Amanda’s Guidebook
Food scene
Across from Carlsmith Beach Park (my favorite beach) is this lovely gem of a restaurant! If you love quality seafood in a relaxing and slightly fancy setting after your ocean adventures at Carlsmith, this is the place!! :)
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Seaside Restaurant And Aqua Farm
1790 Kalanianaole StAcross from Carlsmith Beach Park (my favorite beach) is this lovely gem of a restaurant! If you love quality seafood in a relaxing and slightly fancy setting after your ocean adventures at Carlsmith, this is the place!! :)
If you are a sushi lover, or if you're like me and don't eat sushi but still love some amazing rolls and quality food, Sakura is amazing!! They are located close to the airport, so it's also great for a nice relaxing place to sit and dine after your long journey :)
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sakura Sushi & Grill
200 Kanoelehua AveIf you are a sushi lover, or if you're like me and don't eat sushi but still love some amazing rolls and quality food, Sakura is amazing!! They are located close to the airport, so it's also great for a nice relaxing place to sit and dine after your long journey :)
In the heart of Downtown Hilo, you can find this magical and very unique shop that has the best smoothies, ice cream, and if you look at their menu you can see all of the incredibly interesting creations they make!!! It's definitely a place to stop on a nice warm day. Plus they have some food options!! Both vegetarian and not. :) AND IT IS FAMILY OWNED AND LOCAL!! HOW COOL!
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack
54 Waianuenue AveIn the heart of Downtown Hilo, you can find this magical and very unique shop that has the best smoothies, ice cream, and if you look at their menu you can see all of the incredibly interesting creations they make!!! It's definitely a place to stop on a nice warm day. Plus they have some food options!! Both vegetarian and not. :) AND IT IS FAMILY OWNED AND LOCAL!! HOW COOL!
A true LOCAL GEM! This place is sort of a hole in the wall, take-it-to-go, kind of store! The fish is local, the people are very local, and the rugged style of this place is offset by the fact that you are choosing to support our Big Island Ohana!!!! :) Plus their food is delicious!!! (I suggest the Ono fish because it's my favorite). Enjoy!
57 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pahoa Fresh Fish
A true LOCAL GEM! This place is sort of a hole in the wall, take-it-to-go, kind of store! The fish is local, the people are very local, and the rugged style of this place is offset by the fact that you are choosing to support our Big Island Ohana!!!! :) Plus their food is delicious!!! (I suggest the Ono fish because it's my favorite). Enjoy!
An amazing cafe in Hilo with the best fish tacos and other meaty and veggie options! One of the best places to eat if you want delicious AND healthy at the same time!! I highly recommend dining here!!! Great atmosphere and lovely artwork as well!!
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Conscious Culture Cafe
110 Keawe StAn amazing cafe in Hilo with the best fish tacos and other meaty and veggie options! One of the best places to eat if you want delicious AND healthy at the same time!! I highly recommend dining here!!! Great atmosphere and lovely artwork as well!!
Vegan? Vegetarian? THIS IS THE SPOT!!! I love the local, sort of hipster trendy vibeee of this cafe!!! A TON of delicious options and beverages of all unique flavors and choices! And you're supporting a local business, which realllly helps our sweet island! Please shop local! And enjoy the VIBE of this amazing spot to sit, relax, and feast!
27 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
VIBE cafe & health bar
750 Kanoelehua AveVegan? Vegetarian? THIS IS THE SPOT!!! I love the local, sort of hipster trendy vibeee of this cafe!!! A TON of delicious options and beverages of all unique flavors and choices! And you're supporting a local business, which realllly helps our sweet island! Please shop local! And enjoy the VIBE of this amazing spot to sit, relax, and feast!
This place is a truly famous local gem in the very eclectic town of Pahoa! Everyone loves Nings!! And if you don't, that's ok. But I'm pretty sure you'll be scarfing everything down in 2 seconds tops. :) AND IT'S LOCAL!! and a sweet FAMILY OWNED and OPERATED Thai food extravaganza! Awesome vegetarian options too :)
142 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ning's Thai Cuisine
15-2955 Pahoa Village RdThis place is a truly famous local gem in the very eclectic town of Pahoa! Everyone loves Nings!! And if you don't, that's ok. But I'm pretty sure you'll be scarfing everything down in 2 seconds tops. :) AND IT'S LOCAL!! and a sweet FAMILY OWNED and OPERATED Thai food extravaganza! Awesome vegetarian options too :)
Want Breakfast?! YUMMY place to eat with such delicious food and all kinds of options!! Wake up at my sweet cottage, take in the magic of being in the bliss of the native forest with morning Kona coffee on the lanai, and adventure to get your first ultra YUM meal of the day!!
57 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pele's Kitchen
152923 Pahoa Village RdWant Breakfast?! YUMMY place to eat with such delicious food and all kinds of options!! Wake up at my sweet cottage, take in the magic of being in the bliss of the native forest with morning Kona coffee on the lanai, and adventure to get your first ultra YUM meal of the day!!
DO YOU LOVE ICE CREAM OR WHAT?! On a nice hot day, or on any day really, Nicoco's is a TRUE GEM! In the very unique town of Pahoa, grab some ice cream before you head to your next adventure!! It's a nice place to stop on the way towards Kalapana and visit Pohoiki (hot ponds location) to relax at the end of your day :) Oh did I mention you're supporting LOCAL as you devour your creamed icey goodness?!
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Nicoco Hawaiian Gelato
15-2929 Pahoa Village RdDO YOU LOVE ICE CREAM OR WHAT?! On a nice hot day, or on any day really, Nicoco's is a TRUE GEM! In the very unique town of Pahoa, grab some ice cream before you head to your next adventure!! It's a nice place to stop on the way towards Kalapana and visit Pohoiki (hot ponds location) to relax at the end of your day :) Oh did I mention you're supporting LOCAL as you devour your creamed icey goodness?!
BREAKFAST is a GO here! No matter your dietary preferences, you are likely to find what you want here!! Supporting local is the best way to be a tourist, so please support this amazing place!
130 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tin Shack Bakery
15-1500 Akeakamai LoopBREAKFAST is a GO here! No matter your dietary preferences, you are likely to find what you want here!! Supporting local is the best way to be a tourist, so please support this amazing place!
Neighborhoods
Being in Hilo is like going back in time with all the amazing buildings dating back to about 1910! Of course they've been restored, but the old world feeling is still present! There are tons of amazing places to eat, fun activities to do, gardens to see, and the bay is quite beautiful to walk around. There are waterfalls close by, plus a twice-weekly outdoor market with over 200 vendors selling produce, artisanal foods & crafts!! I recommend parking and walking to see all the interesting bayfront stores!!!!
120 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hilo
Being in Hilo is like going back in time with all the amazing buildings dating back to about 1910! Of course they've been restored, but the old world feeling is still present! There are tons of amazing places to eat, fun activities to do, gardens to see, and the bay is quite beautiful to walk around. There are waterfalls close by, plus a twice-weekly outdoor market with over 200 vendors selling produce, artisanal foods & crafts!! I recommend parking and walking to see all the interesting bayfront stores!!!!
About 15-20 minutes away from your stay in my cottage, you will find probably one of the most interesting, eclectic, and unique small towns life has to offer! It's sort of the "hippie-verse" of the Big Island world. You can find many restaurants and even a new shopping center that is more modern called Puna Kai where there are clothing stores, groceries, restaurants, ice cream, and random gems. I highly recommend visiting on the second saturday of the month if you can for the Music & Art Walk! Or if you are feeling internally adventurous and looking for an artistically fun experience, try hanging out at the Kava Bar on Thursday nights to watch (or participate!) in Open Mic Night! :) Enjoy this strange and beautiful town!
103 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pāhoa
About 15-20 minutes away from your stay in my cottage, you will find probably one of the most interesting, eclectic, and unique small towns life has to offer! It's sort of the "hippie-verse" of the Big Island world. You can find many restaurants and even a new shopping center that is more modern called Puna Kai where there are clothing stores, groceries, restaurants, ice cream, and random gems. I highly recommend visiting on the second saturday of the month if you can for the Music & Art Walk! Or if you are feeling internally adventurous and looking for an artistically fun experience, try hanging out at the Kava Bar on Thursday nights to watch (or participate!) in Open Mic Night! :) Enjoy this strange and beautiful town!
We all know that there is glowing lava at night at Volcanoes National Park, right?! ...shhhhh! ITS FREE AT NIGHT after 7:30pm. I'd recommend going at that time, taking an immediate left after you pass the kiosks, and go down to "devestation trail" parking lot where you will see a lot of cars, then walk down the road where others will be walking (follow the folks!) and it's about a mile of relaxed walking on paved road in cooler air... where then... you can see the LAVA LAKE!! The brightness and presence of lava varies and if you can find information about that day's lava activity, the better! Enjoy seeing new land form as Pele shows off her magical glow!!
71 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Volcano
We all know that there is glowing lava at night at Volcanoes National Park, right?! ...shhhhh! ITS FREE AT NIGHT after 7:30pm. I'd recommend going at that time, taking an immediate left after you pass the kiosks, and go down to "devestation trail" parking lot where you will see a lot of cars, then walk down the road where others will be walking (follow the folks!) and it's about a mile of relaxed walking on paved road in cooler air... where then... you can see the LAVA LAKE!! The brightness and presence of lava varies and if you can find information about that day's lava activity, the better! Enjoy seeing new land form as Pele shows off her magical glow!!
Sightseeing
Would you like to see one of the most amazing waterfalls of your life?!?! Only a short walk through a lush botanical garden on sidewalk with some steps. Enjoy the drive there and pet some baby goats along the way, or stop for some fresh coconuts! The waterfall is truly incredible and I highly recommend seeing it in person!!!!
341 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Estatal de las Cataratas de Akaka
875 Akaka Falls RdWould you like to see one of the most amazing waterfalls of your life?!?! Only a short walk through a lush botanical garden on sidewalk with some steps. Enjoy the drive there and pet some baby goats along the way, or stop for some fresh coconuts! The waterfall is truly incredible and I highly recommend seeing it in person!!!!
A lovely waterfall area in Hilo that you don't want to miss!!! You literally just go there, park, get out, and you are only steps away from seeing this gorgeous waterfall!!!!
337 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rainbow Falls
A lovely waterfall area in Hilo that you don't want to miss!!! You literally just go there, park, get out, and you are only steps away from seeing this gorgeous waterfall!!!!
A beautiful place to stop and see a waterfall in the distance called Pe'e Pe'e falls (not pee pee falls!!!!) and see some lovely flowing river with "boiling pots" referring to the swirling/bubbling of water in circular pools cascading down the hill :) Please DO NOT swim in any pools! Folks can drown and let's not do that this trip, ya?! :) Have funnnn!
54 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Boiling Pots
1766 Wailuku DrA beautiful place to stop and see a waterfall in the distance called Pe'e Pe'e falls (not pee pee falls!!!!) and see some lovely flowing river with "boiling pots" referring to the swirling/bubbling of water in circular pools cascading down the hill :) Please DO NOT swim in any pools! Folks can drown and let's not do that this trip, ya?! :) Have funnnn!
MY FAVORITE BEACH! Clear turquoise water, a bit chilly from cold springs close by, but some spots are warmer!! I love to bring my floaty and relax there in the sun on a warm day, dip in the water, and wait until dusk for the arrival of the Honu (sea turtles) back toward shore. With the sunset, it's magical to say the least!!
140 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Carlsmith Beach Park
1815 Kalanianaole StMY FAVORITE BEACH! Clear turquoise water, a bit chilly from cold springs close by, but some spots are warmer!! I love to bring my floaty and relax there in the sun on a warm day, dip in the water, and wait until dusk for the arrival of the Honu (sea turtles) back toward shore. With the sunset, it's magical to say the least!!
HAVE KIDS?! This is such a keiki (kid) friendly beach!!! And it's gorgeous for adults too! I love the shallow water and the warmth! It's beautiful and lovely!
65 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque de la playa de Onekahakaha
74 Onekahakaha RdHAVE KIDS?! This is such a keiki (kid) friendly beach!!! And it's gorgeous for adults too! I love the shallow water and the warmth! It's beautiful and lovely!
Some folks like nude beaches! So here is one! Watch naked hippies doing yoga or participating in a small drum circle on Sundays! This is the first "Sunday Funday" experience.... catch some locals out there and see where the adventure takes you.... Recommended only for the adventurous and hippie-curious, conservatives who are looking for strange things outside of your comfort zone, or for the more free spirited folks! Enjoy this unique black sand beach and maybe swim with dolphins if able, but BE CAREFUL SWIMMING and please watch for currents. Ask locals if water conditions are good for swimming or eyeball it, but be mindful of ocean safety :)
177 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kehena Black Sand Beach
Some folks like nude beaches! So here is one! Watch naked hippies doing yoga or participating in a small drum circle on Sundays! This is the first "Sunday Funday" experience.... catch some locals out there and see where the adventure takes you.... Recommended only for the adventurous and hippie-curious, conservatives who are looking for strange things outside of your comfort zone, or for the more free spirited folks! Enjoy this unique black sand beach and maybe swim with dolphins if able, but BE CAREFUL SWIMMING and please watch for currents. Ask locals if water conditions are good for swimming or eyeball it, but be mindful of ocean safety :)
Visiting on a SUNDAY?!? This farmer's market is literally right down the road, about 10 mins away! BUY LOCAL food from LOCAL FARMERS!!! And there are crafts, massages, and interesting venders!!! I love this place and hope you buy some unique tropical fruit! There's a lot to see, so feel free to explore!!!
169 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mercado de Agricultores de Maku'u
15-2131 Keaau-Pahoa RdVisiting on a SUNDAY?!? This farmer's market is literally right down the road, about 10 mins away! BUY LOCAL food from LOCAL FARMERS!!! And there are crafts, massages, and interesting venders!!! I love this place and hope you buy some unique tropical fruit! There's a lot to see, so feel free to explore!!!
This one goes without saying really. But if I were to say something, which I am, I would say GO VISIT AT NIGHT AFTER 7:30pm and SEE THE LAVA LAKE! Take an immediate left after the kiosk and drive down until you see the parking lot for the devastation trail (there will be lots of cars and pretty obvious where to park) so don't mind the 10 minute approx. drive to get there after you enter the park. When you find the parking lot, you will be able to follow the folks down the road for about a mile until you see the lava lake! Bring a jacket, as it may be chilly!!!
880 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This one goes without saying really. But if I were to say something, which I am, I would say GO VISIT AT NIGHT AFTER 7:30pm and SEE THE LAVA LAKE! Take an immediate left after the kiosk and drive down until you see the parking lot for the devastation trail (there will be lots of cars and pretty obvious where to park) so don't mind the 10 minute approx. drive to get there after you enter the park. When you find the parking lot, you will be able to follow the folks down the road for about a mile until you see the lava lake! Bring a jacket, as it may be chilly!!!
Consejos para la ciudad
Costumbres y cultura
This is the Kingdom of Hawai'i!
Please respect locals and be mindful of the cultural climate. Many Kānaka Maoli (native Hawaiians) have been displaced and suffer tremendously, but still the vast majority are friendly and welcoming to visitors. It's important to be friendly, respectful, and kind to everyone. This island is home to many and not only a place folks adventure around. Please pick up your 'ōpala (trash) and kokua (help) keep the 'āina (land) clean. Be respectful of the sacred Hawaiian sites (heiau- hawaiian temples) and leave places as you found them :) Most of all, enjoy the ALOHA SPIRIT and embrace it! :)