Guidebook for Kailua-Kona & Da Big Island of Hawaii
Everything Else
Please review our favorite experiences on the Big Island.
Some of the best snorkeling of all the islands just a 15-20 minute walk from the house.
239 locals recommend
Kahaluu Bay
Ali‘i DriveSome of the best snorkeling of all the islands just a 15-20 minute walk from the house.
Living Stones Church
76-6224 Ali‘i DrHistorical site.
Mokuaikaua Church
75-5713 Ali‘i DrHistorical church in downtown Kona.
Punalu‘u Beach
Otherwise know as Black Sands beach. Always turtles to greet you.
Kailua
Stop in at the quaint little island village of Kona.
Makalei Golf Club
72-3890 Hawaiʻi Belt RdGreat greens with ocean views.
Make sure to stop in at night to see the incredible glow.
880 locals recommend
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Make sure to stop in at night to see the incredible glow.
Captain James Cook Monument
Up for nice little hike?
Hilo
Check out the tsunami museum.
Akaka Falls State Park
875 Akaka Falls RdBreathtaking view of the falls. Worth the trip.
Food Scene
Kona Brewing Company
74-5612 Pawai PlBecause it just is! A favorite for locals and visitors.
Da Poke Shack
76-6246 Ali‘i DriveGreat Food, Fresh seafood always at a great price. A must stop!
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
74-5599 Pawai PlExcellent food, great entertainment.
808 Grindz Cafe
75-5660 Kopiko StA locals favorite breakfast spot.
A short drive south along Ali'i Drive is the convenient marketplace.
156 locals recommend
KTA Super Stores
74-5594 Palani RdA short drive south along Ali'i Drive is the convenient marketplace.
A must stop for great food and excellent views. Its also a short walk from the Hale you are staying at.
91 locals recommend
Magics Beach Grill
77-6452 Ali‘i DrA must stop for great food and excellent views. Its also a short walk from the Hale you are staying at.
Sightseeing
Hawi
Northern most part of the island.
Some cool sites and great lessons about Hawaii culture. Very nice attraction.
270 locals recommend
Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park
State Highway 160Some cool sites and great lessons about Hawaii culture. Very nice attraction.
This is awesome picture spot with a short walk down to the beach. Make sure and take water.
89 locals recommend
Pololu Valley Lookout
52-5100 Akoni Pule HwyThis is awesome picture spot with a short walk down to the beach. Make sure and take water.
Rainbow Falls
A must stop as you travel around the island.
Another must stop as you travel around the island. Please show respect to the hanu.
175 locals recommend
Punalu‘u Beach
Another must stop as you travel around the island. Please show respect to the hanu.
The newest black sand beach in Hawaii created by the recent eruptions.
45 locals recommend
Pohoiki Black Sand Beach
Kalapana Kapoho Beach RoadThe newest black sand beach in Hawaii created by the recent eruptions.
Drinks & Nightlife
Stop and feel the aloha at this hot new craft beer and hard cider establishment. The serve food after 5:00 PM and great flat bread pizza and poke from the famous Da Poke Shack.
64 locals recommend
Ola Brew
74-5598 Luhia StStop and feel the aloha at this hot new craft beer and hard cider establishment. The serve food after 5:00 PM and great flat bread pizza and poke from the famous Da Poke Shack.
Beaches
Magic sands is a short walk from the hale you are staying at. This a great place for sunsets and swimming. Be cautious on big wave days though.
181 locals recommend
Magic Sands Beach Park
Ali'i DriveMagic sands is a short walk from the hale you are staying at. This a great place for sunsets and swimming. Be cautious on big wave days though.
A short walk (20-30 minutes) from Mahai'ula beach will bring you to this piece of paradise.
80 locals recommend
Makalawena Beach
Hawaii 19A short walk (20-30 minutes) from Mahai'ula beach will bring you to this piece of paradise.
Mahaiʻula Beach
A 30 minute drive north and you can enjoy a day at this beach.
Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay)
A locals favorite.
Hapuna Beach State Park
Old Puako RoadCity/town information
Waikoloa Village
Shopping and foodies.
City advice
Getting around
Renting a car is your best option.
The island is much larger than most visitors realize so having a car is recommended. there is a trolley near the hale that does a loop through town and back. We have a schedule for it in our welcome book.
What to pack
Tshirts, shorts and Flip Flops, that's it!
Most visitors make the mistake of bringing to many items and we always hear that they wished they would of brought less. We recommended travel with your warmer items on the plane to here and your return home. Tshirts, board shorts, flip-flops, swim wear is all you need. If attend a luau then go out and have fun shopping for your luau wear.