Carrie’s guidebook

Carrie
Carrie’s guidebook

Favorites and neighborhoods

This is the main strip in town with shopping and restaurants. Some of our favorite restaurants: On the Rocks - always live music, Sakura Sushi, Fosters Kitchen, Papa Kona.
7 locals recommend
Alii Drive
Ali‘i Drive
7 locals recommend
This is the main strip in town with shopping and restaurants. Some of our favorite restaurants: On the Rocks - always live music, Sakura Sushi, Fosters Kitchen, Papa Kona.
Cute town with lots of cafe’s and shops. Good beaches in the area are Ke’ei (need 4 wheel drive to get here) and Manini beach park.
33 locals recommend
Captain Cook
33 locals recommend
Cute town with lots of cafe’s and shops. Good beaches in the area are Ke’ei (need 4 wheel drive to get here) and Manini beach park.
Adorable town on the Northern Tip of the island. Great day trip. Stop at Spencer Beach Park on the way there.
88 locals recommend
Hawi
88 locals recommend
Adorable town on the Northern Tip of the island. Great day trip. Stop at Spencer Beach Park on the way there.
Pahoa is a cool town with a lot of the new lava flow and the new black sand beach near by. Drive to the end of the highway and you will find an off grid neighborhood living on top of the lava. They are protective of their area though so be respectful.
103 locals recommend
Pāhoa
103 locals recommend
Pahoa is a cool town with a lot of the new lava flow and the new black sand beach near by. Drive to the end of the highway and you will find an off grid neighborhood living on top of the lava. They are protective of their area though so be respectful.

Sightseeing and beaches

Snorkeling at the captain cook monument is fun and beautiful - you can hike down but trail fairly difficult (go early in the morning to beat the hot sun on the way back up). Otherwise you can hire a boat to take you there or rent a kayak at Kealakekua Bay and paddle over.
64 locals recommend
Captain Cook Monument Trail
Napoopoo Road
64 locals recommend
Snorkeling at the captain cook monument is fun and beautiful - you can hike down but trail fairly difficult (go early in the morning to beat the hot sun on the way back up). Otherwise you can hire a boat to take you there or rent a kayak at Kealakekua Bay and paddle over.
We love a weekend trip to Hilo. They have great restaurants, beautiful botanical gardens, nice beaches, and astronomy center, and a free zoo.
120 locals recommend
Hilo
120 locals recommend
We love a weekend trip to Hilo. They have great restaurants, beautiful botanical gardens, nice beaches, and astronomy center, and a free zoo.
A must do on the Big Island. Lots of hiking options as well as easier short trails and lookouts on the volcano.
880 locals recommend
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
880 locals recommend
A must do on the Big Island. Lots of hiking options as well as easier short trails and lookouts on the volcano.
Beautiful beach. You can either park on the highway and hike in or take a very difficult road to get there. 4 wheel drive recommended if you drive.
80 locals recommend
Makalawena Beach
Hawaii 19
80 locals recommend
Beautiful beach. You can either park on the highway and hike in or take a very difficult road to get there. 4 wheel drive recommended if you drive.
A local favorite for surfing and body boarding. Also has trees for lounging in the shade. You can also camp here with a reservation. Is a somewhat rocky beach with sandy tide pools to play in.
25 locals recommend
Pine Trees Surfing Beach
25 locals recommend
A local favorite for surfing and body boarding. Also has trees for lounging in the shade. You can also camp here with a reservation. Is a somewhat rocky beach with sandy tide pools to play in.
Great laid back beach for small children (nice for adults too:). It has some beautiful large tide pools to frolic in and a little sandy beach. You park near the soccer fields and public pool at old airport. Then walk through the soccer fields through an opening in the fence. Keep going through the neighborhood and you will be at the Keiki ponds beach.
8 locals recommend
Keiki Ponds
75-5572 Kona Bay Dr
8 locals recommend
Great laid back beach for small children (nice for adults too:). It has some beautiful large tide pools to frolic in and a little sandy beach. You park near the soccer fields and public pool at old airport. Then walk through the soccer fields through an opening in the fence. Keep going through the neighborhood and you will be at the Keiki ponds beach.
Beautiful beach, typically less crowded, great for snorkeling, lots of trees for shade.
109 locals recommend
Waialea Beach
Old Puako Road
109 locals recommend
Beautiful beach, typically less crowded, great for snorkeling, lots of trees for shade.
Another gorgeous beach. Typically more crowded. Sunset gorgeous here. Also good for body boarding.
66 locals recommend
Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay)
66 locals recommend
Another gorgeous beach. Typically more crowded. Sunset gorgeous here. Also good for body boarding.
Long sandy beach, beautiful with a gentle break. Popular but plenty of space. Also a beautiful place for sunset. Bring an umbrella. Not many options for shade.
241 locals recommend
Hapuna Beach
241 locals recommend
Long sandy beach, beautiful with a gentle break. Popular but plenty of space. Also a beautiful place for sunset. Bring an umbrella. Not many options for shade.
Also called Two Step, beautiful snorkeling and diving here. Entry is rocky but there is a little sandy area for kids too. Hawaiian sacred place so please be respectful, don’t touch the dolphins or turtles.
Honaunau Bay, Honaunau-Napoopoo, HI 96704, USA
Also called Two Step, beautiful snorkeling and diving here. Entry is rocky but there is a little sandy area for kids too. Hawaiian sacred place so please be respectful, don’t touch the dolphins or turtles.
Another beautiful place to snorkel and shallow. Many different varieties of fish. Beginners also surf here. The coral is slowly recovering. Please make sure to not stomp on the coral and also wear reef safe sunscreen.
Kahaluu Bay, Kahaluu-Keauhou, HI 96740, USA
Another beautiful place to snorkel and shallow. Many different varieties of fish. Beginners also surf here. The coral is slowly recovering. Please make sure to not stomp on the coral and also wear reef safe sunscreen.
We had a great time taking a hot glass class here with our kids. The instructor is awesome!
Hot Glass Hawaii
We had a great time taking a hot glass class here with our kids. The instructor is awesome!
Mohalu Hawaii ~ Make your own beautiful Lei and talk story to learn more about the Hawaiian Culture. Each session is private and exclusive. Your instructor will guide you through the process of creating your very own fresh lei all while learning about different styles of lei along with the many different flowers and foliage that are used. All materials needed to create your lei are provided. Flowers and foliage are locally sourced here on the island of Hawai'i. Enlightening conversation will bring focus to the culture of Hawaiʻi. We hope upon completion of your lei that you have gained a greater understanding and respect for Hawaiʻi. This is in Waimea in North Hawaii. There are also delicious restaurants, a great park for kids, and a popular Saturday Farmer’s Market, as well as a midweek Market on Wednesdays, here.
Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Waimea, HI, USA
Mohalu Hawaii ~ Make your own beautiful Lei and talk story to learn more about the Hawaiian Culture. Each session is private and exclusive. Your instructor will guide you through the process of creating your very own fresh lei all while learning about different styles of lei along with the many different flowers and foliage that are used. All materials needed to create your lei are provided. Flowers and foliage are locally sourced here on the island of Hawai'i. Enlightening conversation will bring focus to the culture of Hawaiʻi. We hope upon completion of your lei that you have gained a greater understanding and respect for Hawaiʻi. This is in Waimea in North Hawaii. There are also delicious restaurants, a great park for kids, and a popular Saturday Farmer’s Market, as well as a midweek Market on Wednesdays, here.

Bars/Sunset

Great brewery with good food too!
64 locals recommend
Ola Brew
74-5598 Luhia St
64 locals recommend
Great brewery with good food too!
Fun bar on Ali’i with good drink specials.
77 locals recommend
Humpy's Big Island Alehouse
75-5815 Ali‘i Dr
77 locals recommend
Fun bar on Ali’i with good drink specials.
Play at A Bay for the day, then have dinner, drinks and sunset at Lava Lava Beach Club.
171 locals recommend
Lava Lava Beach Club
69-1081 Ku'uali'i Pl
171 locals recommend
Play at A Bay for the day, then have dinner, drinks and sunset at Lava Lava Beach Club.
Delicious brews and food on the North Side of the Island.
88 locals recommend
Big Island Brewhaus
64-1066 Mamalahoa Hwy
88 locals recommend
Delicious brews and food on the North Side of the Island.

Food scene

The sushi here is so delicious! Make sure and get the butter fish.
43 locals recommend
Sansei
201 Waikōloa Beach Dr
43 locals recommend
The sushi here is so delicious! Make sure and get the butter fish.
Organic good food.
100 locals recommend
Foster's Kitchen
75-5805 Ali‘i Dr
100 locals recommend
Organic good food.
Right on the water, listen to the waves while you have a delicious meal. Make sure to get the Avocado Fries!
106 locals recommend
Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar
75-5770 Ali‘i Dr
106 locals recommend
Right on the water, listen to the waves while you have a delicious meal. Make sure to get the Avocado Fries!
Delicious shave ice, smoothies, and ice cream. All organic and all flavors made from local ingredients.
24 locals recommend
One Aloha Shave Ice Co.
75-5711 Kuakini Hwy
24 locals recommend
Delicious shave ice, smoothies, and ice cream. All organic and all flavors made from local ingredients.
Delicious Chinese food and other options. Located in the shopping center on Henry street.
Fireart Cuisine
75-1027 Henry St
Delicious Chinese food and other options. Located in the shopping center on Henry street.
Great place to have a big schooner of beer and a burger or fish and chips. Also a nice beach behind here (behind the parking lot at the marina) to see sea turtles.
34 locals recommend
Harbor House
74-425 Kealakehe Pkwy
34 locals recommend
Great place to have a big schooner of beer and a burger or fish and chips. Also a nice beach behind here (behind the parking lot at the marina) to see sea turtles.
Magics is right on the water next to magic sands beach. They have a great dinner menu as well as Sunday brunch.
91 locals recommend
Magics Beach Grill
77-6452 Ali‘i Dr
91 locals recommend
Magics is right on the water next to magic sands beach. They have a great dinner menu as well as Sunday brunch.
Restaurant on the water that has live music many nights. Try the poke nachos! They also have a good sparkling rose.
25 locals recommend
On the Rocks
75-5824 Kahakai Road
25 locals recommend
Restaurant on the water that has live music many nights. Try the poke nachos! They also have a good sparkling rose.
They have delicious chicken, generous portions, and a good beer selection.
20 locals recommend
Willie's Hot Chicken
74-5599 Pawai Pl
20 locals recommend
They have delicious chicken, generous portions, and a good beer selection.
We really love the poke bowls and Salads here as well as the poke bombs.
154 locals recommend
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
74-5599 Pawai Pl
154 locals recommend
We really love the poke bowls and Salads here as well as the poke bombs.
Great taco truck with adjacent indoor and outdoor seating. Super delicious. Go kayaking at Kealakekua bay or snorkeling at Manini Beach, then hit up Shaka Tacoz for lunch or dinner.
29 locals recommend
Shaka Tacoz
82-6167 Mamalahoa Highway
29 locals recommend
Great taco truck with adjacent indoor and outdoor seating. Super delicious. Go kayaking at Kealakekua bay or snorkeling at Manini Beach, then hit up Shaka Tacoz for lunch or dinner.
Great grab and go poke and baked Hawaiian goods.
38 locals recommend
Sack N Save Kona
75-5595 Palani Rd
38 locals recommend
Great grab and go poke and baked Hawaiian goods.
Delicious affordable sushi with friendly service
12 locals recommend
Shimaichi Sushi Kona
75-5742 Kuakini Hwy
12 locals recommend
Delicious affordable sushi with friendly service
Can you tell we love sushi? :) Another one of our favorites. Consistently good and have happy hour specials. Always friendly good service.
9 locals recommend
Sakura
75-1027 Henry St
9 locals recommend
Can you tell we love sushi? :) Another one of our favorites. Consistently good and have happy hour specials. Always friendly good service.
A butcher shop with delicious cuts of meat and sandwiches
RC Kona
75-5729 Ali‘i Drive
A butcher shop with delicious cuts of meat and sandwiches
Great Local Hawaiian food!
53 locals recommend
Broke Da Mouth Grindz & Catering
74-5565 Luhia St
53 locals recommend
Great Local Hawaiian food!
Super yummy local chocolatier
Puna Chocolate Company - Kona
74-5606 Pawai Pl
Super yummy local chocolatier
Delicious vegan food and ice cream
12 locals recommend
Journey to Good Health Cafe LLC
75-5729 Ali‘i Dr
12 locals recommend
Delicious vegan food and ice cream
Really good brick oven pizza, 45 beers and seltzers on tap!
Coffee @ Kai
75-5776 Ali‘i Dr
Really good brick oven pizza, 45 beers and seltzers on tap!
Great grocery store, local produce, vegan and organic goods.
61 locals recommend
Island Naturals Market & Deli Kailua-Kona
74-5444 Makala Blvd
61 locals recommend
Great grocery store, local produce, vegan and organic goods.

Ocean charters/Land tours

The owner is highly recommended and knows the island like the back of his hand. He does Dolphin tours, manta rays, whale watching, fishing, private charters, and hiking/waterfall tours.
Liquid Hawaii Charters
Puako Beach Drive
The owner is highly recommended and knows the island like the back of his hand. He does Dolphin tours, manta rays, whale watching, fishing, private charters, and hiking/waterfall tours.

Manta snorkel and diving

We have used this group for the night manta snorkel in front of the Sheraton in Keahou and it was a great experience.
Kona Style
75-5669 Ali‘i Dr
We have used this group for the night manta snorkel in front of the Sheraton in Keahou and it was a great experience.
This is a great shop where I have rented gear and took a free diving course. They are very friendly and knowledgeable.
9 locals recommend
Kona Honu Divers
74-5583 Luhia St
9 locals recommend
This is a great shop where I have rented gear and took a free diving course. They are very friendly and knowledgeable.

Zen out

This place is immersed in nature and super relaxing. Byob and treat yourself and your loved one.
14 locals recommend
Mamalahoa Hot Tubs & Massage
81-1016 St John's Rd
14 locals recommend
This place is immersed in nature and super relaxing. Byob and treat yourself and your loved one.
If you want an extensive affordable deep tissue massage, check this place out. Very professional and clean..
Kona Thai Massage
75-5759 Kuakini Hwy
If you want an extensive affordable deep tissue massage, check this place out. Very professional and clean..
This is now called Kona hot yoga. I love this studio and attend classes here multiple times a week. They have hot Pilates, vinyasa, flow, Bikram, yoga, sculpt, and other pop-up classes. The studio is heated, very clean and super friendly community.
Bikram Yoga Kona
74-5626 Alapa St
This is now called Kona hot yoga. I love this studio and attend classes here multiple times a week. They have hot Pilates, vinyasa, flow, Bikram, yoga, sculpt, and other pop-up classes. The studio is heated, very clean and super friendly community.