Susan's & Larry's Local Guidebook
Snorkling
Snorkeling Two Steps is definitely one of our favorite locations in all of the Hawaiian Islands. We have snorkeled here many, many times. We love it because there is sea life in abundance, some healthy coral, and amazing topography to explore in a variety of depths. It is a fairly protected bay with a lava rock shoreline, and seems to have good snorkeling conditions most of the time, but if the wind or swell is big out of the south or west, please come back another time.
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Two Step
Snorkeling Two Steps is definitely one of our favorite locations in all of the Hawaiian Islands. We have snorkeled here many, many times. We love it because there is sea life in abundance, some healthy coral, and amazing topography to explore in a variety of depths. It is a fairly protected bay with a lava rock shoreline, and seems to have good snorkeling conditions most of the time, but if the wind or swell is big out of the south or west, please come back another time.
Kahaluu Bay
Ali‘i DriveThis is a great place to go snorkling as a begginer. Good for children too!
There are several companies that will take you out on this dive. A lot of our friends have enjoyed this snorkle or dive trip.
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Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii
74-380 Kealakehe PkwyThere are several companies that will take you out on this dive. A lot of our friends have enjoyed this snorkle or dive trip.
Sightseeing
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is a United States National Historical Park located on the west coast of the island of Hawaiʻi in the U.S. state of Hawaiʻi. The historical park preserves the site where, up until the early 19th century, Hawaiians who broke a kapu (one of the ancient laws) could avoid certain death by fleeing to this place of refuge or puʻuhonua. The offender would be absolved by a priest and freed to leave. Defeated warriors and non-combatants could also find refuge here during times of battle. The grounds just outside the Great Wall that encloses the puʻuhonua were home to several generations of powerful chiefs.
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普胡諾阿歐霍瑙瑙國家歷史公園
State Highway 160Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is a United States National Historical Park located on the west coast of the island of Hawaiʻi in the U.S. state of Hawaiʻi. The historical park preserves the site where, up until the early 19th century, Hawaiians who broke a kapu (one of the ancient laws) could avoid certain death by fleeing to this place of refuge or puʻuhonua. The offender would be absolved by a priest and freed to leave. Defeated warriors and non-combatants could also find refuge here during times of battle. The grounds just outside the Great Wall that encloses the puʻuhonua were home to several generations of powerful chiefs.
This church was the 1st Christian Church in the state of Hawaii. They will be celebrating 200 years in 2020
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Mokuaikaua Church
75-5713 Ali‘i DrThis church was the 1st Christian Church in the state of Hawaii. They will be celebrating 200 years in 2020
We enjoyed this relaxing tour. Great guides. Water is very cold so go in the afternoon.
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Flumin’ Kohala
55-517 Hawi RdWe enjoyed this relaxing tour. Great guides. Water is very cold so go in the afternoon.
Hulihe'e Palace
Very informative. Not expensive. Downtown Kona.
Something for everyone. Great hiking and walking trails. Small museum. Have lunch at the Volcano house on the rim of the crater.
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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Something for everyone. Great hiking and walking trails. Small museum. Have lunch at the Volcano house on the rim of the crater.
Beautiful area and large waterfall. Enjoy plush scenery.
Stop at Honomu Goat Dairy Farm on the drive in/out to play with baby goats.
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阿卡卡瀑布州立公園
875 Akaka Falls RdBeautiful area and large waterfall. Enjoy plush scenery.
Stop at Honomu Goat Dairy Farm on the drive in/out to play with baby goats.
The painted church in the south Kona district (Hōnaunau) is officially called the st. Benedict roman catholic church. It was built in 1842 in Kapalelua, and was moved to its present location around 1880.
This church is known as the “painted church” because of an extremely industrious Belgian priest (Father Jean (or John) Berchmans Velghe). Father John painted the interior of the church with 3D depictions from the bible and the lives of the saints. These were very important teaching tools in a time when many people couldn’t read and write.
You can find out more background information at the painted church website. Surprisingly enough, this painted church is not the only painted church on the Big Island
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St Benedict Catholic Church
84-5140 Painted Church RdThe painted church in the south Kona district (Hōnaunau) is officially called the st. Benedict roman catholic church. It was built in 1842 in Kapalelua, and was moved to its present location around 1880.
This church is known as the “painted church” because of an extremely industrious Belgian priest (Father Jean (or John) Berchmans Velghe). Father John painted the interior of the church with 3D depictions from the bible and the lives of the saints. These were very important teaching tools in a time when many people couldn’t read and write.
You can find out more background information at the painted church website. Surprisingly enough, this painted church is not the only painted church on the Big Island
We have not been on this adventure but several of our guests have been and they highly recommended it.
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Kohala Zipline
55-515 Hawi RdWe have not been on this adventure but several of our guests have been and they highly recommended it.
Punaluu Beach is a beach between Pāhala and Nāālehu on the Big Island of the U.S. state of Hawaii. The beach has black sand made of basalt and created by lava flowing into the ocean which explodes as it reaches the ocean and cools. This volcanic activity is in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
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Punalu'u黑沙灘
Ninole Loop RoadPunaluu Beach is a beach between Pāhala and Nāālehu on the Big Island of the U.S. state of Hawaii. The beach has black sand made of basalt and created by lava flowing into the ocean which explodes as it reaches the ocean and cools. This volcanic activity is in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Hapuna Beach is located off Hwy 19 north of Kailua-Kona around mile marker 70. Turn toward the ocean at the sign for Hapuna Beach State Park and continue 1/4 mile to the large parking lot. The beach is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is a small entrance fee of $5 to help maintain the park.
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Hapuna Beach
Hapuna Beach is located off Hwy 19 north of Kailua-Kona around mile marker 70. Turn toward the ocean at the sign for Hapuna Beach State Park and continue 1/4 mile to the large parking lot. The beach is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is a small entrance fee of $5 to help maintain the park.
The Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park was established in 1978 to preserve the archaeological sites and places of cultural significance in the area. The park stretches across 1,161 acres (470 hectares) of coast and rain forest, and is a popular destination for hikers, swimmers and divers. A visit to the park is a great way to learn about the cultural history of the original Hawaiian settlements, including the significant Honokōhau Settlement at the center of the park.
The park is best explored on foot via the extensive network of hiking trails traversing the landscape. Start your day at the Hale Ho'okipa Visitor Center to familiarize yourself with the park, pick up maps and brochures, and learn about the history of the area.
Bring a picnic lunch and make your way along the historic Mamalahoa Trail. While only a mile (1.6 kilometers) of it remains, the trail was once a main thoroughfare on the island during the 19th century. The park’s trails have been restored in recent years and today offer some of the best hiking in the area.
The ancient settlement of Honokōhau is at the center of the park, and is reached by following the trail from the visitor center or by car. Make your way to the Kaloko, the traditional Hawaiian word for fishpond. Kaloko is formed by a manmade seawall stretching over 2,100 feet (640 meters) and constructed by hand from stones up to three centuries ago. Learn about the traditional fishing methods employed in the pond and the culture of the ancient Hawaiians.
The beach at Kaloko-Honokōhau is secluded, making it a
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卡洛科-霍諾科豪國家歷史公園
The Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park was established in 1978 to preserve the archaeological sites and places of cultural significance in the area. The park stretches across 1,161 acres (470 hectares) of coast and rain forest, and is a popular destination for hikers, swimmers and divers. A visit to the park is a great way to learn about the cultural history of the original Hawaiian settlements, including the significant Honokōhau Settlement at the center of the park.
The park is best explored on foot via the extensive network of hiking trails traversing the landscape. Start your day at the Hale Ho'okipa Visitor Center to familiarize yourself with the park, pick up maps and brochures, and learn about the history of the area.
Bring a picnic lunch and make your way along the historic Mamalahoa Trail. While only a mile (1.6 kilometers) of it remains, the trail was once a main thoroughfare on the island during the 19th century. The park’s trails have been restored in recent years and today offer some of the best hiking in the area.
The ancient settlement of Honokōhau is at the center of the park, and is reached by following the trail from the visitor center or by car. Make your way to the Kaloko, the traditional Hawaiian word for fishpond. Kaloko is formed by a manmade seawall stretching over 2,100 feet (640 meters) and constructed by hand from stones up to three centuries ago. Learn about the traditional fishing methods employed in the pond and the culture of the ancient Hawaiians.
The beach at Kaloko-Honokōhau is secluded, making it a
THE KONA COFFEE LIVING HISTORY FARM IS OPEN BY RESERVATION ONLY! CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR PRIVATE CULTURAL HERITAGE TOUR TODAY. THESE TOURS ARE A GUIDED, IMMERSIVE JOURNEY THROUGH THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF KONA COFFEE AT OUR 100-YEAR-OLD COFFEE FARM.
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Kona Coffee Living History Farm
82-6199 Hawaiʻi Belt RdTHE KONA COFFEE LIVING HISTORY FARM IS OPEN BY RESERVATION ONLY! CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR PRIVATE CULTURAL HERITAGE TOUR TODAY. THESE TOURS ARE A GUIDED, IMMERSIVE JOURNEY THROUGH THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF KONA COFFEE AT OUR 100-YEAR-OLD COFFEE FARM.
This place is AMAZING if you are a photographer! Such an abundant array of plants and flowers, and the garden itself is set in a beautiful valley by the sea. Take your lunch and spend the day.
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Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
27-717 Mamalahoa HwyThis place is AMAZING if you are a photographer! Such an abundant array of plants and flowers, and the garden itself is set in a beautiful valley by the sea. Take your lunch and spend the day.
The view is worth the drive up the coast just to go to the lookout. No need for 4 wheel drive if you just view the look out. If you like to hike and are in good shape you can take a lunch and visit the beach in the valley.
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Waipio Valley Lookout
The view is worth the drive up the coast just to go to the lookout. No need for 4 wheel drive if you just view the look out. If you like to hike and are in good shape you can take a lunch and visit the beach in the valley.
Food scene
Our favorite restaurants. Great prices and really good food with good sized portions. ONLY OFFERING TAKE OUT SINCE COVID.
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Big Island Grill
75-5702 Kuakini HwyOur favorite restaurants. Great prices and really good food with good sized portions. ONLY OFFERING TAKE OUT SINCE COVID.
This is the best luau on the island. Every visitor needs to attend a luau to get the local flavors.
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Island Breeze Luau
75-5660 Palani RdThis is the best luau on the island. Every visitor needs to attend a luau to get the local flavors.
They have the best fish and chips on the island! Order the Ono fish and chips. Everything they serve is delicious!
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Quinn's Almost by the Sea
75-5655 Palani RdThey have the best fish and chips on the island! Order the Ono fish and chips. Everything they serve is delicious!
The best shaved ice. Lots of selections and variations available. Downtown Kona.
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Scandinavian Shave Ice
75-5699 Ali‘i DrThe best shaved ice. Lots of selections and variations available. Downtown Kona.
Volcano Winery
35 Piimauna DrSeveral of our guests have recommended this place.
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
74-5599 Pawai PlGreat Poke!
Kona Brewing Company
74-5612 Pawai PlThis company is known all over for their beer and their great food!
Pineapples Restaurant
332 Keawe StOne of our visitor's said this was a good place to eat in Hilo!
Punalu'u Bake Shop
95-5642 HI-11Great food and they are famous for their sweet bread!
We have never had a bad meal at this place. We go their often!
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Korner Pocket Sports Bar & Grill
81-970 Halekii StreetWe have never had a bad meal at this place. We go their often!
This is a great way to experience local food. Nothing fancy and served family style on the sides with your choice of the main dish. Very reasonably priced. We eat here often.
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Manago Hotel Restaurant
82-6155 Hawaiʻi Belt RdThis is a great way to experience local food. Nothing fancy and served family style on the sides with your choice of the main dish. Very reasonably priced. We eat here often.
Church
This is our church. It is non-denominational and it sits on the grass at Kona Inn with a view of the ocean. Come and join us at 10am Sunday Morning. We also have a mid week bible study at one of our members homes.
Kona Coast Fellowship
75-5744 Ali‘i DrThis is our church. It is non-denominational and it sits on the grass at Kona Inn with a view of the ocean. Come and join us at 10am Sunday Morning. We also have a mid week bible study at one of our members homes.
Hiking
This is right down the street from our house. It is not for the light weight or inexperienced hiker. Going down is a breeze but coming up is a big challenge.
Getting to the Trailhead
The start of the trail leading to the Captain Cook Monument is about 12 miles south of Kailua-Kona, one of the main tourist towns on the Big Island's leeward side. From Kailua-Kona, drive south on Highway 11, then turn off onto Napo'opo'o Road. The trail head is about 50 yards from the turn-off, and parking is available at the side of the road.
The Trail
The trail leading to the monument is approximately 1.8 miles each way, with a 1,300-foot elevation change. The downhill hike to the monument is relatively easy, but the uphill hike back to your parking spot is considerably more strenuous. Be aware of roots and loose rocks underfoot. The first mile or so is lined with tall elephant grass, then shrubs, bushes and small trees appear as you approach the ocean. You'll see a coffee farm before the ocean comes into view, with the historic site of Pu'uhonua o Honaunau (Place of Refuge) visible in the distance. Also keep an eye out for goats and wild pigs. At the end of the trail, one path leads 50 feet to the bay and another leads to the Captain Cook Monument. The monument is a white obelisk encircled by a chain supported by cannonballs. The land within the chain is the only British territory in the United States.
What to Bring
Only parts of the trail are shaded, so dress appropriately for intense sun. Wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots, sunglasses and a sun hat, and bring plenty of water and sunscreen. If loose rocks are a concern, consider bringing a hiking pole. Binoculars are optional, but can help you spot the spinner dolphins that frequent the bay.
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Captain Cook Monument Trail
Napoopoo RoadThis is right down the street from our house. It is not for the light weight or inexperienced hiker. Going down is a breeze but coming up is a big challenge.
Getting to the Trailhead
The start of the trail leading to the Captain Cook Monument is about 12 miles south of Kailua-Kona, one of the main tourist towns on the Big Island's leeward side. From Kailua-Kona, drive south on Highway 11, then turn off onto Napo'opo'o Road. The trail head is about 50 yards from the turn-off, and parking is available at the side of the road.
The Trail
The trail leading to the monument is approximately 1.8 miles each way, with a 1,300-foot elevation change. The downhill hike to the monument is relatively easy, but the uphill hike back to your parking spot is considerably more strenuous. Be aware of roots and loose rocks underfoot. The first mile or so is lined with tall elephant grass, then shrubs, bushes and small trees appear as you approach the ocean. You'll see a coffee farm before the ocean comes into view, with the historic site of Pu'uhonua o Honaunau (Place of Refuge) visible in the distance. Also keep an eye out for goats and wild pigs. At the end of the trail, one path leads 50 feet to the bay and another leads to the Captain Cook Monument. The monument is a white obelisk encircled by a chain supported by cannonballs. The land within the chain is the only British territory in the United States.
What to Bring
Only parts of the trail are shaded, so dress appropriately for intense sun. Wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots, sunglasses and a sun hat, and bring plenty of water and sunscreen. If loose rocks are a concern, consider bringing a hiking pole. Binoculars are optional, but can help you spot the spinner dolphins that frequent the bay.
Papakōlea Beach is located in a bay half circled by Puʻu Mahana, a cinder cone formed over 49,000 years ago and associated with the southwest rift of Mauna Loa. Since its last eruption, the cinder cone has partially collapsed and been partially eroded by the ocean. The beach is sometimes named after the cinder cone, and sometimes after the area of land called Papakōlea, which comes from papa kōlea, which means plover flats in the Hawaiian language. Papakōlea is the area near the crater where the Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis fulva) are sometimes seen in winter.
The cinder cone is rich in olivine, a silicate mineral containing iron and magnesium, also known as peridot when of gem quality. Olivine is a common mineral component of Hawaiian lavas and one of the first crystals to form as magma cools.
Olivine is locally known as "Hawaiian Diamond" and is notably found in Oʻahu's famous Diamond Head landmark. The source of the green coloration of the beach sands is due to the olivine crystals which are winnowed from the eroding headland by the action of the sea.
Olivine, being denser and tougher than the ash fragments, glass and black pyroxene of the rest of the rocks and lava flows, tends to accumulate on the beach whereas the usual volcanic sand is swept out to sea. Although these crystals are eventually washed away as well, the constant erosion of the cinder cone ensures a steady supply of sand for the foreseeable future—eventually, however, the supply will run out and the beach will look like any other.
It is a long hike or a bumpy 4 wheel adventure.
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Papakōlea 綠沙灘
Papakōlea Beach is located in a bay half circled by Puʻu Mahana, a cinder cone formed over 49,000 years ago and associated with the southwest rift of Mauna Loa. Since its last eruption, the cinder cone has partially collapsed and been partially eroded by the ocean. The beach is sometimes named after the cinder cone, and sometimes after the area of land called Papakōlea, which comes from papa kōlea, which means plover flats in the Hawaiian language. Papakōlea is the area near the crater where the Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis fulva) are sometimes seen in winter.
The cinder cone is rich in olivine, a silicate mineral containing iron and magnesium, also known as peridot when of gem quality. Olivine is a common mineral component of Hawaiian lavas and one of the first crystals to form as magma cools.
Olivine is locally known as "Hawaiian Diamond" and is notably found in Oʻahu's famous Diamond Head landmark. The source of the green coloration of the beach sands is due to the olivine crystals which are winnowed from the eroding headland by the action of the sea.
Olivine, being denser and tougher than the ash fragments, glass and black pyroxene of the rest of the rocks and lava flows, tends to accumulate on the beach whereas the usual volcanic sand is swept out to sea. Although these crystals are eventually washed away as well, the constant erosion of the cinder cone ensures a steady supply of sand for the foreseeable future—eventually, however, the supply will run out and the beach will look like any other.
It is a long hike or a bumpy 4 wheel adventure.
Pu'u Wa'awa'a Cinder Cone State Park
71-1645 Hawaiʻi Belt RdSome of our hiker's love this hike.
A visitor wrote - Amazing hike with a nice black sand beach, Much smaller than Waipeo Valley. Our daughters 8 and yrs old hiked all the way down. To and fro the hike is roughly a mile, like 30 min each way. Carry water and you need to be in good shape to make this trip.
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波洛魯山谷瞭望台
52-5100 Akoni Pule HwyA visitor wrote - Amazing hike with a nice black sand beach, Much smaller than Waipeo Valley. Our daughters 8 and yrs old hiked all the way down. To and fro the hike is roughly a mile, like 30 min each way. Carry water and you need to be in good shape to make this trip.
城市觀光建議
不容錯過
Keauhou Farmers Market - Saturday Morning at 7am
The merchants and vendors come from all over the island to bring you the freshest products every Saturday Morning. Find at the Keauhou Shopping Center, conveniently located in Keauhou off of Alii Drive.
100% BIG ISLAND GROWN.
At this market you will find locally raised produce, honey, flowers, Kona coffee, macadamia nuts, meat and eggs, handmade breads, jams, and so much more. All 100% grown and produced in Hawaii.
Enjoy meeting the farmers and makers dedicated to bringing you fresh food right from their farms.