Food scene
My favorite pie is Dutch cherry. Glazed donuts also ono. All flaky. Open 6:30-1:30 pm Monday- Saturday. Pies go fast.
10 locals recommend
Mt View Bakery Inc
18-1319 Old Volcano RdMy favorite pie is Dutch cherry. Glazed donuts also ono. All flaky. Open 6:30-1:30 pm Monday- Saturday. Pies go fast.
Hawaiian music, hula and plenty of different cuisines. This place rocks.
171 locals recommend
Uncle Robert's Awa Bar and Farmers Market
12-5038 Kalapana Kapoho Beach RdHawaiian music, hula and plenty of different cuisines. This place rocks.
Popular, good food and within five minutes drive time from your vacation rental.
102 locals recommend
Kilauea Lodge Restaurant
19-3948 Old Volcano RdPopular, good food and within five minutes drive time from your vacation rental.
Part gift shop and restaurant. Very close to your vacation rental. Five minutes drive.
36 locals recommend
Cafe Ono
19-3834 Old Volcano RdPart gift shop and restaurant. Very close to your vacation rental. Five minutes drive.
Sweet Cane Cafe
48 Kamana StGreat vegan food. My fav is ulu poke.
Ukulele lessons
You can learn to play the ukulele.
I love art . The volcano art center offers a diverse selection of interesting activities.
14 locals recommend
Volcano Art Center - Hale Ho'omana
19-4074 Old Volcano RdI love art . The volcano art center offers a diverse selection of interesting activities.
Sightseeing
It’s close to Hilo town. I’ll often park my car, walk over to a spot that overlooks Hilo bay and eat lunch.
103 locals recommend
Liliuokalani Park and Gardens
189 Lihiwai StIt’s close to Hilo town. I’ll often park my car, walk over to a spot that overlooks Hilo bay and eat lunch.
This is a black sand beach. And yes, turtles do rest here. Bring drinking water and snacks.
175 locals recommend
Punalu‘u Beach
This is a black sand beach. And yes, turtles do rest here. Bring drinking water and snacks.
Neighborhoods
This is a wonderful place to learn geography, bird life, of volcanic eruptions, and hike through diverse terrain.
880 locals recommend
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This is a wonderful place to learn geography, bird life, of volcanic eruptions, and hike through diverse terrain.
This a funky town once served as one of the hubs during 100 years of sugar plantations. Couple of good restaurants.
39 locals recommend
Honokaa
This a funky town once served as one of the hubs during 100 years of sugar plantations. Couple of good restaurants.
If you want gifts from Hawai’i, you’ll find ukuleles, curios, books, and eat at different food stores. Hana hou and Siz Zane, offer a wide menu of Hawaiian crafts made locally by well respected individuals.
120 locals recommend
Hilo
If you want gifts from Hawai’i, you’ll find ukuleles, curios, books, and eat at different food stores. Hana hou and Siz Zane, offer a wide menu of Hawaiian crafts made locally by well respected individuals.
I’ve hiked this place so rich in history and so many Hawaiian songs describe the mountains to the sea.
59 locals recommend
Kalapana
I’ve hiked this place so rich in history and so many Hawaiian songs describe the mountains to the sea.
Star gazing
It’s been said Maunakea is the only place in the world to view both hemispheres. The stars seem larger from this viewpoint.
161 locals recommend
Mauna Kea
It’s been said Maunakea is the only place in the world to view both hemispheres. The stars seem larger from this viewpoint.
Traveler advice
What to pack
Comfortable walking shoes, rain gear
We’re in a rainforest. It rains often. Hiking shoes, a light weatherproof jacket will be in good use. Of course bring a swimsuit.
Ways to save
Groceries
Shop in Hilo or in Kona. It’s expensive in the village. The closest grocery store is Kea’au.
Don't miss
After dark programs in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.
Volcano Art center has free ukulele lessons weekly( ukuleles provided). Inquire about their interesting programs, art classes, as well. Website: volcano art center. org
Don't miss
Cooper center farmer’s market
Cooper center is a mile from your vacation rental. Ready made foods, and fresh produce . Open until 9:30am . Cash recommended.
Don't miss
Ho’olaule’a April 12, 2020
This is a free event in Hilo at Afook -Chinen Civic Center. Watch hula performances . Ample parking. For a schedule of Merri Monarch events merriemonarch.com
Customs and culture
Please remove shoes
The local custom is to remove your shoes at the doorway then enter.
Getting around
Consider flying into Hilo (ito).
Hawaii island is the largest Hawaiian island. Kauai, Kahoolawe, Oahu, Maui and Molokai can fit into this island. If you fly into kona(koa) it’s a 2 1/2 hour drive time. Fly into Hilo (ito). It’s a 30-45 mile drive. Southwest, united and Hawaiian airlines service Hilo.