Drinks & Nightlife
Fun place in town for drinks and appetizers. They have live music and the location is upstairs and open air looking out to bay.
60 residents recomanen
Gertrude's Jazz Bar
75-5699 Ali‘i DriveFun place in town for drinks and appetizers. They have live music and the location is upstairs and open air looking out to bay.
New brewery in town...worth checking out! They use island grown fruits ciders like: White Pineapple Cider and Dragonfruit and Lychee Cider. So good!
64 residents recomanen
Ola Brew
74-5598 Luhia StNew brewery in town...worth checking out! They use island grown fruits ciders like: White Pineapple Cider and Dragonfruit and Lychee Cider. So good!
Kona Brewing Company
74-5612 Pawai PlAt Magic/White Sands beach - great spot on the water with waves actually breaking on the restaurant Great for sunsets!
91 residents recomanen
Magics Beach Grill
77-6452 Ali‘i DrAt Magic/White Sands beach - great spot on the water with waves actually breaking on the restaurant Great for sunsets!
Go at sunset and grab a seat for an incredible view - food, cocktails, live music and also luau's on certain evenings.
38 residents recomanen
Don's Mai Tai Bar
75-5852 Ali‘i DrGo at sunset and grab a seat for an incredible view - food, cocktails, live music and also luau's on certain evenings.
Beach Tree Bar
72-100 Kaupulehu DrAt the Four Seasons - Absolutely Beautiful Spot
Napua at Mauna Lani Beach club
68-1292 S Kaniku DrA little drive away but worth it!
Delicious mai tai's right on the beach. Worth the drive to see the grounds and best beach with restaurants
Hau Tree
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach DrDelicious mai tai's right on the beach. Worth the drive to see the grounds and best beach with restaurants
Live music, dance, no roof so listen to music under the stars, but with good sound
54 residents recomanen
Blue Dragon Restaurant and Coastal Cuisine
61-3616 Kawaihae RdLive music, dance, no roof so listen to music under the stars, but with good sound
Food Scene
Walk just 2 complexes down for early coffee or treat before everyone wakes up! Great coffee, smoothies, wraps and sandwiches.
30 residents recomanen
Green Flash Coffee
75-6000 Ali‘i DrWalk just 2 complexes down for early coffee or treat before everyone wakes up! Great coffee, smoothies, wraps and sandwiches.
Great for watching the Kona sunset! It's outdoors and some tables are right in the sand. Good fish tacos and Mai tai's! Live music in evenings and sometimes you will see a hula dancer too.
149 residents recomanen
On the Rocks
75-5824 Kahakai RdGreat for watching the Kona sunset! It's outdoors and some tables are right in the sand. Good fish tacos and Mai tai's! Live music in evenings and sometimes you will see a hula dancer too.
Island Lava Java
75-5801 Ali‘i DrCoffee, food, trendy place right in town
Really cute tea and coffee and lunch place....desserts too!
Walking distance!
20 residents recomanen
Tea:licious Cafe
75-159 Lunapule RdReally cute tea and coffee and lunch place....desserts too!
Walking distance!
FEATURED on Goop website: https://goop.com/restaurants/hawaii/big-island/holualoa/holuakoa-cafe/ . Trendy, good food,
61 residents recomanen
Holuakoa Gardens and Cafe
765897 Kona Belt RdFEATURED on Goop website: https://goop.com/restaurants/hawaii/big-island/holualoa/holuakoa-cafe/ . Trendy, good food,
It sits atop the mountainside with sweeping views! Great coffee and food...perfect place to stop on your day of exploring.
137 residents recomanen
The Coffee Shack
83-5799 Mamalahoa HwyIt sits atop the mountainside with sweeping views! Great coffee and food...perfect place to stop on your day of exploring.
Okay, they have the BEST COFFEE I've ever had. A great drive inland to Waimea/Kamuela. Check it out for sure...and on Saturday mornings, the Farmers Market too!
46 residents recomanen
Waimea Coffee Company
65-1279 Kawaihae RdOkay, they have the BEST COFFEE I've ever had. A great drive inland to Waimea/Kamuela. Check it out for sure...and on Saturday mornings, the Farmers Market too!
Great place for fish...you can take out fresh and barbecue at home or eat there.
154 residents recomanen
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
74-5599 Pawai PlGreat place for fish...you can take out fresh and barbecue at home or eat there.
El Maguey
74-5563 Kaiwi StKnown for great Mexican food!
Take a drive into the horse country to Waimea on Saturday mornings for the Parker School Farmers Market. Delicious food finds and while you're in town, stop at the Waimea Coffee Co. just around the corner--best coffee ever and great food.
19 residents recomanen
Waimea Town Market at Parker School
65-1224 Lindsey RdTake a drive into the horse country to Waimea on Saturday mornings for the Parker School Farmers Market. Delicious food finds and while you're in town, stop at the Waimea Coffee Co. just around the corner--best coffee ever and great food.
Feet in the sand and great food and drinks--lovely setting!
171 residents recomanen
Lava Lava Beach Club
69-1081 Ku'uali'i PlFeet in the sand and great food and drinks--lovely setting!
Excellent fish + Fantastic sweeping ocean views + Sports bar!
8 residents recomanen
Tropics Tap House - Keauhou
78-6831 Ali‘i DrExcellent fish + Fantastic sweeping ocean views + Sports bar!
Delightful Waimea restaurant with Hawaiian and Asian dishes.- make a reservation.
51 residents recomanen
Red Water Cafe
65-1299 Kawaihae RdDelightful Waimea restaurant with Hawaiian and Asian dishes.- make a reservation.
Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar
75-5770 Ali‘i DrFormerly 'Daylight Mind"
Bamboo Restaurant & Gallery
55-3415 Akoni Pule HwyDelicious food - wonderful Hawaiian decor.
Killer Tacos
74-5483 Kaiwi StreetPretty good tacos!
Krua Thai Cuisine
75-5705 Kuakini HwyAmazing food!
Jackie Rey's - delicious, maybe the best, food, but not the greatest ambience
127 residents recomanen
Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Kona
75-5995 Kuakini HwyJackie Rey's - delicious, maybe the best, food, but not the greatest ambience
CanoeHouse
68-1400 Mauna Lani DrDelicious Food at Mauna Lani
Foster's Kitchen
75-5805 Ali‘i DrGood food and fun --- In Town!!
Sushi Shiono
75-5799 Ali‘i DrFave Sushi and IN TOWN!
Da Poke Shack
76-6246 Ali‘i DriveReally good Poke!
Hualalai Grille
72-100 Kaupulehu DrNice spot -- could do for special dinner or anytime really
Essentials
Great spot for all your natural foods....Really good hot food bar and salad bar too. Yummy gluten free and vegan too.
61 residents recomanen
Island Naturals Market & Deli Kailua-Kona
74-5444 Makala BlvdGreat spot for all your natural foods....Really good hot food bar and salad bar too. Yummy gluten free and vegan too.
Chain store like we have in California except with some different Hawaiian foods!
130 residents recomanen
Safeway
75-971 Henry StChain store like we have in California except with some different Hawaiian foods!
These stores don't have big signs, so you have to really look to see where it actually is. They have everything you need and more--including the occasional rooster in the parking lot :)
156 residents recomanen
KTA Super Stores
74-5594 Palani RdThese stores don't have big signs, so you have to really look to see where it actually is. They have everything you need and more--including the occasional rooster in the parking lot :)
Great Target store, not far away and you can get everything you need during your stay.
70 residents recomanen
Target
74-5455 Makala BlvdGreat Target store, not far away and you can get everything you need during your stay.
You will see several of these stores around Kona--very convenient and they have fun Hawaiian stuff too.
16 residents recomanen
ABC STORES
75-5744 Ali‘i DrYou will see several of these stores around Kona--very convenient and they have fun Hawaiian stuff too.
Costco Wholesale
73-5600 Maiau StHit Costco right near the airport on the way in :)
Arts & Culture
Quaint artist community up the mountainside only 15 mins away. Little boutiques and cafe's.
57 residents recomanen
Holualoa
Quaint artist community up the mountainside only 15 mins away. Little boutiques and cafe's.
This is a real Kona coffee farm where they have guided tours daily. So much fun to sample coffee, ride on an open air jeep through the orchards and pick all sorts of different fruit growing. They have parrots outside in a cage and chickens roaming the land.
7 residents recomanen
Buddha's Cup
78-1377 Bishop RdThis is a real Kona coffee farm where they have guided tours daily. So much fun to sample coffee, ride on an open air jeep through the orchards and pick all sorts of different fruit growing. They have parrots outside in a cage and chickens roaming the land.
A honey farm! This place is a must see....sample honey, go on a tour of the hives and learn so much about beekeeping. Great to take the kids too!
From the website: BEEKEEPING MUSEUM & HONEY STORE: NOW OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 10- 4, Saturdays 10-2
Tours of the Beehives by reservation 10:00 , 12:00 , 2:00
17 residents recomanen
Big Island Bees
82-1140 Meli RdA honey farm! This place is a must see....sample honey, go on a tour of the hives and learn so much about beekeeping. Great to take the kids too!
From the website: BEEKEEPING MUSEUM & HONEY STORE: NOW OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 10- 4, Saturdays 10-2
Tours of the Beehives by reservation 10:00 , 12:00 , 2:00
Greenwell Farms Inc
81-6581 Mamalahoa HwyMust visit coffee farm!
Parks & Nature
Very historic place. Different ways to get there including by boat.
55 residents recomanen
Monument al Capità James Cook
Very historic place. Different ways to get there including by boat.
Gorgeous--not to miss! Hapuna is often said to be Hawaii's most beautiful beach! BIG stretch of WHITE SAND and snorkel areas make it great for everyone. Not a far drive, only 30 mins or less.
174 residents recomanen
Hapuna Beach State Park
Old Puako RoadGorgeous--not to miss! Hapuna is often said to be Hawaii's most beautiful beach! BIG stretch of WHITE SAND and snorkel areas make it great for everyone. Not a far drive, only 30 mins or less.
Love this beach! Close to the airport (about 3 or so miles north)--turn LEFT when you see the Veteran's sign on the right)...you can go as soon as you hop off the plane :) White sand beach, lava rock and pristine waters. Restrooms on site. There is sometimes a really good food truck at the parking lot too!
159 residents recomanen
Kua Bay
Love this beach! Close to the airport (about 3 or so miles north)--turn LEFT when you see the Veteran's sign on the right)...you can go as soon as you hop off the plane :) White sand beach, lava rock and pristine waters. Restrooms on site. There is sometimes a really good food truck at the parking lot too!
Nicked named because the lava shows on the beach among the sand and sometimes there's no sand!! White Sand/Magic Sand Beach is great also because it is so close by. A 5 min. drive South with parking across the street and bicycle rentals too. When you wake up early, go and enjoy the beauty :)
181 residents recomanen
Parc de la platja de Magic Sands
Ali'i DriveNicked named because the lava shows on the beach among the sand and sometimes there's no sand!! White Sand/Magic Sand Beach is great also because it is so close by. A 5 min. drive South with parking across the street and bicycle rentals too. When you wake up early, go and enjoy the beauty :)
Pack a lunch and hike into this beach...great afternoon of sun and fun! A must do if you have the time!
80 residents recomanen
Makalawena Beach
Hawaii 19Pack a lunch and hike into this beach...great afternoon of sun and fun! A must do if you have the time!
Quaint and historic town up the Kohala coast--check out this website for info: https://www.hawaiimagazine.com/content/hawi-guide-hawaii-islands-funky-town-and-historic-sites
88 residents recomanen
Hawi
Quaint and historic town up the Kohala coast--check out this website for info: https://www.hawaiimagazine.com/content/hawi-guide-hawaii-islands-funky-town-and-historic-sites
Sea turtles and black sand https://www.lovebigisland.com/big-island-beaches/punaluu/
175 residents recomanen
Punalu‘u Beach
Sea turtles and black sand https://www.lovebigisland.com/big-island-beaches/punaluu/
Quaint and gorgeous little cove at Kealakekua Bay in
Captain Cook. Manini Beach has a small park with great shade trees, picnic table and just a great place to swim, kayak and snorkel! Very picturesque!
27 residents recomanen
Manini Beach
Manini Beach RoadQuaint and gorgeous little cove at Kealakekua Bay in
Captain Cook. Manini Beach has a small park with great shade trees, picnic table and just a great place to swim, kayak and snorkel! Very picturesque!
Such a great long white sandy beach - typically less busy and great waves for boogie boarding. Free parking yet limited.
70 residents recomanen
Kaunaʻoa (Mauna Kea) Beach
Such a great long white sandy beach - typically less busy and great waves for boogie boarding. Free parking yet limited.
Visit the Visitor Center first to get info on where to go within the park. Tons of hikes and trails - petrogylphs - rainforest trail -at times the active lava can be seen. Definite must see on your trip to the island!
71 residents recomanen
Volcano
Visit the Visitor Center first to get info on where to go within the park. Tons of hikes and trails - petrogylphs - rainforest trail -at times the active lava can be seen. Definite must see on your trip to the island!
About an hour hike in or take a truck for $20 roundtrip. Good waves for body surfing. Just very beautiful and picturesque - a must see for sure!
148 residents recomanen
Platja de sorra verda de Papakōlea
About an hour hike in or take a truck for $20 roundtrip. Good waves for body surfing. Just very beautiful and picturesque - a must see for sure!
Jardí Botànic Tropical d'Hawaii
27-717 Mamalahoa HwyEntertainment & Activities
Pick up your gear and check out all the great snorkel spots in and around Kona!
16 residents recomanen
Snorkel Bob's Kona
75-5831 Kahakai RdPick up your gear and check out all the great snorkel spots in and around Kona!
Though I have not done this yet, I've heard it is amazing fun riding the rim: "One of those stops is the overlook of Hi’ilawe Falls, and another is at the back of the valley at a waterfall swimming hole that is actually upstream from Hi’ilawe Falls. The water here is constant at about 72 degrees and it is about chest-deep". Sounds wonderful--so I wanted to add this here :)
Waipi'o Ride The Rim ATV
48-5416 Kukuihaele RdThough I have not done this yet, I've heard it is amazing fun riding the rim: "One of those stops is the overlook of Hi’ilawe Falls, and another is at the back of the valley at a waterfall swimming hole that is actually upstream from Hi’ilawe Falls. The water here is constant at about 72 degrees and it is about chest-deep". Sounds wonderful--so I wanted to add this here :)
Honaunau Bay
Fabulous snorkeling!
Another excursion I've not done and heard great things about!
341 residents recomanen
Parc Estatal de les Cataractes d'Akaka
875 Akaka Falls RdAnother excursion I've not done and heard great things about!
Great organic lava links farm- disc golf
11-3363 Apele RdFun place to visit if you're down in Mountain view area
Shopping
Checkout local fruits, clothing and gifts..even ukelele's here at the market.
68 residents recomanen
Mercat de pagesos de Kona
75-5767 Ali‘i DrCheckout local fruits, clothing and gifts..even ukelele's here at the market.