Things To Do
Punalu‘u Beach
This black sand beach is a great stop-off on your way to or from Volcano National Park. Sea turtles galore + black sand = super cool. Punalu’u beach is just off highway 11 between Volcano Village (31 miles) and the town of Naalehu (10 miles). To get to Punalu’u from Volcano Village, take Hwy 11 towards Kona, and turn Makai (towards to ocean) between mile marker 56 and 57 on Alanui Road. If you pass Whittington Beach Park, you have driven too far.
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
This botanical garden is SO worth the $15 admission. Beautiful views of the bay and more varieties orchids than you knew existed. Be sure to stop at "What's Shakin'" for lunch or smoothies afterwards!
What's Shakin
Everything served here is grown here. Let that soak in. Incredible fish tacos, smoothies, and baked goods. Visit The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden nearby!
Broke Da Mouth Grindz & Catering
A great spot for Hawaiian plate lunch - a local style meal made up of sticky rice, macaroni salad, and your choice of Asian protein. (Get the shrimp!)
Hula Daddy Kona Coffee LLC
Incredible views, delicious coffee, (try the coffee tea!), and a sweet farm dog.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
A MUST DO on the Big Island. Hike the Kilauea Iki Trail to feel like you're on Mars, while traversing a dormant volcano's crater. You could easily spend an entire day exploring this National Park. Plan well - it will be cooler in the altitude, and wear good hiking boots. Pack snacks and water - there are no convenience stores on the volcano :)
Mauna Kea Observatory
Summit Mauna Kea at dusk to see an epic 360 degree sunset ... above the clouds. Then stick around for a tour of the sky at the observatory - one of the best places in the WORLD to see stars.
Hawaii Beach Yoga
Donation based yoga on the beach in Kona. Watch the whales go by while your practice your shavasana. Grab an acai bowl at Basik Cafe nearby to truly reach zen.
‘Akaka Falls
My favorite type of waterfall is the type you can drive up to. No hike necessary here!
Waipio Valley
Try to see this overlook on a clear day - when we visited, the fog was so thick we couldn't even see across!
Kealakekua Bay
Kayaking and snorkeling on this bay was a highlight of our trip in 2016. We kayaked with a pod of spinner dolphins and heard whales and their babies in the bay with us. I would caution against going in inclement weather/high tide because getting in and out of the bay was legitimately terrifying due to the water levels at the time.
Kona Brewing Co
The beer is good, it all tastes the same, but hey, you're in Hawaii! Drink fancy beer in Minnesota.
Hapuna Beach
Wanna chill on a big, sandy beach? Hapuna's for you.
Da Poke Shack
You have to have poke on Hawai'i. This is literally a shack - but expect the freshest seafood (caught that day) and the most authentic bowl you can find.
Punalu'u Bake Shop
Don't leave Volcano or Punalu'u beach without a stop here - fresh, warm Portuguese donuts called Malasadas filled with anything and everything.