Aloha and welcome to the Big Island! This guide is in no particular order, click "view map" on the right in order to create your own itinerary, drag & drop and save all the places you'd love to explore. Download the Roadtrippers app to find these places while you're on the road.
1
'Ulu Ocean Grill And Sushi Lounge
'Ulu Ocean Grill is the place to go for sushi at the very chic Four Seasons; it's made with locally-sourced (super fresh!) ingredients.
The Kona District is a great stop while on the Big Island. You'll find tons of restaurants, bars and clubs right along the waterfront on the west side of the island. And, pro tip: Nearby Kona are all of those famous coffee farms.
Kailua Kona, Hawaii, United States
3
Kona Inn Restaurant
Recommended by friends as a great restaurant with a view! Their bar claims to have the coldest beer and the best Mai Tai on the island.
4
Daylight Mind Coffee Company
The original Daylight Mind Coffee Company in Kona is right on the ocean, and it's a beautiful place for lunch. Kona is known for its coffee, so definitely order a pour over of their seasonal roast with or after your meal. There's also a Waikoloa location separate from the original restaurant in Kona, near the hotel in Queens' Marketplace.
Very casual Hawaiian food with an awesome "plate" lunch. No frills, just great food. They've been recognized by Yelp! Their specialty is laulau, or pork wrapped in taro leaves.
Sacred, historical site that was a sanctuary for Hawaiians. Interesting look at Polynesian culture & traditions, along with cool art, temples, buildings and beautiful scenery.
7
Papakolea Green Sand Beach
One of only a few green sand beaches in the world. The green sand is created by a common mineral in Big Island lava called olivine, which stays deposited on this beach because it is heavier than the other components of the lava. It's a 5.5 mile hike round trip, so make sure you get an early start to discover this unusual beach.
8
Punalu'u Beach
Great snorkeling on this black sand beach famous for nesting turtles. Side note: The sand on black sand beaches can get warm, so bring shoes!
9
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Park is currently closed, but parts are apparently reopening at 10am on September 22nd. If you visit, you can see petroglyphs, lava flows, dramatic coastline, lava tubes, and, most famously, Kilauea Caldera and the lava filled Halemaumau Crater. There's an overlook for the Caldera just outside the Jagger Museum.
On a bay, Hilo is known for its lush rainforests and waterfalls. It's the closest city to the National Park.
Hilo, Hawaii, United States
11
Wailuku River State Park
An easy-to-reach overlook for Rainbow Falls. Apparently, 10am is the best time to spy rainbows dancing in the mist.
Gorgeous falls, apparently an easy hike to reach them. Score!
13
Mauna Kea Observatories
You can visit the Mauna Kea summit on your own, they have free stargazing many nights of the week. They recommend a 4X4 car to reach the summit- see guide for details. Or take a tour with Hawaii Forest and Land!
14
The Fish And The Hog
Great spot in Waimea for BBQ and Seafood. Really cute restaurant and perfect stop if you are driving across the island.
15
Hawaiian Style Cafe
Great spot for breakfast or casual lunches
16
Merrimans Restuarant Waimea Big Island
Awesome restaurant, fairly famous place with upscale Hawaiian food
There are a ton of awesome hikes on the island. Waipio Valley is probably the closest to our hotel. We loved the hike but it was steep! Just take the highway around to Pololu Lookout and park where the highway dead ends, then take the trail down.
18
Kohala Zipline
Check out Hawaii from the treetops, great adventure with incredible views.
Waikoloa is the closest shops, restaurants and grocery stores to the hotel.
Waikoloa, Hawaii, United States
Laura
Sales @ Roadtrippers. I believe travel is the only thing in the world that you can buy that makes you richer. I am from Austin, but have lived for a number of years in New York, Los Angeles & London. I've visited 50+ countries and can't wait to explore more!
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