Kathy’s guidebook
Shopping
Here's where I like to shop:
In addition to Safeway, there are two “local” stores, Sack N Save and KTA. I always shop KTA – I like the prices and the local options: on Palani Road and at the Keauhou Shopping Village. The Keauhou Store will be easiest and closest to the condo. Turn left onto Alii from the condo. About 3 miles down, go straight ahead at the stop light, and then a right turn in the shopping center will take you there. The Keauhou Theaters are also there.
The Alii Drive Market, corner of Alii Dr and Hualalai Rd. Under the tents, you’ll find local produce – tropical fruits as well as tomatoes, herbs, veg. Usually cash, but some take debit. Also can find tropical flowers, clothes, souvenirs. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Free Parking near the tents, and right across the street if that lot is full (if you use the Diamond Parking you'll need to pay).
Island Naturals is our local health food store: deli, wines, produce, cosmetics, bulk spices, and grains.
Then, of course, there’s always Costco, Walmart, Target, Ross and a small Macy’s.
KTA is my go-to grocery store - it's locally owned, and uses the most locally sourced items. It's grown from a mom and pop store that started in 1916 in Hilo to several stores on the island.
156 habitants recommandent
KTA Super Stores
74-5594 Palani RdKTA is my go-to grocery store - it's locally owned, and uses the most locally sourced items. It's grown from a mom and pop store that started in 1916 in Hilo to several stores on the island.
Natural food store with a great deli, bulk spices, grains, teas, and a broad assortment of natural food products, produce, etc.
61 habitants recommandent
Island Naturals Market & Deli Kailua-Kona
74-5444 Makala BlvdNatural food store with a great deli, bulk spices, grains, teas, and a broad assortment of natural food products, produce, etc.
Can't beat Costco prices! If you're not familiar with Costco, it's a membership only store with food in big packages. Best prices around for beer and wine, meats, dairy, well you name it! But they can be pretty big to get through on vacation. Also has best gas prices in town.
153 habitants recommandent
Costco Wholesale
73-5600 Maiau StCan't beat Costco prices! If you're not familiar with Costco, it's a membership only store with food in big packages. Best prices around for beer and wine, meats, dairy, well you name it! But they can be pretty big to get through on vacation. Also has best gas prices in town.
Beaches
Here are some of our favorite beaches on the Kona / South Kohala coasts (south to north)
Best snorkeling around! Shallow reef with tons of gorgeous fish and turtles. On the north side of the bay there's an entry point for surfers and stand up paddle boarders (and a rental/instruction place across the street).
239 habitants recommandent
Kahaluu Bay
Ali‘i DriveBest snorkeling around! Shallow reef with tons of gorgeous fish and turtles. On the north side of the bay there's an entry point for surfers and stand up paddle boarders (and a rental/instruction place across the street).
The "Magic" is that the sand comes and goes! Big waves pull the sand out, little ones bring it back. It's a gorgeous little cove, emptiest first thing in the morning. Be careful of the shorebreaks though on a big wave day, they can be very dangerous by tossing you straight into the sand! I've a friend whose neck was broken there. On flat and small wave days, there's also great snorkeling around and in front of the condos. Only a mile away from Kona Bali Kai.
181 habitants recommandent
Parc Magic Sands Beach
Ali'i DriveThe "Magic" is that the sand comes and goes! Big waves pull the sand out, little ones bring it back. It's a gorgeous little cove, emptiest first thing in the morning. Be careful of the shorebreaks though on a big wave day, they can be very dangerous by tossing you straight into the sand! I've a friend whose neck was broken there. On flat and small wave days, there's also great snorkeling around and in front of the condos. Only a mile away from Kona Bali Kai.
Our "home beach", and one of the most picturesque you'll find! Not a good place for swimming, but there are a couple of tide pools you can lay in. Surfers love it for its waves. We love it because it's fun to watch the surfers and the sunsets. Also, you'll find the beach almost empty all the time!
Castle Kona Bali Kai
76-6246 Ali‘i DrOur "home beach", and one of the most picturesque you'll find! Not a good place for swimming, but there are a couple of tide pools you can lay in. Surfers love it for its waves. We love it because it's fun to watch the surfers and the sunsets. Also, you'll find the beach almost empty all the time!
The beach in front of the Marriott Courtyard at the pier is a waveless beach, with nice sand, and a rental booth for rental gear: https://www.konaboys.com/activities/rentals/. It's right in the action for Kona Village.
28 habitants recommandent
Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
75-5660 Palani RdThe beach in front of the Marriott Courtyard at the pier is a waveless beach, with nice sand, and a rental booth for rental gear: https://www.konaboys.com/activities/rentals/. It's right in the action for Kona Village.
Kekaha Kai is accessible with a fairly high clearance car. Palm trees, deep shade at the top of the beach. Walk across the beach, and follow the lava path under the coconut palms for 1/2 mile to Makalawena Beach (if you arrived in the day and had a window seat, you may have seen these beaches). It's a trek, there are no toilet or water facilities, and it's mostly unoccupied, and a total beauty! Check out the freshwater ponds behind the sand. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes for this walk!
16 habitants recommandent
Parc de plage Kekaha Kai
Hawaii 19Kekaha Kai is accessible with a fairly high clearance car. Palm trees, deep shade at the top of the beach. Walk across the beach, and follow the lava path under the coconut palms for 1/2 mile to Makalawena Beach (if you arrived in the day and had a window seat, you may have seen these beaches). It's a trek, there are no toilet or water facilities, and it's mostly unoccupied, and a total beauty! Check out the freshwater ponds behind the sand. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes for this walk!
Kua Bay is a beautiful white sugary sand beach that is accessed by turning left right across from the Veteran's Cemetary entrance.
159 habitants recommandent
Kua Bay
Kua Bay is a beautiful white sugary sand beach that is accessed by turning left right across from the Veteran's Cemetary entrance.
Hapuna Beach and the beach at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel are probably the largest and most popular on the coast. Why? Because they're the best on the island! Hapuna is about 45 minutes drive and Mauna Kea about 1 hour (by the time you drive through the resort).
242 habitants recommandent
Hapuna Beach
Hapuna Beach and the beach at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel are probably the largest and most popular on the coast. Why? Because they're the best on the island! Hapuna is about 45 minutes drive and Mauna Kea about 1 hour (by the time you drive through the resort).
Before you come
I highly recommend bringing polarized sunglasses! They will make the already vibrant colors POP!
If you arrive in the day, try to book an "A" seat. Flights usually arrive so that seat can get a great coastline view. Just before landing, you'll see Kua Bay (small cove with bright white sand), Makalawena (3 coves of sugary sand), the lava path that leads you there, and then Kekaha Kai Beach Park. See more in the "Beaches" list.
Cutest airport ever! I love it that stairs greet the plane, and you'll find the breeze as soon as you step out the plane door!
47 habitants recommandent
Kona International Airport
73-200 Kupipi StCutest airport ever! I love it that stairs greet the plane, and you'll find the breeze as soon as you step out the plane door!
Our Favorite Drives
So, the Big Island doesn't have THAT many options of roads. If you turn right on the highway, or on Alii Drive for that matter, drive for 6-8 hours and you'll have come back to where you started. That being said, we do have some favorites.
The Circle Island tour with NO stops will take you 4 1/2 - 5 hours. (2 hours to Volcano, 1 to Hilo, 1 1/2 to Kona Bali Kai via Saddle Rd or 2 via Hamakua/Waimea).
What's funny, is that I grew up in Southern California, and to this date, I know all the freeways by their numbers. But on the Big Island, where I've lived over 38 years, everyone knows the highways by "the upper road" (aka Hwy 190), Queen K (Hwy 19), and "going south" (Hwy 11) and Saddle Road (Inouye Hwy).
Our very favorite is Hwy 250 between Waimea and Hawi. Both of those towns are cute as can be too (in Waimea, go to Merrimen’s to eat for fine dining, Red Water for great food, relaxed atmosphere and Hawaiian Style Café for big eats).
Hawaii 250
Hawaii 250Our very favorite is Hwy 250 between Waimea and Hawi. Both of those towns are cute as can be too (in Waimea, go to Merrimen’s to eat for fine dining, Red Water for great food, relaxed atmosphere and Hawaiian Style Café for big eats).
Once you've arrived in Hawi on Hwy 250, or you've come up along the coast on Hwy 270, be sure to head to the end of the road (Hwy 270) at the north end of the island for beautiful Pololu Valley (a photo of that view is by the bathroom sink in the condo). It's a pretty easy 20-minute hike down to the beach, but difficult to do in flip-flops.
140 habitants recommandent
Pololu Valley
Once you've arrived in Hawi on Hwy 250, or you've come up along the coast on Hwy 270, be sure to head to the end of the road (Hwy 270) at the north end of the island for beautiful Pololu Valley (a photo of that view is by the bathroom sink in the condo). It's a pretty easy 20-minute hike down to the beach, but difficult to do in flip-flops.
The Daniel K Inouye Highway, which becomes Saddle Road, takes you by the Mauna Kea Observatory road and is the quickest way to Hilo. It has a stark and beautiful volcanic landscape, finished by rain forest on the Hilo side. There is a small rest area just across from the T junction you’d take if you turned toward the Mauna Kea Visitor’s Center/Summit (and there's also a little hike to the top of that mound). If you have a 4WD, the Mauna Kea Summit is pretty amazing! Take time at the visitor's center (no 4WD needed, and is at 10,000 feet) to acclimate before going to the top. Also, at night, serious amateur astronomers bring out the amazing telescopes to give everyone a look. Very, very cool. And actually, quite cool so that you'll need a jacket to do it! The summit can be quite cold and sometimes windy. NOTE: The Visitor’s Center and night telescope viewing there are “on hold” until June 2019 for renovations.
Daniel K. Inouye Highway
Daniel K. Inouye HighwayThe Daniel K Inouye Highway, which becomes Saddle Road, takes you by the Mauna Kea Observatory road and is the quickest way to Hilo. It has a stark and beautiful volcanic landscape, finished by rain forest on the Hilo side. There is a small rest area just across from the T junction you’d take if you turned toward the Mauna Kea Visitor’s Center/Summit (and there's also a little hike to the top of that mound). If you have a 4WD, the Mauna Kea Summit is pretty amazing! Take time at the visitor's center (no 4WD needed, and is at 10,000 feet) to acclimate before going to the top. Also, at night, serious amateur astronomers bring out the amazing telescopes to give everyone a look. Very, very cool. And actually, quite cool so that you'll need a jacket to do it! The summit can be quite cold and sometimes windy. NOTE: The Visitor’s Center and night telescope viewing there are “on hold” until June 2019 for renovations.
The Mountain Road going north out of Kona to Waimea: you'll see a number of quick topography and landscape changes along the way. Super picturesque! In Waimea it connects with 19 to head on over to Hilo.
State Highway 190
State Highway 190The Mountain Road going north out of Kona to Waimea: you'll see a number of quick topography and landscape changes along the way. Super picturesque! In Waimea it connects with 19 to head on over to Hilo.
For waterfalls, take Hwy 19. After the 3rd hairpin curve as you near Hilo, take a look behind you down the coast and you’ll see a waterfall. From that point, start looking upstream when you cross the bridges, and a number of waterfalls can be seen.
For an even more scenic drive (also going toward Hilo), just outside of Waimea, turn onto the Old Mamalahoa Hwy. It’s a pretty, winding road through the countryside. It comes back out to Hwy 19 right across from Tex’s Drive In, where you MUST stop and have a malasada! Also, be sure to see Akaka Falls. Gorgeous!
Hawaii 19
Hawaii 19For waterfalls, take Hwy 19. After the 3rd hairpin curve as you near Hilo, take a look behind you down the coast and you’ll see a waterfall. From that point, start looking upstream when you cross the bridges, and a number of waterfalls can be seen.
For an even more scenic drive (also going toward Hilo), just outside of Waimea, turn onto the Old Mamalahoa Hwy. It’s a pretty, winding road through the countryside. It comes back out to Hwy 19 right across from Tex’s Drive In, where you MUST stop and have a malasada! Also, be sure to see Akaka Falls. Gorgeous!
There's a great little scenic drive that takes in the Garden if you want to stop (it's quite lovely there too). Check out where the stream goes right through a lava tube!
192 habitants recommandent
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
27-717 Mamalahoa HwyThere's a great little scenic drive that takes in the Garden if you want to stop (it's quite lovely there too). Check out where the stream goes right through a lava tube!
Just a short drive with the most magnificent banyan trees!! Lovely Liliuokalani Gardens is along this drive.
Banyan Drive
Banyan DriveJust a short drive with the most magnificent banyan trees!! Lovely Liliuokalani Gardens is along this drive.
South toward Volcano and Hilo: See the guide in Big Island Revealed to choose where you’d like to go. There are lots of interesting places to see. Kealakekua Bay is sweet. It's a very historic area, as this was where Capt James Cook first arrived on his discovery, and also where he died on a subsequent visit. The monument across the bay marks his death location and is a little plot of England here in the Islands (and the reason the Union Jack is on our flag). You can also go to that monument on a snorkel cruise (I love Fair Wind). Place of Refuge is amazing (and there's a fantastic snorkeling place, "Two Step" just before entering the park). After Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, and before South Point is the Kahuku Unit of Volcano National Park. It's a very nice place for a picnic, hikes, and drive (pick up your picnic at the market in Ocean View). The main Volcano Nat’l Park is open again since the recent eruptions near Puna, but some of the areas are still closed off. Frequent and large earthquakes at the Kilauea summit did extensive infrastructure damage to the Park. It’s still a “must see”! You’ll find most of the drives and activities aside from that in the various tourist guides. The Sulfer Walk that loops back to the Volcano House on the edge of the caldera is an easy 20-25 minute walk/hike. Green Sands is great, but it’s quite a commitment to do the hike (I’ve done it once). The bakery in Naalehu is famous for its passion fruit (lilikoi) malasadas. SO worth the calories! Now, if you take the road up toward the mountain (instead of back to the main road), it’ll take you through some lovely ranch lands and you’ll finish in the little town of Pahala. Take a left where the sign shows that you can visit the Ka’u Coffee Mill and see a bit of the farm. To go even deeper, and another lovely drive, turn left from the coffee mill and follow that road around. It’ll loop at the top (keep taking the right “y” choices, and you’ll see more. We did this whole thing in Bob’s little Nissan Z) and bring you back down the same road you came on. If you want to see the Black Sand Beach at Punaluu, turn right at the main highway and go 2-3 miles. There’ll be a sign. These little “add ons” take time, but if you’re an explorer, so worth it. The black sand beach at Punaluu is totally accessible and totally worth seeing if you’re headed that way. Take a look at the fresh water bubbling up at the sand edge of its tide pools! There are almost always turtles sunning on the beach.
Hawaii 11
Hawaii 11South toward Volcano and Hilo: See the guide in Big Island Revealed to choose where you’d like to go. There are lots of interesting places to see. Kealakekua Bay is sweet. It's a very historic area, as this was where Capt James Cook first arrived on his discovery, and also where he died on a subsequent visit. The monument across the bay marks his death location and is a little plot of England here in the Islands (and the reason the Union Jack is on our flag). You can also go to that monument on a snorkel cruise (I love Fair Wind). Place of Refuge is amazing (and there's a fantastic snorkeling place, "Two Step" just before entering the park). After Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, and before South Point is the Kahuku Unit of Volcano National Park. It's a very nice place for a picnic, hikes, and drive (pick up your picnic at the market in Ocean View). The main Volcano Nat’l Park is open again since the recent eruptions near Puna, but some of the areas are still closed off. Frequent and large earthquakes at the Kilauea summit did extensive infrastructure damage to the Park. It’s still a “must see”! You’ll find most of the drives and activities aside from that in the various tourist guides. The Sulfer Walk that loops back to the Volcano House on the edge of the caldera is an easy 20-25 minute walk/hike. Green Sands is great, but it’s quite a commitment to do the hike (I’ve done it once). The bakery in Naalehu is famous for its passion fruit (lilikoi) malasadas. SO worth the calories! Now, if you take the road up toward the mountain (instead of back to the main road), it’ll take you through some lovely ranch lands and you’ll finish in the little town of Pahala. Take a left where the sign shows that you can visit the Ka’u Coffee Mill and see a bit of the farm. To go even deeper, and another lovely drive, turn left from the coffee mill and follow that road around. It’ll loop at the top (keep taking the right “y” choices, and you’ll see more. We did this whole thing in Bob’s little Nissan Z) and bring you back down the same road you came on. If you want to see the Black Sand Beach at Punaluu, turn right at the main highway and go 2-3 miles. There’ll be a sign. These little “add ons” take time, but if you’re an explorer, so worth it. The black sand beach at Punaluu is totally accessible and totally worth seeing if you’re headed that way. Take a look at the fresh water bubbling up at the sand edge of its tide pools! There are almost always turtles sunning on the beach.
On a clear Kona day, take a drive up to the top of Kaloko Dr. Take the last left before the road ends. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of the coast from there.
Kaloko Drive
Kaloko DriveOn a clear Kona day, take a drive up to the top of Kaloko Dr. Take the last left before the road ends. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of the coast from there.
Activities
Typical of living in a tourist area, we haven’t done too many of the paid activities! Please let us know which ones we MUST do! We hear the Manta Ray swim at Sheraton Keauhou is great - we've only watched it from the viewing deck of the hotel, which is also fun to do!
For a listing of events on the Big Island, please visit https://www.konaweb.com/calendar/
Another something that looks really fun, but I've not done it yet is to go on an outrigger canoe paddle with one of the local clubs! Both Kai O Pua and Keauhou Canoe Club offer recreational paddling for non-members:
https://www.kaiopua.org/recreational-paddling.asp
https://www.keauhoucanoeclub.com/recreational-program
Snorkel Cruise - my favorite is Fair Wind to Kealakekua Bay. When it’s looking like it’s getting close to the time that you’re heading back from the Bay, position yourself on the bow, legs hanging off the front. Every time I’ve done the cruise, the dolphins like to play “catch me if you can” just in front of the boat.
49 habitants recommandent
Fair Wind Cruises
78-7130 Kaleiopapa StSnorkel Cruise - my favorite is Fair Wind to Kealakekua Bay. When it’s looking like it’s getting close to the time that you’re heading back from the Bay, position yourself on the bow, legs hanging off the front. Every time I’ve done the cruise, the dolphins like to play “catch me if you can” just in front of the boat.
I like Island Breeze’s Luau at the Marriott King Kamehameha Hotel. The setting is very historic - it was King Kamehameha's favorite place.
23 habitants recommandent
Island Breeze Luau
75-5660 Palani RdI like Island Breeze’s Luau at the Marriott King Kamehameha Hotel. The setting is very historic - it was King Kamehameha's favorite place.
Dining
There are lots of dining options. These are some of our favorites.
Not really dining, but for take-out sushi, the local favorite is “You Make The Roll”, aka Hayashi’s, a little hard to find hole-in-the-wall. It's a bit of a time commitment, as there's always a line and they don't take phone orders. Our favorites are Ninja Star, Big Island Roll, and Spicy Tuna. Or you can customize.
26 habitants recommandent
You Make the Roll
75-5725 Ali‘i DrNot really dining, but for take-out sushi, the local favorite is “You Make The Roll”, aka Hayashi’s, a little hard to find hole-in-the-wall. It's a bit of a time commitment, as there's always a line and they don't take phone orders. Our favorites are Ninja Star, Big Island Roll, and Spicy Tuna. Or you can customize.
Direct oceanfront above the waves at the Royal Kona Resort, we go here for lunch and happy hour. You can't beat the view, and the food and drinks are good too.
47 habitants recommandent
Don the Beachcomber
75-5852 Ali‘i DrDirect oceanfront above the waves at the Royal Kona Resort, we go here for lunch and happy hour. You can't beat the view, and the food and drinks are good too.
This restaurant has been here forever. A great and relaxing place for burgers, sandwiches, and nachos. We prefer the bar and grill side. You gotta try the Mud Pie!
69 habitants recommandent
Kona Inn Restaurant
75-5744 Ali‘i DrThis restaurant has been here forever. A great and relaxing place for burgers, sandwiches, and nachos. We prefer the bar and grill side. You gotta try the Mud Pie!
Lovely view across Alii Drive to Kona Bay. They have a very long happy hour, and yummy fish tacos served then. Breakfast is also good.
60 habitants recommandent
Fish Hopper Seafood & Steaks
Lovely view across Alii Drive to Kona Bay. They have a very long happy hour, and yummy fish tacos served then. Breakfast is also good.
Island Lava Java
75-5801 Ali‘i DrRelaxed, good breakfasts, lunches. Live music.
Just across the street and on the north end of the Kona Bali Kai condos is Da Poke Shack for good fresh fish (note: long lines form at lunch, so go when they open at 10. Another option is getting at the grocery store - always good and fresh and maybe a little cheaper).
132 habitants recommandent
Da Poke Shack
76-6246 Ali‘i DriveJust across the street and on the north end of the Kona Bali Kai condos is Da Poke Shack for good fresh fish (note: long lines form at lunch, so go when they open at 10. Another option is getting at the grocery store - always good and fresh and maybe a little cheaper).
No view, but nice ambiance and always good food. It's a local favorite for sure.
127 habitants recommandent
Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Kona
75-5995 Kuakini HwyNo view, but nice ambiance and always good food. It's a local favorite for sure.
Just opened May 2019, we've been waiting for a nice restaurant at Magic Sands Beach! There's a walk-up window for beachgoers and indoor & lanai seating too. Broad menu variety from sandwiches to fine dining. Fresh and local.
91 habitants recommandent
Magics Beach Grill
77-6452 Ali‘i DrJust opened May 2019, we've been waiting for a nice restaurant at Magic Sands Beach! There's a walk-up window for beachgoers and indoor & lanai seating too. Broad menu variety from sandwiches to fine dining. Fresh and local.
Great sweeping views of the coast! In the evening, there are fire pit tables. Food is not that amazing, but the view and the fire tables make up for it.
75 habitants recommandent
Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
78-6831 Ali‘i DrGreat sweeping views of the coast! In the evening, there are fire pit tables. Food is not that amazing, but the view and the fire tables make up for it.
Has great pizzas, sandwiches, salads. And I hear the beer is good too! ;-) If you’re not a beer drinker, try the passion fruit iced tea.
226 habitants recommandent
Kona Brewing Company
74-5612 Pawai PlHas great pizzas, sandwiches, salads. And I hear the beer is good too! ;-) If you’re not a beer drinker, try the passion fruit iced tea.
Super food, and great menu, from snacking, sandwhiches and fine dining. It's a great place to watch the sunset too.
100 habitants recommandent
Foster's Kitchen
75-5805 Ali‘i DrSuper food, and great menu, from snacking, sandwhiches and fine dining. It's a great place to watch the sunset too.
Not a franchise, but the only one! Great fried or grilled chicken in a sandwich or salad. It’s quickly become a local favorite!
20 habitants recommandent
Willie's Hot Chicken
74-5599 Pawai PlNot a franchise, but the only one! Great fried or grilled chicken in a sandwich or salad. It’s quickly become a local favorite!