Chris And Karla's Guidebook
Food Scene
Willie's Hot Chicken is kid friendly, has lot's of outdoor seating, doesn't require reservations, and frequently has live music. There's no ocean view or anything scenic about the location but we like it for generous portions and yummy food.
20 locals recommend
Willie's Hot Chicken
74-5599 Pawai PlWillie's Hot Chicken is kid friendly, has lot's of outdoor seating, doesn't require reservations, and frequently has live music. There's no ocean view or anything scenic about the location but we like it for generous portions and yummy food.
Great burgers and sandwiches just off of Alii Drive. No reservations necessary, outdoor seating, and kid friendly.
10 locals recommend
Island Ono Loa Grill
75-5799 Ali‘i DriveGreat burgers and sandwiches just off of Alii Drive. No reservations necessary, outdoor seating, and kid friendly.
Completely off of the beaten track, this is a spot loved by locals for it's amazing pork chops. Old style ultra casual out of the hustle and bustle of town. Recommend reservations, same day usually not an issue. Our son Noah is obsessed with their pork chops feel free to ask him to describe them if you'd like a comically poetic description.
35 locals recommend
Manago Hotel Restaurant
82-6155 Hawaiʻi Belt RdCompletely off of the beaten track, this is a spot loved by locals for it's amazing pork chops. Old style ultra casual out of the hustle and bustle of town. Recommend reservations, same day usually not an issue. Our son Noah is obsessed with their pork chops feel free to ask him to describe them if you'd like a comically poetic description.
Absolutely breathtaking views of the coastline and super yummy brunch!!
137 locals recommend
The Coffee Shack
83-5799 Mamalahoa HwyAbsolutely breathtaking views of the coastline and super yummy brunch!!
Teshima's is an old Japanese country cuisine restaurant (not sushi though they serve delicious sashimi with many of their dinner bentos.) Very casual and a nice spot for breakfast if some in your party want the usual eggs and bacon and some want to try a Japanese breakfast with miso soup, fried ahi, etc.
54 locals recommend
Teshima's Restaurant
79-7251 Hawaiʻi Belt RdTeshima's is an old Japanese country cuisine restaurant (not sushi though they serve delicious sashimi with many of their dinner bentos.) Very casual and a nice spot for breakfast if some in your party want the usual eggs and bacon and some want to try a Japanese breakfast with miso soup, fried ahi, etc.
Amazing ocean views and yummy coffee, breakfast, and dinner. Reservations are highly recommended. The restaurant is ocean front and very popular.
106 locals recommend
Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar
75-5770 Ali‘i DrAmazing ocean views and yummy coffee, breakfast, and dinner. Reservations are highly recommended. The restaurant is ocean front and very popular.
Sightseeing
The volcano is about 3 hours south of the cottage and it's at a higher and rainier elevation. Jackets, water bottles, hiking shoes or sneakers recommended. Our son had a little nausea at the elevation when he was a toddler so worth considering with little kiddos. Always a good idea to call the visitors center regarding lava viewing and weather conditions before making the drive.
880 locals recommend
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The volcano is about 3 hours south of the cottage and it's at a higher and rainier elevation. Jackets, water bottles, hiking shoes or sneakers recommended. Our son had a little nausea at the elevation when he was a toddler so worth considering with little kiddos. Always a good idea to call the visitors center regarding lava viewing and weather conditions before making the drive.
Akaka Falls is in a lush tropical setting with relatively easy to traverse walkways all around. Definitely worth checking out if you're going around the island to the Hilo side.
341 locals recommend
Akaka Falls State Park
875 Akaka Falls RdAkaka Falls is in a lush tropical setting with relatively easy to traverse walkways all around. Definitely worth checking out if you're going around the island to the Hilo side.
Our very favorite hike on the island. The views are incredible and it's a nice rigorous decent to a black sand beach and a good sweaty cardio climb back up. The water can be rough and there is a notorious rip tide so only the most expert swimmers should enter the water. I'd recommend going in the morning as it usually rains in the early afternoon and the going gets muddy and slippery. Sturdy shoes highly recommended (though Chris does the hike local style in slippas- which is what we call flip flops : )
89 locals recommend
Pololu Valley Lookout
52-5100 Akoni Pule HwyOur very favorite hike on the island. The views are incredible and it's a nice rigorous decent to a black sand beach and a good sweaty cardio climb back up. The water can be rough and there is a notorious rip tide so only the most expert swimmers should enter the water. I'd recommend going in the morning as it usually rains in the early afternoon and the going gets muddy and slippery. Sturdy shoes highly recommended (though Chris does the hike local style in slippas- which is what we call flip flops : )
A beautiful and expansive white sand beach. Not much shade so bring an umbrella. Can be crowded during the busy season so getting there on the early side for parking is a good idea.
174 locals recommend
Hapuna Beach State Park
Old Puako RoadA beautiful and expansive white sand beach. Not much shade so bring an umbrella. Can be crowded during the busy season so getting there on the early side for parking is a good idea.
A gorgeous white sand beach. Our personal favorite other than the ones that you need a lifted 4 wheel drive to get to.
159 locals recommend
Kua Bay
A gorgeous white sand beach. Our personal favorite other than the ones that you need a lifted 4 wheel drive to get to.