Allyson Marie
Elijah
To Do
Respect the 'aina
For some of our friends and family this will be the vacation of a lifetime, but please remember you’re visiting a state that’s home to over a million people and a variety of one-of-a-kind plants and animal species. Not only that, Hawaii has a distinct history and culture that is very important to locals. By taking the time to act respectfully, you’re embracing the aloha spirit and helping to make the islands an even better place. Take a minute to check out this list of ways you can be a respectful guests to the beautiful islands of Hawai'i.
Ali'i Drive
Experience the flavor and charm of Kailua-Kona's iconic Ali'i Drive. With its many Restaurants, Shops, and Beaches you can easily spend hours enjoying the scenery with family and friends. It's probably best to bring a plan and scout ahead since this is a HOT destination for both tourists and locals.
If you're looking for a place to wet your feet, we recommend taking the Ohana to see the pier and Kamakahonu Beach in front of King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Courtyard Hotel. The gorgeous blue waters are family friendly and you'll be able to see Ahuena Heiau just off the shore. Further down the coast are some other Kona Classic beaches like Magic Sands, Banyans, Lymans, and Kahalu'u Bay. Remember to wear your reef safe sunscreen if you plan on jumping in the water!
Hungry? You'll find delicious restaurants scattered up and down Ali'i Drive! From restaurant seating like Kona Inn, and Bubba Gumps, to grabbing a quick snack at Scandinavian Shave Ice or Da Poke Shack. You'll find it all! If you're traveling with a large party, make sure to check if the restaurant you're headed to takes reservations and save yourself the trouble of waiting for seating.
Still looking for something to do? Kona Farmer's Market is open 7am-4pm Wed-Sun at 75-5767 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. (Right across the street from Hale Halawai.) Visit Pueo Boutique and a handful of other cute shops. Brush up on your Hawaiian history and visit Hulihe'e Palace (Home to more Hawaiian Royalty than any other Residence in Hawaii) or Moku'aikaua Church (Hawaii's first Christian Church. The list goes on and on!
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cherished cultural landscapes in the world. Extending from sea level to 13,681 feet, the park encompasses the summits of two of the world's most active volcanoes - Kīlauea and Mauna Loa - and is a designated International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Golf
Hawaii is a dream destination for golfers and non-golfers alike. The stunning landscapes of the Big Island of Hawaii are prime settings for some of the most beautiful and interesting golf courses in the world. There are many more courses than we have time to lay out, so do your research before visiting! For your convenience, below is a list of Public Golf Courses and Booking:
Kua Bay
Elijah's favorite beach for relaxation!
Hapuna Beach
Allyson's favorite beach!
Hapuna Beach State Park is a landscaped beach park with swimming during calm seas, bodysurfing during periods of shore breaks, sunbathing and other beach-related activities, picnicking and shelter lodging opportunities.
South Point at Ka Lae
Whether you choose to face your fears and cliff jump here or not, this awesome geographical landmark (located 1.5 miles (4 minutes drive) to one of the world’s rare green sand beaches) definitely worth adding to your Hawaii must-do list – even if only for grabbing a touristy selfie in front of the famous sign that confirms you’ve reached ‘the southernmost point of the United States.
Kona Coffee & Tea Farm
Holualoa, HI
Kona Coffee is a world-renowned coffee that is exclusively grown on the slopes of two volcanoes on the Big Island. The porous and mineral rich volcanic soil combined with the often sunny mornings but cloudy or rainy afternoons, little wind, and mild nights give coffee from the Big Island a unique taste.
Whether your love coffee or not- touring the coffee farms and doing a tasting is really fascinating and usually only takes a few hours. We toured Buddha's cup specifically, but there are plenty that offer free or paid-for tours of their farm and the coffee growing, harvesting, and roasting process.
Waipio Valley
Despite some of the limitations of getting to the Waipio Valley black sand beach, it is worth the trip for those adventurous enough to trek to this deified ground. The Waipio Valley offers incredible sightseeing, hiking, and breathtaking coastline views. It’s a hikers’ dream! To hike from the lookout to Waipio Valley takes about 30-45 minutes, around a mile, one-way. Its steep grade makes for a strenuous trek, and with little shade, packing plenty of drinking water is advised.
