Local Favorites

Hapuna - Outstanding white sand beach

ʻAnaehoʻomalu Beach - See why the King put his fisherie up here

Beach 69 - Less crowded white sand beach with a shower to rinse off after swimming/snorkeling

Kahulu'u - Great family beach in Kona with a protected bay for snorkeling and surf lessons close by

Makalawena - A little hard to get to, but the beach is amazing.  If you don't have a 4WD vehicle, be prepared to hike a ways to get to the beach

Lava Lava Beach Club - Great place to catch the sunset at dinner.  Get there early and have a Mai Tai in their large waiting area.

Kohala Coffee Company Coffee Shop - Get your caffeine fix within walking distance of Hale Honu

Village Pizza - Enjoy some great take home pizza

Blue Dragon Cosmic Musiquarium - Unique venue to catch some great live music.

Honaunau Poke Shop near Captain Cook

Manta Ray experience - A bit on the pricey side, but an unforgettable experience to do the night snorkel with the Manta Rays.

Volcano National Park - The only place in the US to catch some lava action.

Kona Point - Jump off the End of the World into the ocean.

Southern Most Point in the US - Jump off the cliff, or lava tube, there if you dare.  Just be prepared to climb a long ladder to get back up.

Mauna Kea Observatory - Catching sunset above the clouds is a unique experience.

Kailua-Kona Waterfront - Home to a myriad of bars, restaurants, kiosks, hotels, tour operators, and shops, most with clear views of the ocean.

Waterfalls - along with 'Akaka Falls, there are some free waterfalls you can enjoy on the North end of Hilo

Pohoiki Hot Springs - Find the more secluded springs to the right of the one at the entrance by the old boat ramp.  Follow the path between that pool and the house.

Farmers Markets - Get your locally grown produce from some of the friendliest farmers.  Be sure to try Lilikoi (Passion Fruit), Ube, and Ice Cream Bean.

• Waimea - Closest

• Hilo - A bit of a drive, but hard to beat in terms of size and variety

• Kona

Snorkeling

• Puako - Hidden gem when the conditions are right.  Tip, if there are surfers out, there's going to be too much churn to see anything.

• Captain Cook - Kayaking amongst the dolphins across Kealakekua Bay is an added bonus to some of the best snorkeling.

  • Unguided kayak rental right at the water

• Two Step - A bit challenging getting in and out of the water, but well worth the effort.

Biking

Hiking