cereal, crackers, etc. Head to Costco, Target or Walmart for the best deals on those things.
This is at the top of our neighborhood less than a half mile from our house. It's an easy spot for a few gallons of gas, ice, beer, and snacks. They also have decent pizza available to order most days after 2pm and have a limited deli area. They have a little bit of everything like a general store and come in handy when you just need one or two things or want to grab something on the way to the beach.
16 residents recomanen
Matsuyama Food Mart
73-4354 Hawaiʻi Belt RdThis is at the top of our neighborhood less than a half mile from our house. It's an easy spot for a few gallons of gas, ice, beer, and snacks. They also have decent pizza available to order most days after 2pm and have a limited deli area. They have a little bit of everything like a general store and come in handy when you just need one or two things or want to grab something on the way to the beach.
Safeway tends to be very pricey in Hawaii however if you have a specialty food item you need, sometimes this is the only option. Safeway does have a great selection of beer and wine also. I tend to get all of our dry goods at Target along with dairy products and most of our produce at KTA and Costco. I reserve Safeway for when we want specific bread from their bakery or certain specialty ingredients for recipes.
130 residents recomanen
Safeway
75-971 Henry StSafeway tends to be very pricey in Hawaii however if you have a specialty food item you need, sometimes this is the only option. Safeway does have a great selection of beer and wine also. I tend to get all of our dry goods at Target along with dairy products and most of our produce at KTA and Costco. I reserve Safeway for when we want specific bread from their bakery or certain specialty ingredients for recipes.
Target is the best deal for groceries with a good selection. I prefer this to Walmart or safety for the majority of our purchases.
70 residents recomanen
Target
74-5455 Makala BlvdTarget is the best deal for groceries with a good selection. I prefer this to Walmart or safety for the majority of our purchases.
When you live in Hawaii - Costco becomes a life necessity. You must have a membership to shop here but if you haven't been to Costco in Hawaii before, besides the usual groceries its a good spot for local coffee, treats, and other Hawaii made products and food.
153 residents recomanen
Costco Wholesale
73-5600 Maiau StWhen you live in Hawaii - Costco becomes a life necessity. You must have a membership to shop here but if you haven't been to Costco in Hawaii before, besides the usual groceries its a good spot for local coffee, treats, and other Hawaii made products and food.
Kona Coffee!!!
Great spot, up in the rain forest about 10 minutes from our cottage. Tours, tastings and more
32 residents recomanen
Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation
Great spot, up in the rain forest about 10 minutes from our cottage. Tours, tastings and more
Kona Joe Coffee LLC
79-7346 Mamalahoa HwyAmazing Views, about 25 minutes south of our cottage.
if you are looking for authentic Kona history, this is a great spot to go.
43 residents recomanen
Greenwell Farms Inc
81-6581 Mamalahoa Hwyif you are looking for authentic Kona history, this is a great spot to go.
Farmers and Artisan Markets
Good for produce - lots of gifts/souvenirs but they are primarily imported and not local just a heads up!
68 residents recomanen
Mercat de pagesos de Kona
75-5767 Ali‘i DrGood for produce - lots of gifts/souvenirs but they are primarily imported and not local just a heads up!
About a 45 minute drive from us in the charming and beautiful little cowboy town of Waimea.
19 residents recomanen
Waimea Town Market at Parker School
65-1224 Lindsey RdAbout a 45 minute drive from us in the charming and beautiful little cowboy town of Waimea.
Permanent sheds in a garden like setting, lots of local businesses, easy parking, and convenient restrooms. Worth a cruise through if you are in the area.
22 residents recomanen
Alii Gardens Marketplace
75-6129 Ali‘i DrPermanent sheds in a garden like setting, lots of local businesses, easy parking, and convenient restrooms. Worth a cruise through if you are in the area.