Things To Do
Seahorse Farm Tour
Emma got to do this tour and it was awesome! It included a tour of their whole operation including a tasting of the seaweed that is fed to the seahorses. It promotes seahorse conservation because they breed non-monogamous seahorses which prevents others from separating monogamous couples in the wild.
Big Island Bees Tour
Big Island Bees produces AMAZING honey!!! Our island is one of top producers of queen bees worldwide. Our isolated location means we are an excellent place to take care of hives and export queens from. Sample their wonderful different types of honey!
Volcanoes National Park
Even when the lava is not flowing, this is a wonderful place to experience the unique Big Island terrain and flora. Check out Thurston Lava tube or go hike a dormant volcanic caldera.
Green Sand Beach
A 2-3 hour hike (or catch a ride from the many lifted trucks) to a stunning green sand beach on the south side of the island. The walk along the coast is amazing and you can jump in the ocean when you reach your destination.
Honomu Goat Dairy (baby goats and caramels!)
Between the small town of Honomu (on the coast between Waimea and Hilo) and Akaka Falls (a popular tourist destination up the road, also recommended!) lies a true treasure: Honomu Goat Dairy. Stop here for the free fun with adorable baby goats. Don't forget to pick up some caramels, goat milk soap, or other delights while you're there!
Tex Drive-In (best malasadas on the island!)
If you live on-island and are driving along the Hamakua coast, you always stop at Tex Drive-in for some Malasadas and other local food! Malasadas are a Portuguese type of doughnut that, in Hawai'i, are often sold with a variety of fillings. The vanilla custard filled one is Emma's fave, while others prefer ones with tropical fillings. Tex's other food options are ono, too!
Carlsmith Beach Park (AKA "4 mile")
One of our favorite beaches on the Hilo side of the island (East Side). It has a great view of the mountain, a white sandy bottom and lots of sea turtles (just don't get too close - it is illegal to get within 4 feet of a green sea turtle).
New Chiang Mai Thai Cuisine - Best Thai place in Hilo!
New Chiang Mai is one of our favorite places to eat in Hilo! Nate always get the pad thai. :) They give you SUCH a generous portion of noodles, and they are delish! In downtown Hilo, so a good place to stop by after enjoying our downtown shops and scenery.
Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay (delicious food!)
Nate and I like to go here to have a nice dinner out. Emma's fave is the BLT pizza. Super ono! Their pizzas are wood fired.
‘Akaka Falls
One of the many impressive waterfalls on the island. Just up the road from the Honomu Goat Dairy!
Maku'u Farmer's Market
Now open 7:30-2 every Sunday, Maku'u Farmer's Market in Puna is a sight to behold! SOOO many vendors sell everything from delicious food to jewelry to hand made t-shirts and other gift items. Not to be missed if you are in the area!
Cipriano's Kitchen Kawaihae
This restaurant is known to be spectacular! Just a quick drive from Waialea Bay, it offers upscale, scrumptious fare.
Hawaiian Vanilla Co.
This vanilla farm offers a variety of tour options!
Dom De Luca's Restaurant - Waimea
This yummy restaurant was started and is operated by a relative of Emma's! Yummy food in Waimea, the town up the hill from Waialea Bay.