Monika & Rob
Things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii
Pine Trees Surfing Beach
Popular surf spot and great beach to picnic at and watch the sunset. You can pull your car right up to the beach and set up shop.
Mahai‘ula Beach
Close to Kona, this is a beautiful white sand beach (and Monika's favorite) where endangered monk seals like to sunbathe. Drive down a semi-paved but lava-rocky road and walk to the beach. At the far end of Mahai-ula's there is an opening to a lava field where you can hike 20 minutes over the field to Makalawena or what used to be known to locals as "Secret Beach" until Instagram. Makalawena has the finest white sand and is so gorgeous but it is definitely a trek to get there. Either beach is perfect for a day of frolicking in the waves.
Waialea Beach
This is Rob's favorite beach! There are rope swings into the water and it's a great spot for snorkeling if the waves aren't too big. We recommend stopping at Lava Lava Beach Club after for a sunset cocktail.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection
Located 50 minutes north of Kona, this is the first resort to be built on the island by Rockefeller and is very historic. Tell the front gate that you are going to have a drink and go enjoy the long stretch of white sand beach!
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
Located at the southern region of the island is a special beach where the sand is green! Do not drive to the beach, park and pay a local to take you there. It's a popular tourist destination so you will have no problem getting a ride there.
Waipio Valley
Arguably the most epic spot on the Big Island. Waipio Valley was the first settled place on the island and there are still families living off of the land down there. There are wild horses, waterfalls and a black sand beach down below. You can drive to the lookout point and catch the views OR there are ATV tours and horseback tours of the valley. Rob & Monika have done both (ATV was their favorite). For the very adventurous, if you rent a 4WD car you can drive down into the valley and hike around to see the wild horses, get up close to the waterfalls and play on the black sand beach!
Pololū Valley
Another beautiful valley with gorgeous views from the lookout point located North of hippy-dippy Hawi Town. Hike down to a fresh water river flowing into the ocean, a black sand beach, rope swings in the forest, and lush valley views. It's a short but steep hike back up and totally worth it.
South Point Cliff Dive
For the adventurous guests, there is a forty-foot cliff jump that Rob loves and Monika took 75 minutes and a beer to jump off of and doesn't need to do again. It's great for thrill-seekers and decent-strong swimmers. There is a ladder to climb to get out so upper body strength is recommended. Also it is the most Southern point in the US...so...there's that.
Uncle Roberts Night Market
Hands-down one of the couple's favorite things to do on the island. It is a 2.5 hour drive from Kona so only recommended if you are staying on the East side of the island but it is SO FUN. There are local artists, jewelry makers, delicious food vendors, beer/wine, plus live music, dancing and more! Starts around 5 and continues into the evening. Located next to where the lava flow was.
Hilo
Hilo holds the highest population on the island and is located about 1.5-2 hours away from Kona (depending on what route you take). We like to go explore the town and have a drink at Pineapple's whenever we get a chance to make it over that way. We recommend taking the scenic route through Waimea and the Hamakua Coast.
Manta Ray Snokel/Diving
Research any of the 10 companies that will take you snorkeling/diving with Manta Rays! This is an incredible experience that is unique to The Big Island in terms of likelihood of swimming with them. Highly recommended.
UFO Parasail of Kailua Kona
Rob's office and also a fun activity to do in the bay!
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
Beautiful gardens on the most scenic drive over waterfalls and tropical, jungle vegetation.
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
On our bucket list. You fly around the north side of the island where all of the valleys and waterfalls are and we've only seen and heard the most amazing things.
Kanaloa Octopus Farm
This is an Octopus farm in Kona that operates for the purpose of sustaining the octopus population. You can touch and play with them and watch them change color. It's legit.
Mauna Kea Observatory
People travel from all over the world to come stargaze and watch the sunrise above the clouds on Mauna Kea. Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano that is bigger than Everest from base to tip (most of it is under water). Snow can be seen at the top of the volcano every winter and locals will bring different boad up to sled and play in the snow. We haven't been up yet but everyone we know says its a MUST if you have the time to go.
Big Island Brewhaus
This is a great brewpub in the quaint town of Waimea, which is the Big Island's ranchy-cowboy country. The climate is a lot cooler here and there are rolling grassy green hills, horses, cows, farmer's markets and more. It remind's Monika of Marin.
Lava Lava Beach Club
A restaurant right on the water and with a sandy beach out front. This is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike to relax with cocktails while listening to live music next to the ocean!
The Coffee Shack
The most beautiful breakfast view we've ever seen located south of Kona in the Coffee Belt section of the Big Island.
Merriman's Big Island
It's. so. delicious.
Ola Brew Co
Kona's first trendy brewery! They make beer and cider using ingredients from local farms around the island. We love it here.
Foster's Kitchen
Our favorite restaurant on Ali'i Drive! Great ambiance.
Huggo's
Good restaurant situated right over the water on Ali'i.
Gertrude's Jazz Bar
Live music every night and great small bites.