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Destination: Big Island Destination: Big Island RSS

By Randi Schmelzer, Citysearch Contributor

Courtesy of Volcanoes Nat'l Park
Courtesy of Volcanoes Nat'l Park
From sun-drenched beaches and miles of black lava fields to snow-capped Mauna Kea, the Kona Coast is a wonderland of natural and cultural diversity.
On This Page: What to Do, Where to Eat, Where to Stay

What to Do

Hang out in a laid-back fishing village, go snorkeling at a resort hideaway or witness the world's most active volcano.

  1. Hapuna Beach State Park

    Hwy 19 (Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy), South Kohala, HI
    A fabulous natural dichotomy, this beloved white-sand, warm-water beach lies in the shadow of snow-capped Mauna Kea.

  2. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

    Hwy 11, Ka'u, HI
    Up close-and-personal tour circles the summit of the world's most active volcano.

  3. Kona Coffee Tour

    Hwy 180, Holualoa-Kona, HI
    Kona Coffee Belt tour is accented with spectacular coastline views and the aroma of fresh-roasted java.

  4. Kailua-Kona Village

    Palanali Rd (HW 190), Kona-Kohala Coast, HI
    Muumuu-clad grandmas, bikini babes and young men in aloha shirts soak up the "old Hawaiian" vibe of this open-air shopping village.

  5. Kahua Ranch

    Kohala Mountain Rd, Waimea (Kamuela), HI
    Up-country ranch town blanketed in gentle green pastures and cowboy mystique.

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Where to Eat

Hawaiian Regional Cuisine menus highlight local produce, seafood and beef; meals taste even better after a plate of pupus and a tropical cocktail.

  1. Huggo's

    75-5828 Kahakai Rd, Kailua Kona, HI
    Kona village institution for music, mai tais and open-air dining at the ocean's edge.

  2. Roy's

    69-250 Waikoloa Beach Dr Ste E1, Waikoloa, HI
    At this Kings' Shops branch of his Hawaiian fusion chain, Chef Roy Yamaguchi focuses on spice and artful presentation.

  3. Merriman's Restaurant

    65-1227 Opelo Rd, Kamuela, HI
    Unpretentious restaurant in the heart of Waimea ranch country marks the recognized birthplace of Hawaiian regional cuisine.

  4. Cafe Pesto

    Kawaiha HBR Lower Level, Kamuela, HI
    Once-tiny takeout pizzeria has evolved into one of the Big Island's casual-dining gems.

Where to Stay

Backpacker hot spot or ultra-lavish resort? The Kona Coast offers accommodations for every mood (and price range).

  1. Fairmont Orchid Hawaii

    1 N Kaniku Dr, Kamuela, HI
    An oasis of waterfalls, orchids, colorful fish, golf courses and pillowtop beds in a desert of jagged black lava.

  2. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

    100 Ka'upulehu Dr, Ka'upulehu-Kona, HI
    Bungalow-style guest rooms and royal treatment on a breathtaking white-sand beach.

  3. Hilton Waikoloa

    425 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa, HI
    Theme park-like resort features family-friendly atmosphere and a spectacular lagoon.

  4. Royal Kona Resort

    75 5852 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI
    Walking-distance access to Kona village and gorgeous views of Kailua Bay are highlights at this oceanfront resort.

  5. Uncle Billy's Kona Bay Hotel

    75-5739 Alii Dr, Kailua Kona, HI
    Swaying palms, tidy rooms and free coffee make this one of the best lodging deals in Kona village.

    Compare deals using: DealSearch

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