Ryan & Holly
Things To Do
Hawaii Manta Ray Snorkel Tours
On our first trip to the Big Island together we had an incredible experience doing a night snorkel with Manta Rays. It really is a must! There is a lot of different companies that offer this excursion so we recommend you check out reviews and rates to compare.
Maunakea Observatory
Mauna Kea Summit & Observatory Tours and Tickets Visiting the Mauna Kea Summit and Observatories gives you the feeling of being on top of the world for good reason: You’re actually pretty close. Standing at 13,796 feet (4,138 meters), the mountain is Hawaii's tallest and the highlight of many visitors' trips to the Big Island of Hawaii. The Mauna Kea Observatories (MKO) feature some of the world's largest telescopes, including equipment from Canada, France, and the University of Hawaii, due to its designation as an unparalleled destination for stargazing. *4x4 vehicle required to access the summit.
Kona Brewing Co.
The original Kona Brewery is still alive and well in Kailua-Kona! There are two taproom locations. The original brewpub in Kailua-Kona right next to our brewery, and another on the island of Oahu. You’ll find plenty of food, fresh Kona beer and aloha spirit.
Waimea Coffee Company
We went to the Waimea location daily on our last trip to the Big Island. Best Acai bowls on the entire island!
Merriman's Big Island
Pioneered by award-winning Chef Peter Merriman who maintains a single vision “Do the right thing”—for local farmers, for the islands and for you—our guest. At Merriman’s Big Island, you’ll enjoy a menu of fresh island flavors, a extensive wine list and cozy upcountry dining with warm Hawaiian hospitality. Reservations required, a 10/10 dinning experience.
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach Park
Located between Pahala and Naalehu on the southeastern Kaʻu coast, you will discover Punaluu Black Sand Beach. This is one of the most renowned Black Sand Beaches in the Hawaiian islands; distinguished for its aqueous geology, basaltic beauty, endangered species of wildlife and Hawaiian history. As the Kaʻu side of the island is exposed to strong ocean currents, it isn’t always the best conditions for swimming, but it is a sightseer’s dream. Despite the presence of beachgoers, the black shore is often peppered with large Green Sea Turtles (honu) and Hawksbill Turtles (honu’ea) warming themselves along the sand in an effort to regulate their body temperature.
Richardson Ocean Park
Richardsons Ocean Park is sheltered from the surf and includes a small black sand beach and some tide pools. The water here is shallow and calm, and turtles are a common sight. One of the best spots on the Hilo side of the island for snorkeling.
Carlsmith Beach Park
The best Hilo snorkeling based on popularity are considered to be Richardson Ocean Park, Carlsmith Beach Park, and Onekahakaha Beach Park.
Whale Watching Locations
Four specific places that are prime spots to see whales are: Holoholokai Beach Park Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site Lapakahi State Historical Park Kapa'a Beach Park The Kohala Coast is one of the best places to view humpback whales! Whale season is from November to April, but their numbers peak in January and February. Early mornings are the best time to see whales, with higher numbers of whales and calmer conditions making it easier to spot them.