Katie's Guidebook
Relaxation
This is a beautiful space for couples to come and have a private hot tub experience in nature, along with couples massages. Less than a five minute drive away!
A gorgeous private setting in the jungle and unforgettable date option for couples, or a rejuvenating place for singles.
14 locals recommend
Mamalahoa Hot Tubs & Massage
81-1016 St John's RdA gorgeous private setting in the jungle and unforgettable date option for couples, or a rejuvenating place for singles.
Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary
83-5401 Painted Church RdA calming and beautiful space to visit.
Food scene
One of our personal favorites! Amazing views, great affordable breakfast & lunch. Call ahead.
137 locals recommend
The Coffee Shack
83-5799 Mamalahoa HwyOne of our personal favorites! Amazing views, great affordable breakfast & lunch. Call ahead.
A fun spot with great gifts by local artists. Awesome food and drinks. Vegan/gluten free options. Funky eclectic and welcoming vibe.
57 locals recommend
Kaya's Kawanui Inc
79-7300 Hawaiʻi Belt RdA fun spot with great gifts by local artists. Awesome food and drinks. Vegan/gluten free options. Funky eclectic and welcoming vibe.
Fun new coffee spot in the jungle town of Holualoa. Great food and drinks.
6 locals recommend
Holuakoa Coffee Shack
76-5900 Mamalahoa HighwayFun new coffee spot in the jungle town of Holualoa. Great food and drinks.
Kenichi Pacific
6831 Ali‘i DrOur favorite place for sushi and a great happy hour.
Cultivate Good Food
79-7411 Hawaiʻi Belt RoadDelicious vegan wraps/salads and pressed juices to go.
Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
78-6831 Ali‘i DrGreat lunch and dinner spot with an amazing view.
Fresh farm to table menu, craft cocktails, amazing views. This restaurant has a great staff and beautiful views, with every detail considered, from the menu to the ambiance. Prices on the higher end. May be ideal for a date night, but families are also welcome, and it’s set right next to the popular magic sands beach.
91 locals recommend
Magics Beach Grill
77-6452 Ali‘i DrFresh farm to table menu, craft cocktails, amazing views. This restaurant has a great staff and beautiful views, with every detail considered, from the menu to the ambiance. Prices on the higher end. May be ideal for a date night, but families are also welcome, and it’s set right next to the popular magic sands beach.
Awesome food and beer selection. Our favorite fish and chips on the island. Plus it’s the restaurant where we met! :) Awesome views, welcoming staff, menu has a great variety, open breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Pretty affordable too. Great for families, and fun nightlife after 8 for adults.
77 locals recommend
Humpy's Big Island Alehouse
75-5815 Ali‘i DrAwesome food and beer selection. Our favorite fish and chips on the island. Plus it’s the restaurant where we met! :) Awesome views, welcoming staff, menu has a great variety, open breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Pretty affordable too. Great for families, and fun nightlife after 8 for adults.
Great menu with lots of local fish. Full bar and beautiful setting. Reservation only, great for couples.
42 locals recommend
Keei Cafe
79-7511 Hawaiʻi Belt RdGreat menu with lots of local fish. Full bar and beautiful setting. Reservation only, great for couples.
Sightseeing
A peaceful place to do yoga by the sea. Lots of shade, easy access & close to parking. Spacious grass area and local community garden adds to the beauty. Great snorkeling, but water shoes recommended. There’s a small entry area and channel out to the open sea, avoid swimming in rocky areas and don’t touch or step on the coral for your safety. Lots of fish, turtles, and small reef sharks(they’re timid but it’s important to be aware)frequent this area, and you may see dolphins and whales!
27 locals recommend
Manini Beach
Manini Beach RoadA peaceful place to do yoga by the sea. Lots of shade, easy access & close to parking. Spacious grass area and local community garden adds to the beauty. Great snorkeling, but water shoes recommended. There’s a small entry area and channel out to the open sea, avoid swimming in rocky areas and don’t touch or step on the coral for your safety. Lots of fish, turtles, and small reef sharks(they’re timid but it’s important to be aware)frequent this area, and you may see dolphins and whales!
It’s an amazing hike down to pristine snorkeling areas. Pack plenty of water & snacks, this is a serious hike with about a 4 hour time commitment. Don’t go close to sunset as it is uneven surfaces. Not recommended for small children or elderly.
64 locals recommend
Captain Cook Monument Trail
Napoopoo RoadIt’s an amazing hike down to pristine snorkeling areas. Pack plenty of water & snacks, this is a serious hike with about a 4 hour time commitment. Don’t go close to sunset as it is uneven surfaces. Not recommended for small children or elderly.
A great local market every Sunday within 5 minutes driving distance. Great food and arts/crafts vendors. Perfect for finding unique handmade gifts.
30 locals recommend
Pure Kona Green Market
82-6160 Mamalahoa HwyA great local market every Sunday within 5 minutes driving distance. Great food and arts/crafts vendors. Perfect for finding unique handmade gifts.
An epic adventure to one of the most beautiful spots on the island. With wild horses roaming down in the valley, waterfall hikes, and black sand beaches. You can hike in, 4 wheel drive, or hitchhike down. Make sure you leave enough time in the day to hike out safely before sunset.
201 locals recommend
Waipio Valley Lookout
An epic adventure to one of the most beautiful spots on the island. With wild horses roaming down in the valley, waterfall hikes, and black sand beaches. You can hike in, 4 wheel drive, or hitchhike down. Make sure you leave enough time in the day to hike out safely before sunset.
Activities
Ideal surf spot, highly recommended for beginners. Many surf spots in Kona are for advanced surfers only.
Kahalu'u Bay Surf and Sea
78-6685 Ali‘i DrA great spot to rent surfboards, paddle boards, snorkel gear, and kayaks.
28 locals recommend
Kona Boys, Inc.
79-7539 Hawaiʻi Belt RdA great spot to rent surfboards, paddle boards, snorkel gear, and kayaks.
Heavenly Hawaiian Kona Coffee Farm
78-1136 Bishop RdA great spot to take a coffee tour!
City advice
Getting around
Transport
Rental cars are recommended as the island is spacious. Some places have pedestrian friendly areas like Ali’i drive in town. You can also rent bikes and trolley in Kona town as well.
Customs and culture
Locals
The local residents are kind and hardworking people. Many locals have at least two to three jobs to maintain the high costs of living in Hawaii. There are many different customs here, some simple ones include taking off shoes before entering a home, or a peck on the check when greeting each other (less common post covid). Respect of the local people and land are greatly appreciated. Take it easy, don’t rush, and be courteous to your hardworking hosts.