Michaela's Guidebook
Beaches
Magic Sands Beach Park
Ali'i DriveClosest beach with big waves!
Beautiful beach park on the edge of Kealakekua Bay. Grass park and snorkel access. Lots of shade.
Parking is limited. We drop off equipment and then go park on Puuhonua Rd and walk back to the park.
27 locals recommend
Manini Beach
Manini Beach RoadBeautiful beach park on the edge of Kealakekua Bay. Grass park and snorkel access. Lots of shade.
Parking is limited. We drop off equipment and then go park on Puuhonua Rd and walk back to the park.
Kohanaiki Beach Park
Umbrella recommended.
Surfing beach
Hapuna Beach State Park
Old Puako RoadLarge white sands beach.
Umbrella recommended.
Located right across the street!
Unique salt water ocean side pool. Best during high tide.
Ali'i Saltwater Swimming Pool
75-6106 Ali‘i DrLocated right across the street!
Unique salt water ocean side pool. Best during high tide.
Pohoiki Bay and Hot Spring
13-5579 Kalapana - Kapoho RdNatural hot springs near a black sand beach
Waialea Beach
Old Puako RoadBeautiful beach with ample shade
Honl’s Beach
Near by sandy beach access
Food scene
Best Thai food on the island. Phone ahead to order pick up - they tend to take a long time but it’s worth it so plan ahead!
38 locals recommend
Original Thai Cuisine LLC
75-5629 Kuakini HwyBest Thai food on the island. Phone ahead to order pick up - they tend to take a long time but it’s worth it so plan ahead!
Sack N Save Kona
75-5595 Palani RdCheapest and best fresh fish
One of the few places that takes reservations!
Ocean view dining.
106 locals recommend
Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar
75-5770 Ali‘i DrOne of the few places that takes reservations!
Ocean view dining.
Amazing view
Easily accommodated large groups
No reservations
75 locals recommend
Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
78-6831 Ali‘i DrAmazing view
Easily accommodated large groups
No reservations
On the Rocks
75-5824 Kahakai RoadLive music in the evenings, nice beach-side ambiance.
Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Kona
75-5995 Kuakini HwyFine dining option near by.
Sightseeing
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
You can see the lava flow from the lookout
Southern Most Point of the Island (and of the USA)
Cliff jumping
Orange sand
South Point Historical Lighthouse
Southern Most Point of the Island (and of the USA)
Cliff jumping
Orange sand
Hike.
Very hot and moderately challenging.
Bring lots of water!
64 locals recommend
Captain Cook Monument Trail
Napoopoo RoadHike.
Very hot and moderately challenging.
Bring lots of water!
Pololu Valley Lookout
52-5100 Akoni Pule HwyBeautiful hike down into a valley
Luau’s
Many hotels offer Luau’s several nights per week. Book ahead of time because they sell out!
Royal Kona Resort
75-5852 Ali‘i DrClosest Luau
Legends of Hawaii Luau
69-425 Waikōloa Beach DrMarkets
Local markets open on various days of the week
Short walk from the townhouse.
Coffee, food, local vendors
22 locals recommend
Alii Gardens Marketplace
75-6129 Ali‘i DrShort walk from the townhouse.
Coffee, food, local vendors
Captain Cook Farmers Market - Sundays
Best near by market with food, crafts, local art, music, etc
30 locals recommend
Pure Kona Green Market
82-6160 Mamalahoa HwyCaptain Cook Farmers Market - Sundays
Best near by market with food, crafts, local art, music, etc
Very good market on Wednesdays
45 min drive north to Waimea
Food, art, etc
19 locals recommend
Waimea Midweek Farmers Market
67-139 Pukalani RdVery good market on Wednesdays
45 min drive north to Waimea
Food, art, etc
Near the Sheraton Hotel
Music, crafts, art, local vendors. Minimal food.
Ho'oulu Community Farmers & Artisans Market
78-128 Ehukai StNear the Sheraton Hotel
Music, crafts, art, local vendors. Minimal food.