Explore the Big Island From Hilo: A Locals Point of View

Hilo:

• Coconut Beach and Reeds Bay: Perfect for families with children of all ages. Cliff jump off the tower with the local kids, cool off in the shallower water at Reeds Bay.

• Head over to the local KTA and grab snacks you can only find on the islands! Bring home fun souvenirs everyone will love!

• Check out the view of the rainbow falls. A pretty view right outside Hilo.

• Take the Akaka Falls Hike in the state park for more beautiful waterfall views. A great hike suitable for all ages.

• Spend a wednesday/saturdays checking out the local farmers market. Find all the fresh fruit you need for your stay and support the locals while at it. Find beautiful island keepsakes and enjoy a local treat while you’re at it! Also grab a papaya salad from a local vendor — don't worry it's not nearly as spicy as the ones in Thailand!

• Whale watching is amazing on the Big Island in January and February. Have you ever wanted to see whale migrations? They come right by the Big Island!

• Check out a local surfers beach, Honoli’i Beach Park.

• Drive up the highway: Hamakua coast through the outskirts of Hilo and cross the amazing bridges with ocean on one side and waterfalls on the other and explore the surrounding neighborhoods.

• Drive right down to the water at Laupahoehoe Point. A tsunami destroyed the local elementary school here in 1946. Be careful near the ocean jacks, as the water is rough and unpredictable in this area. Be respectful as 26 children lost their families in this devastation.

• Check out some of the Lava Formations from when the eruptions came all the way up into Pahoa. Be respectful, as many hawaiians lost their homes.

Day Trips:

• Volcano National Park: This is an absolute must-see. Drive right up to an eruption point and walk around the path areas and feel the heat from some volcano holes. If you go at night, you can even see it glowing red/orange. Explore the visitors center and go on the hike through the crater. On your way back (if you're going towards Hilo) stop at Thai Thai bistro and bar for delicious Thai food after a long day at the park.

• Green Sand Beach: One of only four or five in the world, this green sand beach is a must-see. However, it does happen to be a bit hard to get to. If you are up for an adventure, take the walk/hike. Not many people do this option as it can be long and you don't want to get lost, but it's definitely doable. When you get to the drop off/start location, there will be locals for hire. Pay them whatever their rate is for the day and hop in the back of their trucks. If you want to brave it with your four-wheel, off-road vehicle, wind your way through the dunes and rocks to arrive at the green sand beach.

• Kona: There is so much to do in Kona, and so much sun! Swing by Hapuna beach for the best boogie boarding on the island, or head into the city to check out the local shops. On the other side of Kona, check out captain cook beach for some amazing snorkeling.

• Black Sand Beach: Punalu’u: Punalu’u is not only famous for its black sand, but it's especially famous for the sea turtles that lounge on the beach! Make sure to stop by and grab some purple and pink sweetbread from the southernmost bakery in the United States, the Punalu’u Bread Shop!

• Waipio Valley: You'll also need an offroad vehicle for this one. Head to the starting point and begin your descent into the valley where parts of Jurassic Park were filmed. Not only is it an incredible descent, but you'll see a massive waterfall and end up at another black-sand beach. If you're lucky, you may even see some wild horses! You are also welcome to walk, but it will be quite the workout.

• Drive to the top of Mauna Kea: At the top of Mauna Kea, you'll feel like you are on top of the world. In some seasons, they even have snow! You must stop at the visitors center to get your oxygen levels adjusted to the quick incline. Not suitable for those who have breathing problems.

Hilo:

• Makani's Magic Pineapple Shack: The absolute best acai bowls i've ever had. The owner named the shack after her daughter, and it is a fun place to take the whole family.

• Mohala’s Bayfront Fish and Chips: Right next door to the magic pineapple shack is a local restaurant. Here you can get some of the best fish and chips on the island. It's absolutely mouth-watering!

• Hawaiian Style Cafe: You can come here for a sit-down meal and discover your own local favorite.

• Verna’s Drive In: Verna’s has everything, but you cannot go wrong with my favorite, the chicken katsu dip.

• Kens House of Pancakes: So many amazing options here. Come on in for macadamia nut pancakes, or any other breakfast favorite.

• Hilo Burger Joint: If you've been on the island and are craving something a little more familiar to the mainland, swing by this burger joint. They have great burgers and are sure to stave off that craving.

• Kawamoto Store: Japanese cuisine, famous for their cone sushi. It's not for everyone, but for those who love to try new foods, this is a must!

• Minute Stop: Though a gas station, Minute Stop serves hot food. If you're on a drive to another part of the island and need a quick snack, stop here for chicken tenders and the great potato wedges.

• Kona: 808 Grindz Cafe: I'd be remiss if I didn't mention this one even though it's not in Hilo. This cafe has some of the best traditional Hawaiian food on the entire island. If you're landing or passing through Kona, this is a must-stop for lunch/dinner!