Hawaii Big Island Travel Guide

Hawaii Big Island Travel Guide

Date Traveled: June/July/August 2010, 2013, 2015

Hawaii Big Island Travel Guide

Overview and Culture

Cuisine

Craving some Kombucha? This place should be your go to! Their Kombucha, aside from having amazing flavors, also lacks the carbonation that most have. So you don’t feel like you’re drinking soda when you have it which is so nice! One of their flavors at the time was mango mint, absolutely incredible! You won’t want to stop drinking this stuff.
How do you go to the Big Island and not stop by Big Island Candy?! Chocolate covered macadamia nuts galore. When I go this is a must stop to grab some chocolate to bring home. Try for yourself, however their milk chocolate seems to be superior to their dark (coming from a dark chocolate lover). The crispy one is my personal favorite, however make sure you sample the potato chip chocolate.
This is a place our Japanese friends took us to and believe me they know good Japanese food. There’s usually a line out the door here so it’s worth calling to have a reservation. This place does the best tempura I’ve ever had, highly recommend it. While your first thought may be tempura.. that fried stuff?? When tempura is done right it’s not that greasy, Miyo’s batter is also pretty light which helps. Definitely give it a try! Bonus: This restaurant is right next to Big Island Candy.
The joint is perfect if you’re looking for a nice dining experience while exploring downtown Hilo. The interior is on the nicer side. They do fantastic salads, but everything ordered was very good. I recommend trying the poke salad.

Excursions

Waip'io Valley

This spot is gorgeous. There’s so much you can do here, or not do, completely up to you! Pictured is the lookout you can drive to. You can also drive down to the bottom if you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle. However, most of us are stuck with the hike, more details on that here. There’s a super sweet valley to the left (from the photo’s perspective), usually some surf, and worst case a great black sand beach. There’s also a spot there where fresh water meets the salt water. Do make sure to bring enough water and strength to make it back up to the top, or some cash to pay a local for a ride if you’re lucky.
Hawaii Big Island Hiking Trails

Mauna Kea

If visiting the Big Island, definitely stop at Mauna Kea! Preferably for sunset. If you’re worried about the altitude take your time up the mountain. You probably will feel it especially if you’re up there long enough. We went up pretty quick and almost all of us felt it a little bit. From the top of Mauna Kea you can also see Haleakala on Maui! It’s unfortunate but you can’t stay up here for stargazing. I was pretty bummed about it, but there may be a special tour you could do through the observatories. Anyhow, Mauna Kea is an amazing sight, even more when you’re on top of it. Definitely be prepared with a warm jacket and pants if heading to the top as it can be quite chilly.
Hawaii Big Island Travel Guide

Akaka Falls

No trip to the Big Island is complete without a visit to Akaka falls. this waterfall is just stunning. It’s an easy walk (short loop) and I believe they charge a dollar or so now for tourists. Aside from a sweet waterfall the way out to Akaka falls provides some fun in itself. As you drive up there you’ll get up high enough to see the curvature of the Earth on the ocean. It’s pretty neat if you’ve never seen it before. During your drive you’ll also most likely pass Mr. Ed’s bakery. This place has AMAZING jam. We always love to load up on Lilikoi (passionfruit) jam. Most homemade jams I feel can be passed up, but don’t skip out on this place.
 
Hawaii Big Island Travel Guide

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

If you’re going to the Hilo side of the Big Island, I think this spot is probably guaranteed on your list already. But, if it isn’t, make sure it is now. In addition to featuring an active volcano, it’s also a UNESCO world heritage site. You can hike through lava tubes and on past lava paths. There’s a hotel in the park, I highly recommend trying to stay here if possible. At night there are lava tours so you can see the hillside lit up. You may be able to see the lava enter the ocean as well, it just depends on it’s current path. It’s crazy cool to see the zig zag pattern of the lava on the hillside. One year I had the opportunity to stand on lava that was only a few days old. I could feel the steam coming out of the cracks, insane!!
Hawaii Big Island Travel Guide

Kite and Surf Tips

As far as kiteboarding goes, I’m not sure there’s an actual spot here for it unless it’s a very recent development. However, my knowledge is only of the Hilo side, not Kailua-Kona. While surfing is not much better there are two main spots on the Hilo side.

Surf Spots:

The River Mouth

This is a great spot for any skill level. There’s an inside break for the beginners and bigger waves on the outside. You’ll have to park up top and walk down the stairs to get out. Worth noting you also walk on rocks, not sand. The rocks are not brutal though, it just takes some practice to round your feet to them. This is a super fun spot, not to mention, you have an incredible view of the bridge over the river mouth and cliff, it’s stunning.

The Boat Ramp

This is another spot on the Hilo side. I’ve never gone surfing here when it’s going off, I think it’s a bit more local, but I’ve heard some great things. I think it’s a spot for more advanced riders, but again there’s an inside break for beginners. It does get rocky close to shore though so watch out. If there’s no surf then this is a popular spot to go swimming!

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