Lotus House
Big Island Guide Book
Coffee & Boba Shops
One of my favorite coffee shops around is located in Keaau. It’s about 15min. away after the morning rush hour. Across the street is a local produce market!!
10 locals recommend
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
16-586 Old Volcano RdOne of my favorite coffee shops around is located in Keaau. It’s about 15min. away after the morning rush hour. Across the street is a local produce market!!
Kula Shave Ice
57 Mamo StJust Cruisin Coffee
835 Kilauea AveFood scene
Ning's Thai Cuisine
15-2955 Pahoa Village RdNaung Mai Thai Kitchen
86 Kilauea Ave
Pineapples Restaurant
332 Keawe St
Hilo Farmers Market
Mamo StreetHilo Bay Cafe
123 Lihiwai StCafe Pesto - Hilo
308 Kamehameha AveVibe is a great place for those looking for a vegan friendly menu. For a unique island taste try the jackfruit tacos or taco salad. It is only open for breakfast and lunch, so be sure to head there early.
27 locals recommend
VIBE cafe & health bar
750 Kanoelehua AveVibe is a great place for those looking for a vegan friendly menu. For a unique island taste try the jackfruit tacos or taco salad. It is only open for breakfast and lunch, so be sure to head there early.
KTA is a local grocery store that is a great place to stop after a long drive form Kona. It is on the way to the AirBnB in Hilo.
88 locals recommend
Hilo KTA Super Stores
50 E Puainako StKTA is a local grocery store that is a great place to stop after a long drive form Kona. It is on the way to the AirBnB in Hilo.
Located in the small town of Na'alehu close to the most southern point of the Big Island. It's a nice place to grab a sandwich, some local bread and some local gifts.
185 locals recommend
Punalu'u Bake Shop
95-5642 HI-11Located in the small town of Na'alehu close to the most southern point of the Big Island. It's a nice place to grab a sandwich, some local bread and some local gifts.
This little cafe has good food and is noted as the southern most restaurant in the USA. The pizza is really good , but there can be a bit of a wait for it.
40 locals recommend
Hana Hou Restaurant
95-1148 Naalehu Spur RdThis little cafe has good food and is noted as the southern most restaurant in the USA. The pizza is really good , but there can be a bit of a wait for it.
Sightseeing
Rainbow Falls is located near downtown Hilo and is a great place for a quick family photo. You can also climb the stairs and explore upper part of the Wailuku River and the beautiful grove of Banyan Trees to the left.
337 locals recommend
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is located near downtown Hilo and is a great place for a quick family photo. You can also climb the stairs and explore upper part of the Wailuku River and the beautiful grove of Banyan Trees to the left.
Richardson's is one of the most popular beaches in Hilo. It is a great place to snorkel and has a small black sand beach to relax on. If you have tender feet you may want to wear water shoes as the entrance to the water has a few rocks here and there. There are spots further past the beach area that some people prefer to relax in and enjoy the views and explore the tide pools.
176 locals recommend
Richardson Ocean Park
2355 Kalanianaole StRichardson's is one of the most popular beaches in Hilo. It is a great place to snorkel and has a small black sand beach to relax on. If you have tender feet you may want to wear water shoes as the entrance to the water has a few rocks here and there. There are spots further past the beach area that some people prefer to relax in and enjoy the views and explore the tide pools.
This swimming spot has beautiful views and and a cold bay area for swimming. To the right there is a small set of stairs to enter the water with white sand bottom, which is nice for tender feet. Keep your eyes out for sea turtles, they love to swim in this area. It can be difficult to find parking but there is an extra parking lot past the entrance on the left.
140 locals recommend
Carlsmith Beach Park
1815 Kalanianaole StThis swimming spot has beautiful views and and a cold bay area for swimming. To the right there is a small set of stairs to enter the water with white sand bottom, which is nice for tender feet. Keep your eyes out for sea turtles, they love to swim in this area. It can be difficult to find parking but there is an extra parking lot past the entrance on the left.
This beach park is a nice place for families with small children. The swimming area is protected in a cove and is shallow. There are also tide ponds to explore and the views are amazing.
65 locals recommend
Onekahakaha Beach Park
74 Onekahakaha RdThis beach park is a nice place for families with small children. The swimming area is protected in a cove and is shallow. There are also tide ponds to explore and the views are amazing.
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
27-717 Mamalahoa HwyHere you can take a stroll over the bridge and enjoy the view of Hilo Bay. For those who like a challenge, there is a jumping spot with two levels where kids young and old jump into the water. There is also a small beach for children to swim. It is right next to Liliuokalani Gardens.
67 locals recommend
Coconut Island
Here you can take a stroll over the bridge and enjoy the view of Hilo Bay. For those who like a challenge, there is a jumping spot with two levels where kids young and old jump into the water. There is also a small beach for children to swim. It is right next to Liliuokalani Gardens.
Kamehameha Statue
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Bird Park
Mauna Loa Road
Akaka Falls State Park
875 Akaka Falls Rd
Liliuokalani Park and Gardens
189 Lihiwai StIsaac Hale Beach Park
This is a trip for those who like to go off the beaten path. It is a beautiful drive through the lower Puna district past the recent Leilani lava flow of 2018 and onto the newest black sand beach. It is a very unique experience.
Please note :
Park hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
There is no drinking water in the park so bring plenty of drinking water when visiting.
There are portable toilets available.
A lifeguard tower overlooks the beach but there is a dangerous shore break on this new black sand beach and dangerous ocean currents which could cause injury. I do not recommend swimming there.
The lava flow created four Natural Ocean Thermal Ponds. The Department of Health is giving notice that these ponds are not disinfected and, due to the risk of bacterial infections, the public should not enter these ponds if they have open wounds. Enter these ponds at your own risk.
45 locals recommend
Pohoiki Black Sand Beach
Kalapana Kapoho Beach Road
Isaac Hale Beach Park
This is a trip for those who like to go off the beaten path. It is a beautiful drive through the lower Puna district past the recent Leilani lava flow of 2018 and onto the newest black sand beach. It is a very unique experience.
Please note :
Park hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
There is no drinking water in the park so bring plenty of drinking water when visiting.
There are portable toilets available.
A lifeguard tower overlooks the beach but there is a dangerous shore break on this new black sand beach and dangerous ocean currents which could cause injury. I do not recommend swimming there.
The lava flow created four Natural Ocean Thermal Ponds. The Department of Health is giving notice that these ponds are not disinfected and, due to the risk of bacterial infections, the public should not enter these ponds if they have open wounds. Enter these ponds at your own risk.
At this beautiful location you can often see turtles basking in the sun. It is fun day at the beach to explore the tide ponds, snorkel to see turtles and take a dip. The break is a bit rocky and it can be quite windy at times.
77 locals recommend
Punalu'u Black Sand beach
Ninole Loop RoadAt this beautiful location you can often see turtles basking in the sun. It is fun day at the beach to explore the tide ponds, snorkel to see turtles and take a dip. The break is a bit rocky and it can be quite windy at times.
Mauna Kea is a great place to explore.
There are a few beautiful scenic hikes and the evening star gazing is spectacular. It is best to go before sunset and stop by the visitor center which closes at 7PM. Be sure to study the website for restrictions about going to the summit where is not recommended for children under 13 and four wheel drive is required. Also, the elevation is 9,200 ft at the visitor center, so be sure to dress warmly because it cold up there at night.
33 locals recommend
Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station
Mauna Kea Access RoadMauna Kea is a great place to explore.
There are a few beautiful scenic hikes and the evening star gazing is spectacular. It is best to go before sunset and stop by the visitor center which closes at 7PM. Be sure to study the website for restrictions about going to the summit where is not recommended for children under 13 and four wheel drive is required. Also, the elevation is 9,200 ft at the visitor center, so be sure to dress warmly because it cold up there at night.
Museums /Educational
Imiloa Astronomy Center
600 Imiloa PlThe Lyman Museum is a place to learn more about the Hawaiian islands and its diverse culture. It has exhibits on Hawaii’s volcanic origins and flora and fauna and also explores the Hawaiian culture, and the diverse ethnic groups that have helped to form it. There is also a beautiful collections of sea shells and a world-renowned mineral collection.
At the Mission House you can learn about the 19th century missionary life when you tour of the Lyman Mission House, the Island’s oldest wood frame building which was constructed in 1839. Due to COVID restrictions reservations are require.
71 locals recommend
Lyman Museum & Mission House
276 Haili StThe Lyman Museum is a place to learn more about the Hawaiian islands and its diverse culture. It has exhibits on Hawaii’s volcanic origins and flora and fauna and also explores the Hawaiian culture, and the diverse ethnic groups that have helped to form it. There is also a beautiful collections of sea shells and a world-renowned mineral collection.
At the Mission House you can learn about the 19th century missionary life when you tour of the Lyman Mission House, the Island’s oldest wood frame building which was constructed in 1839. Due to COVID restrictions reservations are require.
The Pahoa Lava Zone Museum, which was opened following the 2018 eruption, is a hidden gem for those interested in volcanology. There are some amazing artifacts in this new collection as well as exclusive footage from the recent and historical flows. Some of the beloved exhibit props from the Jaggar Museum at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park were also brought here following the 2018 eruption earthquakes that permanently damaged the Jagger Museum. Experience Pahoa town and learn about some of the most amazing volcanic eruptions in Hawaii! Located in the back of the Historic Pahoa Village near Kaleo's.
13 locals recommend
Pahoa Museum
15-2959 Pahoa Village RoadThe Pahoa Lava Zone Museum, which was opened following the 2018 eruption, is a hidden gem for those interested in volcanology. There are some amazing artifacts in this new collection as well as exclusive footage from the recent and historical flows. Some of the beloved exhibit props from the Jaggar Museum at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park were also brought here following the 2018 eruption earthquakes that permanently damaged the Jagger Museum. Experience Pahoa town and learn about some of the most amazing volcanic eruptions in Hawaii! Located in the back of the Historic Pahoa Village near Kaleo's.
This is a great place to visit with family and friend and it is free. You will learn a lot about the Hawaiian Islands as well as ocean conservation. There is also a good size aquarium for everyone to enjoy. Because it’s a discovery center it’s a fun place for both kids and adults.
38 locals recommend
Mokupāpapa Discovery Center
76 Kamehameha AveThis is a great place to visit with family and friend and it is free. You will learn a lot about the Hawaiian Islands as well as ocean conservation. There is also a good size aquarium for everyone to enjoy. Because it’s a discovery center it’s a fun place for both kids and adults.
Grocery Stores
This is a local grocery store in Hilo that is a perfect quick stop after a long drive from Kona. It is on the way to the rental and has nice produce and is loaded with most every food item you need.
88 locals recommend
Hilo KTA Super Stores
50 E Puainako StThis is a local grocery store in Hilo that is a perfect quick stop after a long drive from Kona. It is on the way to the rental and has nice produce and is loaded with most every food item you need.
Neighborhoods
Hawaiian Paradise Park is a large subdivision located Makai (ocean side) of Highway 130 between Hilo and Pahoa. This is where the Lotus House is situated. Most of the lots have a tropical, peaceful vibe, however it is a developing subdivision with a fair amount of new homes being built.
Located on the windward side of the island, the trade winds often blow. Down by the ocean there are no beaches, and it is extremely unsafe to swim there. However, it is a beautiful place to walk and feel the ocean breeze. Paradise Cliff and Maku’u Point are both extremely beautiful and can be accessed at the end of both Paradise Dr. and Maku’u Dr. There is a nice walk between the two that our family enjoys regularly. During the winter months be sure to stop for a moment or two and look for whales. You can often see the whales spouting and occasionally jumping. You can also see dolphins spout and jumping there year round.
Hawaiian Paradise Park
Hawaiian Paradise Park is a large subdivision located Makai (ocean side) of Highway 130 between Hilo and Pahoa. This is where the Lotus House is situated. Most of the lots have a tropical, peaceful vibe, however it is a developing subdivision with a fair amount of new homes being built.
Located on the windward side of the island, the trade winds often blow. Down by the ocean there are no beaches, and it is extremely unsafe to swim there. However, it is a beautiful place to walk and feel the ocean breeze. Paradise Cliff and Maku’u Point are both extremely beautiful and can be accessed at the end of both Paradise Dr. and Maku’u Dr. There is a nice walk between the two that our family enjoys regularly. During the winter months be sure to stop for a moment or two and look for whales. You can often see the whales spouting and occasionally jumping. You can also see dolphins spout and jumping there year round.