Kenny And Beth's Big Island Favorites
Beaches
Kua Bay is exactly what you envision when dreaming of a Hawaiian beach. Tons of soft white sand flanked by lava rock on both sides of the bay, and clear warm water make this beach a must! This is probably our favorite beach on the island and it’s only about a 30 minute drive away. There’s some decent snorkeling near the rocks on the north side of the beach, but only snorkel if the ocean is calm. A strange phenomenon happens during winter when the waves are pounding the bay...the sand begins to disappear and the beach actually gets smaller! But not to worry, once winter ends, the beach comes back to full strength.
159 íbúar mæla með
Kua Bay
Kua Bay is exactly what you envision when dreaming of a Hawaiian beach. Tons of soft white sand flanked by lava rock on both sides of the bay, and clear warm water make this beach a must! This is probably our favorite beach on the island and it’s only about a 30 minute drive away. There’s some decent snorkeling near the rocks on the north side of the beach, but only snorkel if the ocean is calm. A strange phenomenon happens during winter when the waves are pounding the bay...the sand begins to disappear and the beach actually gets smaller! But not to worry, once winter ends, the beach comes back to full strength.
This beach is going to require some effort to get to. The road to the beach is VERY bumpy in spots, and once you’ve tackled that and park, you then have a 30 minute trek across lava rock to get there. But your efforts will be paid in full because Makalawena is a really beautiful beach that isn’t quite as crowded as most others. There’s a path that takes you there located near where most people park. Bring water and wear good shoes to walk across the lava rock because sandals are not recommended for this trek. If you aren’t feeling quite as adventurous, there’s an actual parking lot at the end of the road and just beyond it is Mahi’ula Beach. It’s not as sandy of an entry to the ocean, but still a solid beach. We’ve actually seen Hawaiian monk seals swim right up to shore there!
80 íbúar mæla með
Makalawena Beach
Hawaii 19This beach is going to require some effort to get to. The road to the beach is VERY bumpy in spots, and once you’ve tackled that and park, you then have a 30 minute trek across lava rock to get there. But your efforts will be paid in full because Makalawena is a really beautiful beach that isn’t quite as crowded as most others. There’s a path that takes you there located near where most people park. Bring water and wear good shoes to walk across the lava rock because sandals are not recommended for this trek. If you aren’t feeling quite as adventurous, there’s an actual parking lot at the end of the road and just beyond it is Mahi’ula Beach. It’s not as sandy of an entry to the ocean, but still a solid beach. We’ve actually seen Hawaiian monk seals swim right up to shore there!
This is the closest sandy beach to the rental. It’s called Magic Sands because in the winter, much like Kua Bay, a lot of the sand disappears. It’s a smaller beach and can get very crowded. If you are into boogie boarding this is a very popular spot for that. Just be careful swimming or boogie boarding here as the shore break can be extreme at times.
181 íbúar mæla með
Magic Sands Beach Park
Ali'i DriveThis is the closest sandy beach to the rental. It’s called Magic Sands because in the winter, much like Kua Bay, a lot of the sand disappears. It’s a smaller beach and can get very crowded. If you are into boogie boarding this is a very popular spot for that. Just be careful swimming or boogie boarding here as the shore break can be extreme at times.
This isn’t so much a beach, as it is an experience. Kealakekua Bay is one of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii. If you’ve ever wanted to try snorkeling, but were too timid because of being in the open ocean, then this is the place! The bay is super protected, even when the surf is up, so you’ll never feel worried about the water being rough. There’s a ton of sea life and reef to explore so bring your waterproof GoPro! The best way to see the bay is to go on a tour. We recommend Fair Wind, as if you book the morning snorkel and BBQ package, they will feed you breakfast and lunch. The tour boat departs from Keauhou Bay, which is just minutes from the rental. You will be taken on an approximately 45 minute boat ride to Kealakekua Bay and you may even see Hawaiian spinner dolphins along the way! They provide all the gear so just show up and enjoy! We recommend wearing a swim shirt as your back will be exposed to the sun while swimming most of the time. Even though we live here, we even go on this tour from time to time because it’s so much fun!
Fair Wind website:
https://www.fair-wind.com/
89 íbúar mæla með
Kealakekua Bay
This isn’t so much a beach, as it is an experience. Kealakekua Bay is one of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii. If you’ve ever wanted to try snorkeling, but were too timid because of being in the open ocean, then this is the place! The bay is super protected, even when the surf is up, so you’ll never feel worried about the water being rough. There’s a ton of sea life and reef to explore so bring your waterproof GoPro! The best way to see the bay is to go on a tour. We recommend Fair Wind, as if you book the morning snorkel and BBQ package, they will feed you breakfast and lunch. The tour boat departs from Keauhou Bay, which is just minutes from the rental. You will be taken on an approximately 45 minute boat ride to Kealakekua Bay and you may even see Hawaiian spinner dolphins along the way! They provide all the gear so just show up and enjoy! We recommend wearing a swim shirt as your back will be exposed to the sun while swimming most of the time. Even though we live here, we even go on this tour from time to time because it’s so much fun!
Fair Wind website:
https://www.fair-wind.com/
This beach is HUGE! It’s about an hour drive from the rental, but it’s sandy and big and has great swimming most of the time. There’s a large parking lot just off the highway that I believe you have to pay to park at ($5 at the time I’m writing this), but the fun you’ll have here will make it well worth it.
241 íbúar mæla með
Hapuna Beach
This beach is HUGE! It’s about an hour drive from the rental, but it’s sandy and big and has great swimming most of the time. There’s a large parking lot just off the highway that I believe you have to pay to park at ($5 at the time I’m writing this), but the fun you’ll have here will make it well worth it.
Sightseeing
Volcanoes National Park is an otherworldly place, and is about a 90 mile scenic drive away. It’s beauty and rugged terrain both make this a very important place in Hawaii’s history. The Kilauea volcano eruption event of 2018 was massive and changed the landscape so drastically that Halema’uma’u crater collapsed and the Jagger museum has closed due to unstable ground. The visitor center within the park has a video that shows the destruction experienced during the last eruption and is worth watching. One of our favorite hikes to do in the park is the Kilauea iki hike. It’s diverse and is good for pretty much all levels of hiking ability. There’s sweeping views of the crater on top, and you eventually descend into the crater itself and make your way back up. Absolutely a must do! The rangers at the visitor center are helpful and can guide you to other places of interest in the park. A drive down Chain Of Craters road is also a great way to see the park.
There is currently no visible active lava flowing in the park. It’s generally cooler temperatures up in Volcano and during the winter it can actually get down to 40 degrees (fahrenheit) at night! The weather can change very quickly depending on where you are in the park so pack at least a couple cold weather outfits especially if you are visiting during the winter.
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Hawaii eldfjalla þjóðgarður
Volcanoes National Park is an otherworldly place, and is about a 90 mile scenic drive away. It’s beauty and rugged terrain both make this a very important place in Hawaii’s history. The Kilauea volcano eruption event of 2018 was massive and changed the landscape so drastically that Halema’uma’u crater collapsed and the Jagger museum has closed due to unstable ground. The visitor center within the park has a video that shows the destruction experienced during the last eruption and is worth watching. One of our favorite hikes to do in the park is the Kilauea iki hike. It’s diverse and is good for pretty much all levels of hiking ability. There’s sweeping views of the crater on top, and you eventually descend into the crater itself and make your way back up. Absolutely a must do! The rangers at the visitor center are helpful and can guide you to other places of interest in the park. A drive down Chain Of Craters road is also a great way to see the park.
There is currently no visible active lava flowing in the park. It’s generally cooler temperatures up in Volcano and during the winter it can actually get down to 40 degrees (fahrenheit) at night! The weather can change very quickly depending on where you are in the park so pack at least a couple cold weather outfits especially if you are visiting during the winter.
The Pololu lookout has one of the most spectacular views on the island. You can see down the rugged coast on one side, and into a beautiful lush valley on the other. You can also hike down to the ocean from the lookout, but definitely pack water and wear good shoes because it’s a fairly steep descent down, and you have to go back up too. But the view at the bottom is breathtaking so if you can do it, it’s definitely worth it! You’ll have to drive a little over an hour to get to the lookout, and you’ll pass through the sleepy little art town of Hawi, which is also worth a stop. There’s a few restaurants in Hawi, so you can get fueled up for your hike down into the valley.
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Pololu Valley
The Pololu lookout has one of the most spectacular views on the island. You can see down the rugged coast on one side, and into a beautiful lush valley on the other. You can also hike down to the ocean from the lookout, but definitely pack water and wear good shoes because it’s a fairly steep descent down, and you have to go back up too. But the view at the bottom is breathtaking so if you can do it, it’s definitely worth it! You’ll have to drive a little over an hour to get to the lookout, and you’ll pass through the sleepy little art town of Hawi, which is also worth a stop. There’s a few restaurants in Hawi, so you can get fueled up for your hike down into the valley.
This is one of the most amazing waterfalls you’ll see, without having to hike to it, on our island! It’s a bit of a drive at almost 2 hours, but getting there is part of the fun as you will drive through some of the most beautiful places you’ve ever seen! A drive up the Hamakua coast is must as you will leave the dry Kona side behind and be transported into lush jungles and waterfalls that are right next to the highway on one side, and the ocean on the other side! Once you arrive at ‘Akaka Falls, you will have to walk down some stairs to get to the view of the falls, but it’s all paved/maintained walkways so it’s not difficult at all. Once you get to the falls, you’ll realize how worth it the journey was to get there.
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Akaka Falls State Park
875 Akaka Falls RdThis is one of the most amazing waterfalls you’ll see, without having to hike to it, on our island! It’s a bit of a drive at almost 2 hours, but getting there is part of the fun as you will drive through some of the most beautiful places you’ve ever seen! A drive up the Hamakua coast is must as you will leave the dry Kona side behind and be transported into lush jungles and waterfalls that are right next to the highway on one side, and the ocean on the other side! Once you arrive at ‘Akaka Falls, you will have to walk down some stairs to get to the view of the falls, but it’s all paved/maintained walkways so it’s not difficult at all. Once you get to the falls, you’ll realize how worth it the journey was to get there.
Food scene
Hawaii is a melting pot, and Tealicious epitomizes that. The owner is German and a pastry chef who knows her stuff! This isn’t just a tea spot. Excellent cold brew, matcha limeade and various other coffee and tea drinks, plus some of the best sandwiches cooked with fresh baked baguettes. A favorite of the sandwiches is the salami and havarti cheese and it’s amazing! If you have some time to relax and take in the charm of the interior of this spot, get the German breakfast for a real experience!
20 íbúar mæla með
Tea:licious Cafe
75-159 Lunapule RdHawaii is a melting pot, and Tealicious epitomizes that. The owner is German and a pastry chef who knows her stuff! This isn’t just a tea spot. Excellent cold brew, matcha limeade and various other coffee and tea drinks, plus some of the best sandwiches cooked with fresh baked baguettes. A favorite of the sandwiches is the salami and havarti cheese and it’s amazing! If you have some time to relax and take in the charm of the interior of this spot, get the German breakfast for a real experience!
Kona is famous for our coffee, and this is a great place to get some locally grown coffee from a family owned farm. You can’t go wrong here! Excellent cold brew and different flavors of 100% Kona coffee, plus if you love their coffee, you buy bags of coffee to take with you to drink when you get back home to help you to relive a bit of your amazing trip to our island!
17 íbúar mæla með
Kona Mountain Coffee
73-4038 Hulikoa DrKona is famous for our coffee, and this is a great place to get some locally grown coffee from a family owned farm. You can’t go wrong here! Excellent cold brew and different flavors of 100% Kona coffee, plus if you love their coffee, you buy bags of coffee to take with you to drink when you get back home to help you to relive a bit of your amazing trip to our island!
For your morning coffee, Green Flash is a great place to start your day. They have Kona coffee and lots of different drinks to choose from, as well as some excellent breakfast sandwiches. A personal favorite is the haupia latte. It’s a latte with coconut flavoring and is absolutely delicious!
30 íbúar mæla með
Green Flash Coffee
75-6000 Ali‘i DrFor your morning coffee, Green Flash is a great place to start your day. They have Kona coffee and lots of different drinks to choose from, as well as some excellent breakfast sandwiches. A personal favorite is the haupia latte. It’s a latte with coconut flavoring and is absolutely delicious!
This is definitely one of the most popular stops for tourists and locals alike. There’s a large outdoor dining area as well as a bar inside. They also have live music at times. The beers are tasty and the pizza is very good. There’s also a really yummy veggie and hummus dish if you want something lighter so you can drink more beer.
226 íbúar mæla með
Kona Brewing Company
74-5612 Pawai PlThis is definitely one of the most popular stops for tourists and locals alike. There’s a large outdoor dining area as well as a bar inside. They also have live music at times. The beers are tasty and the pizza is very good. There’s also a really yummy veggie and hummus dish if you want something lighter so you can drink more beer.
If you are a fan of poke, THIS IS YOUR PLACE! The Pele’s Kiss and the Sesame are two of our favorite poke flavors here. The fish is always fresh and the flavors are on point. This is a small establishment and they can sometimes sell out if poke for the day and close early. The line can also be long at times, so definitely get there early so you can take advantage of what we feel is the best poke in town.
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Da Poke Shack
76-6246 Ali‘i DriveIf you are a fan of poke, THIS IS YOUR PLACE! The Pele’s Kiss and the Sesame are two of our favorite poke flavors here. The fish is always fresh and the flavors are on point. This is a small establishment and they can sometimes sell out if poke for the day and close early. The line can also be long at times, so definitely get there early so you can take advantage of what we feel is the best poke in town.
Poke is becoming popular on the mainland, but nobody does it like the place where it originated, Hawaii. And, Umekes is a perfect example of why Hawaii just does it best! Super fresh fish and excellent flavors (we like the hottie and sweetie, as well as the Kanaka) of Poke to choose from, and some of the best lau lau in Kona make Umekes a must! It’s the very definition of local food!
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Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
74-5599 Pawai PlPoke is becoming popular on the mainland, but nobody does it like the place where it originated, Hawaii. And, Umekes is a perfect example of why Hawaii just does it best! Super fresh fish and excellent flavors (we like the hottie and sweetie, as well as the Kanaka) of Poke to choose from, and some of the best lau lau in Kona make Umekes a must! It’s the very definition of local food!
This is an excellent vegan only option, but even if you are not vegan, do yourself a favor and stop by! The jackfruit nachos are absolutely amazing! We always add avocado to them, which always makes everything even better. They also make pizzas that are very good and even have a gluten free pizza option as well. You may want to call ahead and pick up your order as this is a VERY small place. Or you can just drive up or walk up and order. They even sometimes have live music in the parking lot.
16 íbúar mæla með
Herbivores
75-5722 Hanama PlThis is an excellent vegan only option, but even if you are not vegan, do yourself a favor and stop by! The jackfruit nachos are absolutely amazing! We always add avocado to them, which always makes everything even better. They also make pizzas that are very good and even have a gluten free pizza option as well. You may want to call ahead and pick up your order as this is a VERY small place. Or you can just drive up or walk up and order. They even sometimes have live music in the parking lot.
The name is very much a literal thing...it’s ALMOST by the sea. You won’t get the views that the other restaurants just around the corner have, but the food here is better so I’d say it’s totally worth it. The fish and chips meal is absolutely delicious, and their ono fish sandwich is also excellent! We’ve never had a bad meal here, as Quinn’s is very consistent with their food. And once you’re finished eating, just walk around the corner to Ali’i Drive to take a relaxing stroll next to the ocean and maybe take in a sunset.
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Quinn's Almost by the Sea
75-5655 Palani RdThe name is very much a literal thing...it’s ALMOST by the sea. You won’t get the views that the other restaurants just around the corner have, but the food here is better so I’d say it’s totally worth it. The fish and chips meal is absolutely delicious, and their ono fish sandwich is also excellent! We’ve never had a bad meal here, as Quinn’s is very consistent with their food. And once you’re finished eating, just walk around the corner to Ali’i Drive to take a relaxing stroll next to the ocean and maybe take in a sunset.
Jackie Rey’s is known for excellent flavors and is definitely one of the best restaurants in Kona. Their sauces are stellar and the menu is diverse, so there’s pretty much something for everyone. And, they have a solid happy hour. This is high on our list of places to eat! It’s a bit pricier than some local spots, but completely worth it in our opinion. Get the Korean pork ribs, as they are amazing! The angel hair seafood pasta is delicious too! Definitely call ahead to make a reservation or to check the hours of operation, as well as when happy hour begins. Don’t want to list it here because it can change from time to time.
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Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Kona
75-5995 Kuakini HwyJackie Rey’s is known for excellent flavors and is definitely one of the best restaurants in Kona. Their sauces are stellar and the menu is diverse, so there’s pretty much something for everyone. And, they have a solid happy hour. This is high on our list of places to eat! It’s a bit pricier than some local spots, but completely worth it in our opinion. Get the Korean pork ribs, as they are amazing! The angel hair seafood pasta is delicious too! Definitely call ahead to make a reservation or to check the hours of operation, as well as when happy hour begins. Don’t want to list it here because it can change from time to time.
If you love sushi, this is your spot! The fish is fresh and the rolls are creative and done well, and their salads are delicious too. This is probably our favorite place to get sushi in Kona.
36 íbúar mæla með
Sushi Shiono
75-5799 Ali‘i DrIf you love sushi, this is your spot! The fish is fresh and the rolls are creative and done well, and their salads are delicious too. This is probably our favorite place to get sushi in Kona.
This is an excellent local brewery with a good variety of beer and the increasingly popular hard seltzer. They also serve food, with the flatbreads being our favorite choice. We love to steer people towards this place as we try to support locally owned establishments. Don’t forget to buy an Ola brew hat or some beers and seltzers to take back to your rental for later!
64 íbúar mæla með
Ola Brew
74-5598 Luhia StThis is an excellent local brewery with a good variety of beer and the increasingly popular hard seltzer. They also serve food, with the flatbreads being our favorite choice. We love to steer people towards this place as we try to support locally owned establishments. Don’t forget to buy an Ola brew hat or some beers and seltzers to take back to your rental for later!
Chef Peter Merriman is a well known chef in Hawaii who has multiple restaurants throughout the state. And once you eat at one of his restaurants, you’ll understand why people keep coming back! Merriman’s Big Island is an upscale restaurant that you will probably want to make reservations for. It’s located in Waimea near Parker Ranch, which at one point was the largest cattle ranch in the country. Chef Merriman goes for local ingredients whenever he can and he uses them masterfully and it shows in his food.
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Merriman's Big Island
65-1227 Opelo RdChef Peter Merriman is a well known chef in Hawaii who has multiple restaurants throughout the state. And once you eat at one of his restaurants, you’ll understand why people keep coming back! Merriman’s Big Island is an upscale restaurant that you will probably want to make reservations for. It’s located in Waimea near Parker Ranch, which at one point was the largest cattle ranch in the country. Chef Merriman goes for local ingredients whenever he can and he uses them masterfully and it shows in his food.
Borgartillaga
Siðir og menning
Welcome to the Big Island!
Hawaii is a beautiful place to live and we are very excited to be able to share our love for this moku (Island) with you! Here’s a few helpful hints to make your stay that much more enjoyable. First off, the Aloha Spirit is real. People here really are friendlier and truly love where they live, so let’s try to keep it that way. If you go on a hike, for example, always bring back whatever you packed and took with you and NEVER leave trash anywhere you have been. Treat the island and its people with respect and it will reward you with the best experiences you’ve ever had!
Hvað á að taka með
Sun Protection
The sun in Hawaii is INTENSE. Sun protection is going to be the best way to combat looking like a lobster because you got fried. Large brimmed hats, swim shirts and finding shade where you can will all help. If you do use sunscreen, PLEASE ONLY USE REEF SAFE sunscreen when going in the ocean. The other sunscreens contain chemicals that harm our fragile reefs and have actually been banned from use in Hawaii. Just read the bottle to make sure it says reef safe/friendly.
Siðir og menning
Island Time
Island time is real. You’ll notice that Kona has that small town vibe, and things tend to move a bit slower here, as well as in the rest of Hawaii. If service at a restaurant, for example, is taking a bit longer than you’d get on the mainland, just go with it. You’re on vacation, so just sit back and enjoy the time you are spending here. Same goes for driving on the island, obey the speed limits, and if someone is driving slowly down the highway, try to remember you are on vacation. Look at the beautiful views around you and let the island melt all your stresses away.....
Siðir og menning
Island Soundtrack
Assuming you have rented a car, you’ll need some good driving music as you take in the beauty of the island. Tune your radio to 99.1 FM when in Kona for all the best Hawaiian and Island music. What better way to truly immerse yourself into the island style than to be looking at the ocean on one side while you drive, a volcano on the other, with Hawaiian music as your soundtrack!
Sparnaðarleiðir
Stocking Up Once You Arrive
There’s a Target, Walmart and Costco in Kona, and they should have everything you need for the trip (i.e. reef safe sunscreen, groceries, coffee pods, etc.), and there is always KTA if you just want groceries. All are within minutes of the rental. In fact, eating out for EVERY meal can get pricey here as the cost of food is definitely higher in Hawaii, so buying some groceries to eat some meals at your rental will definitely save you some money.