Girlie & Glenn’s Recommendations
Beaches
“BEACH 69” (part of Hapuna Beach)
On Old Puako Road.
Named after a telephone pole numbered 69 once on this road, Beach 69 is the one our daughters ask to go back to time and time again and it’s only about a 10 minute drive from the condo. What makes it unique is how calm the water can be and the trees that provide shade. It can get crowded during high season but you’ll always find a bit of space. You may incur parking fees during business hours and weekends but if you come. It’s truly one of our favorite beaches.
Bathrooms, outdoor showers available.
Lifeguard not on duty.
109 polecane przez mieszkańców
Waialea Beach
Old Puako Road“BEACH 69” (part of Hapuna Beach)
On Old Puako Road.
Named after a telephone pole numbered 69 once on this road, Beach 69 is the one our daughters ask to go back to time and time again and it’s only about a 10 minute drive from the condo. What makes it unique is how calm the water can be and the trees that provide shade. It can get crowded during high season but you’ll always find a bit of space. You may incur parking fees during business hours and weekends but if you come. It’s truly one of our favorite beaches.
Bathrooms, outdoor showers available.
Lifeguard not on duty.
If you want to see turtles, go to Alula Beach or what we call the “Turtle Beach.” We love this beach! Get there by driving towards Kona on Queen “K.” Turn right into Honokohau Harbor at Kealakehe Parkway. At the first corner make another right, drive and park in the lot next to the Kona Sailing Club. Facing the Club to your left of the parking lot, you’ll see a gate, walk through and turn left and along the path to this beach. Anyone can point you in the right direction as it could get confusing. You’ll know you’re there when you see the early settlers hut. It’s not so crowded and the best part is seeing turtles poke their heads in and out the water. Be mindful to keep your distance (10-20 feet) and not disturb these amazing creatures but one can’t help when they swim a bit closer to you. We must have seen at least 8 when we last went! Definitely, an unforgettable and memorable experience!
‘Alula Beach
If you want to see turtles, go to Alula Beach or what we call the “Turtle Beach.” We love this beach! Get there by driving towards Kona on Queen “K.” Turn right into Honokohau Harbor at Kealakehe Parkway. At the first corner make another right, drive and park in the lot next to the Kona Sailing Club. Facing the Club to your left of the parking lot, you’ll see a gate, walk through and turn left and along the path to this beach. Anyone can point you in the right direction as it could get confusing. You’ll know you’re there when you see the early settlers hut. It’s not so crowded and the best part is seeing turtles poke their heads in and out the water. Be mindful to keep your distance (10-20 feet) and not disturb these amazing creatures but one can’t help when they swim a bit closer to you. We must have seen at least 8 when we last went! Definitely, an unforgettable and memorable experience!
Go where the locals go and head on over to Spencer Beach. The waters are clear and calm as reefs keep away rough waters. The white sand is like powder between your toes. You’ll find picnic tables and BBQs. Try and stay to watch the beautiful sunset. Makes you feel warm all over. It’s not so crowded as the other beaches towards Kona and we love that.
Bathroom & outdoor showers.
Lifeguard on duty probably during busy hours.
Spencer Beach Park Road
Spencer Beach Park RoadGo where the locals go and head on over to Spencer Beach. The waters are clear and calm as reefs keep away rough waters. The white sand is like powder between your toes. You’ll find picnic tables and BBQs. Try and stay to watch the beautiful sunset. Makes you feel warm all over. It’s not so crowded as the other beaches towards Kona and we love that.
Bathroom & outdoor showers.
Lifeguard on duty probably during busy hours.
Along Ali’i Drive in Kona is Kahalu’u Beach Park with the easiest snorkeling experience. The water is protected by reefs so it’s not deep, and upon entering the water you’re in a living aquarium with lots of different types of fish in all colors. A lifeguard is on duty not so much as to protect humans but to remind visitors to be respectful of the sea life and avoid standing or disturbing the algae along the rocks. It is a popular area but it’s for this wondrous experience rather than for rest and relaxation.
Bathroom and outdoor showers Picnic tables
And near shops and eateries
239 polecane przez mieszkańców
Kahaluu Bay
Ali‘i DriveAlong Ali’i Drive in Kona is Kahalu’u Beach Park with the easiest snorkeling experience. The water is protected by reefs so it’s not deep, and upon entering the water you’re in a living aquarium with lots of different types of fish in all colors. A lifeguard is on duty not so much as to protect humans but to remind visitors to be respectful of the sea life and avoid standing or disturbing the algae along the rocks. It is a popular area but it’s for this wondrous experience rather than for rest and relaxation.
Bathroom and outdoor showers Picnic tables
And near shops and eateries
If you want to experience your typical, gorgeous, white soft sand beach,
you’ll find it in Mauna Kea Beach. You’ll enter through the Mauna Kea resort area and stop at the gate to ask for a public parking space pass. The downside is they have limited public parking so the earliest you get there the better but even if they fill up you can access this beach but it’ll be quite a walk. You’ll find shaded areas on the beach and we like to go to the far left where it’s a bit quieter. We bring the umbrella from the condo lanai storage closet just in case. It’s one of top beaches in Hawaii and isn’t as crowded as Hapuna Beach.
Bathrooms, outdoor showers available.
No parking fee for the public parking spaces.
Lifeguard on duty.
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Kaunaʻoa (Mauna Kea) Beach
If you want to experience your typical, gorgeous, white soft sand beach,
you’ll find it in Mauna Kea Beach. You’ll enter through the Mauna Kea resort area and stop at the gate to ask for a public parking space pass. The downside is they have limited public parking so the earliest you get there the better but even if they fill up you can access this beach but it’ll be quite a walk. You’ll find shaded areas on the beach and we like to go to the far left where it’s a bit quieter. We bring the umbrella from the condo lanai storage closet just in case. It’s one of top beaches in Hawaii and isn’t as crowded as Hapuna Beach.
Bathrooms, outdoor showers available.
No parking fee for the public parking spaces.
Lifeguard on duty.
Ok now our most favorite beach. Kukio Beach is hidden away in the Hualalai resort. It feels like a private beach that you almost want to keep this secret gem to yourself. Once you turn into the Hualalai resort area, drive further to ask for a public parking pass from the super friendly gate attendants who will direct you to this little piece of paradise. The path to the beach is a nice walk and you’ll get to pass stone artifacts along the way. The public restroom and showers are fairly decent and are right before you get to the beach area. The reefs protect the waves from getting too rough. There’s a small lagoon area to your left, tide pools in the middle and over the black rocks is an area for snorkeling. You can enjoy schools of colorful fish, and a turtle here and there could sneak up on you. As always, please keep your distance and enjoy these precious creatures from afar (10-20 feet). There’s a cool, grassy shaded area if you just lay out and lots of shaded areas from the all the towering palms. Beach shoes highly recommended for some rocky areas. The sunsets are stunning if you can stay later. We love this beach beyond words! You can’t miss out on this one❤️
No lifeguard on duty.
26 polecane przez mieszkańców
Kukio
72-197 Waiulu StOk now our most favorite beach. Kukio Beach is hidden away in the Hualalai resort. It feels like a private beach that you almost want to keep this secret gem to yourself. Once you turn into the Hualalai resort area, drive further to ask for a public parking pass from the super friendly gate attendants who will direct you to this little piece of paradise. The path to the beach is a nice walk and you’ll get to pass stone artifacts along the way. The public restroom and showers are fairly decent and are right before you get to the beach area. The reefs protect the waves from getting too rough. There’s a small lagoon area to your left, tide pools in the middle and over the black rocks is an area for snorkeling. You can enjoy schools of colorful fish, and a turtle here and there could sneak up on you. As always, please keep your distance and enjoy these precious creatures from afar (10-20 feet). There’s a cool, grassy shaded area if you just lay out and lots of shaded areas from the all the towering palms. Beach shoes highly recommended for some rocky areas. The sunsets are stunning if you can stay later. We love this beach beyond words! You can’t miss out on this one❤️
No lifeguard on duty.
Anaeho’omalu Beach can be found within the Waikoloa Beach resort area nearby next to the Lava Lava Club currently in renovation. Parking is plentiful and the beach extends into a cool sandbar. Lots of palm trees provide shade and very picturesque. Waves are a bit more choppy but perfect for boogie boarding and body surfing. It tends to get crowded but you’ll still be able to find space.
You’ll find a cat sanctuary at the entrance to the beach plus felines throughout the Waikoloa Beach area. These cats are cared for (spayed, vaccinated, fed, etc.) by the volunteers at ABaykitties.org. Whether you’re a cat person or not, please be kind to these furry locals:)
Showers and restrooms. No lifeguard on duty.
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ʻAnaehoʻomalu Beach
69-275 Waikōloa Beach DrAnaeho’omalu Beach can be found within the Waikoloa Beach resort area nearby next to the Lava Lava Club currently in renovation. Parking is plentiful and the beach extends into a cool sandbar. Lots of palm trees provide shade and very picturesque. Waves are a bit more choppy but perfect for boogie boarding and body surfing. It tends to get crowded but you’ll still be able to find space.
You’ll find a cat sanctuary at the entrance to the beach plus felines throughout the Waikoloa Beach area. These cats are cared for (spayed, vaccinated, fed, etc.) by the volunteers at ABaykitties.org. Whether you’re a cat person or not, please be kind to these furry locals:)
Showers and restrooms. No lifeguard on duty.
Food scene
Broke Da Mouf (when something is soooo lip-smacking good) is most definitely worth the hype. The line starts forming way before the 11am open time. I even tried calling ahead a few times for my order but the phone rings endlessly. They’re simple too busy to pick up because they’re taking and making orders for all the in person customers. We’ve had the garlic furikake chicken, lau lau, kalua pork, bi bum bap, pork and oxtail adobo. All the dishes were sweet or savory or both but the flavors were over the top. If they don’t run out and if you don’t take long to eat it melts, I highly recommend a massive slice of ube ice cream on a crumble crust. Oh, we’ll make room for that no matter how stuffed we are. This is no place for a diet but if you take a cheat day, this is the place to go. The wait could be long but you never see anyone leaving out of frustration because it’s worth it!
53 polecane przez mieszkańców
Broke Da Mouth Grindz & Catering
74-5565 Luhia StBroke Da Mouf (when something is soooo lip-smacking good) is most definitely worth the hype. The line starts forming way before the 11am open time. I even tried calling ahead a few times for my order but the phone rings endlessly. They’re simple too busy to pick up because they’re taking and making orders for all the in person customers. We’ve had the garlic furikake chicken, lau lau, kalua pork, bi bum bap, pork and oxtail adobo. All the dishes were sweet or savory or both but the flavors were over the top. If they don’t run out and if you don’t take long to eat it melts, I highly recommend a massive slice of ube ice cream on a crumble crust. Oh, we’ll make room for that no matter how stuffed we are. This is no place for a diet but if you take a cheat day, this is the place to go. The wait could be long but you never see anyone leaving out of frustration because it’s worth it!
You can’t go wrong with shave ice anywhere in Hawaii. Anuenue is the one we go to. The portions are huge so you might want to share and for extra you can top it off with ice cream. The line could be long depending on the time of day but it goes by fairly quickly for a place that has just a couple of folks working the counter. Bring cash as they don’t accept cards.
6 polecane przez mieszkańców
Anuenue Ice Cream & Shave Ice
61-3665 Akoni Pule HwyYou can’t go wrong with shave ice anywhere in Hawaii. Anuenue is the one we go to. The portions are huge so you might want to share and for extra you can top it off with ice cream. The line could be long depending on the time of day but it goes by fairly quickly for a place that has just a couple of folks working the counter. Bring cash as they don’t accept cards.
Hawaii’s Ultimate Donut Hot Malasadas Food (Blue) Truck Puako Road & Queen “K”
Kamuela, HI
One of the highlights and a must is ordering the best malasadas from the Ultimate Donut food truck. You can’t miss this bright ocean blue-colored food truck on the corner of Puako Road and Queen “K.” What sets these malasadas apart is they’re the perfect size (not overwhelming), not greasy and it’s criss-crossed to hold just a dollop of hard-to -choose-from fillings because they’re all so yummy! We’ve tried lilikoi, coconut, strawberry, mango, ube cheesecake, peanut butter chocolate and nutella. There’s usually a long line and about a 20 minute wait after ordering but it’s made fresh and once you taste it you can understand why they stay so busy. They accept cash only for payment so grab ahead of time as there are no ATMs nearby.
6 polecane przez mieszkańców
Hot Malasadas Truck
1 Puako Beach DrHawaii’s Ultimate Donut Hot Malasadas Food (Blue) Truck Puako Road & Queen “K”
Kamuela, HI
One of the highlights and a must is ordering the best malasadas from the Ultimate Donut food truck. You can’t miss this bright ocean blue-colored food truck on the corner of Puako Road and Queen “K.” What sets these malasadas apart is they’re the perfect size (not overwhelming), not greasy and it’s criss-crossed to hold just a dollop of hard-to -choose-from fillings because they’re all so yummy! We’ve tried lilikoi, coconut, strawberry, mango, ube cheesecake, peanut butter chocolate and nutella. There’s usually a long line and about a 20 minute wait after ordering but it’s made fresh and once you taste it you can understand why they stay so busy. They accept cash only for payment so grab ahead of time as there are no ATMs nearby.
If you’re craving a burger but don’t want fast food or pay $30 for one either, head over to Kohaka Burgers & Tacos. Their burgers are super juicy and delicious and go great with the Tsunami fries sprinkled with furikake and drizzled with their special sauce. Sooo ono! They also have yummy looking fish tacos we’ll definitely try next time and so much more. While you wait, enjoy their goody shop section of comics and nostalgic candies and gums. If you grew up in the late 70s into the 80s you’ll recognize and get a kick out of seeing pez, bazooka, Big League and gold mine nugget gum!
www.Kohalaburgersandtacos.com
23 polecane przez mieszkańców
Kohala Burger & Taco
613665 Akoni Pule HwyIf you’re craving a burger but don’t want fast food or pay $30 for one either, head over to Kohaka Burgers & Tacos. Their burgers are super juicy and delicious and go great with the Tsunami fries sprinkled with furikake and drizzled with their special sauce. Sooo ono! They also have yummy looking fish tacos we’ll definitely try next time and so much more. While you wait, enjoy their goody shop section of comics and nostalgic candies and gums. If you grew up in the late 70s into the 80s you’ll recognize and get a kick out of seeing pez, bazooka, Big League and gold mine nugget gum!
www.Kohalaburgersandtacos.com
Two Ladies Kitchen
274 Kilauea AveSightseeing
Take time to visit this very significant site and learn about the history of the heiau or temples built by ancient Hawaiians. You can see the heiau built by King Kamehameha who united all the Hawaiian Islands that still stand to this day. It’s a fairly easy walking tour and you’ll also see the village where King Kamehameha called one of his homes.
27 polecane przez mieszkańców
Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
62-3601 Kawaihae RdTake time to visit this very significant site and learn about the history of the heiau or temples built by ancient Hawaiians. You can see the heiau built by King Kamehameha who united all the Hawaiian Islands that still stand to this day. It’s a fairly easy walking tour and you’ll also see the village where King Kamehameha called one of his homes.
This garden leaves you breathless. Endless array of flowers, plants, trees, fruits, and a waterfall. Keep walking and you’ll reach the ocean with it’s beautiful cliffs and rock formations. It’s definitely too rough to swim in but the sight and sounds are otherworldly. If we can spend an entire day in the gardens it wouldn’t be enough. It’s truly peaceful and you can bask in all it’s beauty. Absolute paradise!
Shoes with good soles are recommended (The paths could get slippery if wet and the walk back uphill may require a rest stop or two -- don’t worry there are benches here and there.)
Bring snacks, water and mosquito repellant.
192 polecane przez mieszkańców
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
27-717 Mamalahoa HwyThis garden leaves you breathless. Endless array of flowers, plants, trees, fruits, and a waterfall. Keep walking and you’ll reach the ocean with it’s beautiful cliffs and rock formations. It’s definitely too rough to swim in but the sight and sounds are otherworldly. If we can spend an entire day in the gardens it wouldn’t be enough. It’s truly peaceful and you can bask in all it’s beauty. Absolute paradise!
Shoes with good soles are recommended (The paths could get slippery if wet and the walk back uphill may require a rest stop or two -- don’t worry there are benches here and there.)
Bring snacks, water and mosquito repellant.
Don’t miss the rare opportunity to see how powerful and amazing nature can be with a visit to the Volcano Park and pay your respects to Pele the Goddess of volcanoes and fire . Kilauea is one the most active volcanos in the world visited by millions a year. The park includes the Thurston Lava Tube (reddish cave-like walk that may be claustrophobic for some but truly fascinating), the Chain of Crater and steam coming up from the Sulphur Banks (no odor as far as we can tell (wink-wink). The drive down along Mauna Loa Road takes some time but you can see dry black lava as far as the eyes can see that it feels like another planet. From the lookout, you can see where the lava has flowed out onto the water...,which is why the Island keeps getting bigger! To see the smolder of Kilauea is to stay until it gets dark which we unfortunately weren’t able to do but highly recommend if you can. Refer to the website for further information.
Tips: Go to the Visitors Center first to plan your visit. Wear walking shoes. Avoid the Lava Tube if you’re easily claustrophobic but highly recommend if you’re not. The drive along Chain of Craters Road is 30 miles but try to drive at least halfway to Kealakomo lookout that also has picnic tables to enjoy the view.
880 polecane przez mieszkańców
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Don’t miss the rare opportunity to see how powerful and amazing nature can be with a visit to the Volcano Park and pay your respects to Pele the Goddess of volcanoes and fire . Kilauea is one the most active volcanos in the world visited by millions a year. The park includes the Thurston Lava Tube (reddish cave-like walk that may be claustrophobic for some but truly fascinating), the Chain of Crater and steam coming up from the Sulphur Banks (no odor as far as we can tell (wink-wink). The drive down along Mauna Loa Road takes some time but you can see dry black lava as far as the eyes can see that it feels like another planet. From the lookout, you can see where the lava has flowed out onto the water...,which is why the Island keeps getting bigger! To see the smolder of Kilauea is to stay until it gets dark which we unfortunately weren’t able to do but highly recommend if you can. Refer to the website for further information.
Tips: Go to the Visitors Center first to plan your visit. Wear walking shoes. Avoid the Lava Tube if you’re easily claustrophobic but highly recommend if you’re not. The drive along Chain of Craters Road is 30 miles but try to drive at least halfway to Kealakomo lookout that also has picnic tables to enjoy the view.
Just 11 miles from Hilo is this beautiful waterfall. You can even see it from afar near the entrance if you’re short on time. Getting up close is an easy walk along a path where you’ll see smaller waterfalls and streams. Good walking shoes with gripper soles recommended as paths may get slippery when wet.
64 polecane przez mieszkańców
‘Akaka Falls
Just 11 miles from Hilo is this beautiful waterfall. You can even see it from afar near the entrance if you’re short on time. Getting up close is an easy walk along a path where you’ll see smaller waterfalls and streams. Good walking shoes with gripper soles recommended as paths may get slippery when wet.
Visit a coffee farm and find out what makes Kona Coffee especially unique. There’s several farms to visit. We chose Mountain Thunder Coffee that gives free tours every 30 minutes plus you can enjoy free samples. A must for coffee lovers!
32 polecane przez mieszkańców
Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation
Visit a coffee farm and find out what makes Kona Coffee especially unique. There’s several farms to visit. We chose Mountain Thunder Coffee that gives free tours every 30 minutes plus you can enjoy free samples. A must for coffee lovers!
If you want a truly unique experience during your stay, visit the Starseed Ranch, an off-the-grid, zen-like garden located up high up in the breathtaking Kohala Mountains. Learn about their mission to educate and train in agricultural community and sustainability. They offer tours of their farms and farm-to-table dinners on Thursday nights with reservations. The Ranch is also available for accommodations which we had the great opportunity to stay for a couple of nights in one of their authentic bamboo bungalows. This is true island style glamping! Contact Madeline for details:)
Starseed Ranch
52-4700 Akoni Pule HwyIf you want a truly unique experience during your stay, visit the Starseed Ranch, an off-the-grid, zen-like garden located up high up in the breathtaking Kohala Mountains. Learn about their mission to educate and train in agricultural community and sustainability. They offer tours of their farms and farm-to-table dinners on Thursday nights with reservations. The Ranch is also available for accommodations which we had the great opportunity to stay for a couple of nights in one of their authentic bamboo bungalows. This is true island style glamping! Contact Madeline for details:)
Imiloa Astronomy Center
600 Imiloa PlOutdoor Local Markets
Hilo Farmers Market
Mamo StreetWaimea Midweek Farmers Market
67-139 Pukalani Rd