Linda’s guidebook
Food scene
Kai Loki’s Restaurant
92-8754 Hawaii BoulevardThe chocolate Flourless cake is delicious!
Punalu'u Bake Shop
95-5642 HI-11Famous Malasads!
Hands down one of my favorite local places to eat. Great pastries as well!
40 locals recommend
Hana Hou Restaurant
95-1148 Naalehu Spur RdHands down one of my favorite local places to eat. Great pastries as well!
Sightseeing
South Point Park
South Point RoadThe view and energy is magical!
The beach itself is carved in a 49.000 years old cinder cone belonging to the Mauna Loa volcano that contains the green crystals (olivines) that give the beach its name.
Drive to Green Sands Beach the hiking point is about 25 mins from the stay. First, you have to drive to the southern most tip of the United States, then you need to hike 2.5 miles (one way) from the parking lot to the beach (see directions below). The payoff however, is significant! The remoteness of this beach makes it likely that you will have most of the beach for yourself if you arrive early, and the scenery is out of this world.
9 locals recommend
Green Sands
The beach itself is carved in a 49.000 years old cinder cone belonging to the Mauna Loa volcano that contains the green crystals (olivines) that give the beach its name.
Drive to Green Sands Beach the hiking point is about 25 mins from the stay. First, you have to drive to the southern most tip of the United States, then you need to hike 2.5 miles (one way) from the parking lot to the beach (see directions below). The payoff however, is significant! The remoteness of this beach makes it likely that you will have most of the beach for yourself if you arrive early, and the scenery is out of this world.
Most pristine black sand beach. There has not ever been a time I come here and not see Green Sea turtles resting on the beach. A must see.
77 locals recommend
Punalu'u Black Sand beach
Ninole Loop RoadMost pristine black sand beach. There has not ever been a time I come here and not see Green Sea turtles resting on the beach. A must see.
City advice
Customs and culture
No stones or shells can leave the island.
The legend of Pele the Goddess of the Volcano curses those who remove stones and shells from the island. The post office receives tons of stones and shells from tourists who were experiencing bad luck as so they claim. It is part of the culture here.
Customs and culture
Don't just park anywhere overnight
If you decide to camp out somewhere please be are you are parked in a place it is allowed. If you park randomly on a road to go off exploring there is a high chance your car will be broken into.