Off The Beaten Path in Hawai'i: Quiet Adventures on the Southern Coast of the Big Island

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park (not to be missed!). The landscape of this park is constantly changing, and road closures are common, so be sure to check the National Park Service website to learn about the current conditions. Viewing active, red lava is not always possible, but when it is, the rangers will tell you exactly how to get there. Be sure to get out to the Holei Sea Arch (at the end of Chain of Craters Road) while it still stands!

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. You are practically guaranteed to find sea turtles sunning themselves on the black sand. This is a popular tourist stop on the way to the national park, so stop here early in the morning, or at sunset for a quieter experience. The sand is rough and rocky, so bring water shoes if you want to get in the cool water.

Papalokea Green Sand Beach. You can hike the 5.6 miles roundtrip to this extremely rare green sand beach, or hire a local shuttle. We paid $20 cash for a ride each way, which we thought was worth it given the sun and wind exposure on this hike. Plan ahead to bring lunch, as this area is extremely remote with no services or restaurants in the vicinity.

South Point. This is the true Southernmost point of the United States. It is remote, extremely windy and sunny, but this historical site has Hawaiian cultural monuments, cliff jumping and fishermen for entertainment.

Paradise Meadows (Hawai'i’s Local Buzz Gift Shop). Way more than a gift shop, this is a fantastic stop on the way to the Green Sand Beach. Take a farm tour, check out the art studio and don’t miss the extensive free samples of coffee, macadamia nuts and chocolates! Say hi to Penny the Pig for us!

Two Step Beach. Also known as Honaunau Bay, this is a great beach for snorkeling. Bring your own gear and enter the water by climbing down the rocks. The nearby Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park has tiki statues and other culturally significant sites, and is another great stop.

Ho’okena Beach Park. A soft sandy beach is rare in this area, but we found this beach surprisingly delightful with its salt-and-pepper gray sand, plenty of shade, picnic tables and gentle waves. Parking is tight, so arrive early or be prepared to walk down the hill to the beach.

Pro tip! Download the Shaka Guide App and download audio guides for driving all over the island. These use your GPS to give you guided narration, and they provide so much context and history during your time spent driving.

Punalu’u Bake Shop (Naalehu). Don’t miss this one! Malasadas, sweet breads and other pastries are served here at the Southernmost Bakery in the U.S. Cute outdoor tables with live Hawaiian acoustic music make it a gem.

Ka Lae Coffee (Naalehu). Right across the street from Punalu’u Bake shop. Locally grown and roasted coffee shop, they also make smoothies in a great local atmosphere.

Ama’s Kitchen (South Point Road, Naalehu). This is a food truck sometimes located at the same stop as Paradise Meadows, on the way to South Point. Serving chicken, fresh fish and other homemade options.

Hana Hou (Naalehu). Hawaiian-style comfort food including fish sandwiches, pizza and desserts at reasonable prices.

South Kona Grindz (Captain Cook). This is a good stop if you’re traveling north to the Captain Cook area. They serve outstanding fish tacos, pizza and fish & chips with a laid-back tropical atmosphere

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue (Ocean View). This is a Hawaiian-themed fast food chain that features a huge menu and plate lunches. This is a popular lunch spot with the locals.

Tuk Tuk Thai Food Truck (Volcano). This food truck has classic Thai food, such as curries and stir fries. We thought it was outstanding, affordable and quick.

Cafe Ono (Volcano). Quaint dining experience in an old Hawaiian garden state. Featuring healthy and organic menu items and locally grown ingredients.

Kilauea Lodge Restaurant (Volcano). This fine dining restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner in Volcano, near the National Park.