Your Big Guide to the Big Island, Hawaii
The Big Island of Hawaii is one of those places we keep going back to. The mixture of the laid back culture on the less crowded of the Hawaiian islands, along with the mountains, landscapes, and of course beautiful beaches and unbeatable sunsets, it’s hard not to fall in love.
We’ve spent around 2 months in total on the Big Island. Here are our top favorite beaches, restaurants, and other things to do!
Flights to Hawaii for (almost) Free.
Big Island Beaches
Manini’owali Beach - Kua Bay
My personal favorite beach. An easy drive up to the beach with access to bathrooms and a drinking fountain. Parking is a bit rough along the side of the road on the way in. If you don’t have a jeep or a larger car, make sure you arrive early enough to not need 4-wheel drive to park.
The sand is soft and white, gentle on the feet with a few lava rocks outlining the beach and creating steps on your way in. The surf is clear of rocks and there’s always a life guard on duty.
2. Ho’okena Beach Park (video below)
If you’re staying closer to Captain Cook, south of Kona, then this is a great little beach. Not as crowded as the ones closer to Kona, which means a bit of extra space and some shade trees too.
Parking is sparse and the sand is HOT! Be careful where you enter the water as there are a few rocky areas.
We saw dolphins swimming and jumping out of the water about 100 yards out on every visit to this beach.
Ho’okena Beach Park - People pausing to watch the dolphins swim by daily around sunset.
3. Spencer Beach Park (video below)
Wonderful little beach on the north side of Kona. A little less crowded since the drive is a bit further.
Plenty of shade, huge bathrooms that were clean and have shower/ changing stalls.
Take the path through the jungle on the left side of the Spencer beach and find another, beach that few venture to.
Quick view from a shady tree of Spencer Beach park.
4. Mahai’ula Beach (video below)
You NEED 4-wheel drive for this one! The "road" to get here is an adventure itself. Consider it a tour of the lava fields on the way to the beautiful white sand beach.
Make sure you bring your water shoes! Some of the lava rocks made their way onto the beach. If you want to spread out a bit, take the path that runs parallel to the beach, located off the parking lot.
Keep an eye out for monk seals and sea turtles as this is one of their favorite beaches too!
Restaurants
If I could have eaten here everyday, I would have. Some of the best poke you’re going to find! Grab your poke here and take it to magic sands to eat with a view
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
Great spot to grab lunch or dinner! A bit on the pricier side, but a great menu with high quality options.
Kona Brewing Co.
Beautiful garden to grab a bite to eat! Definitely on the pricier side, but lots of options and everything was great, including a wonderful, frosty brew.
Ma'ona Lunch Counter
If you find yourself on the Hilo side, this is a great little spot to grab a decent priced lunch and head next door to eat and grab a beer to go with it!
Kiri Thai
The best Thai food we’ve had in a long time! Wonderful food, great service, and very reasonably priced. Don’t leave without an order of mango sticky rice.
Ola Brew Co
Great local brewery with really good pizza and bites. Enjoy some live music too if you get the chance.
4.9, 1,200 reviews. Do yourself a favor and eat lunch here. It was amazing and very reasonably priced.
Do not be mislead by the '“hole in the wall” appearance. This is our favorite place for authentic, and absolutely delicious Hawaiian food
Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store
Make this your fancy / expensive night out. Everything on the menu is delicious. Make sure you fill out your free post card after dinner, and the staff will mail it for you!
Shaka Tacoz
Tacos, burritos, and quesadillas with a spectacular view!
Make sure to BYOB and get there in time to watch the sunset.
Queens' Marketplace
Stop in here to pick up some pre made sandwiches, fruit, and pastries before heading to the beach!
They also have sushi to-go or made to order. You can also find Hawaii souvenirs here too.
Lava Lava Beach Club
Fun spot tucked into the resort neighborhood with a lawn to throw some bags and a patio to enjoy the water.
Pricey here, but portions were big enough to share on some items; aim for happy hour for cheaper drinks!
Head over to the beach nearby after for calm waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling.
Honaunau Poke Shop
Love this place! Great poke, and very reasonably priced.
All outdoor seating here, and very much another “hole in the wall” appearance, but hey, some of the best places are.
Black Rock Pizza - Captain Cook
Local chain in Hawaii with great pizza! Grab one to share or get the small one for a personal pan.
On the Rocks
If you’re on Ali’i drive and looking for lunch, this is a great option right on the water!
Small, unassuming window that serves up the best shave ice we’ve found. They were super nice to us too!
Pro Tip: Make sure you order your shave ice with ice cream and snow capped. Thank me later!
Things to Do
Greenwell Farms
A free coffee tour with plenty of tasting, and a very detailed and rich tour of the plantation and how coffee is made.
Pro Tip: Grab one of their umbrellas so you don’t melt under the hot sun during the tour.
Painted Church
Beautiful church with an interesting story. Stop by and enjoy the artwork inside.
Pro Tip: Find the banana bread stand on the way, it's the best!
You NEED 4-Wheel drive for this one! Drive to the top of Mauna Kea and pass through the clouds to watch the sunset. A truly magical experience.
The rangers will make sure you have 4-Wheel drive and will give you a (mandatory), brief tutorial on which gears to climb up and down the mountain. They will also check your brake temperature on the way out.
Pro Tips: Make sure you stop for 30 minutes at the information station to adjust to the altitude before continuing up. This is a great spot to use the restroom, and add some warm layers. It's very windy and cool at the top. You'll also see Hawaii's one and only snow plow. Bring snacks!!
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Learn about Big Island's explosive past, walk through a lava tube and enjoy the view over the volcanic craters.
Pro Tip: Download the National Parks app to get a Free, self-guided driving tour through the park.
Rainbow Falls
Beautiful waterfall to see if you're in the area.
The banyan tree in the park nearby is also worth a visit. Be warned! This tree is so tempting to climb, but the sap of the banyan tree can cause skin irritation and a rash. From first hand experience, it's itchy for a couple of days and then goes away with some hydrocortisone cream.