Adventure Awaits: Big Island Edition

Diverse and vast—this island has everything from active volcanoes and black sand beaches to coffee farms and snowy mountaintops. Great for adventurers and travelers who want to explore a wide range of landscapes.

Where to Stay

• Luxury: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection or Rosewood Kona Village

• Mid-range: Waikoloa Beach Marriott, SCP Hilo Hotel

• Unique: Volcano House (Inside Volcanoes National Park)

Beaches

• Hapuna Beach – Long, soft, white sand – great for swimming.

• Mauna Kea Beach – Picture-perfect cove, calm mornings.

• Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach – Striking contrast and often turtles sunbathing.

• Kaunaʻoa Bay – Calm, clear waters — snorkel perfection.

Things to Do

• Explore Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

• Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay or Two Step

• Visit Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach

• Tour a Kona coffee farm

• Tour Kona Brewing Co and grab lunch after

• Stargaze at Mauna Kea Visitor Center

• Learn about Hawaiian culture at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

• Enjoy the views from the Waipio Valley Lookout

• Shop at Kings’ Shops and Queen’s Marketplace

Where to Eat

• Kona Brewing Co. (craft beer & pizza)

• Big Island Grill (local comfort food)

• ʻUlu Ocean Grill at the Four Seasons (fine dining)

• Kaya’s Coffee in Kealakekua (chill local spot)

• Two Ladies Kitchen (famous, fresh mochi)

• Blane’s Drive Inn (plate lunch)

• Sansei at Hilton (Japanese)

• Hayashi (Kona)

• Umeke- poki (Kona)

• Pine Tree Cafe- poki (Kona)

• Holy Donuts- donuts (Kona)