Big Island Guidebook
City/town information
Downtown Kona has a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and services right on the ocean. Recommend finding some parking near the center of town and exploring from there.
93 locals recommend
Kailua
Downtown Kona has a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and services right on the ocean. Recommend finding some parking near the center of town and exploring from there.
Excellent area for snorkeling, shopping and dining just North of Kona. There are a few resorts that capitalize on the beachfront but there are public parking areas you can walk to access the resort area beaches which are public.
27 locals recommend
Waikoloa Village
Excellent area for snorkeling, shopping and dining just North of Kona. There are a few resorts that capitalize on the beachfront but there are public parking areas you can walk to access the resort area beaches which are public.
Hilo is about 1.5 hours from Kona. If you have the time during your trip the drive is worth it to see some beautiful waterfalls and explore the lava tubes near town. This side of the island is much more green and lush. If you have the time the drive back to Kona on the northern highway has many points for sightseeing as you drive though the island's rain forests.
120 locals recommend
Hilo
Hilo is about 1.5 hours from Kona. If you have the time during your trip the drive is worth it to see some beautiful waterfalls and explore the lava tubes near town. This side of the island is much more green and lush. If you have the time the drive back to Kona on the northern highway has many points for sightseeing as you drive though the island's rain forests.
Food scene
Excellent place to grab breakfast and drinks. Recommend grabbing a seat at the bar if there is space.
163 locals recommend
Island Lava Java
75-5801 Ali‘i DrExcellent place to grab breakfast and drinks. Recommend grabbing a seat at the bar if there is space.
Great breakfast restaurant across the street from the ocean in Kona. Tends to be a little less busy when other options are a long wait.
17 locals recommend
Kalikala Cuisine
Great breakfast restaurant across the street from the ocean in Kona. Tends to be a little less busy when other options are a long wait.
Not oceanfront but great place for a nice dinner or date night. Highly recommend reservations as they rarely have room for walk ins.
127 locals recommend
Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Kona
75-5995 Kuakini HwyNot oceanfront but great place for a nice dinner or date night. Highly recommend reservations as they rarely have room for walk ins.
Great place to enjoy a beer and have lunch or dinner. Can get very busy and have long waits so be prepared if you are traveling during the busy seasons. There are also many other breweries and restaurants in walking distance if you decide the wait is too long.
226 locals recommend
Kona Brewing Company
74-5612 Pawai PlGreat place to enjoy a beer and have lunch or dinner. Can get very busy and have long waits so be prepared if you are traveling during the busy seasons. There are also many other breweries and restaurants in walking distance if you decide the wait is too long.
Excellent place to grab a beer and some food. A bit less touristy than the Kona Brewing area and host triva nights if you are looking for something fun.
64 locals recommend
Ola Brew
74-5598 Luhia StExcellent place to grab a beer and some food. A bit less touristy than the Kona Brewing area and host triva nights if you are looking for something fun.
Coffee @ Kai
75-5776 Ali‘i DrRentals
Great place to rent snorkel gear or book Big Island activities.
16 locals recommend
Snorkel Bob's Kona
75-5831 Kahakai RdGreat place to rent snorkel gear or book Big Island activities.
Sightseeing
2 hours from Kona but worth the trip if you have a whole day to spend. Bring sunblock and lots of water. You can drive to most of the viewpoints or take the long but easy hike from the visitor center. If you make the drive I would also recommend making stops at South Point to watch the cliff divers and the black sand Punaluʻu Beach.
880 locals recommend
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
2 hours from Kona but worth the trip if you have a whole day to spend. Bring sunblock and lots of water. You can drive to most of the viewpoints or take the long but easy hike from the visitor center. If you make the drive I would also recommend making stops at South Point to watch the cliff divers and the black sand Punaluʻu Beach.
Manta Ray Night Dive
78-127 Ehukai StGolfing
Makani Golf Club
71-1420 Hawaiʻi Belt RdMauna Kea Golf Course
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr