Dusty & Luba’s Guidebook
Sightseeing
A 45 minute drive away ! Great Visitor's Center with tons of information on Kilauea Volcano, on site docents, videos, hiking trails, wonderful Lodge with restaurant & bar and great views of Halema'uma'u crater especially at sunset . . every sunset is different ! Sulfur Steam Banks, Thurston Lava Tube, Chain of Craters Rd and Kilauea Military Camp (a throw back in time) also with a restaurant.
Also visit the artsy community of Volcanoe with it's cozy restaurants and galleries ! (4000 ft elevation so take some warmer clothes especially in the evenings) Plan on a full day !
880 locals recommend
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
A 45 minute drive away ! Great Visitor's Center with tons of information on Kilauea Volcano, on site docents, videos, hiking trails, wonderful Lodge with restaurant & bar and great views of Halema'uma'u crater especially at sunset . . every sunset is different ! Sulfur Steam Banks, Thurston Lava Tube, Chain of Craters Rd and Kilauea Military Camp (a throw back in time) also with a restaurant.
Also visit the artsy community of Volcanoe with it's cozy restaurants and galleries ! (4000 ft elevation so take some warmer clothes especially in the evenings) Plan on a full day !
About 45 minutes away ! Located about 4 miles north of Hilo.
This is a must see if your into Botanical Gardens! Located on the ocean complete with waterfalls and just sheer tropical beauty. Unusual tropical plants, flowers, trees and well laid out walk paths thru-out and along the ocean. They even have golf carts available for assistance in bringing people back out of the gardens. Relaxing and nature intoxicating !
192 locals recommend
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
27-717 Mamalahoa HwyAbout 45 minutes away ! Located about 4 miles north of Hilo.
This is a must see if your into Botanical Gardens! Located on the ocean complete with waterfalls and just sheer tropical beauty. Unusual tropical plants, flowers, trees and well laid out walk paths thru-out and along the ocean. They even have golf carts available for assistance in bringing people back out of the gardens. Relaxing and nature intoxicating !
About 50 miles north of Hilo on the famous Hamakua Coast !
(Beautiful drive along the ocean on the highway up)
The view of the valley and coast from the Waipio Lookout point is breathtaking ! There is a road down into the valley about 1.5 miles (very steep) and do able but "Only" 4 wheel drive vehicles and use low range. It's basically one lane with lots of pull outs and vehicles coming up have the right of way.
You can also hike down but again very steep! At the bottom to the right is a beautiful black sand beach. To the left you'll often times run across a wild horse and ford the creek a couple times. As you go back you'll follow a small river and eventually see a spectacular high waterfall ! Yes it's worth it but take your time down & back up ! Spectacular Valley ! !
33 locals recommend
Waipi'o Valley
48-5561A Waipio Valley RdAbout 50 miles north of Hilo on the famous Hamakua Coast !
(Beautiful drive along the ocean on the highway up)
The view of the valley and coast from the Waipio Lookout point is breathtaking ! There is a road down into the valley about 1.5 miles (very steep) and do able but "Only" 4 wheel drive vehicles and use low range. It's basically one lane with lots of pull outs and vehicles coming up have the right of way.
You can also hike down but again very steep! At the bottom to the right is a beautiful black sand beach. To the left you'll often times run across a wild horse and ford the creek a couple times. As you go back you'll follow a small river and eventually see a spectacular high waterfall ! Yes it's worth it but take your time down & back up ! Spectacular Valley ! !
Akaka Falls Park is about 11 miles north of Hilo on the Hamakua Coast. You can actually see 2 waterfalls ! A short walk involved but well worth it with lush plants and trees. Nice views on the way up to and from the falls. (Fee I think is $5/car)
Yes a beautiful drive !
341 locals recommend
Akaka Falls State Park
875 Akaka Falls RdAkaka Falls Park is about 11 miles north of Hilo on the Hamakua Coast. You can actually see 2 waterfalls ! A short walk involved but well worth it with lush plants and trees. Nice views on the way up to and from the falls. (Fee I think is $5/car)
Yes a beautiful drive !
Located in Hilo . . so while your in Hilo it's worth swinging by there plus a beautiful river that flows into the ocean on the north side of hilo.
337 locals recommend
Rainbow Falls
Located in Hilo . . so while your in Hilo it's worth swinging by there plus a beautiful river that flows into the ocean on the north side of hilo.
Hilo is actually a picturesque city on the bay and one of the few remaining towns reminiscent of Old Hawaii ! Lots of parks for strolling and parks for swimming ! Lots of restaurants, shopping downtown smaller stores and newer stores (Home Depot, Walmart, Target & even a Mall) close to the International Airport. Also a cruise ship destination with a port. See Hilo for things to do !
120 locals recommend
Hilo
Hilo is actually a picturesque city on the bay and one of the few remaining towns reminiscent of Old Hawaii ! Lots of parks for strolling and parks for swimming ! Lots of restaurants, shopping downtown smaller stores and newer stores (Home Depot, Walmart, Target & even a Mall) close to the International Airport. Also a cruise ship destination with a port. See Hilo for things to do !
Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the Hawaiian Islands (13,800 ft). Also home to several international observatories
(Tours available in advance). Visitor center at 9200 ft & good place to stop and visit also acclimate for at least 1 hour before going to the top. Center furnishes free hot water so take hot chocolate/tea/coffee packets to help warm you up. Paved road to visitor center. Drive able with 4 wheel drive vehicles from visitor center to the top and actually a okay gravel road but steep in areas. If you can catch the weather right sunsets are spectacular ! ! Park officials will chase you off the top once the sun sets (Observatories start opening up & car lights interfere) Also the visitor center has spectacular star gazing at night and sometimes telescopes. Snow sometimes in the winter months at the top. Dress very warmly can be very cold at night when the sun sets ! Might have a few extra coats if you need to borrow !
25 locals recommend
Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the Hawaiian Islands (13,800 ft). Also home to several international observatories
(Tours available in advance). Visitor center at 9200 ft & good place to stop and visit also acclimate for at least 1 hour before going to the top. Center furnishes free hot water so take hot chocolate/tea/coffee packets to help warm you up. Paved road to visitor center. Drive able with 4 wheel drive vehicles from visitor center to the top and actually a okay gravel road but steep in areas. If you can catch the weather right sunsets are spectacular ! ! Park officials will chase you off the top once the sun sets (Observatories start opening up & car lights interfere) Also the visitor center has spectacular star gazing at night and sometimes telescopes. Snow sometimes in the winter months at the top. Dress very warmly can be very cold at night when the sun sets ! Might have a few extra coats if you need to borrow !
Waimea is about 55 miles from Hilo via the Hamakua Coast Rd. Beautiful clean town (10,000 population) with nice restaurants & shopping along with annual Rodeo and horse racing ! And home to the Parker Ranch one of the larger cattle ranches in the Country . . yes in Hawaii ! You can tour the Ranch Home just outside of Waimea. Also on same road a sizable memorial to the marines re: their practicing on a nearby mountain for the Iwo Jima assault (WWII) while based at Camp Tarawa (Great historical site). Interesting Waimea to the east is beautiful and green lush pastures, west becomes more arid and less rain. To the south also arid with cactus. Waimea about 2600 ft elev. with a touch of sophistication. Great views of Ocean, Manua Kea and Mauna Loa (2 big volcanoes) ! !
78 locals recommend
Waimea
Waimea is about 55 miles from Hilo via the Hamakua Coast Rd. Beautiful clean town (10,000 population) with nice restaurants & shopping along with annual Rodeo and horse racing ! And home to the Parker Ranch one of the larger cattle ranches in the Country . . yes in Hawaii ! You can tour the Ranch Home just outside of Waimea. Also on same road a sizable memorial to the marines re: their practicing on a nearby mountain for the Iwo Jima assault (WWII) while based at Camp Tarawa (Great historical site). Interesting Waimea to the east is beautiful and green lush pastures, west becomes more arid and less rain. To the south also arid with cactus. Waimea about 2600 ft elev. with a touch of sophistication. Great views of Ocean, Manua Kea and Mauna Loa (2 big volcanoes) ! !
Hawi - Kapa'au is 76 miles from Hilo but absolutely gorgeous drive the entire way. Spectacular distant ocean & mountain views ! Lush green rolling pastures . . just beautiful ! The northern most part of the island and north Kohala coast.
Hawi is a smaller charming town with cafes, shopping and home of "fluming", kayaking the former water canals for the for the sugar cane industry with many carved rock tunnels !
(Reservations recommended). Also past Kapa'au is the end of the road and the Pololu Valley Lookout with hiking if desired.
The whole area just oozes charm !
88 locals recommend
Hawi
Hawi - Kapa'au is 76 miles from Hilo but absolutely gorgeous drive the entire way. Spectacular distant ocean & mountain views ! Lush green rolling pastures . . just beautiful ! The northern most part of the island and north Kohala coast.
Hawi is a smaller charming town with cafes, shopping and home of "fluming", kayaking the former water canals for the for the sugar cane industry with many carved rock tunnels !
(Reservations recommended). Also past Kapa'au is the end of the road and the Pololu Valley Lookout with hiking if desired.
The whole area just oozes charm !
South Point Park is about 75 miles from Hilo and is the southern most point in the United States . . surprised huh! You actually go thru the town of Volcano and along the southern part of the island. Not many towns along the way but one stands out and that is the small charming town of Naalehu. With a must stop at the Punalu'u Bake Shop, forget the calories your on vacation ! (malasadas, sweetbreds, etc)
Also the Hana Hou Restaurant know for their pies (Macadamia nut pie-umm) South Point is a rolling green expanse meeting cliffs and beaches !
74 locals recommend
South Point Park
South Point RoadSouth Point Park is about 75 miles from Hilo and is the southern most point in the United States . . surprised huh! You actually go thru the town of Volcano and along the southern part of the island. Not many towns along the way but one stands out and that is the small charming town of Naalehu. With a must stop at the Punalu'u Bake Shop, forget the calories your on vacation ! (malasadas, sweetbreds, etc)
Also the Hana Hou Restaurant know for their pies (Macadamia nut pie-umm) South Point is a rolling green expanse meeting cliffs and beaches !
Kona is about 2 hours away. If you fly into Kona don't forget their is a Costco about 2 miles away for stocking up and getting gas going or coming ! Kona has lots of beaches and water sports activities, hotels, fishing and more arid climate.
Going and coming to Kona via Saddle Rd, Mauna Kea Recreation Area, good stopping place for clean restrooms, stretching your legs, small playground for children and lots of clean cool fresh air. (6500 ft elevation). Base of Mauna Kea Mountain
93 locals recommend
Kailua
Kona is about 2 hours away. If you fly into Kona don't forget their is a Costco about 2 miles away for stocking up and getting gas going or coming ! Kona has lots of beaches and water sports activities, hotels, fishing and more arid climate.
Going and coming to Kona via Saddle Rd, Mauna Kea Recreation Area, good stopping place for clean restrooms, stretching your legs, small playground for children and lots of clean cool fresh air. (6500 ft elevation). Base of Mauna Kea Mountain
Things to Do and Visit -
Imiloa Astronomy Center - 120 seat planetarium w ongoing
events, cultural center and museum (University of Hawaii)
Lyman Museum - Island Heritage Gallery w lots of exhibits
(Smithsonian Affiliate)
Liliuokalani Gardens - Beautiful Japanese Gardens on the Bay
Also visit Coconut Island adjacent to the gardens (free)
Banyan Drive _ Beautiful old Banyan trees & Golf Course
Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo - White Tiger
Farmers Market - Downtown every Wed and Sat
Beach Parks - East past the Port of Hilo Carlsmith,
Richardson and other parks for swimming w/facilities.
Also Ziplining on the Hamakua Coast north of Hilo
Helicopter Rides at the Hilo International Airport (Volcano,
Coastline and Waterfalls)
120 locals recommend
Hilo
Things to Do and Visit -
Imiloa Astronomy Center - 120 seat planetarium w ongoing
events, cultural center and museum (University of Hawaii)
Lyman Museum - Island Heritage Gallery w lots of exhibits
(Smithsonian Affiliate)
Liliuokalani Gardens - Beautiful Japanese Gardens on the Bay
Also visit Coconut Island adjacent to the gardens (free)
Banyan Drive _ Beautiful old Banyan trees & Golf Course
Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo - White Tiger
Farmers Market - Downtown every Wed and Sat
Beach Parks - East past the Port of Hilo Carlsmith,
Richardson and other parks for swimming w/facilities.
Also Ziplining on the Hamakua Coast north of Hilo
Helicopter Rides at the Hilo International Airport (Volcano,
Coastline and Waterfalls)
The "Wild West" of the Big Island w hippies, new agers, and other alternative life styles and great people watching !
Pahoa has lots of little shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants
and music . . . "The Pahoa Experience" !
Island Market - Great for organic foods and hot deli bar
(Hot Deli bar is a great little find and reasonable !!)
Longs Drugs - Good Shopping for all around
Malama Market - Major grocery store in Pahoa
Farmers Market - About 2-3 miles east of Pahoa, every Sunday
until about 1 pm (Entrance noted by lots flags & propane)
Uncle Roberts - Every Wednesday evening experience live
Hawaiian music, dancing & delicious food (great variety)
and it's usually packed but Great FUN ! ! (Entry is free)
Puna Market Place and soon to be Puna Kai Shopping center
Kehena Black Sand Beach (clothing optional, drum music- Sun
Pohoiki Black Sand Beach ( Former boat launch now beach)
New Sand Beach currently a hike . . ask how to get there.
Mermaid Pond off Red Road . . . ask how to get there.
Beautiful Red Road from Pohoiki to Uncle Roberts
Strolling along ocean Hawaiian Beaches to Shores w/ Park
Pahoa Swimming Pool - Beautiful Olympic pool for laps or
diving w nice showers/restrooms, lockers, clean and nice !
103 locals recommend
Pāhoa
The "Wild West" of the Big Island w hippies, new agers, and other alternative life styles and great people watching !
Pahoa has lots of little shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants
and music . . . "The Pahoa Experience" !
Island Market - Great for organic foods and hot deli bar
(Hot Deli bar is a great little find and reasonable !!)
Longs Drugs - Good Shopping for all around
Malama Market - Major grocery store in Pahoa
Farmers Market - About 2-3 miles east of Pahoa, every Sunday
until about 1 pm (Entrance noted by lots flags & propane)
Uncle Roberts - Every Wednesday evening experience live
Hawaiian music, dancing & delicious food (great variety)
and it's usually packed but Great FUN ! ! (Entry is free)
Puna Market Place and soon to be Puna Kai Shopping center
Kehena Black Sand Beach (clothing optional, drum music- Sun
Pohoiki Black Sand Beach ( Former boat launch now beach)
New Sand Beach currently a hike . . ask how to get there.
Mermaid Pond off Red Road . . . ask how to get there.
Beautiful Red Road from Pohoiki to Uncle Roberts
Strolling along ocean Hawaiian Beaches to Shores w/ Park
Pahoa Swimming Pool - Beautiful Olympic pool for laps or
diving w nice showers/restrooms, lockers, clean and nice !
Food scene
Pahoa; Hawaiian Style & Asian-American Dishes . . . Very
Tasty and menu available online ! Check for
reservations.
240 locals recommend
Kaleo's Bar & Grill
15-2969 Pahoa Village RdPahoa; Hawaiian Style & Asian-American Dishes . . . Very
Tasty and menu available online ! Check for
reservations.
Pahoa; Good local Mexican food and menu available online.
77 locals recommend
Luquins Mexican Restaurant
151448 Kahakai BlvdPahoa; Good local Mexican food and menu available online.
Ning's Thai Cuisine
15-2955 Pahoa Village RdPahoa; Good Thai food ! Menu available online.
Pahoa; Great Sandwiches and Great Hot Deli/Salad Bar & Bakery . . healthy eating and reasonable prices !
116 locals recommend
Island Naturals Pahoa Market & Deli
15 -1870 Akeakamai LoopPahoa; Great Sandwiches and Great Hot Deli/Salad Bar & Bakery . . healthy eating and reasonable prices !
Pahoa; Great Italian restaurant home cooked plus pizza to eat or take out ! ! Menu available on line.
38 locals recommend
Paolo's Bistro
15-2955 Pahoa Village RdPahoa; Great Italian restaurant home cooked plus pizza to eat or take out ! ! Menu available on line.
Pahoa; Locals place very casual but Really Good fresh fish & chips and carry out. Other local fresh fish dishes.
57 locals recommend
Pahoa Fresh Fish
Pahoa; Locals place very casual but Really Good fresh fish & chips and carry out. Other local fresh fish dishes.
Pahoa; Good pizza for eating in or take out. Menu available online.
36 locals recommend
Boogie Woogie Pizza
15-2937 Pahoa Village RdPahoa; Good pizza for eating in or take out. Menu available online.
Hilo; Open air Restaurant/Bar with Real Good Food, Prices and Good Energy! Located downtown sometimes reservations might be in order !
128 locals recommend
Pineapples Restaurant
332 Keawe StHilo; Open air Restaurant/Bar with Real Good Food, Prices and Good Energy! Located downtown sometimes reservations might be in order !
Hilo; Great Lunch or afternoon place to eat. Fresh Poke with lots of choices . . the rice bowls are particulary good !
Also fresh fish off the boats located on the water. If you like sushi you'll like this place ! Don't be afraid to ask for tastes they'll give you a toothpick with a sample. Can be busy at times!
88 locals recommend
Suisan Fish Market
93 Lihiwai StHilo; Great Lunch or afternoon place to eat. Fresh Poke with lots of choices . . the rice bowls are particulary good !
Also fresh fish off the boats located on the water. If you like sushi you'll like this place ! Don't be afraid to ask for tastes they'll give you a toothpick with a sample. Can be busy at times!
Hilo; Good place to eat downtown with good salads, pizza, sandwiches, dinner dishes and appetizers ! Can be busy at times. Menu available on line
139 locals recommend
Cafe Pesto - Hilo
308 Kamehameha AveHilo; Good place to eat downtown with good salads, pizza, sandwiches, dinner dishes and appetizers ! Can be busy at times. Menu available on line
Hilo; Great ocean bay views ! Very nice restaurant with good lunch and dinner menus. Menu available on line.
137 locals recommend
Hilo Bay Cafe
123 Lihiwai StHilo; Great ocean bay views ! Very nice restaurant with good lunch and dinner menus. Menu available on line.
Hilo; Nice Restaurant overlooking ice pond/koi pond on the water. Good menu and good food (Upscale American/Seafood). Live music and great atmosphere . Menu available on line and reservations recommended.
42 locals recommend
Ponds Hilo
135 Kalanianaole StHilo; Nice Restaurant overlooking ice pond/koi pond on the water. Good menu and good food (Upscale American/Seafood). Live music and great atmosphere . Menu available on line and reservations recommended.
Hilo; If you want a Great Burger this is the place many different versions and good beer selection. Different burgers besides beef . . veggie, turkey & salmon ! Menu available on line.
41 locals recommend
Hilo Burger Joint
776 Kilauea AveHilo; If you want a Great Burger this is the place many different versions and good beer selection. Different burgers besides beef . . veggie, turkey & salmon ! Menu available on line.
Ocean Sushi
235 Keawe StHilo: Good sushi and good prices ! Menu available on line.
Miyo's
564 Hinano StHilo; Japanese food home style ! Very tasty !
Menu available on line.
Volcano; Located in the village of Volcano. Classic setting and looks like a lodge inside w quite an impressive fireplace !
Great food and wonderful experience ! Reservations to be safe in the evening. Cool in the evenings so take a jacket. (4000 ft)
102 locals recommend
Kilauea Lodge Restaurant
19-3948 Old Volcano RdVolcano; Located in the village of Volcano. Classic setting and looks like a lodge inside w quite an impressive fireplace !
Great food and wonderful experience ! Reservations to be safe in the evening. Cool in the evenings so take a jacket. (4000 ft)
Volcano; Great restaurant and great food ! Reservations highly recommended ! Need I say more. Cool evenings take a jacket.
Menu available on line.
83 locals recommend
ʻŌhelo Café
19-4005 Haunani RdVolcano; Great restaurant and great food ! Reservations highly recommended ! Need I say more. Cool evenings take a jacket.
Menu available on line.
Volcano; Great Thai Food and very clean restaurant !
Evenings cool so take a jacket. Menu available on line.
68 locals recommend
Thai Thai Bistro and Bar
19-4084 Old Volcano RdVolcano; Great Thai Food and very clean restaurant !
Evenings cool so take a jacket. Menu available on line.
Volcano; Good variety of burgers, sandwiches, etc. little bit of everything plus they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Evenings cool so take jacket.
55 locals recommend
Volcano's Lava Rock Cafe
19-3972 Old Volcano RdVolcano; Good variety of burgers, sandwiches, etc. little bit of everything plus they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Evenings cool so take jacket.
Pahoa; Locals place with burgers, sandwiches, etc with decent food and their breakfasts are pretty good !
27 locals recommend
Black Rock Cafe
15-2872 Government Main RdPahoa; Locals place with burgers, sandwiches, etc with decent food and their breakfasts are pretty good !