The Lodge at Kaloko Guidebook
Sightseeing
Plus Manini-owali beach into GPS. Follow directions. Turn left after the big hill.
159 locals recommend
Kua Bay
Plus Manini-owali beach into GPS. Follow directions. Turn left after the big hill.
Mauna Kea is Hawaii's highest mountain and home to the Mauna Kea Observatory, which is an active research facility. The temperatures here are very cold, a sharp contrast to the tropical paradise below, but that does not stop crowds from gathering at the visitor center nightly for unparalleled views of the stars above.
The summit and the Visitor Information Station, which sit at altitudes of 13,800 feet and 9,200 feet respectively, can only be accessed by 4WD vehicles - a trip which is often prohibited by rental car companies
161 locals recommend
Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea is Hawaii's highest mountain and home to the Mauna Kea Observatory, which is an active research facility. The temperatures here are very cold, a sharp contrast to the tropical paradise below, but that does not stop crowds from gathering at the visitor center nightly for unparalleled views of the stars above.
The summit and the Visitor Information Station, which sit at altitudes of 13,800 feet and 9,200 feet respectively, can only be accessed by 4WD vehicles - a trip which is often prohibited by rental car companies
South of Kailua-Kona, this state historic park is located where Captain Cook landed in 1779, and later died in a skirmish with native Hawaiians. Kealakekua Bay is a protected Marine Life Conservation District, resulting in pristine waters and plentiful sea life.
Because of the abundance of bright fish and thriving coral, this is a particularly popular spot for snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. Points of interest within the park include the Captain James Cook Monument and Hikiau Heiau, a temple built to honor the Hawaiian god Lono.
Address: 82-6099 Puuhonua Road, Captain Cook, Hawaii
89 locals recommend
Kealakekua Bay
South of Kailua-Kona, this state historic park is located where Captain Cook landed in 1779, and later died in a skirmish with native Hawaiians. Kealakekua Bay is a protected Marine Life Conservation District, resulting in pristine waters and plentiful sea life.
Because of the abundance of bright fish and thriving coral, this is a particularly popular spot for snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. Points of interest within the park include the Captain James Cook Monument and Hikiau Heiau, a temple built to honor the Hawaiian god Lono.
Address: 82-6099 Puuhonua Road, Captain Cook, Hawaii
Akaka Falls State Park near Hilo is home to both Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. The Akaka Falls are the tallest on the island, free falling 442 feet. The setting here is quite stunning, with lush surroundings of tropical ferns, bamboo, and orchids.
The trail to the falls is conveniently paved but steep and includes sections of steps. The trail, a loop less than a half-mile in length, leads you up past Kahuna falls to the top of Akaka Falls, with an offshoot which leads to a viewing spot perfect for getting photos of Akaka.
Address: Akaka Falls Road, Honomu, Hawaii
341 locals recommend
Akaka Falls State Park
875 Akaka Falls RdAkaka Falls State Park near Hilo is home to both Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. The Akaka Falls are the tallest on the island, free falling 442 feet. The setting here is quite stunning, with lush surroundings of tropical ferns, bamboo, and orchids.
The trail to the falls is conveniently paved but steep and includes sections of steps. The trail, a loop less than a half-mile in length, leads you up past Kahuna falls to the top of Akaka Falls, with an offshoot which leads to a viewing spot perfect for getting photos of Akaka.
Address: Akaka Falls Road, Honomu, Hawaii
Punalu‘u Beach
Hapuna Beach is regarded as one of the best beaches in the country, known for its soft white sand and ample facilities. The beach is staffed with lifeguards, especially reassuring since conditions can become dangerous with a change in tide.
Tourists and locals come here for sunbathing, snorkeling, swimming, and of course some of the world's best surfing. There are also concessions and picnic shelters, as well as screened shelters for overnight stays with access to electricity, refrigeration, and showers. The park also has miles of hiking trails, which afford amazing views along the coast.
The state has put up signs that show stick men in waves smashing into the sand. Although they may be funny to look at and worth a picture, the story they tell is all too real! The waves here are deceptive and have a tendency to pick you up and unceremoniously dump you right onto the sand, usually face first.
241 locals recommend
Hapuna Beach
Hapuna Beach is regarded as one of the best beaches in the country, known for its soft white sand and ample facilities. The beach is staffed with lifeguards, especially reassuring since conditions can become dangerous with a change in tide.
Tourists and locals come here for sunbathing, snorkeling, swimming, and of course some of the world's best surfing. There are also concessions and picnic shelters, as well as screened shelters for overnight stays with access to electricity, refrigeration, and showers. The park also has miles of hiking trails, which afford amazing views along the coast.
The state has put up signs that show stick men in waves smashing into the sand. Although they may be funny to look at and worth a picture, the story they tell is all too real! The waves here are deceptive and have a tendency to pick you up and unceremoniously dump you right onto the sand, usually face first.
Kahaluu Bay
Ali‘i DriveEasy access snorkeling right in Kona
This is one of the most geologically interesting national parks in the United States, home to two active volcanoes that allow visitors to see the wonder of nature in action. Visitors should be aware that various parts of the park and surrounding area, including roads, may be closed during periods of volcanic activity.
337 locals recommend
Rainbow Falls
This is one of the most geologically interesting national parks in the United States, home to two active volcanoes that allow visitors to see the wonder of nature in action. Visitors should be aware that various parts of the park and surrounding area, including roads, may be closed during periods of volcanic activity.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
Waialea Beach
Old Puako RoadGorgeous. Hard to get to. It’s a hike in.
http://www.best-big-island-hawaii.com/makalawena-beach.html
80 locals recommend
Makalawena Beach
Hawaii 19Gorgeous. Hard to get to. It’s a hike in.
http://www.best-big-island-hawaii.com/makalawena-beach.html
This incredibly beautiful valley on the northeastern coast of the Big Island, about 50 miles north of Hilo, has often been described as a sort of "Shangri La," almost cut off from the outside world. The valley, about one mile wide, dissects the Kohala Mountains and is difficult to reach because of the steep cliffs on the three landward sides. Strong waves make it equally unapproachable from the sea.
201 locals recommend
Waipio Valley Lookout
This incredibly beautiful valley on the northeastern coast of the Big Island, about 50 miles north of Hilo, has often been described as a sort of "Shangri La," almost cut off from the outside world. The valley, about one mile wide, dissects the Kohala Mountains and is difficult to reach because of the steep cliffs on the three landward sides. Strong waves make it equally unapproachable from the sea.
Cattle ranching may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Hawaiian agriculture, but the Parker Ranch is actually the largest in the United States. Covering 355 square miles from the Kohala mountains to the northwest coast of the Big Island, the ranch makes up about 9 percent of Hawaii's total area.
The entire ranch, which is operated by 6th generation Parkers, is open to the public. Tours include visiting the 19th-century John Parker House; the family cemetery; Pukalani stables; and Puuopelu, the modern family home. This elegant house is akin to a museum, housing 100 paintings by renowned artists like Renoir, Pissarro, and Degas.
Exhibits about the ranch and family's history can be found at the Visitor Center and Museum, which has family heirlooms, photographs, and a short film.
Address: 66-1304 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, Hawaii
16 locals recommend
Parker Ranch Headquarters
66-1304 Mamalahoa HwyCattle ranching may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Hawaiian agriculture, but the Parker Ranch is actually the largest in the United States. Covering 355 square miles from the Kohala mountains to the northwest coast of the Big Island, the ranch makes up about 9 percent of Hawaii's total area.
The entire ranch, which is operated by 6th generation Parkers, is open to the public. Tours include visiting the 19th-century John Parker House; the family cemetery; Pukalani stables; and Puuopelu, the modern family home. This elegant house is akin to a museum, housing 100 paintings by renowned artists like Renoir, Pissarro, and Degas.
Exhibits about the ranch and family's history can be found at the Visitor Center and Museum, which has family heirlooms, photographs, and a short film.
Address: 66-1304 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, Hawaii
Trailhead: Turn mauka (uphill) between the 34 and 35 mile markers on Hwy. 190 onto Kaloko Drive. Follow Kaloko Drive for almost 4 miles and turn left onto Makahi Street. Drive to the end of this dead-end street and park near signs for the trailhead. There are no services. Dogs are allowed. Be respectful of the people that live in the area. Remove all trash. Do not park on Hao Street or use that area to access the Forest Reserve. While this used to be a common way to access the trails, there is no public parking here and no way to access trails without trespassing on private property.
6 locals recommend
Makuala O'Oma Trail
Trailhead: Turn mauka (uphill) between the 34 and 35 mile markers on Hwy. 190 onto Kaloko Drive. Follow Kaloko Drive for almost 4 miles and turn left onto Makahi Street. Drive to the end of this dead-end street and park near signs for the trailhead. There are no services. Dogs are allowed. Be respectful of the people that live in the area. Remove all trash. Do not park on Hao Street or use that area to access the Forest Reserve. While this used to be a common way to access the trails, there is no public parking here and no way to access trails without trespassing on private property.
Go there to check out the view. There's a great restaurant there that looks down into the crater. Amazing on a clear day.
79 locals recommend
Volcano House
1 Crater Rim DriveGo there to check out the view. There's a great restaurant there that looks down into the crater. Amazing on a clear day.
Great place to get some local gifts. There is also a store at 75-159 Lunapule, next to an adorable coffee & tea shop called tealicious.
7 locals recommend
Pueo Boutique
75-5729 Ali‘i DrGreat place to get some local gifts. There is also a store at 75-159 Lunapule, next to an adorable coffee & tea shop called tealicious.
Go check it out for the day, ride the tram and check out the dolphins and the shops.
Hilton Waikoloa Village
Go check it out for the day, ride the tram and check out the dolphins and the shops.
Don the Beachcomber
75-5852 Ali‘i DrGreat place to watch the sunset and have drinks and pupus.
Food scene
ULU Ocean Grill
72-100 Ka'upulehu DriveFour Seasons Resort Hualalai
72-100 Ka'upulehu DriveMountain Thunder Coffee Plantation
In our backyard, just up kaloko road.
Lava Lava Beach Club
69-1081 Ku'uali'i PlLava Java
1196 5th StUmekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
74-5599 Pawai PlKona Brewing Company
74-5612 Pawai PlMerriman's Big Island
65-1227 Opelo RdPunalu'u Bake Shop
95-5642 HI-11Scandinavian Shave Ice
75-5699 Ali‘i DrHuggo's
75-5828 Kahakai RdMagics Beach Grill
77-6452 Ali‘i DrSushi Shiono
75-5799 Ali‘i DrFoster's Kitchen
75-5805 Ali‘i DrExcellent views and food.
Adorable little coffee shop w/ homemade german pastries. Cute local shop next door to get some local gifts to return home with.
20 locals recommend
Tea:licious Cafe
75-159 Lunapule RdAdorable little coffee shop w/ homemade german pastries. Cute local shop next door to get some local gifts to return home with.
Basik Cafe
75-5831 Kahakai RdBrown's Beach House Restaurant
1 N Kaniku DrGo there after the Waimea farmers market, get on waitlist through yelp on your phone or in front of restaurant
58 locals recommend
Hawaiian Style Cafe - Waimea
65-1290 Kawaihae RdGo there after the Waimea farmers market, get on waitlist through yelp on your phone or in front of restaurant
Hawaiian Style Cafe Hilo
681 Manono StOn the Rocks
75-5824 Kahakai RdGo for breakfast, if there’s a line it’s worth the wait. Amazing views. Great stop on the way down to captain cook and painted church area.
137 locals recommend
The Coffee Shack
83-5799 Mamalahoa HwyGo for breakfast, if there’s a line it’s worth the wait. Amazing views. Great stop on the way down to captain cook and painted church area.
Willie's Hot Chicken
74-5599 Pawai PlQuinn's Almost by the Sea
75-5655 Palani RdThe best ono fish n chips
Activities
https://alohaadventurefarms.com
Use “lodgeatkaloko” at checkout for 10% ATV & carving tours.
Aloha Adventure Farms
77-6261 Mamalahoa Highwayhttps://alohaadventurefarms.com
Use “lodgeatkaloko” at checkout for 10% ATV & carving tours.
Hualalai Golf Course
72 Ka`upulehu DriveKona Cloud Forest
73-1865 Hao StWaimea Town Market at Parker School
65-1224 Lindsey RdMakalei Golf Club
72-3890 Hawaiʻi Belt RdBlue Hawaiian Helicopters
68-690 Waikoloa RdKapohoKine Adventures
93 Banyan DrZiplining
Two Step
Excellent snorkeling.
Kahaluu Bay, Kahaluu-Keauhou, HI 96740, USA
Kahua Ranch Ltd
59-564 Kohala Mountain RdThe Paniolo bbq dinner is fun. Can take their shuttle up from Kona town.