Corinne’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Snorkeling among the manta rays is a beautiful way to connect with the water wonders here.
50 locals recommend
Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii
74-380 Kealakehe PkwySnorkeling among the manta rays is a beautiful way to connect with the water wonders here.
A long time hula competition with amazing performances. Get tickets in December for an April show as they are sold out.
13 locals recommend
Merrie Monarch Festival
865 Piilani StA long time hula competition with amazing performances. Get tickets in December for an April show as they are sold out.
This is a fun adventure and you get to see the countryside from a different viewpoint. It is less than 3 miles away from your room.
55 locals recommend
Umauma Falls Zipline & Rappel Experience
31-313 Old Mamalahoa HwyThis is a fun adventure and you get to see the countryside from a different viewpoint. It is less than 3 miles away from your room.
This is a very fun zip line adventure. The staff were friendly and very safety oriented. See views you wouldn't get on a drive by excursion. Less than 3 miles from your stay.
19 locals recommend
Botanical World Adventures
31-240 Old Mamalahoa HwyThis is a very fun zip line adventure. The staff were friendly and very safety oriented. See views you wouldn't get on a drive by excursion. Less than 3 miles from your stay.
Beautiful trail and small hike on well prepared walkway. Less than 5 miles from the house. Honomu has a little shopping area and ice cream/bakery/pizza.
20 locals recommend
ʻAkaka Falls State Park
Beautiful trail and small hike on well prepared walkway. Less than 5 miles from the house. Honomu has a little shopping area and ice cream/bakery/pizza.
This is a black sand beach and picnic area. You can only go down in a 4 wheel drive vehicle. I suggest just hiking down to the beach. The hike back up is a great workout. There is a hiking trail that has to be permitted in advance if you want to hike to the valleys beyond the beach.
32 locals recommend
Waipi'o Valley
48-5561A Waipio Valley RdThis is a black sand beach and picnic area. You can only go down in a 4 wheel drive vehicle. I suggest just hiking down to the beach. The hike back up is a great workout. There is a hiking trail that has to be permitted in advance if you want to hike to the valleys beyond the beach.
Food scene
Hilo Bay Cafe
123 Lihiwai StDelicious local cuisine. Dinner reservations recommended.
The best food on the island. Reservations highly recommended.
102 locals recommend
Merriman's Big Island
65-1227 Opelo RdThe best food on the island. Reservations highly recommended.
Very good food and ambiance with Hawaiian music at dinner. Reservations recommend.
139 locals recommend
Cafe Pesto - Hilo
308 Kamehameha AveVery good food and ambiance with Hawaiian music at dinner. Reservations recommend.
Less than 10 miles from the house. A casual eatery and live entertainment on Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights. Food is good. Small grocery store too.
27 locals recommend
Pāpaʻaloa Country Store and Cafe
35-2032 Papa Aloa AveLess than 10 miles from the house. A casual eatery and live entertainment on Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights. Food is good. Small grocery store too.
City advice
What to pack
Bathing suits (wear one while the other one dries).
Bring a sweater or two if you plan to go to Waimea to shop or dine. Us locals do as it is chilly to us.