Beautiful Beaches. Coconut Groves. Cliff Jumping. Incredible Sunsets.
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THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII is the largest of the Hawaiian islands, and includes a pretty diverse terrain ranging from beautiful white/black/green sand beaches to volcanic rock to lush rainforests. This island is perfect for anyone looking for adventure mixed with low key vibes and some of the best sunsets in alluv the land.
do + PlAY
There are countless beaches to explore while visiting the land of aloha. A few of our favs include:
Makalawena Beach is one of our favorite beaches on the island. In order to get there, you have a bit of a trek ahead of you as the road is pretty bumpy driving down to the main parking area and the hike in is approx. 4 miles roundtrip. Once you park your car, you will have a short hike in to the first beach.. but keep going.. walk towards the coconut grove (pictured below).. and then keep walking through the lava fields. We promise you, it will be worth it, when you see the beautifully pristine, long, white sandy beaches and beautiful blue water for a day of swimming/body surfing. We encourage you to pack for the day (i.e. food/drinks) and be sure to pack light.
* 10/10 would recommend
Hapuna Beach State Park is another super beautiful spot for sun bathing and playing in the water, but be prepared for a lot more ppl since this is a public beach. NOTE: walk towards the very end (closer to the hotel) for slightly less of a crowd. also. expect to pay $5 for a parking pass.
Mauna Kea Beach (Kauna'oa Bay) is a beautiful white sand beach with access to activities such as snorkeling, boogie boarding, stand up paddle boarding, swimming, tennis, golf, alluvthethings, etc. Expect beautiful calm waters for swimming, and approx. half a mile of coast line filled with families playing in the sand and relaxed sunbathers. NOTE: If you forget to pack a cooler, no worries!! Check out one of the restaurants at The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection.
Take the afternoon and go stand up paddle boarding or kayaking. If staying in the Kona area, we recommend renting through Ocean Safari's and explore the Keauhou Bay area.
Green Sand Beach (Papakōlea Beach) is one of four green sand beaches in the world. Located near South Point. You can either hike back into the beach (approx. 3 miles in) or grab a ride with one of the locals offering a round trip adventure in/out of the beach (bring a min. of $20 cash per person).
South Point is the southern most point in alluv the land (well. of the United States at least). The jump off point of South Point is off the beaten path + the jump itself (depending on tides) can be between 30-60 ft high. NOTE: we recommend making the jump post green sands beach adventure (mentioned above). PS. Please be careful.
Pololū Beach is located in Hawi. Go early in the morning (to avoid the afternoon heat) for a hike down to this beautiful black sand beach. NOTE: Be sure to wear appropriate shoes for a steep and rocky hike down.
* 10/10 would recommend
Snorkel & BBQ Cruise through the S Kona Coastline. We chose the Deluxe Kona Coast cruise which included breakfast, two different stops throughout the day for snorkeling, SUP, swimming, an afternoon BBQ and open bar.
Last, but absolutely not least (perhaps more of a grand finale) we recommend driving up to the summit of Mauna Kea for sunset. Expect to sit at approx. 14,000 ft elevation above the clouds as the sun sets behind the huge telescopes of the MaunaKea Observatory. Go for sunset + stay for stargazing. NOTE: Dress warm + make sure you have a *full tank of gas for the drive up.
EAT + DRINK
COFFEE + BRUNCH + LUNCH + DINNER + SWEETS
Kona Mountain Coffee. Multiple Locations.
Basik. Located at 75-5831 Kahakai Rd, Kailua-Kona. Go for their acai bowls and smoothies.
Da Poke Shack. Located at 76-6246 Ali'i Drive, Kailua-Kona. Known for their Poke Bowls. Delish(!!)
Tunaichi Sushi Located at 75-5699 Alii Dr. Expect to find this special gem of a restaurant in the back of a shopping area. NOTE: Order alluvthethings. Really.
HAPPY HOUR + SUNSET + DINNER
Lava Lava Beach Club Located at 69-1081 Ku'uali'i Pl, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738. Go for Happy Hour + Live Music at Sunset and their “creative cocktails and “toes in the sand” ambiance.” NOTE: Lava Lava is owned by the same people who bring you Huggo’s on the Rocks (another recommendation by us, below).
Huggo's On The Rocks. Located at 75-5824 Kahakai Rd. Go here for live music, sunset and to put your feet in the sand.
Rays on the Bay. Located at 78-128 Ehukai Street. Go for Happy Hour/Dinner + Live Music + Sunset. Expect a large outdoor patio (some of the tables have their own fire-pits to sit around) and to see giant manta rays swimming in the eve.
Don The Beachcomber Mai Tai Bar Located at the Royal Kona Resort. Go for the Happy Hour Mai Tai(s) and stay for the sunset + live music.
Magics Beach Grill Located in Kona. Seafood, Salad, American. Go for dinner and sit outside to listen to the waves crashing while you eat. Order the lemongrass BBQ ahi with okinawan sweet potato puree.
Pueo’s Osteria Located in Waikoloa Village. Italian. Go for dinner after an incredible sunset at the summit of Mauna Kea.
Gracias, Bye.
- Last Updated: July 2019 -
@ALLUVTHETHINGS
