Category: Things To Do

This category servers as a parent category for all posts with recommendations.

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

Posted on by Hale Hahalua in Adventures & Activities, Hawaiian Culture

The Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park (a. k. a. place of refuge) is a must-see on your visit to the Big Island of Hawai’i if you are at all interested in Hawaiian culture. On top of the plethora of things you will learn about the life of the ancient Hawaiians, the Puʻuhonua’s 182 acres boast a beautiful setting on the ocean that is truly unparalleled.

When you visit, you will be greeted by a gift shop and an invitation to visit respectfully. Please know that this is not an amusement park specially set up for the enjoyment of tourists, but it is an ancient cultural and spiritual site that is still today being used for religious purposes. We find it easiest to think of it as a church and try to visit accordingly. Take your time exploring the park and soak in the tranquility and sense of peace and calm this incredible place has to offer.

Don’t forget to have fun, though! Make it a point to listen to the fascinating ranger talks and watch the film presentations in the gazebo right by the entrance throughout the day. The ranger talks are a special highlight, as they are incredibly knowledgeable and will happily and honestly answer all questions you may have. They will also teach you how to pronounce the name of this place. Also, marvel at the fierce-looking Ki’i (wooden statues) while you try to decipher their meanings, sit on the beach and play a game of kōnane (a bit like checkers), take hundreds of pictures of the birds and plantlife throughout, and watch local crafters weave baskets, carve canoes or wooden images, keeping ancient techniques alive. Most days, you can also spot hundreds of Yellow Tang and Green Hawaiian Sea Turtles (honu) from the shore while you stroll around the Puʻuhonua grounds.

If you’re visiting other National Park Service sites such as Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park or Kaloko-Honokōhau during the same trip, it may be worth buying an Interagency Pass that will get your party into all U. S. National Parks, National Historical Parks, National Forests, National Monuments etc. for a year.

While you are in the area, we also recommend snorkeling at one of the prime snorkeling spots on the Big Island: Two Step, which is right next to the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau.

Location

State Hwy 160, Hōnaunau, HI 96726

http://www.nps.gov/puho

Two Step/Pae’a

Posted on by Hale Hahalua in Beaches & Snorkeling

Named for the incredible opportunity of taking a mere two steps off the rocky beach before plunging into turquoise waters with an abundance of tropical fish, pahoehoe lava channels, and colorful coral, this truly is one of the best snorkeling spots you will find throughout the Hawaiian islands.

The small one-way road to the bay turns off the Highway about a block before you reach the gate of the National Park. There is limited parking in a lot near the shore, but if you arrive later in the day, you will most likely have to park along the road. Try to come in the morning though; visibility is usually much better earlier in the day. There are no facilities such as showers, or vendors, so pack in your own supplies (and pack them out again, of course).

The South part of the bay is more shallow and you can sometimes see sea turtles swimming among the fish and coral in the lava canyons (keep at least 10ft away from sea turtles on land or in the water, as required by Hawaiian law). The North side is a bit deeper, and if you swim out from the shore the water gets deeper still, of course. Dolphins have been known to rest in Honaunau bay during the day, so you might be lucky and encounter them there. Make sure to maintain 50ft of distance as required by Hawaiian law between yourself and dolphins in Hawai’i waters.

If you’re visiting the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park next door as well, which we highly recommend, do that first and cool off in the ocean off Two Step afterwards.

Golfing

Posted on by Hale Hahalua in Adventures & Activities

You can visit many spectacular golf courses in different price ranges on the Big Island. The closest golf course to Hale Hāhālua is, of course, the Kona Country Club, which is right next door. The golf course was built in 1966 and designed by William Bell. They used to feature an Ocean and Mountain course. The Mountain course was shut down in the 2010s. They offer discounts for guests staying in the Keauhou Resort Area. You can find directions to Kona Country Club below.

Golf Courses in order of proximity to Hale Hāhālua (as of 2023/06)

  • Kona Country Club, 78-7000 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
  • The Club at Hōkūliʻa, 81-6636 Pu’u Ohau Place, Kealakekua, HI 96750
  • Makalei Golf Club, 72-3890 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
  • Nanea Golf Club, 72-2921 Kaupulehu Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
  • Hualalai Golf Course, 72-100 Ka`upulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
  • Makani Golf Club, 71-1420 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
  • The Village Course at Waikoloa, 68-1798 Melia St, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738
  • Francis H. I’i Brown Golf Courses, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738
  • Waikoloa Beach Resort Golf, 69-600 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738
  • Waikōloa Kings’ Nine, 69-600 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
  • Mauna Lani Golf, 68-1050 Makaiwa Pl, Waimea, HI 96743
  • Hotel Fairmont Orchid – Hawaii Golf Course, 1 N Kaniku Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
  • Hapuna Golf Course, Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, 62-100 Kaunaʻoa Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
  • Mauna Kea Golf Course, 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
  • North Kohala Golf Park, 54-364 Kamehameha Park Rd, Kapaau, HI 96755
  • Hāmākua Country Club, 45-3280 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Honokaa, HI 96727
  • Naniloa Golf Course, 120 Banyan Dr, Hilo, HI 96720
  • Hilo Municipal Golf Course, 340 Haihai St, Hilo, HI 96720
  • Volcano Golf Course, 99-1621 Piimauna Dr, Volcano, HI 96785
  • Discovery Harbour Golf Course, 94-5807 Kahiki St, Naalehu, HI 96772

Location

78-7000 Ali‘i Dr
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(808) 322-2595
info@konagolf.com

www.konacountryclub.com

Keauhou Bay and Keauhou Bay Beach Park

Posted on by Hale Hahalua in Beaches & Snorkeling, Hawaiian Culture

Keauhou Bay is a short stroll downhill from Hale Hāhālua. We like to walk down to the Bay for sunset, to visit the birthplace of Kamehameha III, or to join the lūʻau at the Outrigger hotel. And then, of course, there’s snorkeling with giant manta rays.

The water in the Bay is as clear and blue as it gets and there is decent snorkeling along the edges of the Bay. You can rent a canoe from the Keauhou Canoe Club, or join them for an early morning paddle out onto the ocean. Because the Bay is covered with concrete in large parts, it is more convenient than quaint, but the canoe club is a very fun and welcoming place, and there are always a few people happily hanging out at the small beach.

On your stroll along the shore, make sure to check out the remains of a historic Hawaiian village with some interpretive plaques on the rocky beach in front of the Outrigger.

Apparently, there used to be a small restaurant right in the harbor, but as of now (07/2023), there are no food or drink vendors we know of down in the Bay. You can always head over to the Outrigger hotel for a cocktail and manta ray night viewing from their “Rays on the Bay” platform, though.

Location

78-7127 Kaleiopapa St
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Makau Nui

Posted on by Hale Hahalua in Shopping

Makau Nui is named after the constellation known as Ka Makau Nui o Māui (the big hook of Maui), also known as Scorpio. The constellation is part of a legend about a God who pulled the Islands out of the South Pacific Ocean.

Benjamin Muti is the local behind this store with its gorgeous carvings. For many island keiki, carving is not only a hobby, but also a great way to learn about Hawaiian culture. Benjamin and his family cherish this tradition and are happy to share their artwork with tourists and locals alike.

Traditional materials such as sword fish bill, marlin bill, abalone shells, and cattle bones as well as wood are used. Being handmade, every single piece is unique and tells its unique story. For each symbol they have cultural information available which teaches you about the background.

More information can be found on their website; or head on over to Kealakekua and pay them a visit. They also have pop-up stores at lūʻaus in the area. In 2023 we met them at the lūʻau at the Keauhou Outrigger hotel.

Location

79-7404 Mamalahoa Hwy Suite 2
Kealakekua, HI 96750
(808) 747-5558
makaunui@gmail.com

www.makaunui.com

The Coffee Shack

Posted on by Hale Hahalua in Restaurants

The Coffee Shack is situated along Mamalahoa Highway at Captain Cook, around 25 minutes south of Kona (10 minutes driving time from Keauhou Bay). From their lanai, you can enjoy spectacular views over Captain Cook, Mokuakae Bay and even some parts of Kealakekua Bay.

Food is only served for breakfast and lunch. For breakfast you can choose from a variety of coffee drinks, of course, as well as Benedicts and Omelets. Their delicious sandwiches, pizzas and salads are offered all day until closing at 3:30pm. The menu includes lots of great vegetarian options as well. Note that they are usually closed on Wednesdays.

It is sometimes difficult to find parking, but we have always been able to land a spot after a short wait. However, there is usually a wait for a table anyway, so make sure to get your name on their list while you wait for a parking spot to open up. The wait is well worth it here!

Rating

Spectacular views and great coffee and food – Anything else? Yes, have some of their delicious cakes to go!

Location

83-5799 Mamalahoa Hwy
Captain Cook, HI 96704
(808) 328-9555

www.coffeeshack.com

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar (Mauna Lani)

Posted on by Hale Hahalua in Restaurants

Tommy Bahama Restaurant and Bar has many locations at vacation destinations worldwide. Here on the Big Island you can find them at the Shops at Mauna Lani. While they are not situated right on the ocean, you still have great views over the resort towards the ocean from the restaurant which is located on the 2nd floor.

Food is definitely on the pricey side, but always nicely presented and well seasoned. We enjoyed the Kona coffee-crusted ribeye immensely. When we dined there, service was outstanding – fun, attentive, and quick. They took good care of us and the manager checks in with all the guests as well. We plan on being back soon!

One aside we find a bit disappointing: their menu includes only one vegetarian entrée – however, there are quite a few starter options any vegetarian members of your party may enjoy.

Rating

Fine Dining casual island style with great food and superior service!

Location

1330 Mauna Lani Dr #102
Waimea, HI 96743
(808) 881-8686

www.tommybahama.com

Sunset Kai Lanai (formerly Sam Choy’s Kai Lanai)

Posted on by Hale Hahalua in Restaurants

Sam Choy’s Kai Lanai was renamed to Sunset Kai Lanai after Sam Choy sold his stake in the restaurant in Fall 2023. They offer a variety of typical Hawaiian dishes such as Poke Bowls, Teriyaki Beef and Chicken, Garlic Shrimp, Beef and Duck Stew… Their lanai offers unparalleled views of the ocean in the Keauhou Bay area.

The food we had wasn’t bad, but lacked the punch of flavors to land a four or five star rating. Slim pickens for vegetarian diners: the only vegetarian options on the menu are edamame and dessert. Our recommendation: go there to enjoy a cocktail during sunset and then go somewhere else for dinner.

Rating

Great location, great views, but the food used to be better.

Location

78-6831 Ali’i Dr #1000
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

https://sunsetkailanai.com

Kenichi Pacific

Posted on by Hale Hahalua in Restaurants

Kenichi Pacific offers Japanese / Pacific Islands fusion dishes based on steak, chicken, lamb, and duck, but they also have a great selection of sushi and sashimi. They maintain an upscale dining experience and we always had great service; the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. We loved all the dishes we have tried over the years.

They are conveniently located at the Keauhou Shopping Center close by Hale Hāhālua, therefore you will be sure to find plenty of parking. Vegetarians will find lots of starters and a few options on the sushi menu, no vegetarian entrées, though.

Rating

Try Kenichi Pacific for a unique Japanese/Pacific Islands fusion kitchen experience.

Location

6831 Ali’i Dr #78
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

(808) 322-6400

www.kenichipacific.com

Island Lava Java

Posted on by Hale Hahalua in Restaurants

Island Lava Java has had our heart from the get-go. Their Kona location is located right on Ali’i Drive and has spectacular views of the bay. They offer a nice variety of breakfast dishes including papaya with yogurt and great granola, or breakfast croissants that you can “drag through the garden” if you want to start your day with a healthy dose of tasty veggies. What we also love about them is their selection of creative coffee drinks, including Frappés. We have also tried lunch and dinner here, but in our opinion, breakfast is what they do best.

For this reason (and also because they must have had a bad day when we had breakfast there last) we’re only giving them four stars, but will definitely be back next time.

Rating

Great breakfast, great views, great staff!

Location

75-5801 Ali’i Drive
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

www.islandlavajava.com