Krista’s guidebook
Food scene
Great dinner spot for contemporary American Cuisine. Dine while you listen to the waves crash just steps away. Located on the second floor overlooking the Kailua Bay. Reservations are usually needed. Call ahead:-) 5 min walk on Ali’i Drive.
100 locals recommend
Foster's Kitchen
75-5805 Ali‘i DrGreat dinner spot for contemporary American Cuisine. Dine while you listen to the waves crash just steps away. Located on the second floor overlooking the Kailua Bay. Reservations are usually needed. Call ahead:-) 5 min walk on Ali’i Drive.
Hands down the best Seafood Bar and Grill in Kona. Traditional menu and reasonable prices. Beautiful view of the Bay with open air dining. Highly recommend:-) 12 minute walk on Ali’i Drive.
16 locals recommend
Fish Hopper
700 Cannery RowHands down the best Seafood Bar and Grill in Kona. Traditional menu and reasonable prices. Beautiful view of the Bay with open air dining. Highly recommend:-) 12 minute walk on Ali’i Drive.
Iconic Kona Hawaiian style food spot. Used to be located in a tiny strip mall outside of town but yes it’s that good that they’re now off Ali’i Dr in the Village. Highly highly recommend if you want delicious authentic Hawaiian grub! 10 min walk on Ali’i Dr.
53 locals recommend
Broke Da Mouth Grindz & Catering
74-5565 Luhia StIconic Kona Hawaiian style food spot. Used to be located in a tiny strip mall outside of town but yes it’s that good that they’re now off Ali’i Dr in the Village. Highly highly recommend if you want delicious authentic Hawaiian grub! 10 min walk on Ali’i Dr.
Iconic Kona establishment. AMAZING poke! 5 minute drive on Ali'i Drive. A little pricey but worth it! I also recommend Sack n Save Grocery Store, KTA Grocery Stores, and Safeway (Safeway Furitake Poke is my go to) for yummy budget friendly poke :-) 10 minute drive on Ali’i Dr.
132 locals recommend
Da Poke Shack
76-6246 Ali‘i DriveIconic Kona establishment. AMAZING poke! 5 minute drive on Ali'i Drive. A little pricey but worth it! I also recommend Sack n Save Grocery Store, KTA Grocery Stores, and Safeway (Safeway Furitake Poke is my go to) for yummy budget friendly poke :-) 10 minute drive on Ali’i Dr.
Yumm breakfast/ lunch spot. They close at 2pm so plan to arrive early. They have traditional Hawaiian offerings and delicious local takes on traditional breakfasts. It’s a heavy meal so bring your appetite! 3 min drive.
27 locals recommend
808 Grindz Cafe
75-5660 Kopiko StYumm breakfast/ lunch spot. They close at 2pm so plan to arrive early. They have traditional Hawaiian offerings and delicious local takes on traditional breakfasts. It’s a heavy meal so bring your appetite! 3 min drive.
World Famous Kona Brewing Company. Great vibe and comfortable indoor/outdoor seating. Food is amazing and I've never not loved what I ordered! Try a flight of different Kona Beers. 5 minute drive.
226 locals recommend
Kona Brewing Company
74-5612 Pawai PlWorld Famous Kona Brewing Company. Great vibe and comfortable indoor/outdoor seating. Food is amazing and I've never not loved what I ordered! Try a flight of different Kona Beers. 5 minute drive.
Great Happy Hour to a sunset backdrop. There's usually live local music and a great vibe. There's also a dine-in restaurant next door...you can do one or the other or both :-) 5 minute walk on Ali"i (located next to the Royal Kona Hotel)
162 locals recommend
Huggo's
75-5828 Kahakai RdGreat Happy Hour to a sunset backdrop. There's usually live local music and a great vibe. There's also a dine-in restaurant next door...you can do one or the other or both :-) 5 minute walk on Ali"i (located next to the Royal Kona Hotel)
Great food and Hawaiian ambience. Located waterfront with nice views as you dine. Highly recommend :-) 5 min walk on Ali'i Drive.
106 locals recommend
Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar
75-5770 Ali‘i DrGreat food and Hawaiian ambience. Located waterfront with nice views as you dine. Highly recommend :-) 5 min walk on Ali'i Drive.
Touted as having the “8th Best Cheeseburger in the United States”according to Yelp. This place is just steps away in the shopping center next door. The outside is unassuming and plain. But, OMG their burgers are to die for! Often it’s only a 1 or 2 man show and it takes a long time to prepare your food. So bring your appetite (and patience) and you won’t regret it! Highly recommended. 3 min walk.
10 locals recommend
Island Ono Loa Grill
75-5799 Ali‘i DriveTouted as having the “8th Best Cheeseburger in the United States”according to Yelp. This place is just steps away in the shopping center next door. The outside is unassuming and plain. But, OMG their burgers are to die for! Often it’s only a 1 or 2 man show and it takes a long time to prepare your food. So bring your appetite (and patience) and you won’t regret it! Highly recommended. 3 min walk.
Located steps away on Ali'i drive. Fresh fruits, produce, and cute boutique stalls. Try the papaya, mango, lychee, dragonfruit, breadfruit and if you come across a Maui Gold Pineapple, get it! 1 minute walk on Ali'i Drive.
68 locals recommend
Kona Farmers Market
75-5767 Ali‘i DrLocated steps away on Ali'i drive. Fresh fruits, produce, and cute boutique stalls. Try the papaya, mango, lychee, dragonfruit, breadfruit and if you come across a Maui Gold Pineapple, get it! 1 minute walk on Ali'i Drive.
My go to spot for Acai Bowls. The Islander and Banyan bowls are my favorites:-) 10 min walk on Ali’i Dr.
32 locals recommend
Basik Cafe
75-5831 Kahakai RdMy go to spot for Acai Bowls. The Islander and Banyan bowls are my favorites:-) 10 min walk on Ali’i Dr.
Best Thai Food in Kona! May be still take-out only due to Covid. 5 min drive.
38 locals recommend
Original Thai Cuisine LLC
75-5629 Kuakini HwyBest Thai Food in Kona! May be still take-out only due to Covid. 5 min drive.
You can’t think of Hawaiian plate lunches without L & L coming to mind! Franchised locations all throughout Hawaii and the Mainland :-) I love me some L & L :-P (5 min drive)
18 locals recommend
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
75-5595 Palani RdYou can’t think of Hawaiian plate lunches without L & L coming to mind! Franchised locations all throughout Hawaii and the Mainland :-) I love me some L & L :-P (5 min drive)
Old school Shave Ice establishment on Ali’i Drive. You’ll run into it when you stroll Ali’i. Highly recommend Toasted Coconut ice cream added to the middle with guava and pineapple syrup :-O (12 min walk on Ali’i Dr)
22 locals recommend
Scandinavian Shave Ice
75-5699 Ali‘i DrOld school Shave Ice establishment on Ali’i Drive. You’ll run into it when you stroll Ali’i. Highly recommend Toasted Coconut ice cream added to the middle with guava and pineapple syrup :-O (12 min walk on Ali’i Dr)
Best brunch spot on Ali’i Dr hands down. The view of the Bay and delicious eats has never disappointed! Highly recommend. 5 min walk on Ali’i Dr.
163 locals recommend
Island Lava Java
75-5801 Ali‘i DrBest brunch spot on Ali’i Dr hands down. The view of the Bay and delicious eats has never disappointed! Highly recommend. 5 min walk on Ali’i Dr.
Local favorite. Umeke’s had been around forever and rightfully so. Fresh fresh fresh! 10 min drive
154 locals recommend
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
74-5599 Pawai PlLocal favorite. Umeke’s had been around forever and rightfully so. Fresh fresh fresh! 10 min drive
In my opinion the best Sushi and Japanese Noodle spot in Kona. Traditionally charming decor and great vibe. 15 min walk on Ali’i Dr.
11 locals recommend
Tunaichi Sushi & Noodle
75-5699 Ali‘i DrIn my opinion the best Sushi and Japanese Noodle spot in Kona. Traditionally charming decor and great vibe. 15 min walk on Ali’i Dr.
Newer establishment located 50 steps away! They have great food, live music, live sports tv, and it’s a great spot to people watch :-) 1 min walk on Ali’i Dr.
10 locals recommend
A-Bay's on Ali'i
Newer establishment located 50 steps away! They have great food, live music, live sports tv, and it’s a great spot to people watch :-) 1 min walk on Ali’i Dr.
Local brewery/cidery. Established about 5 years ago..recently started offering a food menu and food is pretty good! Try the flatbread and white Pineapple cider! I recommend their Wheat beer for those who don’t like heavier brews like porters and ipa’s :-) ( 12 min drive)
64 locals recommend
Ola Brew
74-5598 Luhia StLocal brewery/cidery. Established about 5 years ago..recently started offering a food menu and food is pretty good! Try the flatbread and white Pineapple cider! I recommend their Wheat beer for those who don’t like heavier brews like porters and ipa’s :-) ( 12 min drive)
Willie's Hot Chicken
74-5599 Pawai PlGet your chicken on! 5 min drive
Delicious wraps and smoothies. Think “Chipotle meets Hawaii”
:-P ( 5 min drive )
26 locals recommend
Loko Wraps
82-6066 Mamalahoa HwyDelicious wraps and smoothies. Think “Chipotle meets Hawaii”
:-P ( 5 min drive )
Another delicious Shave Ice establishment :-) 3 min drive.
24 locals recommend
One Aloha Shave Ice Co.
75-5711 Kuakini HwyAnother delicious Shave Ice establishment :-) 3 min drive.
Iconic Hawaiian Islands Shave Ice establishment. I always have a scoop of coconut ice cream in the center :-P (located at the Marriott hotel- 15 min walk on Ali’i Dr.)
Ululani‘s Hawaiian Shave Ice
75-5660 Palani RoadIconic Hawaiian Islands Shave Ice establishment. I always have a scoop of coconut ice cream in the center :-P (located at the Marriott hotel- 15 min walk on Ali’i Dr.)
Visit the "Southernmost Bakery" in all of the United States! It sounds a little cliche since it really is because of the location (Naalehu town) but this bake shop is in my opinion one of the best bakeries in all of the Hawaiian Islands. They also serve tasty plate lunches. 1.5 hour scenic drive south.
185 locals recommend
Punalu'u Bake Shop
95-5642 HI-11Visit the "Southernmost Bakery" in all of the United States! It sounds a little cliche since it really is because of the location (Naalehu town) but this bake shop is in my opinion one of the best bakeries in all of the Hawaiian Islands. They also serve tasty plate lunches. 1.5 hour scenic drive south.
Luau Shows
The best backdrop for a Hawaiian Luau. Absolutely gorgeous sunset location just before the show. My favorite Luau spot. Tip: Plan ahead and buy tickets in advance. Arrive early and enjoy the koi ponds in the hotel lobby. 5 minute walk on Ali'i Drive.
Royal Kona
The best backdrop for a Hawaiian Luau. Absolutely gorgeous sunset location just before the show. My favorite Luau spot. Tip: Plan ahead and buy tickets in advance. Arrive early and enjoy the koi ponds in the hotel lobby. 5 minute walk on Ali'i Drive.
Great luau and delicious food! This luau includes the traditional ceremony and pig unearthing before the show. Tip: Plan ahead and buy tickets in advance. A bit pricier than the Royal Kona Luau. 15 minute walk on Ali'i Drive.
28 locals recommend
Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
75-5660 Palani RdGreat luau and delicious food! This luau includes the traditional ceremony and pig unearthing before the show. Tip: Plan ahead and buy tickets in advance. A bit pricier than the Royal Kona Luau. 15 minute walk on Ali'i Drive.
Snorkeling Spots
The best local snorkeling spot. Current is moderate (I wouldn't say its calm) Stay safe and always snorkel with a partner. Tip: Lifevests are cool ;-) 15 drive on Ali'i Drive.
239 locals recommend
Kahaluu Bay
Ali‘i DriveThe best local snorkeling spot. Current is moderate (I wouldn't say its calm) Stay safe and always snorkel with a partner. Tip: Lifevests are cool ;-) 15 drive on Ali'i Drive.
Arguably the best snorkeling spot on the Big Island. You'll have to hike (moderate to difficult level) to get down to the water or you can take a snorkel tour to get to there. Recommended more for the Snorkel Enthusiast. 45 min drive south to the Trail Head, 1+ hour hike. Boat tours leave from the Harbor.
55 locals recommend
Captain James Cook Monument
Arguably the best snorkeling spot on the Big Island. You'll have to hike (moderate to difficult level) to get down to the water or you can take a snorkel tour to get to there. Recommended more for the Snorkel Enthusiast. 45 min drive south to the Trail Head, 1+ hour hike. Boat tours leave from the Harbor.
Small beach located next to the Marriott hotel (near the pier). It’s a popular spot to get your swim or snorkel on ;-) 10 min walk on Ali'i Drive.
28 locals recommend
Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
75-5660 Palani RdSmall beach located next to the Marriott hotel (near the pier). It’s a popular spot to get your swim or snorkel on ;-) 10 min walk on Ali'i Drive.
Best Beaches
A must visit! Also known as Manini'owali Beach. Stunning white sand beach and turquoise waters. In my opinion the prettiest beach on the Big Island. Not the longest beach and can fill up quickly. Arrive early to stake your spot. Parking is ample but if you arrive early, your walk will be far shorter ;-) 25 min drive north.
159 locals recommend
Kua Bay
A must visit! Also known as Manini'owali Beach. Stunning white sand beach and turquoise waters. In my opinion the prettiest beach on the Big Island. Not the longest beach and can fill up quickly. Arrive early to stake your spot. Parking is ample but if you arrive early, your walk will be far shorter ;-) 25 min drive north.
Known as Magic Sands as the sand and beach is washed away and reappears to different sizes throughout the year. Beautiful waters but its definitely a small beach and can get really crowded. Limited free parking across the street. Arrive early to stake a spot. 15 min drive south on Ali'i Drive.
181 locals recommend
Magic Sands Beach Park
Ali'i DriveKnown as Magic Sands as the sand and beach is washed away and reappears to different sizes throughout the year. Beautiful waters but its definitely a small beach and can get really crowded. Limited free parking across the street. Arrive early to stake a spot. 15 min drive south on Ali'i Drive.
Expansive white sand beach with more room to spread out :-) Sometimes known for stronger currents. Paid parking is ample. 40 minute drive north.
241 locals recommend
Hapuna Beach
Expansive white sand beach with more room to spread out :-) Sometimes known for stronger currents. Paid parking is ample. 40 minute drive north.
Truly a unique experience. Highly recommend! Unfortunately a 4x4 vehicle is needed. There are often locals there who offer to take you there for a small fee. They also offer pickup . The hike is about 3 miles each way or a 15 drive via a 4x4 vehicle. Trail head is 1 hour 40 min drive south.
9 locals recommend
Green Sands
Truly a unique experience. Highly recommend! Unfortunately a 4x4 vehicle is needed. There are often locals there who offer to take you there for a small fee. They also offer pickup . The hike is about 3 miles each way or a 15 drive via a 4x4 vehicle. Trail head is 1 hour 40 min drive south.
Stunning beach. The drawback is I recommend a 4 x 4 or a vehicle with high clearance as the road is bumpy and rocky. You can also hike to the location (40 minute hike on black rocky lava). I recommend this beach for those adventurous guests! 30 min drive north.
80 locals recommend
Makalawena Beach
Hawaii 19Stunning beach. The drawback is I recommend a 4 x 4 or a vehicle with high clearance as the road is bumpy and rocky. You can also hike to the location (40 minute hike on black rocky lava). I recommend this beach for those adventurous guests! 30 min drive north.
Sightseeing/Tours
Free coffee sampling and free tours every 15 minutes. Located in a beautiful remote setting. Highly recommend. 20 min drive northeast.
32 locals recommend
Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation
Free coffee sampling and free tours every 15 minutes. Located in a beautiful remote setting. Highly recommend. 20 min drive northeast.
See where Hawaiian Royalty once stayed. Beautiful grounds and ocean backdrop. Frequent musical events and festivals are held here. 10 minute walk on Ali'i Drive
67 locals recommend
Hulihe'e Palace
See where Hawaiian Royalty once stayed. Beautiful grounds and ocean backdrop. Frequent musical events and festivals are held here. 10 minute walk on Ali'i Drive
Visit the serene and tranquil grounds of Hawaii's Oldest Christian Church. A unique experience. 5 minute walk on Ali'i Drive.
20 locals recommend
Mokuaikaua Church
75-5713 Ali‘i DrVisit the serene and tranquil grounds of Hawaii's Oldest Christian Church. A unique experience. 5 minute walk on Ali'i Drive.
Need I say more? This place is a must visit. Don't pass up the opportunity to see the wonders of active volcanoes Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Park Entry is usually limited so planning ahead is recommended. Make sure to stop by the Visitor Center to take a peek at their displays. 2 hour drive.
880 locals recommend
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Need I say more? This place is a must visit. Don't pass up the opportunity to see the wonders of active volcanoes Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Park Entry is usually limited so planning ahead is recommended. Make sure to stop by the Visitor Center to take a peek at their displays. 2 hour drive.
See the highest point in the state of Hawaii ! Due to its high elevation, it’s often snow capped and can get really cold. I highly recommend a Star Gazing tour (they'll provide you with heavy jackets you probably didn't think to pack lol). This is the site of the Observatory controversy on sacred Hawaiian sites that you probably heard about on the news. And not to worry, Mauna Kea is now dormant :-) 1 hour 40 minutes.
25 locals recommend
Mauna Kea
See the highest point in the state of Hawaii ! Due to its high elevation, it’s often snow capped and can get really cold. I highly recommend a Star Gazing tour (they'll provide you with heavy jackets you probably didn't think to pack lol). This is the site of the Observatory controversy on sacred Hawaiian sites that you probably heard about on the news. And not to worry, Mauna Kea is now dormant :-) 1 hour 40 minutes.
A must see. Ancient Hawaiian ruins and spiritual site. Also known as the "Place of Refuge". You can walk along the trail or do a self guided tour. Impressive ruins and large wooden Tikis. Tip: The sun is often unusually strong and there is little to no breeze. It’s hot there! Remember to bring a hat and sunscreen :-) 40 minute drive south.
***Two Steps Beach is a great snorkeling spot located next to the Historical Park :-)
270 locals recommend
Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park
State Highway 160A must see. Ancient Hawaiian ruins and spiritual site. Also known as the "Place of Refuge". You can walk along the trail or do a self guided tour. Impressive ruins and large wooden Tikis. Tip: The sun is often unusually strong and there is little to no breeze. It’s hot there! Remember to bring a hat and sunscreen :-) 40 minute drive south.
***Two Steps Beach is a great snorkeling spot located next to the Historical Park :-)
An experience of a lifetime. You won't regret doing it! Watch the manta rays dive and rise to lights on the water surface. See the manta rays up close in awe! Tours fill up quickly, plan ahead and book early :-)
50 locals recommend
Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii
74-380 Kealakehe PkwyAn experience of a lifetime. You won't regret doing it! Watch the manta rays dive and rise to lights on the water surface. See the manta rays up close in awe! Tours fill up quickly, plan ahead and book early :-)
Highly recommended spending a few hours here. The tours are informative and you really get a sense of what it was like in the earliest of Kona Coffee plantation days. Beautiful location and view. There's also delicious free coffee tastings! 25 minute drive south.
17 locals recommend
Kona Coffee Living History Farm
82-6199 Hawaiʻi Belt RdHighly recommended spending a few hours here. The tours are informative and you really get a sense of what it was like in the earliest of Kona Coffee plantation days. Beautiful location and view. There's also delicious free coffee tastings! 25 minute drive south.
Stunning stunning stunning! There are beautiful views to be seen. You can stay at the top of the lookout or venture down to the valley floor. The hike/drive down is very steep. There is sometimes a person there in a 4 x 4 truck who will take you down for a small fee (bring cash). I don't recommend driving down on your own unless you are very experienced and in a 4x4 vehicle ;-) 1.5 hour drive northeast.
201 locals recommend
Waipio Valley Lookout
Stunning stunning stunning! There are beautiful views to be seen. You can stay at the top of the lookout or venture down to the valley floor. The hike/drive down is very steep. There is sometimes a person there in a 4 x 4 truck who will take you down for a small fee (bring cash). I don't recommend driving down on your own unless you are very experienced and in a 4x4 vehicle ;-) 1.5 hour drive northeast.
City/town information
Take a day to explore the east side of the island. Hilo is the Big Island's other "big city". I recommend seeing Coconut Island, the Hilo Farmer's Market, the Pacific Tsunami Museum, and Rainbow Falls. It's often overcast and rainy so take an umbrella. It's also known as the rainy or tropical side so expect beautiful lush foliage and greenery. Pineapples Restaurant is highly recommended (my favorite restaurant in Hilo) 1.5 hour drive.
120 locals recommend
Hilo
Take a day to explore the east side of the island. Hilo is the Big Island's other "big city". I recommend seeing Coconut Island, the Hilo Farmer's Market, the Pacific Tsunami Museum, and Rainbow Falls. It's often overcast and rainy so take an umbrella. It's also known as the rainy or tropical side so expect beautiful lush foliage and greenery. Pineapples Restaurant is highly recommended (my favorite restaurant in Hilo) 1.5 hour drive.
Known as Hawaiian Cowboy country. Beautiful rolling green pastures and expansive ranches. City center is up and coming with all the offerings of a modern little city. Great shopping and eateries. There's a different vibe there that you won’t get anywhere else on the Big Island. Northern California wine country with a splash of Colorado? 1 hour drive.
78 locals recommend
Waimea
Known as Hawaiian Cowboy country. Beautiful rolling green pastures and expansive ranches. City center is up and coming with all the offerings of a modern little city. Great shopping and eateries. There's a different vibe there that you won’t get anywhere else on the Big Island. Northern California wine country with a splash of Colorado? 1 hour drive.
Great little artsy area. Or you might want to call it funky. You can stroll the main street and check out the cool little shops. When driving there, remember not to blink...you might miss it! 1 hour drive north.
88 locals recommend
Hawi
Great little artsy area. Or you might want to call it funky. You can stroll the main street and check out the cool little shops. When driving there, remember not to blink...you might miss it! 1 hour drive north.
Designer Resort Area
Also known as just Waikoloa (not to be confused with Waikoloa Village which is a different town). It turns out there is some glitz on the Big Island! This resort area has beautiful resorts, golf courses, and great shopping. There are 2 designer outdoor shopping centers, the Kings' Shop and the Shops at Mauna Lani. Window shopping with an ice cream or latte in hand is a fun way to explore the centers :-) Restaurants you can’t go wrong with are Lava Lava Beach Club ($$$) or fine dining at Roy's ($$$$) 35 min drive north.
11 locals recommend
Waikōloa Beach
Also known as just Waikoloa (not to be confused with Waikoloa Village which is a different town). It turns out there is some glitz on the Big Island! This resort area has beautiful resorts, golf courses, and great shopping. There are 2 designer outdoor shopping centers, the Kings' Shop and the Shops at Mauna Lani. Window shopping with an ice cream or latte in hand is a fun way to explore the centers :-) Restaurants you can’t go wrong with are Lava Lava Beach Club ($$$) or fine dining at Roy's ($$$$) 35 min drive north.