Our Kona Picks for Hale Vino
Food scene
This is the best pizza you’re ever going to eat! It’s so yummy. Locally owned and operated, the menu is full of creative inventions that put a local twist on pizza. As of the writing of this in May 2023, they are still working on getting their liquor license. However, the Captain Cook location does have their liquor license and they offer Artisanal cocktails, and a nice selection of local brews.
Black Rock Pizzza - Kona
This is the best pizza you’re ever going to eat! It’s so yummy. Locally owned and operated, the menu is full of creative inventions that put a local twist on pizza. As of the writing of this in May 2023, they are still working on getting their liquor license. However, the Captain Cook location does have their liquor license and they offer Artisanal cocktails, and a nice selection of local brews.
Ola Brew crafts DELICIOUS and creative beer, cider and hard seltzers using local Hawaii grown ingredients. They serve tasty food Thurs - Saturday (as of 6/5/22, subject to change). On Tuesdays the place is completely consumed by Trivia Night. It's one of our favorite spots and you might see us there if you pop by to check it out.
64 moradores locais recomendam
Ola Brew
74-5598 Luhia StOla Brew crafts DELICIOUS and creative beer, cider and hard seltzers using local Hawaii grown ingredients. They serve tasty food Thurs - Saturday (as of 6/5/22, subject to change). On Tuesdays the place is completely consumed by Trivia Night. It's one of our favorite spots and you might see us there if you pop by to check it out.
This is the best sushi we've had on island, in the state, and rivals what you can find in Los Angeles. Sam is behind the sushi bar, creating magic. It's a small restaurant so there's often a wait - call in advance to check. Yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño and truffle oil is a fave.
6 moradores locais recomendam
Sushi Sam
75-5626 Kuakini HighwayThis is the best sushi we've had on island, in the state, and rivals what you can find in Los Angeles. Sam is behind the sushi bar, creating magic. It's a small restaurant so there's often a wait - call in advance to check. Yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño and truffle oil is a fave.
Best brunch spot nearby, hands down. They bake things in house, have a great coffee bar, and their multitude of options for eggs Benedict's are pretty spectacular. Bloody Mary's are on point. Plenty of healthy options and great salads too. Make reservations on OpenTable to avoid waiting outside.
163 moradores locais recomendam
Island Lava Java
75-5801 Ali‘i DrBest brunch spot nearby, hands down. They bake things in house, have a great coffee bar, and their multitude of options for eggs Benedict's are pretty spectacular. Bloody Mary's are on point. Plenty of healthy options and great salads too. Make reservations on OpenTable to avoid waiting outside.
Award winning and locally famous for Poke, Umeke's is worth a visit.
154 moradores locais recomendam
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
74-5599 Pawai PlAward winning and locally famous for Poke, Umeke's is worth a visit.
Great local food spot good for date night. Reservations suggested!
100 moradores locais recomendam
Foster's Kitchen
75-5805 Ali‘i DrGreat local food spot good for date night. Reservations suggested!
Sightseeing
Beautiful pocket-sized beach with soft, white sand great for playing in the surf. Just 9 minutes from our property.
181 moradores locais recomendam
Magic Sands Beach Park
Ali'i DriveBeautiful pocket-sized beach with soft, white sand great for playing in the surf. Just 9 minutes from our property.
This area is known locally as OTEC for the ocean industry around here. There are great level oceanside hiking trails heading north and south from this spot for miles. To the north it will end in a Heiau (sacred grounds) after about 2 miles and to the south you have the ability to go quite far, we've only ventured about 4 miles out in that direction but the trail appears to continue along the ocean.
Praia de Wawaloli
This area is known locally as OTEC for the ocean industry around here. There are great level oceanside hiking trails heading north and south from this spot for miles. To the north it will end in a Heiau (sacred grounds) after about 2 miles and to the south you have the ability to go quite far, we've only ventured about 4 miles out in that direction but the trail appears to continue along the ocean.
Best snorkel spot for easy and non-challenging conditions that deliver an aquarium of unafraid colorful fish. It's an 11 minute drive from our property.
239 moradores locais recomendam
Kahaluu Bay
Ali‘i DriveBest snorkel spot for easy and non-challenging conditions that deliver an aquarium of unafraid colorful fish. It's an 11 minute drive from our property.
We are actually recommending the beach right outside the King Kam hotel. The official name of this beach is Kamakahonu Beach but everyone calls it the King Kam Beach. The main appeal here is the calm waters of Kona Bay and near Kona Pier where you can paddle board or swim laps. This is where the Iron Man departs from for the swim portion of the race. There's a small shack where you can rent paddle boards and other ocean equipment right on the beach. There's public bathrooms and outdoor showers. Parking can be tricky but there are a few free lots nearby - Gooogle to scope those out to avoid paying.
28 moradores locais recomendam
Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
75-5660 Palani RdWe are actually recommending the beach right outside the King Kam hotel. The official name of this beach is Kamakahonu Beach but everyone calls it the King Kam Beach. The main appeal here is the calm waters of Kona Bay and near Kona Pier where you can paddle board or swim laps. This is where the Iron Man departs from for the swim portion of the race. There's a small shack where you can rent paddle boards and other ocean equipment right on the beach. There's public bathrooms and outdoor showers. Parking can be tricky but there are a few free lots nearby - Gooogle to scope those out to avoid paying.
Tasty Kona is a woman-owned local gift shop that specializes in carrying very locally made goods and gifts. They have edible treats, jewelry and accessories, and a wide range of beautiful items at different price points.
Tasty Kona
75-5725 Ali‘i DriveTasty Kona is a woman-owned local gift shop that specializes in carrying very locally made goods and gifts. They have edible treats, jewelry and accessories, and a wide range of beautiful items at different price points.
Hidden walking, hiking, and biking trail that is dappled with shade, pretty level, and nearby. If you're a runner you'll be looking for a spot to get some miles in while you're here, and this is a great alternative to running Alii Drive.
Walua Trail North Trailhead
Hidden walking, hiking, and biking trail that is dappled with shade, pretty level, and nearby. If you're a runner you'll be looking for a spot to get some miles in while you're here, and this is a great alternative to running Alii Drive.
Hold a sea horse! Need we say more? But we will say more. They're doing great work for the species and their population numbers, and offer a really interesting and educational tour of their facilities. Keep in mind this place is primarily a place of science and research, but they run tours to help contribute to their operating costs so while they are friendly and educational, the facilities are not beautifully designed - it is more of a lab than a tourism trap. The gift shop is an exception and houses more seahorse things than you've ever seen in your life. This is 18 min from our property.
27 moradores locais recomendam
Ocean Rider Inc
73-4388 Ilikai PlaceHold a sea horse! Need we say more? But we will say more. They're doing great work for the species and their population numbers, and offer a really interesting and educational tour of their facilities. Keep in mind this place is primarily a place of science and research, but they run tours to help contribute to their operating costs so while they are friendly and educational, the facilities are not beautifully designed - it is more of a lab than a tourism trap. The gift shop is an exception and houses more seahorse things than you've ever seen in your life. This is 18 min from our property.
Feed and play with an octopus! Yes that's right. These highly intelligent creatures need socialization to thrive, and the staff at Kanaloa Octopus Farm have figured out a genius way to do that - they run tours and guide regular people through the do's and don'ts of playing with the octopus who each have a favorite toy and their own tank. On the tour you'll learn all about the work they're doing at the farm to help octopi numbers and study how to breed in captivity. This place's main purpose is a farm, not a tourist attraction, so be prepared for grounds that are functional and built around what's best for the creatures, not necessarily picturesque for visitors. That being said, interacting with these special living beings is unforgettable and you're likely to snap incredible pics of the encounter.
12 moradores locais recomendam
Fazenda de Polvo Kanaloa
73-4460 Queen Ka'ahumanu HighwayFeed and play with an octopus! Yes that's right. These highly intelligent creatures need socialization to thrive, and the staff at Kanaloa Octopus Farm have figured out a genius way to do that - they run tours and guide regular people through the do's and don'ts of playing with the octopus who each have a favorite toy and their own tank. On the tour you'll learn all about the work they're doing at the farm to help octopi numbers and study how to breed in captivity. This place's main purpose is a farm, not a tourist attraction, so be prepared for grounds that are functional and built around what's best for the creatures, not necessarily picturesque for visitors. That being said, interacting with these special living beings is unforgettable and you're likely to snap incredible pics of the encounter.
This harbor is full of boats but Kona Cowboy is a great fishing vessel that will take you long line sportfishing. They offer half, three-quarter, and full day charters. Highly recommended to book far in advance. Be prepared for a departure time of before dawn.
Kamanu II is a great vessel to take you night manta ray snorkeling. This is a pretty unique activity that you can only enjoy a few places on Earth. Swim with enormous, graceful, and harmless manta rays which come out only at night.
9 moradores locais recomendam
Honokohau Small Boat Harbor
This harbor is full of boats but Kona Cowboy is a great fishing vessel that will take you long line sportfishing. They offer half, three-quarter, and full day charters. Highly recommended to book far in advance. Be prepared for a departure time of before dawn.
Kamanu II is a great vessel to take you night manta ray snorkeling. This is a pretty unique activity that you can only enjoy a few places on Earth. Swim with enormous, graceful, and harmless manta rays which come out only at night.
Pu'u means hill in Hawiian. This park offers a loop hiking trail with dramatic forest and sea views around this pu'u also known as cupcake hill (due to the ruffled sides looking like a cupcake wrapper paper). A 27 minute drive from our property.
11 moradores locais recomendam
Pu'u Wa'awa'a Cinder Cone State Park
71-1645 Hawaiʻi Belt RdPu'u means hill in Hawiian. This park offers a loop hiking trail with dramatic forest and sea views around this pu'u also known as cupcake hill (due to the ruffled sides looking like a cupcake wrapper paper). A 27 minute drive from our property.
There is a north trailhead and a south trail head to this hike. The North trailhead is along the access road to Kua Bay beach, also known as Kekaha Kai State Park and Manini'owali Beach. Pu'u is Hawaiian for hill. Look for a faint trail leading up the hill from the South side of the road that leads directly to the summit for amazing views of the ocean and surrounding area. This is 24-30 minutes from our property. See listing on BigIslandHikes for detailed info.
Pu'u Ku'ili
There is a north trailhead and a south trail head to this hike. The North trailhead is along the access road to Kua Bay beach, also known as Kekaha Kai State Park and Manini'owali Beach. Pu'u is Hawaiian for hill. Look for a faint trail leading up the hill from the South side of the road that leads directly to the summit for amazing views of the ocean and surrounding area. This is 24-30 minutes from our property. See listing on BigIslandHikes for detailed info.
This paved 0.72 mile loop through a well-loved community garden is a nice walk for plant lovers or those looking for light-weight exercise. Best time to visit is early-ish morning to avoid peak sun and potentially unsavory night time characters.
Maka'eo Walking Path
755560 Kuakini HighwayThis paved 0.72 mile loop through a well-loved community garden is a nice walk for plant lovers or those looking for light-weight exercise. Best time to visit is early-ish morning to avoid peak sun and potentially unsavory night time characters.
The absolute best way to see the entire island as quickly as possible. Book their full island tour and make sure you ask for tour guide Mia, her tours are extra fun as well as very informative.
Wasabi Tours Hawaii
The absolute best way to see the entire island as quickly as possible. Book their full island tour and make sure you ask for tour guide Mia, her tours are extra fun as well as very informative.
This farm grows Fukui nuts for skin-pampering soap and oils, cacao for chocolate, coffee beans, and a wide range of other tropical produce. One of the owners is also a ceramics artist and makes beautiful handmade mugs, bowls, and other items. Check their website for tor availability as offerings are limited but it’s wort a visit if they consider with your vacation days. Their gift shop is brimming with locally made souvenirs and gifts that are truly unique. Please do a search for KonaNaturalSoap as Airbnb doesn’t let us input a URL in here.
Kona Natural Soap Factory location. Open to private tours and appoint only.
This farm grows Fukui nuts for skin-pampering soap and oils, cacao for chocolate, coffee beans, and a wide range of other tropical produce. One of the owners is also a ceramics artist and makes beautiful handmade mugs, bowls, and other items. Check their website for tor availability as offerings are limited but it’s wort a visit if they consider with your vacation days. Their gift shop is brimming with locally made souvenirs and gifts that are truly unique. Please do a search for KonaNaturalSoap as Airbnb doesn’t let us input a URL in here.
Tiny little ocean park in town. No sand but a great sunset perch and super close to our Airbnb.
Kalaepa'Akai Beach
Tiny little ocean park in town. No sand but a great sunset perch and super close to our Airbnb.
Are you someone who believes in or is curious about other worlds, quantum physics, or UFOs? Then you might want to check out Big Island UFO Tours who can help you enjoy the night sky in a whole new way! These guys introduce you to the unseen world with advanced Gen-3 military night vision goggles. In the tour, you will learn about what is "known" in the sky and how those objects behave. Once you are trained in the "known," you will then be able to experience the "unknown." Tour guide Dr. Lisa talks story about her own personal experiences with UFOs/ETs and shares about the Hawaiian connection to the cosmos. To find their website and book online, do a search for these words in quotation marks, "Big Island UFO Tours".
Ilha do Havaí
Are you someone who believes in or is curious about other worlds, quantum physics, or UFOs? Then you might want to check out Big Island UFO Tours who can help you enjoy the night sky in a whole new way! These guys introduce you to the unseen world with advanced Gen-3 military night vision goggles. In the tour, you will learn about what is "known" in the sky and how those objects behave. Once you are trained in the "known," you will then be able to experience the "unknown." Tour guide Dr. Lisa talks story about her own personal experiences with UFOs/ETs and shares about the Hawaiian connection to the cosmos. To find their website and book online, do a search for these words in quotation marks, "Big Island UFO Tours".
Neighborhoods
Ali’i Drive is the ocean front street that runs through the middle of Kona town. It’s great for a stroll and to stop for shopping, views, bites, and a drink.
Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, EUA
Ali’i Drive is the ocean front street that runs through the middle of Kona town. It’s great for a stroll and to stop for shopping, views, bites, and a drink.