Have the best time on the Big Island!

We’d love to share our favorite locations on the island! It’s so hard to pick our Top 10, but here you are:

Fun day at Waipio Valley
We usually stop in Honokaa: Coffee Shops and Small Local Shops. Tex Drive In Malasadas: https://texdrivein-hawaii.com/is the local gem and you must try their malsadas. (The road down to the beach closed)
Makalawena Beach
We go there for a long day, we pack cold drinks, snacks, and towels. On weekdays the beach is usually less crowded and sometimes it feels like we are the only ones there. Truly a magical place!
Night Manta Snorkelling
You need to try and feel this magic. You can also see Mantas at Mauna Kea Restaurant or Sheraton hotel but not 2 feet away!
Driving to Hilo
We love Hamakua Coast and visit Botanical Garden, Akaka Falls and then go straight to Carlsmith Beach Park.
Kona
When we go to Kona, we order sushi at You make the Roll, a great place to grab fresh sushi, but be prepared to wait at least 1-2 hours! It is very popular among locals! After we grab food we go watch sunset at Kona Inn Restaurant and go to this secret beach.
Waimea Farmers Markets
You can find us at farmers markets in Waimea on Saturdays. There are 4 markets in this small town. We grab coffee at Waimea Coffee and go for breakfast!
Hikes:
Best Hike – Pololu Valley, on the way we stop in Hawi Town for ice creams and Coffee.
Best of the Best
Best Place for snorkeling, kayaking, surfing or have a yoga class…
Foodies:
Taste some beer, coffee, malasadas, macadamia nuts, chocolate,…
Photos:
Don’t forget to have a photo session for yourselves to remember your time in Hawaii!

Best Beaches:

Kona Area
Kukio Beach, Kikaua point park, Mahai’ula Bay

Kukio Beach (sandy beach+lava fields): Google Maps / Recent Gallery

Kikaua Point Park: Google Maps / Recent Gallery

Mahai’ula Bay (sandy beach +lava fields) & Makalawena: Google Maps / Recent Gallery

The End of the World Cliffs (only for the adventurous!): Google Maps / Recent Gallery

Waikoloa Area
Hapuna, Mauna Kea, Beach 69, Kiholo bay, Puako Bay

Hapuna Beach: Google Maps / Recent Gallery

Mauna Kea Beach: Google Maps / Recent Gallery

Beach 69: Google Maps / Recent Gallery

Puako Bay/Hidden beaches: Google Maps

Kiholo Bay (black sand beach) (only for couples): Google Maps

Kohala Area
Pololū Valley, Waipio Valley

Pololū Valley (easy hike 15 mins down / 30 mins up): Google Maps / Recent Gallery

Waipio Valley (4×4 wheel drive): Google Maps / Recent Gallery (the road is closed at the moment)

Restaurants in Kona, Waikoloa and Kohala

Kona and Holualoa Area:

Papa Kona: $$ Brunch, Cocktails, and Good Coffee Google Maps

On the Rocks: $$ Happy Hour Google Maps

Waikoloa and Waimea Area:

Kuleana Rum Shack $$ Dinner

Patina: Booke The Table

Best Poke: Foodland Stores In Kona, Waimea or Hilo

Merriman’s Big Island: $$$$ Special Dinner 🙂

Lava Lava Beach Club: Happy Hour and Sunset Google Maps

Best Happy Hour:

Tommy Bahamas: 3- 5 pm Daily Marlin Bar or Mauna Lani

Pueo’s Osteria Waikoloa: https://pueososteria.com/ Hapy hour 4:30 – 5:30 only bar

Huggos on The rock Best Mai Tais: 3 – 5 PM Website

Favorite Attractions

Manta Ray Night Snorkelling

Mauna Kea Sunset and Stargazing

Two Steps Snorkelling

Waipio Valley

Green Sand Beach + South Point

Black Sand Beach

A Hawaiian luau

Hawai‘i Loa Lūʻau – Fairmont Orchid
Book Here
(Oceanfront, premium dining, top-tier show — one of the most refined experiences on the island)

Lūʻau Hale Hoaloha – Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
Book Here
(Upscale, culturally rich, farm-to-table experience on historic grounds)

Traditional Lūʻau – Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection
Contact hotel concierge for reservations
(More intimate, refined, less commercial — ideal for luxury travelers seeking quiet elegance)