What is there to do?

Well…the short answer is whatever you like as it’s your vacation too. The long answer is that there’s lots to do and see on the Big Island. Many sites of interest are marked by a sign of the King and a description. Like this:

In addition to all the beaches we’ve mentioned in other posts, here’s a quick list of the things you can do:

Catch a great sunset. Just about anywhere on the sea wall off of Ali’i Drive in Kona provides a great unspoiled view of the sunset above the ocean. Even better when paired with dinner and drinks at any of the restaurants along the water.

Visit a palace. Hawai’i is the only place in the US with a real royal family (regardless of what certain celebrities may think of themselves), and you can tour their summer home at Hulihe’e Palace in Kailua-Kona.

While you’re at it, visit a king. There are two statues of King Kamehameha on the island, the original is in Kapa’au at the north end of the island near the king’s birthplace. The second is facing the ocean in Hilo.

Kayak along the west coast. There are lots of tour operators that can assist you with this.

Scuba or snorkel with all the beautiful sea life. See the beach section for easy sites or join a tour for an expanded experience.

Go on a hike. Or a few. There are many that cover sites like petroglyphs, lava fields and tubes, ancient forests, waterfalls, religious temples….

Speaking of waterfalls, there’s Akaka, Kahuna, Pe’epe’e, Umauma and Waiale to name a few.

Visit Pu'uhonua o Honaunau (City of Refuge) to learn about ancient Hawaiian life.(see beach post for snorkel information near the national park)

Learn to surf. And resist the urge to do shaka sign to everyone you see afterwards.

Go to a green sand beach. Yes, green. Or a black sand one. Not the great swimming sites they once were, but still interesting to see.

Go skiing. Well, chances are there won’t be snow in August but you can in other months. Still, the summit of Mauna Kea is worth it to see the view from the summit and their amazing telescopes. Note: you’ll need a 4x4 and warm clothes for this. It is a mountain after all.)

Go to the volcano! (See the link on the right)

Visit Hilo! (See other link on the right)

Whew. Like we said, it’s a short list. We’re sure your guidebook will list tons of things too and Brandie is happy to share her experience with anything that you’re curious about. As for tour operators, there are many and while we won’t advertise here on the site, we can let you know who we’ve used in the past.

The most important thing is to get out there. There’s so much beauty to be seen it’s not even funny. Everyone who comes to the islands has one special moment they always remember. (Boy did that sound like an ad. But it’s true, we swear!)

Where's the beach?

Alright, we know that everyone's top question once they get there is "Where's the beach?". And that, we can help a bit with. Now, by all means this is not a list of every beach on the island, rather it's the top spots according to us that will meet the needs of all of you; our distinguished guests. Some of you have families, some of you are snorklers and hikers and some are just beach bums looking to tan for wedding photos. Wait, that's Brandie. Anyways, here are the top beaches on the Kona side of the island along with a brief description and a map to get you all orientated.

First the map:

"borrowed" from hawaiigaga.com

click on to enlarge

Going from the south to the north, here's our little thoughts on some of the best beaches, most of which are on the map above (except the first one).

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau (City of Refuge)

The farthest south of our list (20 miles south on Hwy 11 from Kona), this is really a "combo" place. At the National Park, you can park the car for $5 which pays for a week's worth of parking, and then walk to the swimming site or drive past park to the boat ramp and park for free there closer to the swimming. Here there is a spot called "2-Step" where you enter the water from two steps in the lava to a great snorkel site. Lots of fish and turtles for you to see. There's no shade or beach, only lava rocks so be prepared.

Kahalu'u

Built by King Kamehameha so that his family can swim (what more can you ask for??), this beach is calm and great for families and snorkeling. Go early if you want to get a good spot and parking since the sand bar isn't as large as other beaches.

Wawaloli

Great tidepools, good for families as it is sandy and shallow and you can see the tidepools. Not the best swimming for adults nor is it good for snorkeling. Not alot of shade.

Kekahi Kai

Kekahi Kai State Park is really three beaches that are accessed via the same "road" (note, there is some offroading here - go slow and won't hurt the rental car though a higher clearance vehicle is best) in order of apprearance they are:

Mahaiula

A fine beach. We'd go north if we were you...

Makalawena

One of the prettiest beaches on the island along with it's sister beach, Kua (Maniniowali on the map). There are no facilities or lifeguards but there is great white sand and you may very well be the only people here at certain times if you're lucky. A 15 min. hike north from the first beach will bring you to fine white sand and blue lagoons. There are no facilities here so you'll have to walk back to use the restroom.

Kua

No trees or shade here but more blue water and white sand bordered by black lava rock. Bring an umbrella. A new access road has been built and is off of Hwy 19 between mile markers 88 & 89. It will save you a hike.

Kikaua

Great protected white sand beach good for families with shade trees and a sandy bottom.

Kukio Beach is about a 100 yards north and just as good so if one's crowded, try the other.

Anaeho'omalu Bay ("A Bay")

A gorgeous large beach on the oceanside of the Waikaloa resort,  lined with hundreds of palms that is great for photos especially at sunset. All the ammenities you need since you're close to food and there are beach rentals onsite. A good swimming beach with smaller coves that are often less crowded if you walk toward the left. If you only want easy relaxation and a nearby Starbucks, this is your beach. Closer to town than Hapuna and in our opinion is almost as nice.

Hapuna

If you only have time for one beach, we suggest this one. It appears on most of the top beaches of Hawai'i and was voted #1 by Conde Nast Traveler. It's the beach you think of when you think Hawai'i. A good stretch of sand, palm trees and clear water. There is lots of parking and facilities making this good for families and anyone just looking to spend a day at the beach. It's not really a snorkeling beach though so you can leave that gear at home. It's located 30 miles north of Kona off of Hwy 19 just before mile marker 69.

Kauna'oa (Mauna Kea Beach)

Another "best of" list favorite. This beach is protected by the Mauna Kea resort and as such there are only 30 permits issued at a time. Get there early (9am) to get in. It's located about 31 miles north of Kona on Hwy 19 at mile marker 68.

Spencer Beach Park

Another great beach for families. Good for swimming but not for snorkeling. Can be crowded with locals but worth the trip.

That friends, is the short guide to the beaches of Kona. Pick one, or two and have a blast! 


A hui hou!

Where are we all going?

The big day will take place in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Yes, Hawai'i is the name of the island and the state. It is also where half of Brandie's family is from. For reference, here's a map of the island.

map "borrowed" from hawaiigaga.com

The two major towns are Hilo on the right and Kailua-Kona on the left. Both have their own airport however for the event we suggest flying into Kona as the drive across the island is about 2 hours, Pele and weather permitting.

The Big Island, for those who've never been, is much more relaxed and far less touristy than Maui or O'ahu and the famous Waikiki beach. It is also the only island where in one day you can go from a rainforest, to snow, to a desert as well as being the volcanic home of Pele, goddess of fire. More on that and other fun things to do and see on a later post.

But for now you're going to Kona, it's almost always around 78 degrees and there are beaches so pack accordingly!