Sri's Big Island Guidebook
Food scene
Try the wine tasting and add a cheeseplate to it!
They also have a tea sampler!
After the wine tasting, order a cup of Rusty’s coffee. Super smooth and you do not need to add sugar or cream. This Ka’u coffee is the best!
Volcano Winery
35 Piimauna DrOnly Wednesdays and Saturdays. Parking may be hard to find but you will still find it:)
Enjoy local food, fruits and vegetables, arts and crafts, and many more!
246 locals recommend
Hilo Farmers Market
Mamo StreetOnly Wednesdays and Saturdays. Parking may be hard to find but you will still find it:)
Enjoy local food, fruits and vegetables, arts and crafts, and many more!
Simple, no fuss restaurant.
Their sandwiches are so yummy. Personal favorite is Pastrami with everything in it, cheese in a macadamia bread!
43 locals recommend
Eagle's Lighthouse Cafe
19-4005 Haunani RdSimple, no fuss restaurant.
Their sandwiches are so yummy. Personal favorite is Pastrami with everything in it, cheese in a macadamia bread!
Because it is a local grocery store and you will find and buy local goodies that you will not see in Safeway! ( I love Safeway, too)
88 locals recommend
Hilo KTA Super Stores
50 E Puainako StBecause it is a local grocery store and you will find and buy local goodies that you will not see in Safeway! ( I love Safeway, too)
Yes, there is a good Italian Restaurant in Hawaii and this is it! Enjoy the bayfront scenery while you dine!
139 locals recommend
Cafe Pesto - Hilo
308 Kamehameha AveYes, there is a good Italian Restaurant in Hawaii and this is it! Enjoy the bayfront scenery while you dine!
If you are into healthy stuff and if you love Avocado Toasts....😄
26 locals recommend
VIBE cafe & health bar
750 Kanoelehua AveIf you are into healthy stuff and if you love Avocado Toasts....😄
If you are in Hawaii, you have to try a Poke dish. You just have to!
88 locals recommend
Suisan Fish Market
93 Lihiwai StIf you are in Hawaii, you have to try a Poke dish. You just have to!
It’s good local food and prices are reasonable!
The breakfast menu is to die for. Keto dieters, beware! 😂
105 locals recommend
Hawaiian Style Cafe Hilo
681 Manono StIt’s good local food and prices are reasonable!
The breakfast menu is to die for. Keto dieters, beware! 😂
Because the sweet treats are to die for! Must try their Malasadas! And this is the most Southernmost bakery in USA! Do this on your way to Green Sands Beach. Oh and remember, this is the last decent bathroom you will see before Southpoint!
185 locals recommend
Punalu'u Bake Shop
95-5642 HI-11Because the sweet treats are to die for! Must try their Malasadas! And this is the most Southernmost bakery in USA! Do this on your way to Green Sands Beach. Oh and remember, this is the last decent bathroom you will see before Southpoint!
Happens Wednesday nights starting 5pm. Come early so you can find parking. May not be suitable for kids but if you are a cool parent, they can tag along. Great food and lots of local hippies.😊
171 locals recommend
Uncle Robert's Awa Bar and Farmers Market
12-5038 Kalapana Kapoho Beach RdHappens Wednesday nights starting 5pm. Come early so you can find parking. May not be suitable for kids but if you are a cool parent, they can tag along. Great food and lots of local hippies.😊
Legit Mexican food place!
Reminds me of Gordito’s in Seattle and that is why I am drawn to it! They said you have to try their Liliko’i Margarita!
Serving sizes are HUGE!
34 locals recommend
Lucy's Taqueria
194 Kilauea AveLegit Mexican food place!
Reminds me of Gordito’s in Seattle and that is why I am drawn to it! They said you have to try their Liliko’i Margarita!
Serving sizes are HUGE!
On sundays 7am- 2pm.
Love going to this! Music, food ( and lots of it!!) , people— it is so fun!
169 locals recommend
Maku'u Farmer's Market
15-2131 Keaau-Pahoa RdOn sundays 7am- 2pm.
Love going to this! Music, food ( and lots of it!!) , people— it is so fun!
Village Burger Waimea
67 - 1185 Hawaiʻi Belt RdJust because, it’s really good! 😋
Great place to pick up your gifts and souvenirs from Big Island. You can sample their chocolates and cookies before buying ‘em. 😋
67 locals recommend
Big Island Candies
585 Hinano StGreat place to pick up your gifts and souvenirs from Big Island. You can sample their chocolates and cookies before buying ‘em. 😋
Love the food, and love looking at the ducks while waiting for my food to arrive😊
42 locals recommend
Ponds Hilo
135 Kalanianaole StLove the food, and love looking at the ducks while waiting for my food to arrive😊
19-3948 Old Volcano Rd
Nice restaurant and the food was great! They do offer happy hour but I have not tried it.
102 locals recommend
Kilauea Lodge Restaurant
19-3948 Old Volcano Rd19-3948 Old Volcano Rd
Nice restaurant and the food was great! They do offer happy hour but I have not tried it.
19-4084 Old Volcano Rd
They have a large veriety of flavourful dishes, Vegetarian friendly with
vegan and gluten free options. I visit here often.
68 locals recommend
Thai Thai Bistro and Bar
19-4084 Old Volcano Rd19-4084 Old Volcano Rd
They have a large veriety of flavourful dishes, Vegetarian friendly with
vegan and gluten free options. I visit here often.
Another great breakfast place. (7:30 am) with inside seating. They are open till 8pm (Tue-Sat) and sometimes have evening entertainment.
55 locals recommend
Volcano's Lava Rock Cafe
19-3972 Old Volcano RdAnother great breakfast place. (7:30 am) with inside seating. They are open till 8pm (Tue-Sat) and sometimes have evening entertainment.
A popular place for dinner, reservations are recommended. Fresh local dishes, Pizza from a wood fired oven, craft beer and an extensive wine list
83 locals recommend
ʻŌhelo Café
19-4005 Haunani RdA popular place for dinner, reservations are recommended. Fresh local dishes, Pizza from a wood fired oven, craft beer and an extensive wine list
The Rim
1 Crater Rim Drive1 Crater Rim Drive
Enjoy a romantic dinner with a caldera view.
19-3834 Old Volcano Rd
Vegan selections. Surrounded by an art gallery (Volcano Garden Arts) and a lovely garden.
36 locals recommend
Cafe Ono
19-3834 Old Volcano Rd19-3834 Old Volcano Rd
Vegan selections. Surrounded by an art gallery (Volcano Garden Arts) and a lovely garden.
17-995 Volcano Rd
Locally grown coffee they roast themselves. They give tours. Coffee shop and gift shop.
34 locals recommend
Hilo Coffee Mill
17-995 Volcano Rd17-995 Volcano Rd
Locally grown coffee they roast themselves. They give tours. Coffee shop and gift shop.
1 Crater Rim Drive
Tiki style drinks as well as standard bar drinks. Continues to serve till 9:30 pm. Great bar, Volcano view, and a nice place enjoyed a drink with a loved one.
14 locals recommend
Uncle Georges Lounge at The Volcano House
1 Crater Rim Drive1 Crater Rim Drive
Tiki style drinks as well as standard bar drinks. Continues to serve till 9:30 pm. Great bar, Volcano view, and a nice place enjoyed a drink with a loved one.
Sightseeing
It’s very unique to the Big Island. Beautiful hikes and trails. Just be ready bevause it can rain or shine, anytime!
880 locals recommend
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
It’s very unique to the Big Island. Beautiful hikes and trails. Just be ready bevause it can rain or shine, anytime!
Punalu‘u Beach
Go see the turtles! Just don’t touch ‘em!
Because this is one of the 4 Green Sands beach you can find in the world.
Be ready for a hike to see the beach or pay a local ( $20/ Roundtrip) to take you there with there pick up truck.
148 locals recommend
Papakolea Green Sand Beach
Because this is one of the 4 Green Sands beach you can find in the world.
Be ready for a hike to see the beach or pay a local ( $20/ Roundtrip) to take you there with there pick up truck.
Magestic falls close to Hilo.
Easy to access. Short walk from the Parking lot. Guests will pay $1 to enter the park.
20 locals recommend
ʻAkaka Falls State Park
Magestic falls close to Hilo.
Easy to access. Short walk from the Parking lot. Guests will pay $1 to enter the park.
It’s a long drive from Volcano, HI but it is worth it!
You can rent beach umbrellas and beach chairs on site.
Bring a cooler because there is not much shade you can find there. During whale season ( Jan- March), you can see the whales breeching from the shore.
241 locals recommend
Hapuna Beach
It’s a long drive from Volcano, HI but it is worth it!
You can rent beach umbrellas and beach chairs on site.
Bring a cooler because there is not much shade you can find there. During whale season ( Jan- March), you can see the whales breeching from the shore.
Beautiful drive going up up up the Visitor’s center. Climb that little hill when you reach the visitor’s parking lot. Wait for sunset/sunrise. Omg, the view is jaw dropping.
It can get really cold and windy up there so make sure you bring proper clothes and shoes. Bring a flashlight if you plan to go there when it is dark.
There are also stargazing sessions there that I have not personally tried because I will never understand those lol. I only know shooting stars and that’s about it!
You need a 4x4 to drive to the summit.
I know someone who hiked and looked for the green lake up there. I think it’s crazy because the air is so thin up there. But if you are one of those who wants to find it, be my guest!😁
48 locals recommend
Maunakea Observatories Support Services
177 Makaala StBeautiful drive going up up up the Visitor’s center. Climb that little hill when you reach the visitor’s parking lot. Wait for sunset/sunrise. Omg, the view is jaw dropping.
It can get really cold and windy up there so make sure you bring proper clothes and shoes. Bring a flashlight if you plan to go there when it is dark.
There are also stargazing sessions there that I have not personally tried because I will never understand those lol. I only know shooting stars and that’s about it!
You need a 4x4 to drive to the summit.
I know someone who hiked and looked for the green lake up there. I think it’s crazy because the air is so thin up there. But if you are one of those who wants to find it, be my guest!😁
Most southernpoint tip of USA.
Just enjoy the scenery. Do not jump off that cliff to swim. It is super dangerous and I know people who broke their backs and injured themselves doing that. Remember, I am a nurse! So take that advice.
18 locals recommend
Kalae
Most southernpoint tip of USA.
Just enjoy the scenery. Do not jump off that cliff to swim. It is super dangerous and I know people who broke their backs and injured themselves doing that. Remember, I am a nurse! So take that advice.
Amazing view!
If you are up to it, you can hike down to the beach. It’s a difficult hike for some people. Or just enjoy the view from the parking lot! Nice bike ride, too if you have bikes!😊
201 locals recommend
Waipio Valley Lookout
Amazing view!
If you are up to it, you can hike down to the beach. It’s a difficult hike for some people. Or just enjoy the view from the parking lot! Nice bike ride, too if you have bikes!😊
Pāhoa
Quirky little town if you happen to be in that area, anyway.
Shipman’s Beach- to the locals.
It’s a local secret favorite hike🤫.
Hiked this many times.
It’s a sweet little spot.
No bathrooms!
Warning: Lock your cars and hide your valuables.
45 locals recommend
Shipman Beach / Haena Beach
Shipman’s Beach- to the locals.
It’s a local secret favorite hike🤫.
Hiked this many times.
It’s a sweet little spot.
No bathrooms!
Warning: Lock your cars and hide your valuables.
Because it’s free! 😄
The only rainforest/tropical zoo in the US. Also a botanical garden.
110 locals recommend
Panaewa Rainforest Zoo
800 Stainback HwyBecause it’s free! 😄
The only rainforest/tropical zoo in the US. Also a botanical garden.
Enjoy the lush green pastures of Kohala on your way to the valley. Hike down to the valley floor and enjoy the black sand beach. Or just stay in the parking lot and enjoy the sea cliffs from afar.
If you are hiking down, make sure hide your valuables and lock your car!
89 locals recommend
Pololu Valley Lookout
52-5100 Akoni Pule HwyEnjoy the lush green pastures of Kohala on your way to the valley. Hike down to the valley floor and enjoy the black sand beach. Or just stay in the parking lot and enjoy the sea cliffs from afar.
If you are hiking down, make sure hide your valuables and lock your car!
99-150 Crater Rim Drive
Art gallery, with regular cultural programs. check out their web site for programs.
58 locals recommend
Volcano Art Center Gallery
99-150 Crater Rim Drive99-150 Crater Rim Drive
Art gallery, with regular cultural programs. check out their web site for programs.
19-4074 Old Volcano Rd
Outside the gates of the park, but it is park experience. Rain-forest walk, cultural events, and gift shop. They offer nice guided tours of the old growth rain forest on Monday mornings (9:30 am)
14 locals recommend
Volcano Art Center - Hale Ho'omana
19-4074 Old Volcano Rd19-4074 Old Volcano Rd
Outside the gates of the park, but it is park experience. Rain-forest walk, cultural events, and gift shop. They offer nice guided tours of the old growth rain forest on Monday mornings (9:30 am)
11-3051 Volcano Rd
They house a huge assortment of Orchids. A great rainy day stop, or visit anytime really . Beautiful!
46 locals recommend
Akatsuka Orchid Gardens
11-3051 Volcano Rd11-3051 Volcano Rd
They house a huge assortment of Orchids. A great rainy day stop, or visit anytime really . Beautiful!
A local favorite with families for picnics, fishing and swimming. Often you will find fun seekers jumping off a platform into the water. Bathrooms are on site.
Coconut Island
A local favorite with families for picnics, fishing and swimming. Often you will find fun seekers jumping off a platform into the water. Bathrooms are on site.
2355 Kalanianaole St
Snorkeling and scuba diving spot ( 20 feet depth) with multiple clear tidal pools. You may see turtles, fish, coral, and whales when in season. Caution: outside of rocks, there is North swell and strong current, and extreme depth.
176 locals recommend
Richardson Ocean Park
2355 Kalanianaole St2355 Kalanianaole St
Snorkeling and scuba diving spot ( 20 feet depth) with multiple clear tidal pools. You may see turtles, fish, coral, and whales when in season. Caution: outside of rocks, there is North swell and strong current, and extreme depth.
Carlsmith Beach Park
1815 Kalanianaole St1815 Kalanianaole St
Surf's up ! The Honoli’i River joins the ocean, with surfing and some swimming areas. Bathrooms on site. popular place especially on weekend and holidays. This place is famous, featured in local songs and stories.
81 locals recommend
Honoli'i Beach Park
Surf's up ! The Honoli’i River joins the ocean, with surfing and some swimming areas. Bathrooms on site. popular place especially on weekend and holidays. This place is famous, featured in local songs and stories.
Kalapana Kapoho Beach Road
Our new Black Sand Beach. The drive to the beach is stunning, you get to travel on the famous Red Road, a tropical wonder, and over the newly hardened lava flow.
45 locals recommend
Pohoiki Black Sand Beach
Kalapana Kapoho Beach RoadKalapana Kapoho Beach Road
Our new Black Sand Beach. The drive to the beach is stunning, you get to travel on the famous Red Road, a tropical wonder, and over the newly hardened lava flow.
31-313 Old Mamalahoa Hwy
Want to “Fly” over waterfalls ? - Say no more.
55 locals recommend
Umauma Falls Zipline & Rappel Experience
31-313 Old Mamalahoa Hwy31-313 Old Mamalahoa Hwy
Want to “Fly” over waterfalls ? - Say no more.
Boiling Pots
1766 Wailuku Dr
Not too far from Rainbow Falls, worth a stop to see the river churning.
Peepee Falls
These falls are just up stream from the Boiling Pots and Rainbow Falls
A local favorite. Catch the morning rainbow. Don’t forget the path up the steps to your left. The Huge Banyan trees are spectacular.
337 locals recommend
Rainbow Falls
A local favorite. Catch the morning rainbow. Don’t forget the path up the steps to your left. The Huge Banyan trees are spectacular.
Short Path Along the Hamakua Coast’s Gorgeous Onomea Bayfront. North of Hilo on the Big Island’s lush Hamakua Coast, a scenic drive splits from Route 19 to link Papaikou and Pepeekeo. This is the old Hawaii Belt Road, aka the Old Mamalahoa Highway. Two short public shoreline access paths, the Onomea and Donkey trails, head from this scenic drive in the vicinity of the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. They offer immersion in gorgeous tropical jungle and views out over straight-out-of-paradise coves forming little embayments along the larger, stunning Onomea Bay.
48 locals recommend
Onomea Bay Trail
27-547 Mamalahoa HwyShort Path Along the Hamakua Coast’s Gorgeous Onomea Bayfront. North of Hilo on the Big Island’s lush Hamakua Coast, a scenic drive splits from Route 19 to link Papaikou and Pepeekeo. This is the old Hawaii Belt Road, aka the Old Mamalahoa Highway. Two short public shoreline access paths, the Onomea and Donkey trails, head from this scenic drive in the vicinity of the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. They offer immersion in gorgeous tropical jungle and views out over straight-out-of-paradise coves forming little embayments along the larger, stunning Onomea Bay.
Convenience Store
19-3972 Old Volcano Rd
Just as the name implies; here you will find useful "general" supplies. A little bit of everything...some grocery supplies, food, coffee, clothes, DVDs, bandaids, etc, and even gas for your car.
31 locals recommend
Kilauea General Store
19-3972 Old Volcano Rd19-3972 Old Volcano Rd
Just as the name implies; here you will find useful "general" supplies. A little bit of everything...some grocery supplies, food, coffee, clothes, DVDs, bandaids, etc, and even gas for your car.
19-4084 Old Volcano Rd
Here you can find souvenirs, sweatshirts, sundries and snacks.
15 locals recommend
Hawaii True Value Hardware
19-4084 Old Volcano Rd19-4084 Old Volcano Rd
Here you can find souvenirs, sweatshirts, sundries and snacks.
99-252 Crater Rim Drive
KMC General Store is Located inside the Volcano National Park. They have a small, well stocked general store that is open to the public. You will find basic food, beer, wine, suntan lotion, candy, souvenirs, etc.
Hours 7:30am -8pm
34 locals recommend
Kilauea Military Camp
99-252 Crater Rim Drive99-252 Crater Rim Drive
KMC General Store is Located inside the Volcano National Park. They have a small, well stocked general store that is open to the public. You will find basic food, beer, wine, suntan lotion, candy, souvenirs, etc.
Hours 7:30am -8pm