Things To Do
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
There is currently flowing Lava. Best to see at sunset or in the dark. Check their website to see up to the minute volcano activity. Easy view from the Volcano House. If you desire, you can hike from there and get some slightly closer views. Plenty to see other than flowing lava including hiking and cool past lava flows. Follow either (or both) crater rim drive and chain of craters road leading to a cool sea arch. The map you get at the entrance should help.
Punaluʻu Beach (Black Sand Beach)
Visually interesting beach where many turtles hang out and bask in the sun. It is over on the east side of the island, so combine it with a day in Hilo. Plan for a lot of driving. You can find directions using Google Maps.
Hawi
Spend a few hours browsing the peaceful haven of Hāwī, North Kohala's quaint little town, best known as the bicycle turnaround for the annual IRONMAN™ World Championship held every October. This historic town, set in the green northern tip of the island, was once the busy hub of North Kohala’s now defunct sugar industry. Today, Hāwī is home to a handful of charming art galleries, boutiques and restaurants set in colorful and lively plantation buildings. You’ll find everything here from handmade jewelry and crafts to homemade fudge and 100% Kona coffee. The Bamboo Restaurant & Gallery was once voted best restaurant on island of Hawaiʻi and is a great stop for a fresh island style meal.
Watch The Sunset and Have a Cocktail
There are a lot of places where you can watch the sunset and have a cocktail. Try Aloha Vibes at 75-5744 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 or right next door at the Kona Inn. My new favorite is Don’s beachcomber for Mai Tais and a perfect viewing of water, lava, and sunset. Huggo’s is ano tute great choice. Any beach on the west side would work as well. You literally can't go wrong being on the west side when the sun sets (unless it is a cloudy day)
Dolphin Quest
Dolphin Quest Hawaii provides a variety of dolphin encounters which allow guests the opportunity to meet, touch, and play with dolphins in a safe and comfortable environment for both guests and dolphins. Their tidal, natural ocean lagoon setting enables diverse interactive experiences with dolphins from the sandy shallows to the deeper water swimming areas. Each encounter is unique based upon the guests, marine mammal specialists, and dolphins, with a variety of opportunities to select from based upon age, dolphin time, and whether you prefer to join a small, shared group, or book an exclusive experience. Mika and Dan did this when they were younger and it was thoroughly enjoyable. If swimming with the dolphins is not your thing, you can walk around or sit at the restaurant and watch the dolphins in a comfortable setting.
Eat Some Poke
Pick your favorite poke shack from this list of the best 5 poke shops on the big island. Don't indulge too much as we will have poke on Tuesday night.
Go To The Beach
All the beaches are public, even if they are connected to a resort. Some are better for snorkeling, others for boogie boarding. And some are great to just sit and read a book. Check them out and tell us your favorite. Check out the list to plan your adventure. Pro Tip, you can pick up a boogie board on the cheap at Target or Wal-Mart. Or talk to your resort, hotel, or Airbnb as they might have one or two available.
The Coffee Shack - breakfast with a view
Good food and one of the best views for breakfast around
Volcano Winery
Nice winery. Don’t expect vineyards like Napa. It’s lava stupid. But a nice diversion. 2 hours from Kona so make sure you have the time. Great after a day at the Volcano National Park or combine with a trip to the southern most point in the US.
Theatery - dinner with a view
Somewhat upscale restaurant with a renowned chef and a gorgeous sunset view if you make reservations to sit out on the outdoor lanai.
Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station
Top of the tallest mountain from its base to the top. Beautiful star gazing, sunset views, and rainbow catching. Bring warm clothes. It’s 27 degrees at the summit today.
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
Crazy beach with green sand due to olivine in the lava. Long hike or pay the guy at the road entrance $20 for a ride.
Run or walk the Walua Trail North Trailhead
If you want to run and see the sunset, this trail is for you. There are some rolling hills, but not too bad. Great view of the ocean and check out some cool houses along the way.
Run or walk down Alii Drive starting at Big Island Running Company
Run or walk south along the ocean from the Big Island Running Company. Great seaside views and cool houses. There is a reasonable shoulder to remain safe.
Improv Jam: Monday night only
Get your improv on - this is not a show, but an opportunity to practice improv in a low-key setting. It is in the Loft, up in back of the KindWorks Music and Arts store. Everyone is welcome to come and watch or join in improv games and shenanigans!
Recommended restaurants and bars
Breakfast - Arise, Kalikala Cuisine (lilikoi French toast), Roasted Toasted cafe, Coffee Shack Lunch - Shaka Tacos, poke(see other item for recommendations) Poi Dog Deli, Fish Hopper Dinner - Rebel Kitchen, Jackie Rey’s, Kai, Huggo’s. Willie’s hot chicken, Aloha Vibes, Temple, Theatery Bars - Dolphin spit, Korner Pocket, Sam’s Hideaway
Island Spirit Healing Center and Day Spa
Great massages here. Take a minute for yourself!!