OUR BIG ISLAND TRAVEL PLANNER
We are delighted to offer you our favorite local recommendations for where to go, what to eat, and where to shop to support our local business owners. This list comes from our favorite experiences on the island as well as recommendations from locals.
If you don’t see what you’re looking for, just reach out, and we’d be happy to offer custom trip suggestions. We love to travel around the world and want your tropical vacation to be unforgettable and nourishing in every way!
RECOMMENDED NEARBY ACTIVITIES
Visit Pu’uhonua o Honaunau (Place of Refuge) and explore Hawai’i’s rich cultural heritage www.nps.gov/puho/index.htm
Swim at nearby Manini Beach (just a 15-minute walk from Water Spirit Sanctuary!) www.explore-the-big-island.com/manini-beach.html
Snorkeling with possible wild dolphin sightings at Honaunau Bay (aka Two-Step), Kealakekua Bay, or Ho’okena Beach (our favorite beach) www.lovebigisland.com/swim-with-dolphins-big-island
Snorkeling at Captain Cook Monument (you can hike down a steep trail or kayak there by tour) www.alltrails.com/trail/hawaii/hawaii/ka-awaloa-captain-cook-monument-trail
Kayak rental to Captain Cook Monument (our favorite way to get there) www.ehuandkai.com
Manta Ray nighttime swim www.lovebigisland.com/big-island-manta-ray-night-dive/
Farmers market on Sundays 9 am-2 pm (Pure Green Kona Market) www.purekonagreenmkt.com
Walk/meditate at Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary (Hatha yoga classes are offered Thursdays at 9:30am, text Hooda to reserve your spot in advance at 808-937-4462) www.paleaku.com
Makaula-O’oma Hiking trail - 3.7 mile moderate hike (just under 2-hour loop)
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach (by the southern tip of island— it’s a moderate out and back hike or pay $20 for round trip harrowing truck ride… we love hiking one way and trucking back to have more time there)
Free coffee tour at Greenwell Farms - www.greenwellfarms.com
First Fridays art studios visit by the historic Holualoa district - www.studiosevenfinearts.com
Community art workshops - www.donkeymillartcenter.org
Boat / deep sea tours for snorkeling & whale watching - https://www.coralreefsnorkeladventures.com/our-boat or https://torpedotours.com/
Weekly contact improv at Around the Kava bowl: 81-6250 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook, HI.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS & QUICK BITES
Shaka Tacoz: Fresh and delicious tacos & burritos (get the punch card!!)
82-6167 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook, HI 96704
Black Rock: Pizza & salads (my favorite is veg head for vegetarians)
82-6127 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd #3, Captain Cook, HI 96704
Reel Aloha: Fresh and flavorful poke
Honaunau Poke Shop: Incredible selection of poke and veg options. Great iced teas run by locals!
Gypsea Gelato: Amazing homemade gelato (love the Mauka Trail, Kona Coffee, Lilikoi, Tom Kha flavors)
Coffee Shack: Hearty breakfasts with epic views (long lines, so get there early!)
83-5799 Mamalahoa Hwy (between mile markers 108 & 109), Captain Cook, HI 96704, www.coffeeshack.com
Kaya’s Kitchen: Great breakfast sandwiches (Pete’s Special is my fav), smoothies, baked goods & iced coffee with coffee ice cubes!
79-7300 Mamalahoa Hwy Kealakekua, HI 96750
Around the Kava Bowl: Kava bar and community event space
81-6250 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook, HI 96704 (in the back of the Ho’o Hui Wellness Center, across from Napa Auto Parts in Captain Cook)
Menehune: Closest cafe to us with fresh coffee and breakfast/lunch
RESTAURANTS IN DOWNTOWN KONA (25-min drive from us)
Magic Sands Grill www.magicsbeachgrill.com
Huggos www.huggos.com
Thai Rin www.thairin.com
Sunset Kai www.sunsetkailanai.com
GROCERIES
ChoiceMART (open 5am-9:30pm)
82-6066 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook, HI 96704
Closest to us with a great seafood selection. It is fresh everyday but pricey for other things.KTA Express (open 6am-8pm)
81-6602 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kealakekua, HI 96750
Cheaper than Choicemart but a bit farther from us.Safeway in Kailua-Kona (open 24/7)
75-971 Henry St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Island Naturals in Kailua-Kona (open 8am-7pm)
74-5444 Makala Blvd Suite 1, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Organic items & great deli for pre-made meals and bakery.
WELLNESS SERVICES
Onsite massage - Ask us for more details!
Massages and Blu Room Therapy at Buddha’s Cup - Text or call Amy at 808-291-6874
Ohana Bali Spa in Kailua-Kona www.ohanabalispa.com - Love the facial and scrub + wrap combo!