Discover Hawaii
Sightseeing
Great sandy beach to enjoy the sunset or catch some waves.
181 locals recommend
Magic Sands Beach Park
Ali'i DriveGreat sandy beach to enjoy the sunset or catch some waves.
Awesome park with great educational sessions on the history of native Hawaiians.
270 locals recommend
Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park
State Highway 160Awesome park with great educational sessions on the history of native Hawaiians.
One of the best beaches in the world! Check out this awesome beach along the Kohala cost.
241 locals recommend
Hapuna Beach
One of the best beaches in the world! Check out this awesome beach along the Kohala cost.
Check out this black sand beach along the southern coast.
77 locals recommend
Punalu'u Black Sand beach
Ninole Loop RoadCheck out this black sand beach along the southern coast.
Cute beach with the trail to petroglyph park! This beach has beautiful sunsets and can be found at the end of the road.
12 locals recommend
Puako
Cute beach with the trail to petroglyph park! This beach has beautiful sunsets and can be found at the end of the road.
Kapa'a Beach Park, Hawaii 96746, USA
Great beach for whale watching.
Hulihe'e Palace
Check out the historic vacation home for Hawaiian royalty.
Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary
83-5401 Painted Church RdRainbow Falls
Check out these world-famous and accessible waterfalls!
Pebbles Beach
Phenomenal diving. You may see some hammerheads if your lucky!
Food scene
A-Bay's on Ali'i
Fun spot to have a bite and a drink, right on the ocean.
Ocean front restaurant and bar with excellent food and fantastic brunch! You have to try their Ube signature cocktail. Make a reservation if you want a shorter wait!
106 locals recommend
Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar
75-5770 Ali‘i DrOcean front restaurant and bar with excellent food and fantastic brunch! You have to try their Ube signature cocktail. Make a reservation if you want a shorter wait!
Delicious foods on the ocean with phenomenal cocktails. Reserve a table at sunset for a great dinner.
100 locals recommend
Foster's Kitchen
75-5805 Ali‘i DrDelicious foods on the ocean with phenomenal cocktails. Reserve a table at sunset for a great dinner.
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
74-5599 Pawai PlGreat for fresh poke!
Da Poke Shack
76-6246 Ali‘i DriveDelicious fresh poke on Ali'i drive.
Best pizza joint on the island. Come here for great food, cocktails, and a fun vibe!
25 locals recommend
Black Rock Pizza
82-6127 Hawaiʻi Belt RoadBest pizza joint on the island. Come here for great food, cocktails, and a fun vibe!
Stop by here and get hot Malasadas! Malasadas are Portuguese doughnuts that can be filled with different custards, creams, and more. I also love to grab a loaf of their sweet bread for sandwiches!
72 locals recommend
Tex Drive-In
45-690 Pakalana StStop by here and get hot Malasadas! Malasadas are Portuguese doughnuts that can be filled with different custards, creams, and more. I also love to grab a loaf of their sweet bread for sandwiches!
In Hilo for the day? Check out Ponds! It's a great little place that is right over a koi pond. They give out fish food while the food is being prepared. Good food and good views!
42 locals recommend
Ponds Hilo
135 Kalanianaole StIn Hilo for the day? Check out Ponds! It's a great little place that is right over a koi pond. They give out fish food while the food is being prepared. Good food and good views!
Huggo's
75-5828 Kahakai RdGreat views, good service and good food!
One of our favorite dinner spots. Be sure to make a reservation or call ahead!
127 locals recommend
Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Kona
75-5995 Kuakini HwyOne of our favorite dinner spots. Be sure to make a reservation or call ahead!
Have a great dinner with your toes in the sand. You can have dinner on the beach with great shopping near by.
171 locals recommend
Lava Lava Beach Club
69-1081 Ku'uali'i PlHave a great dinner with your toes in the sand. You can have dinner on the beach with great shopping near by.
Locally sourced food prepped and served at the peak of freshness. Call for a reservation for a special treat!
102 locals recommend
Merriman's Big Island
65-1227 Opelo RdLocally sourced food prepped and served at the peak of freshness. Call for a reservation for a special treat!
Willie's Hot Chicken
74-5599 Pawai PlGreat place for lunch. It’s pricy but hey, that’s Hawaii.
One of my favorite spots! The carbonara is delicious and the bar tenders are amazing!
Kona Pasta Company
One of my favorite spots! The carbonara is delicious and the bar tenders are amazing!
Local style bbq that is finger licking good! Check Randy’s out for a casual but flavorful bit to eat!
10 locals recommend
Randy's Huli Chicken and Ribs
79-7552 Hawaiʻi Belt RdLocal style bbq that is finger licking good! Check Randy’s out for a casual but flavorful bit to eat!
Pueo's Osteria, LLC
68-1820 Waikoloa RdYummy Italian style food down in the Waikaloa area!
Adventures
Love horse and always wanted to try horseback riding? Check out Paniolo (cowboy) Adventures to learn a bit more about the ranching culture on the big island in a picturesque locale. Easily one of my favorite things to do here on the big island.
12 locals recommend
Paniolo Adventures
Love horse and always wanted to try horseback riding? Check out Paniolo (cowboy) Adventures to learn a bit more about the ranching culture on the big island in a picturesque locale. Easily one of my favorite things to do here on the big island.
Enjoy hiking? Want to see molten Lava? Head to the Volcano National Park to see another world! To see the lava lake, visit at sunset or before sunrise. It's truly majestic! Prepare to spend the day there because there is much to do and see. Gas stations and restaurants are limited. Be sure to plan accordingly. Don't forget to check the weather before heading up to high elevation.
880 locals recommend
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Enjoy hiking? Want to see molten Lava? Head to the Volcano National Park to see another world! To see the lava lake, visit at sunset or before sunrise. It's truly majestic! Prepare to spend the day there because there is much to do and see. Gas stations and restaurants are limited. Be sure to plan accordingly. Don't forget to check the weather before heading up to high elevation.
Great beaches for snorkeling and relaxing. There are also Hawaiian fish ponds to check out. The sunsets are spectacular here. Plus, there is a delicious restaurant right on the beach called Napua.
8 locals recommend
Mauna Lani Beach Club
Great beaches for snorkeling and relaxing. There are also Hawaiian fish ponds to check out. The sunsets are spectacular here. Plus, there is a delicious restaurant right on the beach called Napua.
Great beach for the family. It is also known as Alula beach. Walk along the beach to find the perfect place for you and your family. There are tide pools and places to enter the water for more of a swim. There are also different trails to check out and even a historic national park entrance. If you only want to go to the beach, enter the Honokohau harbor and make the first right and follow the road until the end of the parking lot. There is a sign with a short trail to the beach. Often times Honu (turtles) hanging out on the shore line.
45 locals recommend
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
Great beach for the family. It is also known as Alula beach. Walk along the beach to find the perfect place for you and your family. There are tide pools and places to enter the water for more of a swim. There are also different trails to check out and even a historic national park entrance. If you only want to go to the beach, enter the Honokohau harbor and make the first right and follow the road until the end of the parking lot. There is a sign with a short trail to the beach. Often times Honu (turtles) hanging out on the shore line.
This is a great beach that has easy access to tide pools for keiki (kids) and the rest of the family. There are plenty of protected tide pools to play in, and they have bathrooms available. There are usually surfers on the shore break. Avoid those areas unless you are an experienced surfer!
25 locals recommend
Pine Trees Surfing Beach
This is a great beach that has easy access to tide pools for keiki (kids) and the rest of the family. There are plenty of protected tide pools to play in, and they have bathrooms available. There are usually surfers on the shore break. Avoid those areas unless you are an experienced surfer!
Check out seashores! Learn more about these amazing creatures and the ones that live in Hawaii. Kids love this adventure.
27 locals recommend
Ocean Rider Inc
73-4388 Ilikai PlaceCheck out seashores! Learn more about these amazing creatures and the ones that live in Hawaii. Kids love this adventure.
Learn all about Octopus! This is a fantastic family adventure for animal and ocean lovers.
12 locals recommend
Kanaloa Octopus Farm
73-4460 Queen Ka'ahumanu HighwayLearn all about Octopus! This is a fantastic family adventure for animal and ocean lovers.
Great local snorkeling for beginners and a lifeguard is on site! The opposite side of the beach often has surf lessons! There are also volunteers that provide education about the reef, hono, and more.
239 locals recommend
Kahaluu Bay
Ali‘i DriveGreat local snorkeling for beginners and a lifeguard is on site! The opposite side of the beach often has surf lessons! There are also volunteers that provide education about the reef, hono, and more.
Check out this daily market for local produce, coffee and more.
68 locals recommend
Kona Farmers Market
75-5767 Ali‘i DrCheck out this daily market for local produce, coffee and more.
Kohala Zipline
55-515 Hawi RdGarden lovers, check out some of unique flora and fauna that often times can only been seen here in Hawai’i.
192 locals recommend
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
27-717 Mamalahoa HwyGarden lovers, check out some of unique flora and fauna that often times can only been seen here in Hawai’i.
Want to check out the infamous Gold Coast in person. Head to KonaBoys for all your water activity rentals. They have stand up paddle boards, kayaks and more.
18 locals recommend
Kona Boys Beach Shack
755664 Kaahumanu PlWant to check out the infamous Gold Coast in person. Head to KonaBoys for all your water activity rentals. They have stand up paddle boards, kayaks and more.
Enjoy golfing? Check out this stunning ocean course minutes away from the airbnb!
10 locals recommend
Kona Country Club
78-7000 Ali‘i DrEnjoy golfing? Check out this stunning ocean course minutes away from the airbnb!
Check out the farmers market for local coffee, fresh tropical fruit, or even beautiful handmade souvenirs.
68 locals recommend
Kona Farmers Market
75-5767 Ali‘i DrCheck out the farmers market for local coffee, fresh tropical fruit, or even beautiful handmade souvenirs.
A great market to check out every Saturday morning. Verify times and schedule online.
Keauhou Farmer's Market
A great market to check out every Saturday morning. Verify times and schedule online.
Enjoy hiking? Check out this gorgeous hike! Please be sure to research and plan for the hike before heading out.
Puu Waawaa State Wildlife Sanctuary
Enjoy hiking? Check out this gorgeous hike! Please be sure to research and plan for the hike before heading out.
Check out some hikes and unique flora, fauna, and sights. There are several hikes and trails to check out along this sometimes snow-capped mountain.
161 locals recommend
Mauna Kea
Check out some hikes and unique flora, fauna, and sights. There are several hikes and trails to check out along this sometimes snow-capped mountain.
Even if Mauna Loa isn't erupting, she offers some great trails to check out!
9 locals recommend
Mauna Loa Volcano
Even if Mauna Loa isn't erupting, she offers some great trails to check out!
A 442-foot waterfall that is a paved hike through beautiful rainforest. Keep your eyes peeled for a few more waterfalls along the way.
341 locals recommend
Akaka Falls State Park
875 Akaka Falls RdA 442-foot waterfall that is a paved hike through beautiful rainforest. Keep your eyes peeled for a few more waterfalls along the way.
Want to go whale-watching? Check out Kohala Divers, located on the northern Kohala coast.
10 locals recommend
Kohala Divers Ltd
613665 Akoni Pule HwyWant to go whale-watching? Check out Kohala Divers, located on the northern Kohala coast.
Looking for a great place to whale watch or check out the underwater world. If the conditions are right you will have an EPIC dive.
32 locals recommend
Mahukona Beach Park
Looking for a great place to whale watch or check out the underwater world. If the conditions are right you will have an EPIC dive.
Kona Honu Divers
74-5583 Luhia StRelaxation/Spa
Bethany was great, be sure to let them know what you want to focus on and how much pressure you like.
Hawaii Sanctuary by Saima Day Spa
Bethany was great, be sure to let them know what you want to focus on and how much pressure you like.
Volunteering opportunities
Give something back and help protect this beautiful ‘Āina (land) so that many more will be able to enjoy it for years to come.
Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Check out their Ernestine and find out about reintroduce native plants to preserve this
habitat.
Keauohana Forest Reserve
Check out their Ernestine and find out about reintroduce native plants to preserve this
habitat.
Traveler advice
Customs and culture
Turtles (Honu)
Please give our honu plenty of space. It is illegal to approach, harass, touch, or chase them. Please keep a 12-15 foot distance.
This applies to the Hawaiian Monk Seals. These are wild endangered animals. Keep your distance and keep your fingers. =)
Useful phrases
Aloha
It means hello, goodbye, and it embodies the Hawaiian spirit of love to others and our aina (land). Much aloha!
Useful phrases
Mahalo
This means grateful and it is used to say thank you.
Book before you go
Island Breeze Lū‘au - He 'Ohana Kakou
Be sure to book this well in advance. Slots quickly fill up, but you can always call and see if there any last-minute openings.
Customs and culture
Buy reef-safe sunscreen
Many brands will advertise themselves as reef safe when they are not. This includes most large spay-on brands. The state of HI outlawed sunscreens that kill and decimate our reefs. Please buy your sunscreen in HI to help save o marine life.
Customs and culture
Water Safety
DO NOT TURN YOUR BACK TO THE OCEAN.
Our beautiful oceans can but just as dangerous as they are beautiful. The water can be unpredictable, please stay vigilant while in or around the ocean. If you don't see locals in the water or the lifeguards are warning you to stay out of the water, don't get in. Even strong swimmers can get into trouble here.
If you're not sure, turn around- don't drown.
Don't miss
Watch for falling coconuts
Don’t walk, stand or park under coconut trees. Especially on windy days!
Customs and culture
Do not touch or approach the wildlife.
Wild animals don’t want to be cuddled or picked up. Please, avoid harassing sea life like Dolphins, Hawaiian Monk Seals, Honu and more. Not only is it dangerous, it’s also illegal. Stay at a respectable distance. If they approach you do worries. Enjoy the moment but do not chase, touch or impede them. Hefty fines or jail time isn’t worth it.
Customs and culture
Do not take lava, rocks or shells back home.
Locals tell of Pele’s Curse. Pele is the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanos and it is believed by many that anyone who steals from her will be cursed. The only way to break said curse is to return the stolen items back to Hawai’i. Even if you don’t believe in curses please leave the items where you found them. Take a photo for a memory instead. If every visitor took a bit of lava, or sand the native people, locals and animals would be out of a home.
Useful phrases
Kapu
A simple breakdown of this Hawaiian word is that it is forbidden. If you see a sign posted saying Kapu, please be respectful and turn around or stay on the designated trail. Kapu can also be referring to something that is sacred or forbidden.