What We Recommend
Big Island Restaurant Recommendations
Fresh fish, fine dining, local spots and more.
Waikoloa
Kuleana Rum Shack - Hawaiian Easts & Rum! - Casual
Location: Queen’s Marketplace | Phone: (808) 238 0786 | www.kuleanarum.com
Romanos’ Macaroni Grill - Lively Italian Eatery - Casual
Location: Queen’s Marketplace | Phone: (808) 443 5515 | www.macaronigrill.com
Roy’s Waikoloa Bar and Grill - Hawaiian Fushion Fare- Fine Dining
Location: King’s Shops | Phone: (808) 885 4321 | www.roysrestaurant.com
Sensei Seafood, Steak & Sushi Bar - Japanese- Pacific Rim Fare- Casual
Location: Queen’s Marketplace | Phone: (808) 886 6286 | www.senseihawaii.com
Lava Lava Beach Club - Beach Bar - Casual
Location: 69-1081 Ku’uali’I Place | Phone: (808) 769 5282 | www.lavalavabeachclub.com
Pueo’s Osteria - Traditional Italian Eatery - Resort Attire
Location: 68-1845 Waikoloa Rd | Phone: (808) 339 7566 | www.pueososteria.com
Mauna Lani
Tommy Bahama - Aloha Inspired Cuisine - Resort Attire
Location: Mauna Lani Shopping Centre | Phone: (808) 881 8686 | www.tommybahama.com
Napua - Locally Sourced Waterfront Restaurant - Fine Dining
Location: Mauna Lani Beach Club | Phone: (808) 885 5910 | www.napuarestaurant.com
Knead & Bake - Hand Tossed Personal Pies - Casual
Location: Mauna Lani Shopping Centre | Phone: (808) 731 4490 | www.kneadandbake.com
Kohala Coast - Hotel Restaurants
Canoe House - Island Inspired Cuisine - Fine Dining
Location: Mauna Lani Auberge Resort | Phone: (808) 885 6622 | www.aubergeresorts.com
HāLani - North American Costal - Resort Attire
Location: Mauna Lani Auberge Resort | Phone: (808) 885 6622 | www.aubergeresorts.com
Hā Bar - Open Air Bar - Casual
Location: Mauna Lani Auberge Resort | Phone: (808) 885 6622 | www.aubergeresorts.com
Brown’s Beach House - Sophisticated Farm-To-Table Resort - Fine Dining
Location: Fairmont Orchid Hotel | Phone: (808) 887 7368
Copper Bar - Craft Cocktails & Tapas - Resort Attire
Location: Mauna Kea Hotel | Phone (808) 882 5707 | www.maunakearesort.com
Manta - Upscale Hawaiian Dining - Fine Dining
Location: Mauna Kea Hotel | Phone (808) 882 5707 | www.maunakearesort.com
Has Tree - Beachfront Bar & Restaurant - Casual
Location: Mauna Kea Hotel | Phone (808) 882 5707 | www.maunakearesort.com
Meridia - Mediterranean Inspired - Resort Attire
Location: Hapuna Westin Hotel | Phone (808) 881 1111 | www.maunakearesort.com
Kona
Kona Brewing Company - Local Brewery w/ Casual Eats
Location: Kona’s Brewery Block | Phone: (808) 334 2739 | www.konabrewing.com
Ola Brew Co. - Local Brewery w/ Casual Eats
Location: 74-5598 Luhia Street | Phone: (808) 339 3599 | www.olabrewco.com
Huggo’s & Huggo’s on the Rocks - Seafood Bar & Restaurant - Casual
Location: 75-5828 Khaki Road | Phone: (808) 329 1493 | www.huggos.com
Papa Kona - Waterfront Bistro - Casual
Location: 75-5770 Ali’i Drive | Phone: (808) 300 0044 | www.papakonarestaurant.com
Umeke’s Fishmarket Bar & Grill - Poke Bowl & Fresh Fish - Casual
Location: Kona’s Brewery Block | Phone: (808) 238 0571 | www.umekesrestaurant.com
Willie’s Hot Chicken - Nashville Hot Chicken - Casual
Location: Kona’s Brewery Block | Phone: (808) 796 3088 | www.willieshotchicken.com
Sushi Shiono - Japanese Eatery - Casual
Location: 75-5799 Ali’i Drive | Phone: (808) 326 1696 | www.shionosushi.com
Kai Eats and Drinks - Oceanfront American Cuisine - Casual
Location: 75-5776 Ali’i Drive | Phone: (808) 900 3328 | www.kaieatsanddrinks.com
Kona Pasta Company - Fresh Homemade Italian Cuisine - Resort Casual
Location: 75-5864 Walua Road | Phone: (808) 209 8494
Kona Inn Restaurant - Oceanside Historic Inn w/ Hawaiian Classics - Casual
Location: 75-5744 Ali’i Drive | Phone: (808) 329 4455 | www.konainnrestaurant.com
Waimea
Merriman’s - Locally sourced Regional Cuisine- Fine Dining
Location: 65-1227 Opelo Road | Phone: (808) 885 6822 | www.merrimanshawaii.com
FORC - Farmer Ocean Rancher Cook - Resort Casual
Location: 65-1214 Lindsey Rd | Phone: (808) 731 4656 | www.forchawaii.com
The Fish & The Hog - Slow Cooked BBQ Rustic Cafe - Casual
Location: 64-957 Hawaii Belt Road | Phone: (808) 885 6268 | www.fishandthehog.com
Red Water Cafe - Inventive Global Cuisine - Resort Casual
Location: 65-1299 Kawaiahe Road | Phone: (808) 885 9299 | www.redwatercafe.com
Hawaiian Style Café - Hawaiian Diner w/ huge plates! - Casual
Location: 65-1290 Kawaihae Rd | Phone: (808) 885 4295
Waimea Coffee Company - Locally Sourced Cafe for Breakfast & Lunch - Casual
Location: 65-1279 Kawaihae Road | Phone: (808) 885 8915 | www.waimeacoffeecompany.com
Moa Kitchen - Japanese Style Cuisine - Casual
Location: 65- 1298 Kawaihae Road | Phone: (808) 339 7887 | www.moakitchen.net
Taco Rosa - Locally Sourced Traditional Mexican - Casual
Location: 1227 Opelo Road | Phone: (808) 887 2802 | www.tacorosahawaii.com
Pau Pizza- Casual Pizzeria in Homey Digs
Location: 65-1227 Opelo Rd | Phone: (808) 885 6325 | www.paupizza.com
James Angelo’s Underground Pizza - New York Style Pizzas
Location: 64-974 Hawaii Belt Road | Phone: (808) 885 7888 | www.undergroundpizza.com
Big Island Brewhaus - Local Brewery w/ Mexican Classics- Casual
Location: 64-1066 Mamalahoa Highway | Phone: (808) 887 1717 | www.bigislandbrewhaus.com
Village Burger - Locally Sourced Gourmet Burger Joint - Casual
Location: 65-1185 Hawaii Belt Road | Phone: (808) 885 7319 | www.villageburgerwaimea.com
Kawaiahae
Kohala Burger & Taco - Locally Sourced Burgers & Fish Tacos
Location: 61-3665 Akoni Pule Hwy | Phone: (808) 880 1923 | www.kohalaburgerandtaco.com
Hale I’a Da Fish House - Fresh caught fish & poke daily!
Location: 61-3659 Kawaihae Rd | Phone: (808) 882 1052
Seafood Bar & Grill - Seafood Tiki Longe- Casual
Location: 61- 3642 Kawaihae Rd | Phone: (808) 880 9393 | www.seafoodbarandgrill.com
Kawaihae Kitchen - Local Take-out Hole in the Wall
Location: 61-3665 Akoni Pule Hwy | Phone: (808) 882 1511
Cipriano’s Kitchen - Authentic Italian Lunch Spot - Casual
Location: 61-3642 Kawaihae Road | Phone: (808) 657 4700
Hilo
Hilo Bay Cafe - Bayfront Views & Craft Cocktails - Resort Casual
Location: 123 Lihiwai Street | Phone: (808) 935 4939 | www.hilobaycafe.com
Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay - Wood-fired Pizzas & Island Cuisine - Casual
Location: 308 Kamehameha Ave | Phone: (808) 969 6640 | www.cafepesto.com
Hilo Burger Joint - Signature Burgers & Beers - Casual
Location: 776 Kilauea Ave | Phone: (808) 935 8880 | www.hiloburgerjoint.com
Pineapple Restaurant - Open Air Eatery w/ Island Fresh Cuisine - Casual
Location: 332 Keawe Street | Phone: (808) 238 5324 | www.pineappleshilo.wordpress.com
Temple Bar - High End Craft Beer & Wine Bar w/ International Eats - Casual
Location: 64 Keawe Street | Phone: (808) 491 2337 | www. thetemplebar.com
Volcano
Ohelo Cafe - Casual eatery w/ amazing pizzas!
Location: 19-4005 Haunani Rd | Phone: (808) 339 7865
Kilauea Lodge Restaurant - Cozy locally sourced dining - Resort Casual
Location: 19-3948 Old Vocano Rd | Phone: (808) 967 7366
Tuk Tuk Food Truck - Authentic Thai Food - Food Truck
Location: 19-3820 Old Volcano Road | Phone: (808) 936 4684
The Rim - Tranquil Eatery on the Rim - Casual
Location: 1 Crater Rim Drive | Phone: (808) 930 6910 | www.hawaiivolcanohouse.com
Big Island Beaches
The beaches on the Big Island are incredibly diverse, ranging from beautiful clear blue waters to green and black sand beaches.
Spencer Beach Park
This beach park is great for a bbq style day, providing pavilions, toilets, showers, and picnic facilities. It is an easy place for swimming, with a clear sandy bottomed bay.
Mau’u Mae Beach
This beach is private and secluded, with only so many parking spots. You can access this beach from the Mauna Kea Resort entrance gate, or by parking North at Spencer Beach Park and hiking about .25 of a mile along a trail. This white sand beach is rustic and peaceful. No showers, and little shade- just so you know!
Hapuna Beach
This beach is fantastic for boogie boarding and body surfing. The waves can be pretty big here, so be careful, but have fun! Stretching along a half mile strip of open beach, this beach is one of the island’s most popular. Lovely white sand beach, perfect for walks or runs. Grills and pavilions make it easy for a bbq! Showers and toilets too. And lifeguards on duty.
Wailea Bay (69’s)
This beach is just down the road from Hapuna. A much different feel as it offers lots of little segregated spots, separated by the fallen trees. With lots of shade, amazing snorkeling, showers and restrooms, this beach offers it all. You will love it.
49’s Black Sand Beach
Located down Mauna Lani Beach Drive at the 3rd exit from the roundabout, this little beach has the bluest waters, and the hottest sand! The earlier in the day you go, the better, as the sand gets incredibly hot. Although this isn’t a spot for sunset, it is great for snorkeling, paddle boarding, and kayaking. Showers and toilets are available.
‘Anaheo’omalu Beach (A-Bay)
Dig your feet deep in the sand as you wade in the water, and feel the cold springs tickle your feet. This beach is active, and easy to hop over to Lava Lava Beach Club for a sunset Mai Tai at happy hour. This protected bay offers calm waters and a clean beach. Showers and toilets are available. Great for young children.
Kua Bay
This beach consists of soft white sand. With not much shade, you will want to get in the water, but surf can get big in the winter! Turtles and other sea creatures are often seen here, so keep an eye out and keep your distance! Showers and toilets are available.
Magic Sands Beach
Also known as White Sands Beach, is a small but fun beach situated right in Kailua Kona. Although usually very crowded, many will say it’s worth checking out for the waves, clear water, and soft sand. Showers and toilets are available.
Hilo Day
See the beauty of the Hamakua Coast and experience the East Side of the Island.
Day Trip to Hilo
There will be a lot of driving, but it is SO worth it to see the other side of the island. And there are loads of places to stop!
Waimea
Start your day here with a coffee from Waimea Coffee Company, or a big breakfast at Hawaiian Style Café or Kamuela Kitchen & Café. If you’re in Waimea around lunch time, head to Big Island Brewhaus for margaritas and Mexican style cuisine, or The Fish & The Hog for some true Southern BBQ.
Waimea is a beautiful little town at an elevation of nearly 3,000FT. You will find green rolling hills, and a cowboy country vibe while there. On Saturday’s the town is hustling and bustling with two big Farmer’s Markets- one is located at Parker School from 7:30AM- 12:00PM, the other at Pukalani Stables from 7:30AM- 12:30PM. There is also a midweek market at Pukalani Stables from 9AM - 2PM every Wednesday.
Honoka’a
Once you are done exploring Waimea, take Highway 19 to Honoka’a. Make sure you stop at Tex Mex for a malasada. It is a deep fried sugary donut, and you can even get them filled with guava, chocolate, lilikoi, etc. They are THE BEST.
If you’d like to visit Waipio Valley lookout, you can head back into Honoka’a and follow signs to Waipio. If you are using Google maps make sure to enter the info you need before leaving Honoka’a Town as you will lose service the closer you get to Waipio.
Waipio is no longer accessible to the public, but the views from the lookout are absolutely worth the detour!
Once you are done in Honoka’a you will drive along the Hamakua Coastline on Highway 19 heading East towards Hilo.
Akaka Falls
As you approach mile marker 13.5, about 30 miles from Honoka’a, you will start to see signs for Akaka Falls. This is an easily accessible waterfall with a .5 mile loop that takes you to two waterfalls- the Kahuna and the Akaka Waterfalls. Akaka is 422 feet high! Park inside the gate if you can- the fee is $5/ car. If you park outside the gate it is not a far walk, and is $1/ person. Not much of a difference either way.
Hilo
Next stop- Hilo Town! As you get back onto Highway 19 continue heading East towards Hilo. Hilo is about 13 miles from Akaka Falls.
Once in Hilo, there are a number of things you can check out.
Rainbow Falls- only 5 minutes from downtown Hilo is another waterfall. You can see the waterfall from the parking lot, or climb some steps to get above the waterfall.
Farmer’s Market- The Hilo Farmer’s Market is one of the biggest markets on the island. Although Wednesdays and Saturdays are the big days for the market, there are still lots of vendors and stalls throughout the week. Lots of fruit and veggie stands, as well as arts & crafts. It is right in downtown Hilo, hard to miss.
Imiloa Astronomy Center- If you are into astronomy, this could be a great stop at some point in your day! This is part of the University of Hilo and is an exhibition and planetarium complex that explores the connections between Hawaiian cultural traditions and astronomy.
Restaurants- Depending on timing, you may be ready for lunch. There is a Double Tree Hotel in downtown Hilo that has a great outdoor restaurant and bar called Hula Hula’s. It is a great open-air eatery overlooking the Hilo Bay.
If you are looking for something a bit more casual and local, Pineapples Restaurant in downtown Hilo is a family- owned and operated restaurant providing fresh island cuisine. It is also an open-air restaurant. And lastly, Hilo Bay Café is a great option with seating overlooking the bay. Be sure to make a reservation though!
Return via Volcano or Mauna Kea
Once you are done in Hilo, you have a few options. If you have a few hours until sunset you may want to head to Volcano National Park, which is 40 minutes from downtown Hilo. There you can visit some steam vents, take a few shorts walks, or drive down the Chain of Craters Road- depending on your timing.
Once it’s time to head back you will want to take Saddle Road. This is the fastest way back, and takes you in between two of our beautiful mountains- Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.
Important- Saddle Road is approximately 40miles long and there is nothing the whole way. No gas stations, restaurants, bathrooms, etc.
If you have 4WD and would like to catch sunset up on Mauna Kea Summit, or do some stargazing at the visitor’s center at 9,000FT elevation, this is your time! You will lose service along Saddle Road, so make sure to look up directions if needed before leaving town.
Never hesitate to call or text with any questions along the way! We hope you have a wonderful time exploring the East side of the Beautiful Big Island of Hawai’i.
Big Island Hikes
Explore our beautiful island on foot, completely self-guided.
Pololu Valley - Lush forest, valleys & beach!
Pololu Valley is a 2.5 mile round trip hike in the Northern part of the Big Island. Kohala is known for its lush landscape, beautiful views, and quaint towns. You will drive through Hawi and Kapa’au to get to Pololu. These are both small towns within Kohala.
The hike is steep, but considered relatively easy. It takes you down into Pololu Valley’s back sand beach. Swimming can be a little tricky here due to the current, so be careful should you get in.
We like to suggest taking a picnic down into the Valley to enjoy on the beach or in the trees.
If you get down into Pololu Valley and would like to hike some more, you can head to the East side of the beach to another trailhead - Honokane Nut Valley. The trail is faint and can be hard to find, but is about 100FT behind the shoreline. This hike is trickier and steeper than the one into Pololu Valley, with about a mile of climbing to the top of the Valley.
At the top there is a wooden bench with stunning views of the Valley. This is as far as you can go.
Kiholo Bay - Black Sand Beach & lots of turtles!
Kiholo Beach is one of the Big Island’s most stunning beaches. The black sand and blue waters make for some great photos. It’s hot though!
There is an unmarked gravel road that is right by Mile Marker 82 as you’re heading South on Highway 19 (the main highway). You will turn down that gravel road towards to ocean. Drive to the end of the road to park.
From the parking area, you can hike East or West along the beach.
Here are a few links to describe what you will find should you go East or West.
Heading West - Kiholo to Mano Point: https://tuatara-dory-ml52.squarespace.com/kiholo-to-mano-point/
Heading East- Kiholo to Keawiki: https://tuatara-dory-ml52.squarespace.com/kiholo-to-keawaiki/
Kealakekua Bay - Snorkeling, Captain Cook Monument & History!
Kealakekua Bay is one of the Big Island’s most unbelievable snorkel destinations. It is only accessible by boat, hiking, or kayaking. No one can drive into the Bay. Which means the marine life is extra abundant!
The hike down to Kealakekua Bay is incredibly steep, but very worth it! We always suggest going early in the day to avoid the midday sun.
Once you get to the bottom, you can find a spot to enjoy a picnic, then jump in for some snorkeling. Also - the earlier you go, the less boats will be there, and therefore less people in the ocean snorkeling.
This hike is 3.8 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 1,300FT.
The trailhead is at the intersection of Napo’opo’o Road and Highway 11 (Mamalahoa Bypass Hwy). Drive across the intersection and about 500FT down Napo’opo’o Road then pull off to the side. Park anywhere along the road, then you will find the trailhead on the ocean side of the road.
Makahi Street Trailhead, Kona
This trailhead offers a series of trails through the forest reserve of Koloko, Kona. There is a map at the start that will help direct you to the hike you are most interested in. This area can be quite wet so I definitely recommend closed toed shoes and a rain jacket.
Here is a website with some more information: https://pathhawaii.org/trails-paths-projects/hiking-walking/kaloko-trail/
Mana Road, Waimea
This isn’t necessarily a “hike", but rather a gorgeous walk. We always suggest that (if you can) head to Waimea on a Saturday to check out the Farmer’s Markets, then head to Mana Road for a nice long walk through pastures and across rolling hills.
Mana Road is located just outside of town. You will take a right off the main highway onto Mana Road (easy to find using google maps). You will come to a T. Turn left. The road is paved for about 3 miles, then turns into a dirt road. You can park where the road turns dirt, and walk for miles out along the pastures. On a clear day, Mauna Kea is absolutely breathtaking!
These are just some of our top suggested hikes on the Big Island. However, there are more! Here is a link to a great website with all the info you need on Big Island Hikes: https://bigislandhikes.com/best-hikes-big-island