Curator’s statement
One of my favorite things about this island is seeing the stars from on top of Mauna Kea at night. It is so beautiful to see so many stars! This island also has an active volcano. One night we were on Mauna Kea enjoying the stars and in the distance we could see the smoke and glow from the eruption at Kilauea. It is an amazing place!
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Things to do on Big Island
This was from my recent visit to the top of Mauna Kea at sunset.
Mauna Kea sunset and stars: Drive to the visitor center before sunset and then watch the sunset and stay until you can see the stars. It would be best to time your visit for a moonless night. And if you can book a tour or get a four wheel drive vehicle, drive past the visitor center to the summit for the sunset.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: This place is full of interesting things to see, lots of hikes and walking through an old lava tube where lava used to flow through. And if the volcano is erupting, it is an amazing sight to see!
Volcano Winery: In the volcano village, they have a winery that has tastings. They use Hawaii grown fruits in their wines that make them unique.
Manta Rays boat night tour: Swim with manta rays at night!
Ride ATV or UTV: Ride through tropical scenery with ocean views and break at a private waterfall and pond. Take a refreshing quick dip in the pond!
Swim at Mauna Kea Beach: The Kona side of the island has more of the sandy beaches. Stay and watch the sunset.
E-bike ride in Waimea: Enjoy a tour of a private ranch on e-mountain bikes and visit a private waterfall and pond.
Visit a Black Sand Beach: Check out Waipio Valley from the viewpoint from the top or book a tour and go down to the valley and learn all about the history and the life of the locals still living there.
The Merrie Monarch Festival: The Merrie Monarch Festival is a place where we see the best hula performances, but it is also the time when all the artists from all over Hawaii come together and share their creations with everyone from jewelry, hats, clothing, food, snacks, books, stationery, art, and more! This will be the style of Hawaii by people who live in Hawaii. Not the commercialized version of souvenirs. It does get quite busy, but you’ll for sure find something unique to remember your time in Hawaii.
Places to eat & drink on Big Island
Korean fried chicken and hamburger steak plate lunch
Hawaiian Style Cafe, Hilo: This place is always busy, but is always our go-to for brunch when in Hilo.
Kuhio Grill, Hilo: This is another great place for local-style food. They are famous for their one-pound laulau.
Country Style Cafe, Keaau: This is another local-style breakfast place that we love to go to for brunch.
Kenichi, Hilo: The local-style food here is great. Get fried pork chops, saimin, chicken katsu, or get a combo.
Village Burger, Waimea: The meat is local from Hawaii and their burgers are tasty.
Pahoa Fresh Fish: The fish is fresh and a great place for some simple fish and chips.
Pau Hana Poke, Kona: The fish is fresh here. Perfect for a poke bowl!
Punaluʻu Bake Shop: Get something sweet like a malasada for your road trip around the island.
Need to know
The people who live in Hawaii are friendly and that’s what I love about Hawaii. And they also love the land and the place they live. So they appreciate it when visitors show respect for the land and the people who live there.
During your visit, you may want to rent a car so you can go at your own pace. Or if you are staying at one of the resorts in Kona, and rather not bother with a car, tours are available for the volcano or Mauna Kea sunset and star gazing that can pick you up and drop you off.
Travel Advisor
Lorraine Villanueva
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Big Island page.