Sandra’s guidebook

Sandra
Sandra’s guidebook

Sightseeing

What Hawaii does best. Provide spectacular sights. Waterfalls, amazing hikes, ocean vistas, astonishing plants, lava caves, surfing, snorkeling, breathtaking sunsets, boating, beach walks, amazing star viewing, snowy mountains, whale watching, etc.
Walk through an extinct volcano, hike through the Thurston Lava Tube, visit the historic Volcano House hotel and chat with the rangers at the visitor's center.
880 helybéli ajánlásával
Hawaii vulkánok Nemzeti Parkja
880 helybéli ajánlásával
Walk through an extinct volcano, hike through the Thurston Lava Tube, visit the historic Volcano House hotel and chat with the rangers at the visitor's center.
Black sand beach with clothing optional is beautiful but frequently targeted for car break-ins. Leave your belongings in your room for safety. If you can't take it with you don't take it.
177 helybéli ajánlásával
Kehena Black Sand Beach
177 helybéli ajánlásával
Black sand beach with clothing optional is beautiful but frequently targeted for car break-ins. Leave your belongings in your room for safety. If you can't take it with you don't take it.
White tigers are the favorite here. Also, orchids and a really great playground for kids.
110 helybéli ajánlásával
Panaewa Rainforest Állatkert
800 Stainback Hwy
110 helybéli ajánlásával
White tigers are the favorite here. Also, orchids and a really great playground for kids.
The park is very close by, easy to get to and easy walking. A must see for lava buffs.
109 helybéli ajánlásával
Lava Tree Állami Emlékmű
Hawaii 132
109 helybéli ajánlásával
The park is very close by, easy to get to and easy walking. A must see for lava buffs.
Although not a good place to swim, the black sand beach is still growing and is great for lounging on the beach and watching the waves.
45 helybéli ajánlásával
Pohoiki Black Sand Beach
Kalapana Kapoho Beach Road
45 helybéli ajánlásával
Although not a good place to swim, the black sand beach is still growing and is great for lounging on the beach and watching the waves.
Funky downtown Hilo has lots of shopping, a farmer's market, lots of eateries, museums, scenic Banyan Drive with a beautiful park, and faces the Bayfront.
120 helybéli ajánlásával
Hilo
120 helybéli ajánlásával
Funky downtown Hilo has lots of shopping, a farmer's market, lots of eateries, museums, scenic Banyan Drive with a beautiful park, and faces the Bayfront.
The top of Maunakea has the most incredible views of stars, observatories, and awesome vistas of the entire island. At almost 14,000 feet it's recommended you acclimatize at the Visitor Center at 9,000 feet for 30 minutes before ascending to the top. Tours are available as 4 wheel drive is suggested to drive higher than the Visitor Center.
48 helybéli ajánlásával
Maunakea Observatories Support Services
177 Makaala St
48 helybéli ajánlásával
The top of Maunakea has the most incredible views of stars, observatories, and awesome vistas of the entire island. At almost 14,000 feet it's recommended you acclimatize at the Visitor Center at 9,000 feet for 30 minutes before ascending to the top. Tours are available as 4 wheel drive is suggested to drive higher than the Visitor Center.
Since Mauna Kea summit is near 14,000 feet it is recommended you stop at the Visitor Center (at 9,200 feet) to acclimatize before trying to go to the summit. Not recommend for children. The Ice Age Area is available by hiking.
Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve
Mauna Kea Humu'ula Trail
Since Mauna Kea summit is near 14,000 feet it is recommended you stop at the Visitor Center (at 9,200 feet) to acclimatize before trying to go to the summit. Not recommend for children. The Ice Age Area is available by hiking.
Sightseeing cliffs, fishing and tide pools lie at the end of Makuu Road in Keaau.
8 helybéli ajánlásával
Makuʻu Point
8 helybéli ajánlásával
Sightseeing cliffs, fishing and tide pools lie at the end of Makuu Road in Keaau.
Planetarium has free exhibits but a fee for the show. There is an extensive exhibit on navigation as the original Hawaiians did it. There is also a restaurant and gift shop.
92 helybéli ajánlásával
Imiloa Astronomy Center
600 Imiloa Pl
92 helybéli ajánlásával
Planetarium has free exhibits but a fee for the show. There is an extensive exhibit on navigation as the original Hawaiians did it. There is also a restaurant and gift shop.
Awesome and so close to Hilo with easy access. You can hike a short distance to the top for a view of the "Boiling Pots".
337 helybéli ajánlásával
Rainbow Falls
337 helybéli ajánlásával
Awesome and so close to Hilo with easy access. You can hike a short distance to the top for a view of the "Boiling Pots".
A remarkable and stunning historic park that has ancient stone walls, tikis, totems, altars, tide pools, turtles, beaches, fish ponds, ranger talks, beach trails, picnicking, canoe building, and all round unsurpassed beauty.
270 helybéli ajánlásával
Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau Nemzeti Történelmi Park
State Highway 160
270 helybéli ajánlásával
A remarkable and stunning historic park that has ancient stone walls, tikis, totems, altars, tide pools, turtles, beaches, fish ponds, ranger talks, beach trails, picnicking, canoe building, and all round unsurpassed beauty.
A lot of people object to the cost, but how many times are you coming to the Big Island? This is one way to see it ALL, and it is awesome!!! From the Volcanos to the waterfalls to the ocean and beaches, I loved every minute! Ask about the doors off Hueys for unobstructed photo shoots.
Safari Helicopters
2220 Kekuanaoa St
A lot of people object to the cost, but how many times are you coming to the Big Island? This is one way to see it ALL, and it is awesome!!! From the Volcanos to the waterfalls to the ocean and beaches, I loved every minute! Ask about the doors off Hueys for unobstructed photo shoots.
Beautiful falls near the road is unspoiled Hawaii.
7 helybéli ajánlásával
Peepee Falls
7 helybéli ajánlásával
Beautiful falls near the road is unspoiled Hawaii.
Nature retreat with massages and lodging but private.
30 helybéli ajánlásával
Kalani
12-6870 Kalapana - Kapoho Rd
30 helybéli ajánlásával
Nature retreat with massages and lodging but private.
Nice drive to the falls along the Hamakua Coast. Trail is not rigorous but bring water. Plants and view of falls are spectacular.
20 helybéli ajánlásával
ʻAkaka Falls State Park
20 helybéli ajánlásával
Nice drive to the falls along the Hamakua Coast. Trail is not rigorous but bring water. Plants and view of falls are spectacular.
Beautiful gardens, birds, tiki, ocean views and great hike. Going down into the jungle canyon is a breeze; coming up, not so much. There is an entry fee, but worth it. There are a few minimal restaurants on the way there.
23 helybéli ajánlásával
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
27-717 Mamalahoa Highway
23 helybéli ajánlásával
Beautiful gardens, birds, tiki, ocean views and great hike. Going down into the jungle canyon is a breeze; coming up, not so much. There is an entry fee, but worth it. There are a few minimal restaurants on the way there.
Historic building housing artifacts and telling the story of when Hilo was hit with a tsunami with much loss of life. Exhibits are interesting and explain modern alarm systems. Bayfront location.
115 helybéli ajánlásával
Pacific Tsunami Museum
130 Kamehameha Ave
115 helybéli ajánlásával
Historic building housing artifacts and telling the story of when Hilo was hit with a tsunami with much loss of life. Exhibits are interesting and explain modern alarm systems. Bayfront location.
One of the telescopes atop Maunakea offering breathtaking views from the summit, or as near to it as you can go. Not only are the views stunning, but so are the observatories. A surreal place and one of the few on the planet where star gazing is unsurpassed from its lofty site above the clouds.
Gemini Observatory
Mauna Kea Access Road
One of the telescopes atop Maunakea offering breathtaking views from the summit, or as near to it as you can go. Not only are the views stunning, but so are the observatories. A surreal place and one of the few on the planet where star gazing is unsurpassed from its lofty site above the clouds.
Although it's on the Kona side, this unique dive gets rave reviews. You can either scuba or snorkel from the same boat.
50 helybéli ajánlásával
Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii
74-380 Kealakehe Pkwy
50 helybéli ajánlásával
Although it's on the Kona side, this unique dive gets rave reviews. You can either scuba or snorkel from the same boat.

Food scene

Good food, nice venue. A little more expensive, but I've never gotten anything there I didn't like. Families welcome and can be a bit noisy. Very nearby and easy access with its own parking lot.
240 helybéli ajánlásával
Kaleo's Bar & Grill
15-2969 Pahoa Village Rd
240 helybéli ajánlásával
Good food, nice venue. A little more expensive, but I've never gotten anything there I didn't like. Families welcome and can be a bit noisy. Very nearby and easy access with its own parking lot.
Nice informal spot where you can eat inside or out. Limited menu but nutritious food carefully prepared. It's far more than a bakery and very nearby.
130 helybéli ajánlásával
Tin Shack Bakery
15-1500 Akeakamai Loop
130 helybéli ajánlásával
Nice informal spot where you can eat inside or out. Limited menu but nutritious food carefully prepared. It's far more than a bakery and very nearby.
Excellent pizza, but very busy on weekends. It's nearby and they do deliver, but you need to get your order in early.
36 helybéli ajánlásával
Boogie Woogie Pizza
15-2937 Pahoa Village Rd
36 helybéli ajánlásával
Excellent pizza, but very busy on weekends. It's nearby and they do deliver, but you need to get your order in early.
No matter what I order I never found anything that I didn't like. Located in downtown Hilo on the Bayfront. Upscale and can be noisy.
139 helybéli ajánlásával
Cafe Pesto - Hilo
308 Kamehameha Ave
139 helybéli ajánlásával
No matter what I order I never found anything that I didn't like. Located in downtown Hilo on the Bayfront. Upscale and can be noisy.
Local products and vegetarian. Has a "to go" restaurant and outside tables. Very popular with its own parking lot.
116 helybéli ajánlásával
Island Naturals Pahoa Market & Deli
15 -1870 Akeakamai Loop
116 helybéli ajánlásával
Local products and vegetarian. Has a "to go" restaurant and outside tables. Very popular with its own parking lot.
Upscale grocery store similar to Wholefoods. Local products, deli, and bar serving beer and wine. Located in Puna Kai shopping center 10 minutes away. Fresh baked goods, meat and fish.
140 helybéli ajánlásával
Mālama Market
15-2714 Pahoa Village Rd
140 helybéli ajánlásával
Upscale grocery store similar to Wholefoods. Local products, deli, and bar serving beer and wine. Located in Puna Kai shopping center 10 minutes away. Fresh baked goods, meat and fish.
Fresh fried fish cooked to your order while you wait. To go or eat in house. Very fresh fish. Family atmosphere. Happy place.
57 helybéli ajánlásával
Pahoa Fresh Fish
57 helybéli ajánlásával
Fresh fried fish cooked to your order while you wait. To go or eat in house. Very fresh fish. Family atmosphere. Happy place.
American cuisine in a very comfortable setting. Easy access in Pahoa with the owner often on premises.
27 helybéli ajánlásával
Black Rock Cafe
15-2872 Government Main Rd
27 helybéli ajánlásával
American cuisine in a very comfortable setting. Easy access in Pahoa with the owner often on premises.
Local grocery store has sushi bar, bakery and deli. Also a small bottle shop. Quick service and in the shopping center in Keaau across the street from McDonalds and also Longs Drug Store. Carries most brands. Parking lot is generally crowded. There are a few fast food places in the same center as well as Ace Hardware.
52 helybéli ajánlásával
Foodland Kea`au
16-586 Old Volcano Rd
52 helybéli ajánlásával
Local grocery store has sushi bar, bakery and deli. Also a small bottle shop. Quick service and in the shopping center in Keaau across the street from McDonalds and also Longs Drug Store. Carries most brands. Parking lot is generally crowded. There are a few fast food places in the same center as well as Ace Hardware.
Similar to Peets with inside and a few outside tables. Good coffee and bakery concoctions. Wifi and plug in connections for laptops. Drive thru window for take out.
10 helybéli ajánlásával
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
16-586 Old Volcano Rd
10 helybéli ajánlásával
Similar to Peets with inside and a few outside tables. Good coffee and bakery concoctions. Wifi and plug in connections for laptops. Drive thru window for take out.
Nearby farmers market open Sundays includes souvenirs as well as produce and items like turmeric honey. Also has prepared local foods and plants, food to go and outdoor covered eating area. Some vendors may not be there due to Covid.
169 helybéli ajánlásával
Maku'u Farmer's Market
15-2131 Keaau-Pahoa Rd
169 helybéli ajánlásával
Nearby farmers market open Sundays includes souvenirs as well as produce and items like turmeric honey. Also has prepared local foods and plants, food to go and outdoor covered eating area. Some vendors may not be there due to Covid.
This is the largest local farmers market located across from Hilo Bay. There are souvenirs as well as groceries. Located in downtown Hilo so lots of restaurants, shops, and entertainment is within walking distance.
246 helybéli ajánlásával
Hilo Farmers Market
Mamo Street
246 helybéli ajánlásával
This is the largest local farmers market located across from Hilo Bay. There are souvenirs as well as groceries. Located in downtown Hilo so lots of restaurants, shops, and entertainment is within walking distance.
This restaurant has live music and a killer view of Hilo Bay. It also has great food, including some umbrella drinks. Upscale and inside the Noni Loa Hotel.
24 helybéli ajánlásával
Hula Hula's
93 Banyan Dr
24 helybéli ajánlásával
This restaurant has live music and a killer view of Hilo Bay. It also has great food, including some umbrella drinks. Upscale and inside the Noni Loa Hotel.
Get the freshest fish right off the boat. Located directly on Hilo Bay you can buy fish to cook if you like.
88 helybéli ajánlásával
Suisan Fish Market
93 Lihiwai St
88 helybéli ajánlásával
Get the freshest fish right off the boat. Located directly on Hilo Bay you can buy fish to cook if you like.
Good food, excellent view of Hilo Bay. Dining inside or out on the balcony. Elevator takes you to the second floor where it is located.
137 helybéli ajánlásával
Hilo Bay Cafe
123 Lihiwai St
137 helybéli ajánlásával
Good food, excellent view of Hilo Bay. Dining inside or out on the balcony. Elevator takes you to the second floor where it is located.
Burgers and beer in the heart of HIlo across from the bay. Can get noisy.
28 helybéli ajánlásával
Cronies Bar & Grill
11 Waianuenue Ave
28 helybéli ajánlásával
Burgers and beer in the heart of HIlo across from the bay. Can get noisy.
Ponds is located on the water with a nice ambience. Good tropical drinks, live entertainment. Food is good, but service can be slow so count on getting a drink.
42 helybéli ajánlásával
Ponds Hilo
135 Kalanianaole St
42 helybéli ajánlásával
Ponds is located on the water with a nice ambience. Good tropical drinks, live entertainment. Food is good, but service can be slow so count on getting a drink.
Very Hawaiian food and atmosphere. Always busy, located in a strip mall with other small businesses. Delicious food including ramen, but I always get the banana macnut pancakes. Hmmmmm. Comfortable seating. Local hangout.
105 helybéli ajánlásával
Hawaiian Style Cafe Hilo
681 Manono St
105 helybéli ajánlásával
Very Hawaiian food and atmosphere. Always busy, located in a strip mall with other small businesses. Delicious food including ramen, but I always get the banana macnut pancakes. Hmmmmm. Comfortable seating. Local hangout.
FREE chocolate samples! Lots of people load up with gifts here, like the chocolate dipped pineapple cookies. Big parking lot and very easy access.
67 helybéli ajánlásával
Big Island Csokoládéi
585 Hinano St
67 helybéli ajánlásával
FREE chocolate samples! Lots of people load up with gifts here, like the chocolate dipped pineapple cookies. Big parking lot and very easy access.