The Best of the Big Island

Be a beach bum at Hapuna

Relax in the sun at some of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Hapuna Beach in Kohala is open from 7:00 AM to 6:45 PM and has entrance and parking fees. Manini’owali Beach/Kua Bay in Kona is open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM and a bit more off the beaten path.

Drive from Hawi to Waimea

Take HI-270 up to the little town of Hawi, located on the island’s northern end. Explore the small stretch of shops and stop by the excellent Kohala Coffee Mill. Drive back via the scenic HI-250 to Waimea. You will pass through the stunning Kahuā/Ponoholo Ranch area with spectacular views across vividly green pastures to the ocean below.

Greenwell Coffee

Enjoy a guided farm tour or tasting at one of the largest and oldest coffee plantations in Kona. If you’re running low on time, you can pop by for a fun, self-serve tasting.

Hawai'i Tropical Botanical Garden

Take a day trip to the Hilo side of the island and visit this beautiful garden with its stunning display of orchids.

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Take a day trip to Kīlauea, the most active volcano in the world. The park also encompasses Mauna Loa, which is the largest volcano in the world. There are a variety of day hikes and scenic drives to enjoy and you can also visit the nearby Volcano Winery for wine or tea.

Hula Daddy

Taste some of the best, award-winning Kona coffee from this small, eco-friendly producer. You can book a plantation tour to see the orchards and roasting room, where everything is roasted in small batches.

Mauna Kea

Journey to the snow-capped summit of Mauna Kea for sunset and then stargazing. You can go with a tour group or drive yourself, but if you opt for the latter, you are required to have a 4WD vehicle.

Polulu Valley lookout and hike

Drive up to the northern tip of the island to the lookout and hike about 15 to 20 minutes down to the beach. The views are gorgeous, especially halfway down the trail, but keep in mind that you will have to hike back up! Parking is limited.

Snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay

Enjoy some of the best snorkeling on the Big Island around the Captain Cook Monument. A boat tour is highly recommended as it is very difficult to access this area on your own.

Stay at the Rosewood Kona Village

Indulge in world-class luxury at the beautiful and relaxing Kona Village.

Day trips

Option one:

Have breakfast and drive up the Kohala coast to the beautiful Hapuna beach. Take a walk or maybe go for a snorkel or swim before it gets too crowded. Continue to Hawi via HI-270 and stop by the Hawi Coffee Company for coffee and a bite to eat. Explore the town and its shops before heading off to the Pololu Valley Lookout. Hike down to the beach and back, making sure to enjoy the views at the halfway mark. Depart Pololu and take HI-250 to enjoy the views on the way down to Waimea.

If you’re up for some fun, maybe arrange a sunset horseback ride with Paniolo Adventures since you’ll be in the area. Finally, have dinner at the delightful Merriman’s Waimea and then head back to your hotel.

Option two:

Rise early and drive to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. There are a few potential turn-offs along the way, including black and green sand beaches. Take your time and enjoy the drive, then explore the park and its trails. Have lunch inside the park at the Rim or the nearby Kilauea Lodge. If you choose the latter, consider stopping by Volcano Winery for some wine or tea. Check out the Kīlauea Crater once the sun has set, and then drive back to the Kona side of the island.

An alternate option would be to visit the National Park at the tail end of your Big Island stay. This would allow you to stay the night in Volcano Village. You could then drive to Hilo the next morning and check out some of the local sites, including the Hawai'i Tropical Botanical Garden, before flying out of the Hilo airport.

Brown’s Beach House

Splurge for dinner with a beautiful view at the Fairmont Orchid. There is nightly live music and you can stop by the hotel’s lovely Luana Lounge) for a pre or post-dinner drink.

Green Flash Coffee

Pop by this tiny, locally-owned shop located just south of Kailua-Kona. Try the Earthquake if you’re severely undercaffeinated or have a long day of sightseeing ahead!

Hawi Coffee Company at Kohala Coffee Mill

One of my favorites and a great place to stop for breakfast, lunch or delicious coffee before or after a visit to Pololu Valley. There is a second location in Waimea.

Island Gourmet Markets in Queen’s Marketplace

If you’d like a break from dining out, stop by this gourmet grocery store in the Queen's Marketplace shopping market. They have prepared food, sushi and a great wine selection.

Kona Brewing Company

A great place for a casual dinner or even just a couple of beers. Try the pepperoni rolls. There are also some cute local shops just across the way.

Merriman’s Waimea

Located in the small town of Waimea, this is the flagship restaurant of celebrity Chef Peter Merriman. It is my absolute top pick for dinner and has the best mai tais on the Big Island. Reservations are highly recommended.

Moana

Enjoy breakfast or dinner in this beautifully designed open-air restaurant at Kona Village. The breads and pastries shine, although I highly recommend the green chilaquiles for breakfast!

Talk Story Bar

Wherever you decide to stay, it’s worth a trip to Kona Village just to visit this fabulous beach bar. Stop by before dinner to watch the sunset as you enjoy a beautifully crafted cocktail.

Tropical Dreams

This is the best ice cream in Hawai'i. You can no longer visit their factory store, but be on the lookout for their flavors at local shops and restaurants, including several of the aforementioned spots!

Ulu Ocean Grill

Enjoy some fantastic sushi at this classy beachside restaurant located within the Four Seasons resort. It is temporarily closed for renovations but will be re-opened in January 2025.