Big Island Guidebook
Beaches
Some of our local favorites!
Hapuna Beach
Gorgeous, white sand and turquoise water.
Kua Bay
Kona Magic Sands
77-6452 Ali‘i DrKukio Beach
72-197 Waiulu StOnly 4WD vehicles should be taken all the way to this beach. All other vehicles should park at the turn off and walk approx. 1.5 miles.
80 locals recommend
Makalawena Beach
Hawaii 19Only 4WD vehicles should be taken all the way to this beach. All other vehicles should park at the turn off and walk approx. 1.5 miles.
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area
75-5560 Kuakini HwyPunalu‘u Beach
Remember your shoes as the black sand gets hot!
Ho‘okena Beach Park
86-4322 Mamalahoa HwyLocal black sands beach.
Snorkeling
Kealakekua Bay
Kahaluu Bay
Ali‘i DriveSnorkel Bob's Kona
75-5831 Kahakai RdHo‘okena Beach Park
86-4322 Mamalahoa HwyTwo Step Beach
Food scene
On the Rocks
75-5824 Kahakai RdDon's Mai Tai Bar
75-5852 Ali‘i DrLava Lava Beach Club
69-1081 Ku'uali'i PlIsland Lava Java
75-5801 Ali‘i DrGreen Flash Coffee
75-6000 Ali‘i DrFoster's Kitchen
75-5805 Ali‘i DrGreenwell Farms Inc
81-6581 Mamalahoa HwyOne of THE BEST coffee tours on the island!
The Coffee Shack
83-5799 Mamalahoa HwyFantastic food and great view!
Kai Eats and Drinks
75-5776 Ali‘i DriveCasual dining with great view
Incredible place to learn about coffee and enjoy a cup on the expansive lawn.
23 locals recommend
Kona Joe Coffee LLC
79-7346 Mamalahoa HwyIncredible place to learn about coffee and enjoy a cup on the expansive lawn.
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
74-5599 Pawai PlKona Brewing Company
74-5612 Pawai PlSam Choy's Kai Lanai
78-6831 Ali‘i DrDelicious food! Sometimes the line is long, but worth it.
154 locals recommend
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
74-5599 Pawai PlDelicious food! Sometimes the line is long, but worth it.
Fish Hopper Kona
75-5683 Ali‘i DriveFantastic place for fresh fish!
Kamuela Provision Company
69-425 Waikōloa Beach DrA wow place for great food.
Brown's Beach House Restaurant
1 N Kaniku DrA+
Fantastic drinks and eats! Owned by two local families who are delightful.
18 locals recommend
HiCO - Hawaiian Coffee
74-5599 Pawai PlFantastic drinks and eats! Owned by two local families who are delightful.
Da Poke Shack
76-6246 Ali‘i DriveBest poke on the island!
Ola Brew
74-5598 Luhia StGypsea Gelato Kailua-Kona Coconut Grove Marketplace
75-5809 Ali‘i DrA must!
Gecko Girlz Shave Ice
75-5809 Ali‘i DriveDowntown & delicious!
Cheeky Tiki - Kona
Arise Kona Bakery and Cafe
Puna Chocolate Company - Kona
74-5606 Pawai PlUncle Kimo’s Coffee Shop
Holuakoa Gardens and Cafe
765897 Kona Belt RdRebel Kitchen
79-7399 Hawaiʻi Belt RdShaka Tacoz
Black Rock Pizzza - Kona
Aloha Vibes
PACIFIC 19 Kona
Great place for morning coffee or happy hour
Sightseeing
Body Glove Hawaii
Waipio Valley Lookout
Lapakahi State Historical Park
Hawaii 270Great, easy historical walk.
If you are in the area, the Painted Church is a good stopping place. Beautiful and historic.
8 locals recommend
Painted Church Road
Painted Church RoadIf you are in the area, the Painted Church is a good stopping place. Beautiful and historic.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Fair Wind Cruises
78-7130 Kaleiopapa StHilton Waikoloa Village
69-425 Waikōloa Beach DrMauna Kea
Ocean Rider Inc
73-4388 Ilikai PlaceSee the seahorses!
Pololu Valley
A short hike to a picturesque valley on the dramatic Kohala Coast.
Kīholo Bay
Calm, beautiful turquoise tidepools and lots of wildlife.
Travel through a lush rainforest to Hā'ena Beach, a protected sandy expanse on the otherwise cliffy Puna Coast.
Puna Trail
Puna TrailTravel through a lush rainforest to Hā'ena Beach, a protected sandy expanse on the otherwise cliffy Puna Coast.
This place is FANTASTIC! Gorgeous, tropical sanctuary. Easy 1 mile walk through floral oasis.
192 locals recommend
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
27-717 Mamalahoa HwyThis place is FANTASTIC! Gorgeous, tropical sanctuary. Easy 1 mile walk through floral oasis.
Kona Cloud Forest
73-1865 Hao StPaleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary
83-5401 Painted Church RdWater Activities
The go to place for rentals...SUPs, kayaks, etc! Tell Frank Tracy sent you!
18 locals recommend
Kona Boys Beach Shack
755664 Kaahumanu PlThe go to place for rentals...SUPs, kayaks, etc! Tell Frank Tracy sent you!
Manta Ray Night Dive
78-127 Ehukai StJack's Diving Locker
75-5813 Ali‘i DrTHE place for snorkel and scuba gear and excursions!
Sea Quest Hawaii
78-7138 Kaleiopapa StCity advice
Getting around
A car a must
Unless you are a cycling master, the best way to get around the island is by car.
What to pack
Less is more!
Shorts, tshirts, flip flops and tennis shoes. You won’t wear jeans or need fancy clothes. Small luggage is helpful!
Don't miss
Night manta ray snorkeling!
Once in a lifetime bucket list activity!
Customs and culture
Shoeless
In traditional Hawaiian style, take your shoes off before entering a home. Leave your worries and sand outside.
Ways to save
Costco
Food can be expensive. Costco is your best savings method for food, snorkels, etc.
Useful phrases
Mahalo
“Thank you”
Customs and culture
Culture
Hawaii has a rich history. Take time to learn about it.
Book before you go
Water activities
Book in advance.