Guidebook for West Hawaii

Jennifer
Guidebook for West Hawaii

Beaches

These are our favorite beaches on the west side of the island
This beach is great for swimming, skim boarding or playing volleyball. Great facilities and lifeguards. 5 minute drive from the house.
181 locals recommend
Magic Sands Beach Park
Ali'i Drive
181 locals recommend
This beach is great for swimming, skim boarding or playing volleyball. Great facilities and lifeguards. 5 minute drive from the house.
Great place to see turtles and take a walk. There is even a little history and a hike you can take to see and learn about ancient Hawaii.
18 locals recommend
Honokohau Beach
18 locals recommend
Great place to see turtles and take a walk. There is even a little history and a hike you can take to see and learn about ancient Hawaii.
Best for snorkeling and diving - world class marine sanctuary.
12 locals recommend
Puako
12 locals recommend
Best for snorkeling and diving - world class marine sanctuary.
Best swimming on island. Amazing sunsets. Good facilities including showers, BBQ's and covered picnic areas. Note there is an entrance fee and little to no shade on the beach. The shore break can be harsh at times so mind the lifeguard flags/warnings.
241 locals recommend
Hapuna Beach
241 locals recommend
Best swimming on island. Amazing sunsets. Good facilities including showers, BBQ's and covered picnic areas. Note there is an entrance fee and little to no shade on the beach. The shore break can be harsh at times so mind the lifeguard flags/warnings.
This one makes the beach AND hiking list! Gorgeous and everything Hawaii should be!
80 locals recommend
Makalawena Beach
Hawaii 19
80 locals recommend
This one makes the beach AND hiking list! Gorgeous and everything Hawaii should be!
We recommend that you get here by 8:30 to get a spot - they only open up 10 parking spaces to the public daily. But facilities, gentle water entry, shade and beach bar make this worth the early trip!
70 locals recommend
Kaunaʻoa (Mauna Kea) Beach
70 locals recommend
We recommend that you get here by 8:30 to get a spot - they only open up 10 parking spaces to the public daily. But facilities, gentle water entry, shade and beach bar make this worth the early trip!
This is a LONG drive and can be HOT in the summer. But, its a wonder and you almost always share the beach with turtles! Make it a stop on your day trip around to Hilo or the Volcano!
175 locals recommend
Punalu‘u Beach
175 locals recommend
This is a LONG drive and can be HOT in the summer. But, its a wonder and you almost always share the beach with turtles! Make it a stop on your day trip around to Hilo or the Volcano!
Great for snorkeling and surfing when the tides are right. Little sand beach on the north side is a warm place to relax in between snorkeling in the bay and checking out the turtles on the protected south side shore.
239 locals recommend
Kahaluu Bay
Ali‘i Drive
239 locals recommend
Great for snorkeling and surfing when the tides are right. Little sand beach on the north side is a warm place to relax in between snorkeling in the bay and checking out the turtles on the protected south side shore.
Banyans 'beach' is just south of Kona Bali Kai (walking distance from here) - in between the buildings. Consistent good waves with easy step entry at high tide. Great for watching surfers and grabbing a bite at the nearby Poke Shack.
10 locals recommend
Banyan Mart
76-6265 Ali‘i Dr
10 locals recommend
Banyans 'beach' is just south of Kona Bali Kai (walking distance from here) - in between the buildings. Consistent good waves with easy step entry at high tide. Great for watching surfers and grabbing a bite at the nearby Poke Shack.
This is quite a drive, then a moderate hike, but well worth the work as one of only a handful of green (olivine) sand beaches in the world. The wind helps to modify the heat during summer. Be careful swimming there as the currents are very strong, but it's a must-see beach if you have the time.
148 locals recommend
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
148 locals recommend
This is quite a drive, then a moderate hike, but well worth the work as one of only a handful of green (olivine) sand beaches in the world. The wind helps to modify the heat during summer. Be careful swimming there as the currents are very strong, but it's a must-see beach if you have the time.
Wonderful, white sand beach with great swimming, body surfing and sunbathing. We recommend getting their early as parking fills quickly at this popular and easy to reach beach.
159 locals recommend
Kua Bay
159 locals recommend
Wonderful, white sand beach with great swimming, body surfing and sunbathing. We recommend getting their early as parking fills quickly at this popular and easy to reach beach.

Neighborhoods

Little artist town right above (via Lako street) with galleries and antique shops. Enjoy 'first friday' every month when they put up kiosks along the road with coffee, food and even live music, while all the studios and stores remain open (5-8).
57 locals recommend
Holualoa
57 locals recommend
Little artist town right above (via Lako street) with galleries and antique shops. Enjoy 'first friday' every month when they put up kiosks along the road with coffee, food and even live music, while all the studios and stores remain open (5-8).
Amazing farmers market, and great restaurants! Also the heart of the Paniolo (Hawaiian Cowboy) activities including fairs and rodeos. Also home to the HQ for the telescopes.
78 locals recommend
Waimea
78 locals recommend
Amazing farmers market, and great restaurants! Also the heart of the Paniolo (Hawaiian Cowboy) activities including fairs and rodeos. Also home to the HQ for the telescopes.
Great little town with vintage shops, coffee farms and small bites
13 locals recommend
Kealakekua
13 locals recommend
Great little town with vintage shops, coffee farms and small bites
Stunning drive up Kohala road to the end of the island through active ranches with horses, goats and cows everywhere. Great hikes along the shore and to Pololu Point. The town itself is a gem with great vintage shopping and a local made food market.
88 locals recommend
Hawi
88 locals recommend
Stunning drive up Kohala road to the end of the island through active ranches with horses, goats and cows everywhere. Great hikes along the shore and to Pololu Point. The town itself is a gem with great vintage shopping and a local made food market.

Food scene

Best pizza around - with great view! Original in Captain cook - 2nd location in Coconut Grove in Kona.
25 locals recommend
Black Rock Pizza
82-6127 Hawaiʻi Belt Road
25 locals recommend
Best pizza around - with great view! Original in Captain cook - 2nd location in Coconut Grove in Kona.
Best special occasion restaurant- amazing farm to table. Requires advance reservations!
102 locals recommend
Merriman's Big Island
65-1227 Opelo Rd
102 locals recommend
Best special occasion restaurant- amazing farm to table. Requires advance reservations!
Best local, no-frills, hole in the wall, bar with reasonable prices and interesting people.
13 locals recommend
Sam's Hideaway
75-5729 Ali‘i Dr
13 locals recommend
Best local, no-frills, hole in the wall, bar with reasonable prices and interesting people.
Great beer and bar, cool vibe and rockin’ chicken!
20 locals recommend
Willie's Hot Chicken
74-5599 Pawai Pl
20 locals recommend
Great beer and bar, cool vibe and rockin’ chicken!
During the day, on the back side of the restaurant they have street tacos - 3 for $9 and they are good!
36 locals recommend
Oceans Sports Bar & Grill
75-5811 Ali‘i Dr
36 locals recommend
During the day, on the back side of the restaurant they have street tacos - 3 for $9 and they are good!
Great cocktails with a local flair and stunning views. Likely a wait and on the high side of $$ but, amazing work with local ingredients and an owner who cares about their staff. One of our splurges - close and upscale but not toooo bougie.
91 locals recommend
Magics Beach Grill
77-6452 Ali‘i Dr
91 locals recommend
Great cocktails with a local flair and stunning views. Likely a wait and on the high side of $$ but, amazing work with local ingredients and an owner who cares about their staff. One of our splurges - close and upscale but not toooo bougie.
Expansive beer list (cocktails are not the draw here) with a shaded view and ocean breeze! Lots of good food (pizzas and salads are great) as are the starters. Location is key for a relaxed stop along the main drag.
21 locals recommend
Kai Eats and Drinks
75-5776 Ali‘i Drive
21 locals recommend
Expansive beer list (cocktails are not the draw here) with a shaded view and ocean breeze! Lots of good food (pizzas and salads are great) as are the starters. Location is key for a relaxed stop along the main drag.
Wonderful food, great view and worth the wait! Farm to table so they frequently run out of menu items. For best service go 1.5 hrs before or after sunset!
100 locals recommend
Foster's Kitchen
75-5805 Ali‘i Dr
100 locals recommend
Wonderful food, great view and worth the wait! Farm to table so they frequently run out of menu items. For best service go 1.5 hrs before or after sunset!
Best Japanese food around. Great happy hour and easy parking in South Kona.
43 locals recommend
Kenichi Pacific
6831 Ali‘i Dr
43 locals recommend
Best Japanese food around. Great happy hour and easy parking in South Kona.
Good pho when you want warm, tasty soup!
PHO KIM ANH
Good pho when you want warm, tasty soup!
Sooo good! Local, fresh and consistent, think local secret is among the vintage shops and between the artist town of Hōlualoa and the coffee farms of Captain Cook. Worth the wait and try the sauces! You won’t regret this stop.
38 locals recommend
Rebel Kitchen
79-7399 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd
38 locals recommend
Sooo good! Local, fresh and consistent, think local secret is among the vintage shops and between the artist town of Hōlualoa and the coffee farms of Captain Cook. Worth the wait and try the sauces! You won’t regret this stop.

Hiking

Amazing, moderate hike to a must-see beach. Pack water and sun protection!
148 locals recommend
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
148 locals recommend
Amazing, moderate hike to a must-see beach. Pack water and sun protection!
Amazing trails through jungle and desert terrain of the crater.
13 locals recommend
Kīlauea Iki Crater
13 locals recommend
Amazing trails through jungle and desert terrain of the crater.
Stunning views of rugged wilderness with a windy black sand beach below
Pololu Trail
Pololū Trail
Stunning views of rugged wilderness with a windy black sand beach below
3.2 mile round trip with 1200 feet elevation change. If you went as far as Pololu, why not go to the next valley!
Honokane Nui Lookout
ʻĀwini Trail
3.2 mile round trip with 1200 feet elevation change. If you went as far as Pololu, why not go to the next valley!
Very tropical, 100-acre park at 2000 foot elevation. Various trails of varying distance in the best rain forest on the island
17 locals recommend
Kalōpā State Recreation Area
44-3480 Kalaniai Rd
17 locals recommend
Very tropical, 100-acre park at 2000 foot elevation. Various trails of varying distance in the best rain forest on the island
4 mile round trip to breathtaking beach. No facilities and touch lava trail, but worth it!
80 locals recommend
Makalawena Beach
Hawaii 19
80 locals recommend
4 mile round trip to breathtaking beach. No facilities and touch lava trail, but worth it!
Great views and various cut-backs to chunk the hike to whatever you feel like. Almost always afternoon rain - beware!
11 locals recommend
Pu'u Wa'awa'a Cinder Cone State Park
71-1645 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd
11 locals recommend
Great views and various cut-backs to chunk the hike to whatever you feel like. Almost always afternoon rain - beware!

Sightseeing

Great snorkeling and close to the Place of Refuge - make it a two-fer!
114 locals recommend
Two Step
114 locals recommend
Great snorkeling and close to the Place of Refuge - make it a two-fer!
Beautiful and well presented slice of history between the palms and ocean. Must see.
270 locals recommend
Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park
State Highway 160
270 locals recommend
Beautiful and well presented slice of history between the palms and ocean. Must see.
Worth the drive if you've ever wondered what a lava tube looks like. Go with the LONG tour to really get into the variety of the geology and an awesome tour with really knowledgeable guides!
24 locals recommend
Kula Kai Caverns
92-8864 Lauhala Dr
24 locals recommend
Worth the drive if you've ever wondered what a lava tube looks like. Go with the LONG tour to really get into the variety of the geology and an awesome tour with really knowledgeable guides!
Neat little sanctuary with a variety of local fauna, glorious views and even a lava tube with petroglyphs.
26 locals recommend
Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary
83-5401 Painted Church Rd
26 locals recommend
Neat little sanctuary with a variety of local fauna, glorious views and even a lava tube with petroglyphs.
Turtles, history and trails
45 locals recommend
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
45 locals recommend
Turtles, history and trails
Wonderful guided forest walk in high elevation away from heat. Must make reservations!
15 locals recommend
Kona Cloud Forest
73-1865 Hao St
15 locals recommend
Wonderful guided forest walk in high elevation away from heat. Must make reservations!

Happy Hour

Great view, local vibe, reasonable prices and good happy hour.
40 locals recommend
Laverne's Sports Bar
75-5819 Ali‘i Dr
40 locals recommend
Great view, local vibe, reasonable prices and good happy hour.
Best Happy Hour in town with the most amazing view. Get there BEFORE dinner or be prepared to wait over an hour!
38 locals recommend
Don's Mai Tai Bar
75-5852 Ali‘i Dr
38 locals recommend
Best Happy Hour in town with the most amazing view. Get there BEFORE dinner or be prepared to wait over an hour!
Great Happy Hour, amazing food and a view!
163 locals recommend
Island Lava Java
75-5801 Ali‘i Dr
163 locals recommend
Great Happy Hour, amazing food and a view!
Great happy hour ON THE BEACH. Get there early.
171 locals recommend
Lava Lava Beach Club
69-1081 Ku'uali'i Pl
171 locals recommend
Great happy hour ON THE BEACH. Get there early.

Groceries and Supplies

Best choice for local fresh veggies and reasonable prices. Believe it or not, also the best for Poke bowls!
38 locals recommend
Sack N Save Kona
75-5595 Palani Rd
38 locals recommend
Best choice for local fresh veggies and reasonable prices. Believe it or not, also the best for Poke bowls!
Home to KTA (groceries), CVS, Regal cinema, Kenichi's, Tap House, Bianelli's, Sam Choi, and lovely book store.
58 locals recommend
Keauhou Shopping Center
78-6831 Ali‘i Dr
58 locals recommend
Home to KTA (groceries), CVS, Regal cinema, Kenichi's, Tap House, Bianelli's, Sam Choi, and lovely book store.
Traditional safeway for familiar shopping.
130 locals recommend
Safeway
75-971 Henry St
130 locals recommend
Traditional safeway for familiar shopping.