My Big Island Recommendations & Advice
Drinks & Nightlife
Kona Inn Restaurant
75-5744 Ali‘i DrBest sunset view for happy hour.
Don's Mai Tai Bar
75-5852 Ali‘i DrLive music and drinks. Go for Happy Hour.
This place i recommend for families or for cocktails/happy hour. The food is not great IMO but the atompshere is hard to beat. Live music on the sand!
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Lava Lava Beach Club
69-1081 Ku'uali'i PlThis place i recommend for families or for cocktails/happy hour. The food is not great IMO but the atompshere is hard to beat. Live music on the sand!
On the Rocks
75-5824 Kahakai RdHappy hour beach bar.
Magics Beach Grill
77-6452 Ali‘i DrLunch, dinner or happy hour.
Great local brewery. Yummy flatbread and salads! No view just drinks.
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Ola Brew
74-5598 Luhia StGreat local brewery. Yummy flatbread and salads! No view just drinks.
Kona Brewing Company
74-5612 Pawai PlShopping
Target has a good selection of food
Best option for organic, natural foods.
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Island Naturals Market & Deli Kailua-Kona
74-5444 Makala BlvdBest option for organic, natural foods.
Safeway
75-971 Henry StBest overall supermarket in town other than Costco.
Costco Wholesale
73-5600 Maiau StYou must have a membership. Best price for gas.
Target
74-5455 Makala BlvdTarget has a good grocery section.
There is a food section and a great section for Hawaiian gifts and souvenirs.
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Walmart
75-1015 Henry StThere is a food section and a great section for Hawaiian gifts and souvenirs.
My friend Mandi owns this cute plant and gift boutique in Holualoa Village. She carries locally made gifts.
Kona Treehouse
My friend Mandi owns this cute plant and gift boutique in Holualoa Village. She carries locally made gifts.
Food scene
My favorite restaurant on Big Island. Lunch is an excellent value
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Merriman's Big Island
65-1227 Opelo RdMy favorite restaurant on Big Island. Lunch is an excellent value
Roy's Waikoloa Bar & Grill
69-250 Waikōloa Beach DrA local favorite.
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
74-5599 Pawai PlGood Hawaiian food and fish.
Original Thai Cuisine LLC
75-5629 Kuakini HwyLocal favorite spot.
If you like Thai food. This place has a great value lunch menu.
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Orchid Thai Cuisine
74-5563 Kaiwi StIf you like Thai food. This place has a great value lunch menu.
Big Island Brewhaus
64-1066 Mamalahoa HwyMust go if you like beer and tacos.
Kenichi Pacific
6831 Ali‘i DrGreat place for Happy Hour-is from 4-6 daily.
Ultimate Burger
74-5450 Makala BlvdLocal grass fed beef burgers.
Gypsea Gelato
79-7491 Hawaiʻi Belt RdGypsea Gelato Kailua-Kona Coconut Grove Marketplace
75-5809 Ali‘i DrHuggo's
75-5828 Kahakai RdBreakfast place a little out of the way. But the views are worth it.
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The Coffee Shack
83-5799 Mamalahoa HwyBreakfast place a little out of the way. But the views are worth it.
Village Burger Waimea
67 - 1185 Hawaiʻi Belt RdBurger place in Waimea.
Island Lava Java
75-5801 Ali‘i DrGood breakfast place.
Probably the best value for good food and atmosphere on Big Island. One of my favorites on Big Island. I highly recommend. Located at Hualalai Four Seasons Resort.
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Beach Tree Bar
72-100 Kaupulehu DrProbably the best value for good food and atmosphere on Big Island. One of my favorites on Big Island. I highly recommend. Located at Hualalai Four Seasons Resort.
Kona Brewing Company
74-5612 Pawai PlGood beer and pizzas!
Great new restaurant in town! It has been our go to lately. Good atmosphere on the ocean front and food is good.
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Kai Eats and Drinks
75-5776 Ali‘i DriveGreat new restaurant in town! It has been our go to lately. Good atmosphere on the ocean front and food is good.
Shaka Tacoz
82-6167 Mamalahoa HighwayReally good tacos!
Really good bar food. Try their ONO fish and chips! Soo delicious! Probably one of the best fish and chips in Kona. They have a back garden patio seating which is lovely. FREE parking is available across the street at King Kamehameha hotel. They will validate for you.
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Quinn's Almost by the Sea
75-5655 Palani RdReally good bar food. Try their ONO fish and chips! Soo delicious! Probably one of the best fish and chips in Kona. They have a back garden patio seating which is lovely. FREE parking is available across the street at King Kamehameha hotel. They will validate for you.
Foster's Kitchen
75-5805 Ali‘i DrLots of people like this place.
Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Kona
75-5995 Kuakini HwyGood Restaurant. Local favorite.
Pineapples Restaurant
332 Keawe StYummy food and live music.
Small mom and pop operation. Closed Sunday and Monday and only open until 2:30 on other days. Take out sushi only.
Sushi Shop Kyotoya
755629 Kuakini HighwaySmall mom and pop operation. Closed Sunday and Monday and only open until 2:30 on other days. Take out sushi only.
If your headed south to Volcano National Park, Stop here to get their famous malasada donuts.
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Punalu'u Bake Shop
95-5642 HI-11If your headed south to Volcano National Park, Stop here to get their famous malasada donuts.
Great place to stop for a bite to eat on the way to Volcano National Park (if you are heading south).
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Taco Tita
95-1148 Naalehu Spur RdGreat place to stop for a bite to eat on the way to Volcano National Park (if you are heading south).
Moa Kitchen
65-1298 Kawaihae RdJapanese restaurant in Waimea.
Red Water Cafe
65-1299 Kawaihae Rdin Waimea
The Fish And The Hog
64-957 Hawaiʻi Belt Rdin Waimea.
I havenʻt tried this place yet but friends say they have the best burgers in town.
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Island Ono Loa Grill
75-5799 Ali‘i DriveI havenʻt tried this place yet but friends say they have the best burgers in town.
Black Rock Pizza
There is a new additional location by Jack Diving Locker in town. Pizza is great!
The nearest coffee shop in our little village. 2 miles south of Hiona Street.
Uncle Kimo’s Coffee Shop
The nearest coffee shop in our little village. 2 miles south of Hiona Street.
A fun atmosphere to enjoy happy hour. Lunch menu is also quite good. They have yummy cocktails and a great view.
Cheeky Tiki - Kona
A fun atmosphere to enjoy happy hour. Lunch menu is also quite good. They have yummy cocktails and a great view.
If you want to splurge a little, make a reservation here and ask to be seated closest to the ocean on the lawn for sunset. Itʻs magical.
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Brown's Beach House Restaurant
1 N Kaniku DrIf you want to splurge a little, make a reservation here and ask to be seated closest to the ocean on the lawn for sunset. Itʻs magical.
Its a new place that has some great cocktails and wonderful view. Iʻve tried their poke bowl and salad and it was great! Next to the Kona Inn.
Aloha Vibes
Its a new place that has some great cocktails and wonderful view. Iʻve tried their poke bowl and salad and it was great! Next to the Kona Inn.
They are now by the Kona brewery. But great sushi, ramen and japanese cuisine.
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Sushi Shiono
75-5799 Ali‘i DrThey are now by the Kona brewery. But great sushi, ramen and japanese cuisine.
Up North (Kawaihae) about a hour away but if you are in the area they are open for breakfast and lunch. Fresh seafood- Italian and peruvian cuisine. Excellent food and service. $$$
Cipriano's Kitchen Kawaihae
Up North (Kawaihae) about a hour away but if you are in the area they are open for breakfast and lunch. Fresh seafood- Italian and peruvian cuisine. Excellent food and service. $$$
Aloha Vibes
New place next to Kona Inn. Great for sunset drinks or lunch.
Open on Wed, Thursday, Friday. Limited hours but worth it for authentic Hawaiian/local cuisine. It is a take out spot in a food court near Target.
Wednesday 10 AM–3 PM
Thursday 9 AM–5 PM
Friday 9 AM–5 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Hawaii Fresh Specialities
Open on Wed, Thursday, Friday. Limited hours but worth it for authentic Hawaiian/local cuisine. It is a take out spot in a food court near Target.
Wednesday 10 AM–3 PM
Thursday 9 AM–5 PM
Friday 9 AM–5 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Take out place in a food court for wonderful southern Indian cuisine. So good! Limited hours.
Wednesday 11:30 AM–3 PM, 5–8:30 PM
Thursday 11:30 AM–3 PM, 5–8:30 PM
Friday 11:30 AM–3 PM, 5–8:30 PM
Saturday 11:30 AM–3 PM, 5–8:30 PM
Sunday 11:30 AM–3 PM, 5–8:30 PM
Monday 11:30 AM–3 PM, 5–8:30 PM
Tuesday 11:30 AM–3 PM, 5–8:30 PM
Swami’s Dosa Grill Lunch
74-5533 Luhia StreetTake out place in a food court for wonderful southern Indian cuisine. So good! Limited hours.
Wednesday 11:30 AM–3 PM, 5–8:30 PM
Thursday 11:30 AM–3 PM, 5–8:30 PM
Friday 11:30 AM–3 PM, 5–8:30 PM
Saturday 11:30 AM–3 PM, 5–8:30 PM
Sunday 11:30 AM–3 PM, 5–8:30 PM
Monday 11:30 AM–3 PM, 5–8:30 PM
Tuesday 11:30 AM–3 PM, 5–8:30 PM
Looks like nothing from the outside but wait until you go in! Itʻs an amazingly large cafe with yummy sandwiches and pastries. I really enjoyed the London Fog Latte.
Arise Kona Bakery and Cafe
Looks like nothing from the outside but wait until you go in! Itʻs an amazingly large cafe with yummy sandwiches and pastries. I really enjoyed the London Fog Latte.
Sightseeing
Hula Daddy Kona Coffee LLC
74-4944 Mamalahoa HwyCoffee farm tours nearby.
Its a relatively easy hike down. About two miles roundtrip. Its worth a day trip going up there. Take the Kohala Mountain road back through Waimea. Its a beautiful drive!
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Pololu Valley
Its a relatively easy hike down. About two miles roundtrip. Its worth a day trip going up there. Take the Kohala Mountain road back through Waimea. Its a beautiful drive!
Only the look out is open for viewing. You can't go into the valley anymore.
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Waipi'o Valley
48-5561A Waipio Valley RdOnly the look out is open for viewing. You can't go into the valley anymore.
Bring a jacket or sweater and umbrella. The weather is often windy and rainy. It worth a trip but check the weather first. They have the best farmer's markets. There are 3 on Saturday mornings and one on Wednesday mornings.
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Waimea
Bring a jacket or sweater and umbrella. The weather is often windy and rainy. It worth a trip but check the weather first. They have the best farmer's markets. There are 3 on Saturday mornings and one on Wednesday mornings.
Hawi
One of the most famous beaches in Hawaii with it's beautiful white sand beach. Not much shade so bring an umbrella. There usually some shore break so bring body boards.
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Hapuna Beach State Park
Old Puako RoadOne of the most famous beaches in Hawaii with it's beautiful white sand beach. Not much shade so bring an umbrella. There usually some shore break so bring body boards.
Kukio Beach
72-197 Waiulu StBest Beach for little kids.
This is my #1 favorite spot to snorkel. If you want to beat the crowds and experience this reef in all it's glory, go by 9am. Morning is best before the clouds come in. This beach is popular and can get crowded. I love this beach because if you get there early, parking is easy and you don't have to walk far. The bathrooms are clean and the water is relatively easy to access. There is also a reef teach program to educate the public about Hawaii reefs.
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Kahaluu-bukta
Ali‘i DriveThis is my #1 favorite spot to snorkel. If you want to beat the crowds and experience this reef in all it's glory, go by 9am. Morning is best before the clouds come in. This beach is popular and can get crowded. I love this beach because if you get there early, parking is easy and you don't have to walk far. The bathrooms are clean and the water is relatively easy to access. There is also a reef teach program to educate the public about Hawaii reefs.
Stunning beach- white sands and crystal blue waters. But be prepared as there is no shade. Also the water can be quite rough with the shore break. I don't recommend this beach for young children unless you check the surf report first. Sometimes it can be very calm and in this case it is fine with little ones.
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Kua Bay
Stunning beach- white sands and crystal blue waters. But be prepared as there is no shade. Also the water can be quite rough with the shore break. I don't recommend this beach for young children unless you check the surf report first. Sometimes it can be very calm and in this case it is fine with little ones.
Famous beach in Kona with shorebreak. It get very crowded.
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Magic Sands Beach Park
Ali'i DriveFamous beach in Kona with shorebreak. It get very crowded.
Kaulana Manu Nature Trail
State Route 200Beautiful new hiking trail. Easy. Great for birdwatching.
Long bumpy unpaved road but it's worth it at the end. Hawaiian Monk seals like to come here and sun themselves.
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Mahaiʻula Beach
Long bumpy unpaved road but it's worth it at the end. Hawaiian Monk seals like to come here and sun themselves.
Surfing and sea glass beach on the Hilo side. A local spot.
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Honoli'i Beach Park
Surfing and sea glass beach on the Hilo side. A local spot.
Akaka Falls State Park
875 Akaka Falls RdWaterfall.
Rainbow Falls
Waterfall.
Check in at the visitor center first. The park ranger can tell you the best spot to view lava or the glow.
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Hawaii Volcanoes nasjonalpark
Check in at the visitor center first. The park ranger can tell you the best spot to view lava or the glow.
Historical National Park. Bring your snorkel stuff as Two Step is right next door! Check out the park then go snorkeling.
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Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
State Highway 160Historical National Park. Bring your snorkel stuff as Two Step is right next door! Check out the park then go snorkeling.
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
Lots of turtles at this beach.
The only zoo in the USA that is in a rainforest. It's small but beautiful and kids will enjoy the playground and petting zoo open on Saturdays.
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Panaewa Rainforest Zoo
800 Stainback HwyThe only zoo in the USA that is in a rainforest. It's small but beautiful and kids will enjoy the playground and petting zoo open on Saturdays.
Punalu'u Black Sand-stranden
Ninole Loop RoadFamouse black sand beach with lots of turtles.
Neighborhoods
Visit our little village two miles south of our home. There is a post office, general store, coffee shop, plant & gift shop and several art galleries. Special eventFirst Friday: Art After Dark
On the first Friday of every month, the village comes together for a monthly block party after dark. Come join us for art galleries and boutiques, live music, gourmet “grab and go” food, and a chance to mingle with fellow art and culture lovers in the heart of Kona coffee country. Holualoa gets together and celebrates after dark every month, rain or shine.
First Friday: Art After Dark happens on the first Friday of every month, from 5:30–8:30pm.
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Holualoa
Visit our little village two miles south of our home. There is a post office, general store, coffee shop, plant & gift shop and several art galleries. Special eventFirst Friday: Art After Dark
On the first Friday of every month, the village comes together for a monthly block party after dark. Come join us for art galleries and boutiques, live music, gourmet “grab and go” food, and a chance to mingle with fellow art and culture lovers in the heart of Kona coffee country. Holualoa gets together and celebrates after dark every month, rain or shine.
First Friday: Art After Dark happens on the first Friday of every month, from 5:30–8:30pm.
Kids Entertainment
Great place to check out on a rainy day or for a few hours to entertain the kids.
Hawai'i Keiki Museum
Great place to check out on a rainy day or for a few hours to entertain the kids.
Råd om byen
Bestill før du reiser
Manta Ray night snorkleing
People come from all over the world to swim with the Manta Rays here. There are many boats to choose from. I recommend booking this for the beginning of your trip in case your trip gets canceled due to weather of rough seas. In this case, you'll have time to reschedule.
Reise med barn
Things to do with kids under age 10
-Atlantis Submarine
-Glass bottom boat
-Keiki Pond behind the Old Aʻs baseball field and tennis courts. You can park There is a public access between two large ocean front homes.
- Mauna Lani Fishponds and coast and Napua
-City of Refuge
-Day trip to Hilo to see Waterfalls, Lilioikalani gardens and coconut island with a trip to the rainforest Zoo
-Waimea Parker School has a nice farmers market on Saturday mornings and there is an epic playground across called Anueanue
-Volcano National park lots has lots of little walks and hikes
-The Lili House Farm (near volcano)
-Higashihara Playground
Dette bør du pakke
Flip flops are a must!
Temperatures in Kona are in mid to low 80s here during the day and evening in low 70s.
Bring casual summer clothes, sun protective shirts and swim clothes. If you plan to visit Volcano national park- bring rain jackets and a sweater for cooler temperatures. Comfortable shoes and flip flops are a must!
Kultur og skikker
MĀLAMA I KA ‘ĀINA- respect and care for the land.
We kama'ainas (local people) take great pride in protecting and caring for our island home. We ask our guests to please consider two simple things that would help preserve the beauty and health of our islands. First, consider bringing your own reusable drinking water containers to avoid buying single use plastic water bottles. Everything is shipped into Hawaii and also must be shipped out including all the recycling. Kona tap water is safe to drink.
Kultur og skikker
MĀLAMA I KA ‘ĀINA - Use reef friendly sunscreen
Secondly, only buy and use "reef friendly" suncreens during your Hawaiian vacation. Hawaii is the first state in the US to ban the sale of sunscreen containing the coral-harming chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate. If you plan on bringing suncreen from home, we urge you to carefully read the ingredients of your suncreen to make sure they do not have the above mentioned chemicals which eventually kill our coral reefs and harm marine life.
Kultur og skikker
Tropical Climate-insects
In our tropical climate, cockroaches, ants, geckos, gnats and spiders and other pests are ubiquitous. While we have professional pest control come regularly, keeping the unit clean and free of food residue will greatly reduce this inconvenience.
Kultur og skikker
Avoid buying large plastic bottles
Please consider when buying plastic water bottles, that Hawaii County does not recycle bottles larger than 68 oz, and only accepts glass, aluminum, and plastic containers with the “HI-5 ¢” mark
Slik kommer du deg rundt
BEWARE of goats crossing the highway
Be very cautious of driving at night on the highways especially on Saddle road. There are lots of wild goats and sheep crossing.