Things To Do
The Coffee Shack
The Coffee Shack can be really busy so be prepared for a wait, but the view is beautiful there.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
It’s definitely worth taking a day to go check out Volcanoes National Park! We would highly recommend getting an early start and stopping for breakfast at The Coffee Shack on your way out. Once you’re at the park there are many great hiking trails and outlooks. If you feel up to a tougher hike; the Kilauea Iki Crater trail has some really cool views. Plus you get to hike through a crater! If you’re looking for a more relaxing visit; the Thurston Lava Tube have a short walk and is pretty neat. (This one would be great for kids)
Waipio Valley Lookout
This is a beautiful outlook on the northern part of the island. Keep an eye out for the malasadas truck on your way out. They can be spotted on the side of the road and offer delicious Portuguese donuts. I would recommend going to go to this lookout early afternoon so you have a better chance of the fog clearing up. That is unless you’d like to hike down into the valley… then you’ll want an early start. If you’re interested in a very tough but rewarding hike, check out the Waipio Valley Trail info.
Waipio Valley Trail
This is an extremely steep hike down a sometimes slippery road. But once you get down into the valley it is worth it. You will see waterfalls (two of them go right into the ocean), jungle, a black sand beach, and even wild horses! If you’re not up for the hike, but would still like to check it out; I believe they tours down into the valley.
Hot Malasadas Truck
Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay)
This is one of my favorite beaches! It has soft white sand and calm clear water. This beach is popular, so it’s best to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Kaunaʻoa (Mauna Kea) Beach
My all time favorite spot on the island! Mauna Kea Beach Resort has a gorgeous beach and landscaping. Plus the building itself is really beautiful. Another spot you’ll want to get to either early or later. They have limited visitor parking, so you’ll want to get there before the crowds or after they leave.
Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation
We will be staying at a house on this coffee plantation, but it is also open for coffee tasting and a small nature walk. The nature walk would be perfect for kids.
Rainbow Falls
Hawai‘i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden
This botanical garden is definitely worth checking out if you are on the Hilo side of the island. There are walking trail throughout where you get to see all sorts of beautiful plants and some great ocean views.
