Introduction

I’ve been to Hawaii a few times but never got the chance to explore the Big Island. So when I had the chance to visit for a water polo tournament, I thought why not kill 2 birds with one stone. And I’m glad I made the trip! Kona has a different vibe than most of the other islands where it feels a little more laid back. The beaches are sandy, the water is clear, and there’s good vibes all around. You can’t ask for anything more!

In terms of getting around, I would recommend renting a car. Public transportation does exist but it’s very sparse. Accommodation is also the same situation where it can get expensive. Once you figure out your plans I would lock in these two things ASAP. 

I would also over budget your driving time. As I was driving around the island, I realized that it takes longer than expected to get to where you want to go, just because the roads are very curvy and dark at night. I would make sure that you visit the island in chunks and then adjust your accommodation accordingly as you move from the Kona to the Hilo side. 

*** bolded = highly recommended

 

Nature

  • Magic Sands Beach Park - the waves are huge but it’s great to just sit and chill!
  • Kua Bay - loved this spot since the water was super clear but finding a spot might be a challenge since most of the shore is rocky. 
  • Kamakahonu Beach
  • Hapuna State Beach Park - perfect spot to watch the sunset. ​

 

food

  • Da Shark Shack - good Filipino place. We got the mushroom saute and the pancit combo which was tasty. 
  • Kona Wave Cafe - great açaí bowls!
  • On the Rocks - kinda touristy but has a good vibe and good seafood dishes right near the water. 
  • L&L Hawai‘ian Barbecue
  • Cheeky Tiki - Kona
  • Loko Wraps - the açaí bowl here was absolutely huge but they have no to-go containers. 
  • Kona Inn Restaurant - very, very expensive but has a good space on the oceanfront. 
  • Pau Hana Poke
  • Fresh off the Grill

 

Attractions & Other details

  • Kailua Pier
  • Pololu Valley - very picturesque and a quick hike leads you to a good view.
If you're interested in doing a dive, I would recommend Jack’s Diving Locker. Great service and a great experience all around. I did the snorkeling and saw lots of fish and even a sea turtle!

​To make the most of your time, I would recommend splitting the island into parts. Below, I’ve put some sample itineraries on how you could structure your day with my recommendations. 

South Side:
  • Kaʻū Coffee Mill - interesting spot to get some Kona coffee but you can skip if you’re out of time. 
  • Punaluʻu Beach - you can possibly see sea turtles in the tide pools at this black sand beach - would recommend!
  • Hana Hou Restaurant - great food all around, the Caprese sandwich was good. 
  • Kalae / South Point - very windy spot with some good cliff jumping spots but be careful on the way up since I got cut on a few rocks. 
  • Papakōlea Green Sand Beach - it’s a 5.6 mile round-trip hike to get to the beach. I was somewhat disappointed because I didn’t feel like the sand was entirely green. The hike there is a little bit windy, so prepare your windbreakers and such.

Northeast Side:
  • Waipio Valley Lookout
  • Tex Drive-In / Honokaa - the malasadas were really good, but the food wasn’t that great. 
  • Laupahoehoe Point
  • Akaka Falls 
  • Onomea Bay / Onomea Bay Trail
  • Richardson Ocean Park
​

 

Contents

Introduction
Nature
Food
Attractions & Other Details
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