Keisha & Drake are getting MARRIED!
Things To Do
Catch a Sunrise, Sunset or the Stars on Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea is the site of the worlds 9th largest telescope, occasionally gets snow fall (this is true!), and hands down is the best place to catch both a sunrise and a sunset on the island. Please be mindful of the large altitude difference -- spend some time at the first rest stop to properly acclimate!
Visit the Volcano National Park (& Check Out Their AMAZING Winery!)
We recommend getting there early because parking lots fill up quick and there's no overflow parking! There are some cool trails to hike around. After you've hiked your hearts out, head over to the winery (~10 mins up the road) for unique wine that tastes absolutely amazing (this is coming from your wine-aholic over here)!
Take a Trip to the Southern Most Tip of the U.S. (and maybe jump in!)
While the Florida Keys claim the southern most tip of the U.S. ... they are wrong! South Point on the Big Island is truly the most southern tip of the U.S. at least until the next new island pops out of the ocean! There is amazing cliff fishing and also an area the locals jump into the ocean to cool off (kid you not!!!)
Swim with Giant Ass Manta Rays ("the coolest thing I've ever done!" - Drake)
There are many different companies that offer these tours! We did our tour with KONASTYLE whose owner is part of a veteran affiliated nonprofit. KONASTYLE takes off from the pier outside of King Kamehameha hotel and is a nice ride to and from the manta ray location with booze for purchase on the journey! All wedding guests are receiving a 30% discount when doing the tours on September 5 (see our events page for more details).
Visit the Captain Cook Monument (maybe on a kayak!)
We recommend renting kayaks to visit the monument from Manini Beach located at the end of Napoopoo road (please drive carefully!)
Go on a Chill Kona Coffee Farm Tour
Just like with the beaches, there are LOADS of coffee farms all over the island and heavily across the Kona side. Some are free while others have an entrance/tour fee. Most have coffee tastings and a few offer roasting sessions! Check out this website to pick the farms you want to tour (Keisha's recommendation - Heavenly Hawaii, Drake's recommendation - Mauka Meadows).
Hike Out to the Papakolea Beach (aka Green Sands)
It is quite a hike! About 1.5 hours just to get to the beach - no shade, all dirt paths. There are locals who charge $20/person to drive them in (one way). Please bring proper shoes, sunscreen, lots of water and maybe a little snack!
Check Out Punalu'u Beach (aka Black Sands)
Maybe see some sea turtles napping on the beach!
Hike it Down to Waipi'o Valley (or just gawk at the lookout!)
The valley is absolutely gorgeous and has a different type of light that really feels magical. The hike down can be a little steep and unsteady, please be very careful if you chose to hike in!
Hike into Pololu Valley (Waipi'o's neighbor)
Another amazing and unique part of Hawai'i is Pololu valley. Very similar to Waipi'o valley but a little less touristy. If you are feeling spicy, hike both!
Take in ALL the Views with a Helicopter Tour
If you are over hiking but still want to see some awesome places (i.e. waterfalls & lava flow) take it to the sky and just bring your camera!
Do Some EPIC Site-Seeing with a Drive Around the Island
It's about 2-3 hours to drive to the other side of the island, but it's definitely worth it because the dry side (Kona) and the wet side (Hilo) of the island are two different worlds! If you want to see a little of everything, spend a day driving around the island -- Kona-Waikoloa-Waimea-Honoka'a-Hilo-Keaau-Volcano-Kealakekua-Kona.
Beaches, Beaches, Beaches!
There are so many beaches all over the island! If you are looking for white sandy beaches, most of those are North of Kona in Waikoloa (the resort area).