Karin's Guidebook to the Big Island
Hiking
We like to hike and are moderately in shape. These hikes are not terribly difficult but are not for everyone.
We always do the Kilauea Iki hike that goes along the crater rim, then drops in and crosses the crater where you can see steam coming out of the rocks under your feet. You can also go through the Thurston Lava Tube by the parking area.
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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
We always do the Kilauea Iki hike that goes along the crater rim, then drops in and crosses the crater where you can see steam coming out of the rocks under your feet. You can also go through the Thurston Lava Tube by the parking area.
There is a steep but not too long trail down to the beach. It is a good workout and the beach is beautiful and wild. Not too many people there.
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Mirador del Valle de Pololu
52-5100 Akoni Pule HwyThere is a steep but not too long trail down to the beach. It is a good workout and the beach is beautiful and wild. Not too many people there.
This is the spot where Captain Cook died. You jump off the monument to get in the very deep bay. There is a ladder to get back out. Take the snorkel gear! A rainbow of fish to see and you may even see the huge resident moray eel hiding behind a rock. Do not disturb him! About a twenty minute drive to the trailhead. The hike is long and steep. You will not want to come back up in the heat of the day.
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Captain Cook Monument Trail
Napoopoo RoadThis is the spot where Captain Cook died. You jump off the monument to get in the very deep bay. There is a ladder to get back out. Take the snorkel gear! A rainbow of fish to see and you may even see the huge resident moray eel hiding behind a rock. Do not disturb him! About a twenty minute drive to the trailhead. The hike is long and steep. You will not want to come back up in the heat of the day.
This is a fun four mile loop trip on a forested hillside. Park your car along the road at the end of Makahi St. Take the trail 30 steps or so and you will come to the sign board, where you take a right to go around counterclockwise. Follow the map and the cairns and you won’t get lost.
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Makahi St trailhead
73-4365 Makahi StThis is a fun four mile loop trip on a forested hillside. Park your car along the road at the end of Makahi St. Take the trail 30 steps or so and you will come to the sign board, where you take a right to go around counterclockwise. Follow the map and the cairns and you won’t get lost.
Beaches
These are our favorite Big Island beaches, varying distances from the condo.
We are down here almost every day! It is at the foot of our driveway. It is called Magic Sands because when there are storms at sea the sand can wash away temporarily. It is also called White Sands Beach, and Disappearing Sands. A local favorite for boogie boarders but please be careful, watch the kids and obey the lifeguard.
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Parque Magic Sands Beach
Ali'i DriveWe are down here almost every day! It is at the foot of our driveway. It is called Magic Sands because when there are storms at sea the sand can wash away temporarily. It is also called White Sands Beach, and Disappearing Sands. A local favorite for boogie boarders but please be careful, watch the kids and obey the lifeguard.
We call this the “snorkel beach”. It is about half a mile south of our condo.
This is where we come most often to see the fish and an occasional swimming or sunning turtle. You can also rent surf boards and get surfing lessons here. We’ve never done that but younger family members have, with reasonable success.
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Kahaluu Bay
Ali‘i DriveWe call this the “snorkel beach”. It is about half a mile south of our condo.
This is where we come most often to see the fish and an occasional swimming or sunning turtle. You can also rent surf boards and get surfing lessons here. We’ve never done that but younger family members have, with reasonable success.
A great beach to learn to boogie board. There are waves but they are quite small. And the sand is perfect!
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Hapuna Beach
A great beach to learn to boogie board. There are waves but they are quite small. And the sand is perfect!
The locals call it Annie Beach. You walk out on a long sand spit to find a spot to set up your umbrella. A beautiful sandy beach with relaxing swimming, no surf.
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ʻAnaehoʻomalu Beach
69-275 Waikōloa Beach DrThe locals call it Annie Beach. You walk out on a long sand spit to find a spot to set up your umbrella. A beautiful sandy beach with relaxing swimming, no surf.
This is a gathering spot for local beach types. Right downtown Kailua, in front of historic King Kamehameha Hotel (now a Marriott hotel.) There are two sandy pocket beaches for getting in the water. We snorkel from here too. It feels safe to follow the buoys out into the bay. Once I saw the fabled fish ball! Amazing!
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Kailua Bay
This is a gathering spot for local beach types. Right downtown Kailua, in front of historic King Kamehameha Hotel (now a Marriott hotel.) There are two sandy pocket beaches for getting in the water. We snorkel from here too. It feels safe to follow the buoys out into the bay. Once I saw the fabled fish ball! Amazing!
We recommend you not come here unless you have 4 wheel drive. The rental car companies may not allow it. The road is pretty terrible (in the good stretches there are speed bumps!) You have a short walk over a lava field so wear sturdy shoes. Lovely sand beaches. You can go from one to another. Snorkeling is good. Yes, it’s worth it.
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Mahaiʻula Beach
We recommend you not come here unless you have 4 wheel drive. The rental car companies may not allow it. The road is pretty terrible (in the good stretches there are speed bumps!) You have a short walk over a lava field so wear sturdy shoes. Lovely sand beaches. You can go from one to another. Snorkeling is good. Yes, it’s worth it.
Stop by this gem of a beach if you are out for the day on the north end of the island. It’s not on the normal tourist circuit. You may have it mostly to yourself. Lovely sandy beach, easy to get in the water, good for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, reading, looking out to sea. Include a stop in Hawi for ice cream at Kohala Coffee Mill.
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Parque Spencer Beach
62-3461 Kawaihae RoadStop by this gem of a beach if you are out for the day on the north end of the island. It’s not on the normal tourist circuit. You may have it mostly to yourself. Lovely sandy beach, easy to get in the water, good for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, reading, looking out to sea. Include a stop in Hawi for ice cream at Kohala Coffee Mill.
Sightseeing
You must take a tour. Your rental car will not make it. You will be getting home late. There is a stop at the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy, for lunch, acclimatization and donning of padded pillowy snow suits because it is very high and cold up there! You will wander around the array of observatories although they don’t let you go in (“the scientists are working.”) The tour company brings its own telescope and you will see the glorious Milky Way unimpeded by city lights.
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Mauna Kea
You must take a tour. Your rental car will not make it. You will be getting home late. There is a stop at the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy, for lunch, acclimatization and donning of padded pillowy snow suits because it is very high and cold up there! You will wander around the array of observatories although they don’t let you go in (“the scientists are working.”) The tour company brings its own telescope and you will see the glorious Milky Way unimpeded by city lights.
Food scene
This is the old Jameson’s that was damaged in the tsunami ten years ago that also badly damaged the downtown Kailua waterfront. The new owners have done a wonderful job. Their intent was to maintain the “vibe” but they’ve also considerably upgraded. Lots of outdoor seating to look out to sunsets or neighboring Magic Sands Beach. The auxiliary Magic Shack is good for take out snacks. We walk there in a minute from the condo.
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Magics Beach Grill
77-6452 Ali‘i DrThis is the old Jameson’s that was damaged in the tsunami ten years ago that also badly damaged the downtown Kailua waterfront. The new owners have done a wonderful job. Their intent was to maintain the “vibe” but they’ve also considerably upgraded. Lots of outdoor seating to look out to sunsets or neighboring Magic Sands Beach. The auxiliary Magic Shack is good for take out snacks. We walk there in a minute from the condo.
The coffee is the best we’ve found! We always buy beans to take home as gifts. There is wrap around outdoor seating and a relaxed vibe. It’s a bit uptown, no view.
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Kona Coffee & Tea
74-5588 Palani RdThe coffee is the best we’ve found! We always buy beans to take home as gifts. There is wrap around outdoor seating and a relaxed vibe. It’s a bit uptown, no view.
Come here for fresh Island fruits and vegetables! Lots of crafts and trinkets, too. Open Wednesday through Sunday.
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Kona Farmers Market
75-5767 Ali‘i DrCome here for fresh Island fruits and vegetables! Lots of crafts and trinkets, too. Open Wednesday through Sunday.
This is a popular brunch spot, with outdoor shaded seating, across Ali’i Drive from Kailua Bay. Try the Hawaiian waffles. Danny sings and plays guitar, Sundays only! They don’t take reservations.
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Kalikala Cuisine
This is a popular brunch spot, with outdoor shaded seating, across Ali’i Drive from Kailua Bay. Try the Hawaiian waffles. Danny sings and plays guitar, Sundays only! They don’t take reservations.
We always stop here on our way to the volcano. The chocolate eclairs are the best!
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Punalu'u Bake Shop
95-5642 HI-11We always stop here on our way to the volcano. The chocolate eclairs are the best!