Shawna's Hawaii Island Guidebook

Shawna
Shawna's Hawaii Island Guidebook

Local Culture

Places that are special to the Hawaiian culture and history of the native people (kanaka maoli) of the islands.
A pu'uhonua is a safe place where one escapes from persecution and enemies. They cannot be touched once within the boundaries of this place. This particular National Park is one of the most famous pu'uhonua amongst the entire island chain. About 45-60 minutes from the unit going South.
270 místní doporučují
Národní historický park Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau
State Highway 160
270 místní doporučují
A pu'uhonua is a safe place where one escapes from persecution and enemies. They cannot be touched once within the boundaries of this place. This particular National Park is one of the most famous pu'uhonua amongst the entire island chain. About 45-60 minutes from the unit going South.
Historic site of warrior training and sacrifice in preparation for war. Also a right next to a very nice beach park, Spencer's. There is grass, picnic tables, pavilions, public restrooms, and easy beach access. About 45 minutes from the unit.
27 místní doporučují
Národní historické místo Pu'ukohola Heiau
62-3601 Kawaihae Rd
27 místní doporučují
Historic site of warrior training and sacrifice in preparation for war. Also a right next to a very nice beach park, Spencer's. There is grass, picnic tables, pavilions, public restrooms, and easy beach access. About 45 minutes from the unit.
One of the most sacred places to our Hawaiian people and home to Poliahu, the Hawaiian snow ❄ goddess and enemy of Pele, the 🔥fire goddess. Learn more at this reputable link: https://www.oha.org/maunakea/
25 místní doporučují
Mauna Kea
25 místní doporučují
One of the most sacred places to our Hawaiian people and home to Poliahu, the Hawaiian snow ❄ goddess and enemy of Pele, the 🔥fire goddess. Learn more at this reputable link: https://www.oha.org/maunakea/
Home of the fire 🔥goddess Pele. It is a sacred place to Hawaiians where many hula dancers and native practitioners go to conduct ceremony and present ho'okupu (offering) to Pele. You can also visit the only active Volcano (luapele)in Hawai'i, Halema'uma'u crater, Thurston Lava tube (which you can walk through) and the visitors center.
880 místní doporučují
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
880 místní doporučují
Home of the fire 🔥goddess Pele. It is a sacred place to Hawaiians where many hula dancers and native practitioners go to conduct ceremony and present ho'okupu (offering) to Pele. You can also visit the only active Volcano (luapele)in Hawai'i, Halema'uma'u crater, Thurston Lava tube (which you can walk through) and the visitors center.

Food Scene

Great local dining for lunch or dinner.
Fresh island fish prepared in many different ways including raw poke various styles or fish and chips. Local style cuisine like braised Kalbi meat with rice and Mac salad along with many other entrees. They also serve a variety of local brewed beers, teas, and seltzer. Locally owned and operated. They also have dine in seating option.
154 místní doporučují
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
74-5599 Pawai Pl
154 místní doporučují
Fresh island fish prepared in many different ways including raw poke various styles or fish and chips. Local style cuisine like braised Kalbi meat with rice and Mac salad along with many other entrees. They also serve a variety of local brewed beers, teas, and seltzer. Locally owned and operated. They also have dine in seating option.
Locally sourced ingredients of fruit, grains, etc are used to create their IPAs, lagers, hard teas, and seltzers. The company is locally owned and operated. The food is 'ONO (delicious). They have Flatbread pizzas using locally ali'i mushrooms and arugula, great fries and onion rings get the Hawaiian chili aioli with those, chicken sandwiches and vegetarian options also available. They recently opened asecond tap room in Hilo, the east side of the island and their beverages now being offered for purchase at Trader Joe's.
64 místní doporučují
Ola Brew
74-5598 Luhia St
64 místní doporučují
Locally sourced ingredients of fruit, grains, etc are used to create their IPAs, lagers, hard teas, and seltzers. The company is locally owned and operated. The food is 'ONO (delicious). They have Flatbread pizzas using locally ali'i mushrooms and arugula, great fries and onion rings get the Hawaiian chili aioli with those, chicken sandwiches and vegetarian options also available. They recently opened asecond tap room in Hilo, the east side of the island and their beverages now being offered for purchase at Trader Joe's.
Great for local cuisine, breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Located right on the ocean. Live entertainment on most nights. Known for their flavored mimosas like passion fruit, ube, hibiscus, and more.
106 místní doporučují
Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar
75-5770 Ali‘i Dr
106 místní doporučují
Great for local cuisine, breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Located right on the ocean. Live entertainment on most nights. Known for their flavored mimosas like passion fruit, ube, hibiscus, and more.
One of my favorite places for either breakfast or lunch. I love eating the Drag it Thru the Garden sandwich (Extra large egg* , ham & cheddar or provolone cheese, on a toasted croissant plus tomato, arugula, fresh avocado & sweet kula onion) for breakfast and for lunch Big Island Beet Salad^ Oven-roasted beets, baby tomatoes, avocado & Big Island goat cheese, and spiced walnuts. Tossed in their homemade lemon vinaigrette. My favorite cocktail is their signature Bloody Mary served with fresh jalapeño and candied bacon.
163 místní doporučují
Island Lava Java
75-5801 Ali‘i Dr
163 místní doporučují
One of my favorite places for either breakfast or lunch. I love eating the Drag it Thru the Garden sandwich (Extra large egg* , ham & cheddar or provolone cheese, on a toasted croissant plus tomato, arugula, fresh avocado & sweet kula onion) for breakfast and for lunch Big Island Beet Salad^ Oven-roasted beets, baby tomatoes, avocado & Big Island goat cheese, and spiced walnuts. Tossed in their homemade lemon vinaigrette. My favorite cocktail is their signature Bloody Mary served with fresh jalapeño and candied bacon.
Great fresh ingredients used their dishes. Their cuisine has a Cajun spin on it so their fish and chips are lightly seasoned and so yummy!
100 místní doporučují
Foster's Kitchen
75-5805 Ali‘i Dr
100 místní doporučují
Great fresh ingredients used their dishes. Their cuisine has a Cajun spin on it so their fish and chips are lightly seasoned and so yummy!
Great sushi! Authentic sushi chefs and Japanese cooks. Their furikake chicken is great! I love the light crispy batter they use and their homemade white sauce and it comes with steamed rice, salad and miso soup. They also have a variety of sushi rolls, curry dishes and Ramen.
12 místní doporučují
Izakaya Shiono
74-5599 Pawai Place
12 místní doporučují
Great sushi! Authentic sushi chefs and Japanese cooks. Their furikake chicken is great! I love the light crispy batter they use and their homemade white sauce and it comes with steamed rice, salad and miso soup. They also have a variety of sushi rolls, curry dishes and Ramen.
Great food with a great view. Island style food.
10 místní doporučují
A-Bay's on Ali'i
10 místní doporučují
Great food with a great view. Island style food.
Seafood and steak. Great sunset view. Little bit on the upscale eating for our little town but with reasonable prices.
127 místní doporučují
Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Kona
75-5995 Kuakini Hwy
127 místní doporučují
Seafood and steak. Great sunset view. Little bit on the upscale eating for our little town but with reasonable prices.
Nice powdery shaved ice; melts in your mouth. They use naturally and locally made syrups that taste just like fresh fruit. No artificial flavors. A definite must to try.
24 místní doporučují
One Aloha Shave Ice Co.
75-5711 Kuakini Hwy
24 místní doporučují
Nice powdery shaved ice; melts in your mouth. They use naturally and locally made syrups that taste just like fresh fruit. No artificial flavors. A definite must to try.
Low key Sports bar on the second floor, ocean view, right on main Ali'i drive.
40 místní doporučují
Laverne's Sports Bar
75-5819 Ali‘i Dr
40 místní doporučují
Low key Sports bar on the second floor, ocean view, right on main Ali'i drive.
Bowling, arcade, bar, pool table, dart boards, and karaoke room. You can bowl, play, and drink. Drinks permitted everywhere except the arcade area. Also a local favorite restaurant located here, Chubby's Diner.
19 místní doporučují
KBXtreme Premier Entertainment Center
75-5591 Palani Rd
19 místní doporučují
Bowling, arcade, bar, pool table, dart boards, and karaoke room. You can bowl, play, and drink. Drinks permitted everywhere except the arcade area. Also a local favorite restaurant located here, Chubby's Diner.
This is located inside the bowling alley. Great local food and daily specials. I LOVE the Oxtail Soup! Very generous portion of oxtail in a yummy yummy broth.
11 místní doporučují
Chubby's Diner
75-5591 Palani Rd
11 místní doporučují
This is located inside the bowling alley. Great local food and daily specials. I LOVE the Oxtail Soup! Very generous portion of oxtail in a yummy yummy broth.
The best local, homemade cookies 🍪 on the Westside! Wonderful flavors like Mac nut shortbread, coconut shortbread also chocolate 🍫 dipped. Other great flavors kona coffee chocolate chip, snowball shortbread cookies (shortbread ball with Mac nuts and rolled in powdered sugar) and so many other flavors https://www.konacookies.com/
Mrs. Barry's Kona Cookies
73-5563 Maiau Street
The best local, homemade cookies 🍪 on the Westside! Wonderful flavors like Mac nut shortbread, coconut shortbread also chocolate 🍫 dipped. Other great flavors kona coffee chocolate chip, snowball shortbread cookies (shortbread ball with Mac nuts and rolled in powdered sugar) and so many other flavors https://www.konacookies.com/
Noodles are so yummy and fresh. And all the broths are amazing! I was impressed with them from the very first time when I went with some of my friends on a birthday trip. Just so flavorful and ingredients are so fresh and much of it locally sourced.
7 místní doporučují
Noodle Club
67 - 1185 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd
7 místní doporučují
Noodles are so yummy and fresh. And all the broths are amazing! I was impressed with them from the very first time when I went with some of my friends on a birthday trip. Just so flavorful and ingredients are so fresh and much of it locally sourced.
FAMOUS BREADS 🍞 🥰 Flavors like coconut 🥥 passion fruit (liliko'i), guava, Rainbow 🌈 (variety mix flavors) and more. PLUS, very reasonable local fast food breakfast and lunch. Try Portuguese sausage, eggs and rice for breakfast or Kalbi lunch plate with rice and Mac salad. The burgers and fries are also great just like an old style drive thru diner.
Low International Food
222 Kilauea Ave
FAMOUS BREADS 🍞 🥰 Flavors like coconut 🥥 passion fruit (liliko'i), guava, Rainbow 🌈 (variety mix flavors) and more. PLUS, very reasonable local fast food breakfast and lunch. Try Portuguese sausage, eggs and rice for breakfast or Kalbi lunch plate with rice and Mac salad. The burgers and fries are also great just like an old style drive thru diner.
Traditional Japanese Mochi made modern and local. Flavors like peanut butter 🥜 and chocolate. But the must try is the FRESH 🍓 wrapped in azuki bean and fresh soft Mochi. Check Facebook or Yelp for hours of opening and menu. It is recommended to pre-order and pickup.
44 místní doporučují
Two Ladies Kitchen
274 Kilauea Ave
44 místní doporučují
Traditional Japanese Mochi made modern and local. Flavors like peanut butter 🥜 and chocolate. But the must try is the FRESH 🍓 wrapped in azuki bean and fresh soft Mochi. Check Facebook or Yelp for hours of opening and menu. It is recommended to pre-order and pickup.
MAJOR LOCAL FAVORITE on the East side in Hilo town. Many local favorite food items and Hawaiian food. Very nice portion sizes and prices.
105 místní doporučují
Hawaiian Style Cafe Hilo
681 Manono St
105 místní doporučují
MAJOR LOCAL FAVORITE on the East side in Hilo town. Many local favorite food items and Hawaiian food. Very nice portion sizes and prices.
Great tropical drinks and local style foods with island twist. Wonderful atmosphere with option to dine in outdoor seating. This one is located on East side of island in Hilo town so good when planning a full day to go sightseeing on the other side of the island.
128 místní doporučují
Pineapples Restaurant
332 Keawe St
128 místní doporučují
Great tropical drinks and local style foods with island twist. Wonderful atmosphere with option to dine in outdoor seating. This one is located on East side of island in Hilo town so good when planning a full day to go sightseeing on the other side of the island.

Sightseeing

Beautiful island places to visit.
Great place to snorkel or just enjoy a natural sand beach ⛱ Locals love to come here too to BBQ and swim.
84 místní doporučují
Park pláže Ho'okena
86-4322 Mamalahoa Hwy
84 místní doporučují
Great place to snorkel or just enjoy a natural sand beach ⛱ Locals love to come here too to BBQ and swim.
Great place to hangout on the sandy beach and tan. You can also find a plethora of honu (green sea turtles) here swimming around the reefs and rocky shores. Just remember to enjoy them from a distance and don't disturb them 😉
18 místní doporučují
Honokohau Beach
18 místní doporučují
Great place to hangout on the sandy beach and tan. You can also find a plethora of honu (green sea turtles) here swimming around the reefs and rocky shores. Just remember to enjoy them from a distance and don't disturb them 😉
Great place for snorkeling. You can either go straight to picnic tables area and have lunch or take a short hike to the right and enjoy the sandy bay area. If you want you can also take a longer hike to another beach cove area further down. About 10 minutes from the unit.
16 místní doporučují
Plážový park Kekaha Kai
Hawaii 19
16 místní doporučují
Great place for snorkeling. You can either go straight to picnic tables area and have lunch or take a short hike to the right and enjoy the sandy bay area. If you want you can also take a longer hike to another beach cove area further down. About 10 minutes from the unit.
Beautiful black sand beach. About 20 minutes from the unit.
Kīholo State Park Reserve
71-2000 Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy
Beautiful black sand beach. About 20 minutes from the unit.
Great family friendly beach park with easy access to the ocean. Great place to spend the day or just have lunch. There are clean public restrooms and showers, picnic tables, grassy areas to setup blankets/picnic, and BBQ grill.
64 místní doporučují
Spencer Beach Park
62-3461 Kawaihae Road
64 místní doporučují
Great family friendly beach park with easy access to the ocean. Great place to spend the day or just have lunch. There are clean public restrooms and showers, picnic tables, grassy areas to setup blankets/picnic, and BBQ grill.
A spectacular waterfall on the Hamakua coast drive before entering Hilo town.
341 místní doporučují
Státní park Akaka Falls
875 Akaka Falls Rd
341 místní doporučují
A spectacular waterfall on the Hamakua coast drive before entering Hilo town.
Spectacular waterfall right on the edge of Hilo town.
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Rainbow Falls
337 místní doporučují
Spectacular waterfall right on the edge of Hilo town.

Neighborhoods

Visit the neighboring communities surrounding the Kailua-Kona area.
The home of the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy). Historic ranch Town and also home of the famous Parker Ranch. Quaint little town in higher elevations which makes for cooler temperatures and light misty rains. About a 50 to 60 minute drive from the unit.
78 místní doporučují
Waimea
78 místní doporučují
The home of the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy). Historic ranch Town and also home of the famous Parker Ranch. Quaint little town in higher elevations which makes for cooler temperatures and light misty rains. About a 50 to 60 minute drive from the unit.
Located on the other side of the island. The east side. Home of the Edith Kanaka'ole stadium where the world famous Merrie Monarch hulacompetition is held each year in March. Places to visit while there: Two Ladies Mochi, International Bakery, Hawaiian Force, and the Farmer's Market which has fresh veggies, fruit, and flowers like orchids and anthiriums.
120 místní doporučují
Hilo
120 místní doporučují
Located on the other side of the island. The east side. Home of the Edith Kanaka'ole stadium where the world famous Merrie Monarch hulacompetition is held each year in March. Places to visit while there: Two Ladies Mochi, International Bakery, Hawaiian Force, and the Farmer's Market which has fresh veggies, fruit, and flowers like orchids and anthiriums.
One of the oldest fishing villages in Hawai'i. Cute little beach parkat the bottom of the road to the left. To the bottom right access to the ocean and a rock you can swim to. Great for snorkeling.
6 místní doporučují
Milolii
6 místní doporučují
One of the oldest fishing villages in Hawai'i. Cute little beach parkat the bottom of the road to the left. To the bottom right access to the ocean and a rock you can swim to. Great for snorkeling.
Beautiful Hamakua coast takes you alongthe Hawaii coastline from the West of Kailua-Kona to North of Waimea and then into the East side of the island to Hilo. Cute Waimea town is along the way, as well as, the lookout to Waipi'o Valley and then Akaka Falls, Rainbow 🌈 Falls and into historic Hilo town.
Hamakua
Beautiful Hamakua coast takes you alongthe Hawaii coastline from the West of Kailua-Kona to North of Waimea and then into the East side of the island to Hilo. Cute Waimea town is along the way, as well as, the lookout to Waipi'o Valley and then Akaka Falls, Rainbow 🌈 Falls and into historic Hilo town.

Shopping

Shopping for locally created items by locals or souvenirs.
Local and Native vendors of handmade crafts, professional photos, jewelry, and food items to pack in your luggage, like teas, hot sauce, etc. Also a great taco truck loved by the locals, Shaka Tacos.
22 místní doporučují
Alii Gardens Marketplace
75-6129 Ali‘i Dr
22 místní doporučují
Local and Native vendors of handmade crafts, professional photos, jewelry, and food items to pack in your luggage, like teas, hot sauce, etc. Also a great taco truck loved by the locals, Shaka Tacos.
Local and Native Hawaiian artists from all over Hawai'i island are showcased in this boutique.
Pilikana Boutique
74-5606 Pawai Place
Local and Native Hawaiian artists from all over Hawai'i island are showcased in this boutique.
You can find souvenirs, to go for items, and alcohol including one serving types so you can sample liquors that you haven't tried before.
16 místní doporučují
ABC STORES
75-5744 Ali‘i Dr
16 místní doporučují
You can find souvenirs, to go for items, and alcohol including one serving types so you can sample liquors that you haven't tried before.
Local themed apparel, accessories, and stickers. Also locally owned, run, inspired.
Hawaiian Force
184 Kamehameha Ave
Local themed apparel, accessories, and stickers. Also locally owned, run, inspired.
Locally owned, operated, and created items themed in local culture. There are apparel, accessories, and stickers. A place to visit when planning your day trip to East side of the island.
Aloha Grown
224 Kamehameha Ave
Locally owned, operated, and created items themed in local culture. There are apparel, accessories, and stickers. A place to visit when planning your day trip to East side of the island.

Home Amenities and Grocery

Our unit does not have guest access to a washer and dryer. Howeverif you are in need of laundering your clothes you can do self washing here OR you can take advantage of their wash and fold service for $1.50 a pound while you continue to enjoy every moment of your vacation. They are open 7 days from 6 am to 9 pm (last wash at 8 pm)Monday thru Saturday and 6 am to 8 pm (last wash at 7 pm) on Sunday. They have a variety of washer sizes from 2 loaders to 8 loaders. There are 2 dryer sizes and is 25￠ for 4 mins.
J & K Wash & Go
74-5565 Luhia St
Our unit does not have guest access to a washer and dryer. Howeverif you are in need of laundering your clothes you can do self washing here OR you can take advantage of their wash and fold service for $1.50 a pound while you continue to enjoy every moment of your vacation. They are open 7 days from 6 am to 9 pm (last wash at 8 pm)Monday thru Saturday and 6 am to 8 pm (last wash at 7 pm) on Sunday. They have a variety of washer sizes from 2 loaders to 8 loaders. There are 2 dryer sizes and is 25￠ for 4 mins.
Great place to buy snorkel gear, boogie boards, carts/wagon, and life vests. Plus you can stock up on food, snacks, drinks, and alcohol. This is also the cheapest gas on the island. It does require a membership.
153 místní doporučují
Costco Wholesale
73-5600 Maiau St
153 místní doporučují
Great place to buy snorkel gear, boogie boards, carts/wagon, and life vests. Plus you can stock up on food, snacks, drinks, and alcohol. This is also the cheapest gas on the island. It does require a membership.
Local grocery store. You can find fresh fish, meats, veggies and have the best donuts 🍩 on the island.
156 místní doporučují
KTA Super Stores
74-5594 Palani Rd
156 místní doporučují
Local grocery store. You can find fresh fish, meats, veggies and have the best donuts 🍩 on the island.
Mom and Pop store close to the unit. Access to the grocery food basic items like bread, can goods, produce, spices, drinks, meats, alcohol, etc. Also there is a food takeout counter with daily specials. Plate lunch choices can be one or two items with rice and Mac salad. There is also a Pizza shop in their too.
16 místní doporučují
Matsuyama Food Mart
73-4354 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd
16 místní doporučují
Mom and Pop store close to the unit. Access to the grocery food basic items like bread, can goods, produce, spices, drinks, meats, alcohol, etc. Also there is a food takeout counter with daily specials. Plate lunch choices can be one or two items with rice and Mac salad. There is also a Pizza shop in their too.
Local grocery store. Great for reasonably priced meats and a variety of poke.
38 místní doporučují
Sack N Save Kona
75-5595 Palani Rd
38 místní doporučují
Local grocery store. Great for reasonably priced meats and a variety of poke.
A variety of groceries, a deli, sushi, and in-store Starbucks. Different choices for different dietary needs, gluten-free, Paleo, Keto, etc. A meat and seafood counter and bakery.
130 místní doporučují
Safeway
75-971 Henry St
130 místní doporučují
A variety of groceries, a deli, sushi, and in-store Starbucks. Different choices for different dietary needs, gluten-free, Paleo, Keto, etc. A meat and seafood counter and bakery.

Doporučení související s městem

Jak ušetřit

Laundromat

Laundromat is available in the main Kailua-Kona town in the industrial area about 15 minutes from the unit. They also have a laundering service so you can continue to enjoy your vacation rather than spend time washing and drying. They do a wash and fold service for $1.50 per pound.
Zvyky a kultura

Mālama `Āina

Be respectful to our island home. Be sure to pickup after yourself when visiting places and sites, such as taking your trash with you when you leave. Respect our wildlife. Observe them from a distance and do not touch them. Our monk seals and honu (green sea turtles) are beautiful creatures and are also endangered species. Enjoy the natural beauty of our island but PLEASE remember this is our home and not an amusement park.