Liz's Guidebook
Hikes
Gorgeous views and excellent snorkeling. Pretty steep so bring proper footwear
64 residents recomanen
Captain Cook Monument Trail
Napoopoo RoadGorgeous views and excellent snorkeling. Pretty steep so bring proper footwear
Makuala O'Oma Trail
“Jurassic” hike off Kaloko Rd.
This hike is about 45 minutes and can be very windy. I recommend tennis shoes and a light layer. There is an option to ride down with locals for a small fee.
148 residents recomanen
Platja de sorra verda de Papakōlea
This hike is about 45 minutes and can be very windy. I recommend tennis shoes and a light layer. There is an option to ride down with locals for a small fee.
Steep but short hike down, around 20 minutes. Can be very muddy if it has recently rained so I recommend proper footwear. There is a black sand beach and river at the bottom. Please respect local signage as this is a sacred place.
Stop in Hawi on the way up and check out the cute downtown.
I recommend Fresh off the Grid for a cold refreshment on your way back!
140 residents recomanen
Pololu Valley
Steep but short hike down, around 20 minutes. Can be very muddy if it has recently rained so I recommend proper footwear. There is a black sand beach and river at the bottom. Please respect local signage as this is a sacred place.
Stop in Hawi on the way up and check out the cute downtown.
I recommend Fresh off the Grid for a cold refreshment on your way back!
Beaches
One of beautiful white sand beaches. Easy to park, showers and bathrooms.
66 residents recomanen
Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay)
One of beautiful white sand beaches. Easy to park, showers and bathrooms.
Hike in from the south side (Mahaiulas, Kekahakai State Park). 45 minutes over sand and lava rock
80 residents recomanen
Makalawena Beach
Hawaii 19Hike in from the south side (Mahaiulas, Kekahakai State Park). 45 minutes over sand and lava rock
Great place for beginner surfing! Lessons and rentals next door.
239 residents recomanen
Badia de Kahaluu
Ali‘i DriveGreat place for beginner surfing! Lessons and rentals next door.
This is a public beach but parking is very limited. Your best bet is to try to get there as early as possible on a week day. There is a good chance the lot is full so check out Hapuna Beach for a back up!
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Mauna Kea Beach DrThis is a public beach but parking is very limited. Your best bet is to try to get there as early as possible on a week day. There is a good chance the lot is full so check out Hapuna Beach for a back up!
Gorgeous beach with incredible views on the north part of the island. Sand can be VERY hot to bring an umbrella. Parking is limited so arrive early.
18 residents recomanen
49 Black Sand Beach
Gorgeous beach with incredible views on the north part of the island. Sand can be VERY hot to bring an umbrella. Parking is limited so arrive early.
Snorkeling
Two Step
Make sure to walk all the way to the right edge of the lava, to step off into the water. There are literally “two steps” making it very easy to get in and out. While you are here check out the Place of Refuge just steps away!
21 residents recomanen
Two Step busseig i snorkel
Make sure to walk all the way to the right edge of the lava, to step off into the water. There are literally “two steps” making it very easy to get in and out. While you are here check out the Place of Refuge just steps away!
Food scene
Shaka Tacoz
82-6167 Mamalahoa HighwayOla Brew
74-5598 Luhia StGreat spot for food or just drinks. Music on Friday and Saturdays
20 residents recomanen
Willie's Hot Chicken
74-5599 Pawai PlGreat spot for food or just drinks. Music on Friday and Saturdays
Da Poke Shack
76-6246 Ali‘i DriveLocally caught fish. Worth the wait! Pick up for the beach
Easy spot to pick up food for the beach. Something for everyone.
45 residents recomanen
Pine Tree Cafe
73-4040 Hulikoa DrEasy spot to pick up food for the beach. Something for everyone.
Sushi Shiono
75-5799 Ali‘i DrExcellent sushi spot in town!
Sister restaurant to Sushi Shiono. Large menu in a fun brewery block
12 residents recomanen
Izakaya Shiono
74-5599 Pawai PlaceSister restaurant to Sushi Shiono. Large menu in a fun brewery block
DELICIOUS coffee. Cute shop to hang out and listen to live music. Try the Ube Latte!
18 residents recomanen
HiCO - Hawaiian Coffee
74-5599 Pawai PlDELICIOUS coffee. Cute shop to hang out and listen to live music. Try the Ube Latte!
Kai Eats and Drinks
75-5776 Ali‘i Drive48 beers on tap! Awesome spot right on the water
This town is a great stop on the way to the National Park. Excellent malasadas and goodies!
185 residents recomanen
Punalu'u Bake Shop
95-5642 HI-11This town is a great stop on the way to the National Park. Excellent malasadas and goodies!
Absolutely the best poke on the island. It is in Kawaihae inside of a market and a hidden gem. If you are in the Hawi area I highly recommend it.
18 residents recomanen
Hale I'a Da Fish House
613665 Kawaihae-Mahukona RdAbsolutely the best poke on the island. It is in Kawaihae inside of a market and a hidden gem. If you are in the Hawi area I highly recommend it.
Fresh Off the Grid
52-4877 Akoni Pule HighwayMost spot on the way or back from Pololu for juice, smoothies, or ice cream!
Activities
Kona Boys Beach Shack
755664 Kaahumanu PlRent paddle boards and launch right from this beach!
Highly recommend this coffee tour! Gorgeous views and friendly staff
18 residents recomanen
Heavenly Hawaiian Kona Coffee Farm
78-1136 Bishop RdHighly recommend this coffee tour! Gorgeous views and friendly staff
Loved this tour with tons of wildlife and delicious coffee. They offer ATV tours as well.
7 residents recomanen
Buddha's Cup
78-1377 Bishop RdLoved this tour with tons of wildlife and delicious coffee. They offer ATV tours as well.
This is a must do on the Big Island! I highly recommend Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii or Hawaii Ocean Adventures, but all companies end up being together in the water. If you get seasick, there are boats that leave right from Keauhou Bay if you did not want to take the ride from Honokohau Harbor
50 residents recomanen
Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii
74-380 Kealakehe PkwyThis is a must do on the Big Island! I highly recommend Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii or Hawaii Ocean Adventures, but all companies end up being together in the water. If you get seasick, there are boats that leave right from Keauhou Bay if you did not want to take the ride from Honokohau Harbor
Sightseeing
Also known as Place of Refuge. Learn about the Ali’i and take in the breathtaking landscape.
270 residents recomanen
Parc Històric Nacional Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau
State Highway 160Also known as Place of Refuge. Learn about the Ali’i and take in the breathtaking landscape.
Coves de Kaumana
1492 Kaumana DrVery cool spot and easy stop on the way to the falls
Beautiful falls and very easy to get to. Just park and walk to the viewing area
337 residents recomanen
Rainbow Falls
Beautiful falls and very easy to get to. Just park and walk to the viewing area
Incredible falls and nice nature walking path.
341 residents recomanen
Parc Estatal de les Cataractes d'Akaka
875 Akaka Falls RdIncredible falls and nice nature walking path.