Expect to encounter many Hawaiian fusion restaurants in hotel areas, serving pulled pork, Poi (Hawaiian dessert) and other regional favorites. Those in the tourism industry expect vacationers to want what they perceive to be authentic Hawaiian cuisine, and restaurants are willing to provide it. Fresh seafood is also a staple at many restaurants, as is locally grown produce. Kona coffee is also something you’ll want to try while on the Big Island and maybe take home a bag or two. To taste test at the source, head over to Kona Coffee Living History Museum, Shake Daddy Kona Coffee or Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation. Of course, you can also try a cup of Kona at one of the Big Island’s coffee shops and breakfast joints.
You’ll find great eateries on the Kohala Coast near Kona, but be prepared to pay the special “tourist” price. ULU Ocean Grill Hualalai at the Four Seasons Resort earns high praise for its delicious menu and ocean views, but it will cost you. There are cheaper spots in Kona, like 808 Grindz Café, but for more reasonable prices, Hilo establishments like Hello Bay CafeWhich gets high marks from travelers for its sushi, and local favorites like Paul’s Place and pineapple. For a cheap meal, try Puka Puka Kitchen.
Expect to encounter many Hawaiian fusion restaurants in hotel areas, serving pulled pork, Poi (Hawaiian dessert) and other regional favorites. Those in the tourism industry expect vacationers to want what they perceive to be authentic Hawaiian cuisine, and restaurants are willing to provide it. Fresh seafood is also a staple at many restaurants, as is locally grown produce. Kona coffee is also something you’ll want to try while on the Big Island and maybe take home a bag or two. To taste test at the source, head over to Kona Coffee Living History Museum, Shake Daddy Kona Coffee or Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation. Of course, you can also try a cup of Kona at one of the Big Island’s coffee shops and breakfast joints.
You’ll find great eateries on the Kohala Coast near Kona, but be prepared to pay the special “tourist” price. ULU Ocean Grill Hualalai at the Four Seasons Resort earns high praise for its delicious menu and ocean views, but it will cost you. There are cheaper spots in Kona, like 808 Grindz Café, but for more reasonable prices, Hilo establishments like Hello Bay CafeWhich gets high marks from travelers for its sushi, and local favorites like Paul’s Place and pineapple. For a cheap meal, try Puka Puka Kitchen.
Hawaii – The Big Island Travel Guide
If you’re traveling to the Big Island, it can be a little overwhelming to try and decide what you want to do during your stay. If you’re visiting Hawaii on a budget, look for more to do for less money, especially if you rent a car from Big Island Jeep Rentals.
Continue reading for our best tips and tricks when visiting the Big Island with our Big Island travel guide.
Tips for Big Island Visitors
1- Use rock safe sunscreen.
Please, beautiful please. If you’re a sunburner, pick up a UV-resistant rash guard (short) at Walmart for $10. We provide our Jeep rental rock-safe sunscreen locally for free
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2- Pick up some rock shoes.
We have many beautiful coral reefs that you cannot see. Rocks are like sea urchins that can easily ruin your trip/next month of your life.
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3- Throw Shaka to cross the road
People are more likely to let you go. Use shaka to ask people to let you pass in traffic. Let others go in traffic. Aloha is contagious once you narrow it down.
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4- Keep your distance from turtles and monk seals.
Honestly, we don’t want them to stop coming around and you can get fined
Tips for Big Island Visitors
Image by Twenty20 Photos
Things we don’t recommend for visitors to the Big Island:
1- Going to the green sand.
Not worth spending a whole day on, in my opinion. I personally don’t see an attempt to reward balance here. If you feel strongly about going, pay a local to take you to the beach when you get there
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2- Waipio Valley
Let’s respect the locals. These days it is so busy that locals cannot go to work, home, shopping, etc. Please visit Pololu Valley instead. Just as beautiful with black sand beaches and waterfalls and a nice 15-20 short and beautiful hike.
3- Jumping off a cliff, blooming especially in winter
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4- Closing the entire soft top of the Jeep.
It’s a huge pain to put back together, especially when you hit the rain (and you will).
Big Island Activities
1-Swim with the mantas. And even swim with dolphins!
Kona is essentially the only place to do this that doesn’t require scuba. We love the folks at Dolfin Discoveries (a well-married couple who run active). They gave a 10% discount code for our guests: ‘JBIJ10’
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2- Mauna Kea
Drive up to Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain on Earth (from sea level but it’s still cool). That’s why you need 4Wd.
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3- Pololu Valley
Similar to Waipio in that you see the waterfalls, the black sand beach but it’s a short hike as opposed to the treacherous descent.
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4- Hapuna Beach
This is the biggest white sand beach we have and where you want to go body boarding.
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5- Some snorkeling spots
5.1 Kahalu’u Beach Park.
Good for beginners, and they have rock protection people on most days to help explain our environment.
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5.2 Captain Cook Memorial.
In my opinion, (and feedback from others) this is the best snorkeling in Hawaii. You can paddle down (ugh!) or rent a kayak and kayak up. Kayaking is great as you have a good chance of spotting dolphins. Of course, the boat ride is even better
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5.3 – “Two Stages”.
More advanced. Great snorkeling there but even the advanced snorkelers we know are caught in dangerous rips there so be careful!
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6- Secret beaches
Check out the 5 secret beaches our friend Julie put together in Kona, HI to talk about 365. In fact, check out her page for all kinds of things. She often posts about kid friendly events and does a great job of informing people about taking care of the island.
the food
1- Kaloa’s Super JS Authentic Hawaiian – Legit Hawaiian! Skip the touristy luau buffet meals and hit this place instead.
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2- A-Bay’s Island Grill. There is a location in Waikaloa, and now a new one has opened on Ali’s Drive! You definitely need crab cakes! Lots of beers on tap, great atmosphere, nice owners.
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3- Don’s Mai Tai Bar & Restaurant (Behind Royal Kona Resort) Famous for the annual Global Mai Tai Festival, these folks have great drinks and oceanfront seating.
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4- On the Rocks – This is to the right of Huggos. Grab a table by the ocean, kick off your slippers, and enjoy the sand in your toes while you watch a nightly band or hula lesson.
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5- Island Lava Java – Famous for their 100% Kona coffee and brekkie but they also have high end dinner plates.
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6- Foster’s kitchen. As well as high end unique dishes. OMG the lamb! Lots of gluten free options.
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8- Jackie Ray’s Ohana Grill Kona. Probably the best dinner place to have a meal. Really good stuff. There is no ocean view so this place is best eaten after sunset
