First of all, you should have a copy of The Big Island Revealed.  It is the most detailed guidebook for the Island and will give you lots of ideas and information that would be hard to find elsewhere.  We have a copy at the house (PLEASE return it!) if you don’t have your own.  (If you want to buy guidebooks or maps/map books, Borders in Kailua-Kona has a large selection.)

            The authors of the Big Island Revealed have a website with the latest updates. 
See http://www.wizardpub.com/bigisland/bigresort.html

 

            For the scoop on what’s happening in and around Kona, be sure to check out www.konaweb.com 

                                    

Big Island Resources and Activities

        
Starting in Kailua Kona (about 25 minutes north of us) and heading southward:

KAILUA-KONA:

Dive Shop:  Check out Jack’s Diving Locker, south end of Ali’i Dr., by Lulu’s.

 

Fun shopping and galleries:  Stroll the length of Ali’i Dr. in the village.  There are interesting galleries and shops on both sides of the street. 

 

In the “Old Industrial Area” on the north end of town, the International Marketplace has a lot of interesting and fun shops, galleries, produce store and ethnic lunch stands.

 

Lots of great places to eat.  Here are a few that we like:

 

The Fish Hopper:  Ambience, view, service, and—FISH!  North end of Ali’i Dr.

Bubba Gump’s: Not just shrimp.  Great fish & chips. Creative cocktails.

Huggo’s:  Excellent food;  lunch is much more reasonably priced than dinner.

Kona Inn:  Nice atmosphere and view, decent food.

Big Island Grill:  Hawai’ian style breakfast and lunch.  Big portions of good home-style food.  On Henry Street.

Lulu’s:  Party atmosphere, great view, good burgers, drinks.

 

HOLUALOA:

 

Drive up the slope on Hualalai Road (10-15 minutes from Kailua) to the historic village of Holualoa.  Explore the art galleries, coffee farms and cafes that give this delightful area its special flavor.  The Holuakoa Garden Café is excellent for lunch or dinner.

 

KAINALIU:

 

Shopping:

Several nice art galleries and upscale boutiques.  We especially enjoy the Blue Ginger Gallery--nice jewelry, clothes, gifts, etc.

Oshima’s—market, pharmacy and general store.  Take a look around, you never know what you might find.  Next door is their surf-wear store with lots of cool casual wear.  A good place to get slippers (flip-flops).

 

Restaurants:

Roadhouse:  Great sandwiches and lunch items.

Teshima’s :  Actually north of Kainaliu, at the junction where Mamalahoa Hwy heads up the mountain to Holualoa.  Kona’s long-time favorite Japanese restaurant.  Mama Teshima—at 102 years-- still greets her customers.

 

KEALAKEKUA:

 

Restaurants:  The Korner Pocket:  More than just a pool hall—good food, drinks, service. Live bands nightly.  In the shopping area just makai of the post office

Ke’ei Café: north of Kealakekua, mauka side, excellent food and ambience, a bit pricey (nice sunset view if you sit by window).

 

CAPTAIN COOK:

 

Restaurants:

            Manago Hotel: A local favorite, down-home Hawaiian style family restaurant, good fish, pork chops and some surprises.  Open Tues-Sun. Closes at 7:30.

            Senor Billy’s:  Tasty, fresh and reasonably priced Mexican food.

            Mi’s: Highly acclaimed Italian food (not cheap).  Next to yellow mini-mart, mauka side.

            Papparoni’s Pizza:  On corner, makai side, across from police station. Good pizza and pasta.

            Coffee Shack (actually in Honaunau to the south a couple of miles):  great breakfasts, lunches and coffee.  Friendly geckos—try offering them some jelly!

            Kalama’s: On Nap’opo’o Rd. as you head down to Kealakekua Bay.  Local plate lunch, burgers, shave ice, etc.  Yum! 

 

 

Napo’opo’o (Kealakekua Bay) FYI, Napo’opo’o is pronounced NAH-po-oh-po-oh.

 

v     Kayak/ snorkel at Capt. Cook Monument. The Hawaian name for the monument area is Ka’awaloa.  This place has special historical significance as many royal family member were raised here and the original Kahikolu Church was built here is the 1820’s.

 

This will be an unforgettable experience.  We suggest renting kayaks from Kona Boy’s on the highway or from the “locals” at the bay. You can launch at the public launch area. (You might want to go right first, just to check out the gorgeous bay view and look for dolphins.)  Do be respectful of the Hawaiian culture and of the wildlife.  Absolutely no chasing of the dolphins!

 

v     Swim/snorkel Manini Beach.  If you are not up to kayaking, or just want to swim and/or snorkel, Manini Beach is for you.  Manini Beach Rd. is the first right after the public launch parking lot.

 

v     Kona Pacific Farmers’ Cooperative coffee tour:  As you drive down Napo’opo’o you will see a large coffee processing plant on your right.  Park on the left side to look around, take a tour or pick up some delicious 100% Kona coffee.

 

v     Lei stand at the plumeria farm. Be sure to pick up a fragrant lei or two at the honor stand.  Just $3.00 each.

 

Honaunau:

 

v     Pu’uhonua o Honaunau (Place of Refuge).  This national park encompasses a historically significant sacred site at Honaunau.  There are exhibits and special programs, a nice picnic area (recommended for sunset picnics), and a small beach for swimming. (Next to Two-Step Beach, below.)

 

v     Two-Step (Honaunau beach).  Called “Two-Step” because you can step right off the lava shore into the bay for truly amazing snorkeling or diving.  Sometimes the dolphins come in frolic among the snorkelers.  There’s no beach per se, and it’s pretty rocky along the shore, but a lot of people bring mats, chairs and food and settle in for a few hours of quality Big Island enjoyment.

 

v     Painted Church: (On Painted Church Rd.).  Historic landmark with hand-painted murals and nice grounds with cemetery.

 

POINTS SOUTH:

 

Further south, you may want to check out:

Ho’okena Beach: A local favorite; sandy beach with nice waves for boogie boarding.

South Point and ancient canoe moorings

Na’alehu Town and Punalu’u Bakery

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach

Volcano National Park:  A must see!  Hikes, walks, drives and activities for all ages and interest levels.  If you want to hike to the lava-to-the-sea viewing area, consider spending the night in Puna or Volcano as this should be done at dusk/dark for the best viewing, and you will be very tired.  Be sure to wear sturdy shoes; bring a flashlight and lots of water.

Puna District: Beautiful drives and coast—“Old Hawai’i” style.

Pahoa Town (we recommend Luquin’s Mexican restaurant for lunch)

Kapoho tides pools—you can swim in some of them!

Ahalanui hot pool: Past Pahoa, head east on Hwy 132, then south on 137 to Ahalanui Beach Park. This is the location of a large warm pool by the sea.

 

POINTS NORTH:

 

 

Waikoloa:  Resort area. A nice beach, upscale shopping, fine dining such as Roy’s Grill (“Hawaiian Fusion”).

Hapuna Beach—best body surfing

Kohala:  Kawaihae, Hawi, and Kapa’a.  Drive out to Polulu Valley lookout.

 

 

 

OTHER ISLAND HIGHLIGHTS:

 

Hilo—beach parks, farmers’ market (big market days are Wed. & Sat.), shops, restaurants (the Seaside for seafood; Café 100 for local; Café Pesto for good food & ambience) ), botanical garden, Rainbow Falls, Akaka Falls

Laupahoehoe (site of historic tsunami)

Saddle Road—a pleasant drive (just don’t drive too fast) to Hilo

Mauna Kea (get info before heading up to the summit; you need 4-wheel drive and very warm clothing)

Waimea (Kamuela) and Parker Ranch—try Merriman’s restaurant in Waimea for an ono (delicious) meal

Waipio Valley (hike down—and up!—if you have the time and energy) and Honoka’a.  Be sure to stop at Tex Grill for fresh malasadas and maybe a loco moco.