Top Things to do in Island of Hawaii
10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Island of Hawaii That You Shouldn't Miss
Life on the Big Island is a little bit slower… and locals like it that way. The natural beauty and ecological features of the island are a draw for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Test your chutzpah at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the longest volcanic eruption in recorded history, or climb to the indescribably beautiful summit of Mauna Kea. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more refreshing than a quivering plate of fresh poke, followed by a fruity shave ice.
Restaurants in Island of Hawaii
1. Kula Kai Caverns
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 180 reviews
Reviewed By TeamLopez143
Kula Kai Caverns (lava tubes) is a great excursion choice for all different ages and adventure levels. We booked this tour “day of” and as our vacation was winding down. Not knowing what to expect, my wife and I chose the one hour tour which is the most basic of the tours available. Our cavern excursion required the ability to climb/descend a total of one flight of stairs and less than 1/4mi of walking. Our guide Gary was perfect, he was very knowledgeable and funny. We learned a lot and had a great time doing so. We will definitely be back to visit Gary at Kula Kai Caverns and this time we will bring the kids and maybe book one of the more advanced tours that involve some crawling (Gary provides gloves, knee pads, and helmets w/lights for these advanced tours). PS...when you book this tour plan on visiting Punalu’u Bakery (the southernmost bakery in the United States). And also Punalu’u Black Sands Beach for a chance to visit Sea Turtles. FYI: The bakery is less than a 30 minute drive from Kula Kai Caverns. Black Sands Beach is about a 15 minute drive from the bakery.
2. Kazumura Cave Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By K1840NDjohnb - San Francisco, United States
My wife and I had a fantastic trek one mile into the Kazumura cave today with Harry on the 4 hour Pit Room tour. Harry is a fountain of knowledge on lava formations and paints a vivid picture of how different formations were, well, formed! (Definitely ask questions about anything you see and let Harry know if you want your tour to have more or less info stops) anyways, hiking through the cave itself was awesome - by the end I felt like an expert on lava flows, what oxides the different colors meant, and how to spot life down in the darkness. The hike is of moderate difficulty- some scrambling over loose rock falls and some slightly hair-raising ladder sections, but Harry did a great job showing us the paths that kept us and the cave safe. By the end of the tour, I was sweaty, sore, and happy.
3. Heavenly Hawaiian Kona Coffee Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 230 reviews
Come tour Kona's highest-rated coffee farm and enjoy free tastings of delicious Heavenly Hawaiian Coffees! We give tours at the top of the hour, from 9 am-4 pm, Monday-Saturday. See a beautiful overview of the farm, get up close and personal with the coffee trees, and experience the milling and drying process hands-on. Check out our on-site specialty coffee bar, Konalani, for an iced cold brew, tea, or house-made Italian Soda.
Reviewed By sunflower152 - Denver, United States
We enjoyed a very informative tour and were greeted warmly. They generously offered us samples of several of their products on their beautiful deck with an expansive ocean view. It was time well-spent. We were very glad that we had made the reservation.
4. The Vanillerie
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 214 reviews
We invite guests to our farm to see, smell, taste, and feel vanilla growing on the vine in our shade house oases in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, five minutes from the Kona International Airport. Come to learn about the beautiful vanilla orchid's fascinating history and experience entertainment and delight for all ages. Our vanilla infused food and body products excite all the senses, and allow guests to take the experience home with them.
Reviewed By 617areacode
The story of JR's decision to launch this vanilla farm and his many experiments in figuring out how best to grow, harvest, and process the beans so super interesting. Great little shop where you can try vanilla ice-cream (included with the tour) and buy other food and bath/body products. Seems as if JR is always inventing something new, so probably by the time you go, there will be even more to do or see!
5. Ola Brew
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 149 reviews
Reviewed By McMidgy - Deerfield, United States
Loved this place. Go get lunch at Broke Da Mouth and then take the two-minute drive to Ola and spend the afternoon here. We tried almost everything on the menu. Our favorites were the vanilla porter, Hawaiian strong ale, and the white pineapple cider. Blake, our bartender, was such a fun friend to make for the day. We just sat around for 3-4 hours, read a bit, and kept having little tasters of this and that. Perfect place for low-key drinks.
6. Hulihe'e Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 761 reviews
Hulihe‘e Palace is located in historic Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i, on Ali‘i Drive. Once a summer vacation home for Hawaiian royalty, today Hulihe‘e Palace is a museum showcasing Victorian artifacts from the era of King Kalākaua and Queen Kapi‘olani.
Reviewed By warpedmama55 - Silverdale, United States
Hulihe'e Palace is a wonderful place to visit and learn about the history of the Hawaiian royalty's summer home. Unfortunately, we arrived late in the afternoon and didn't have enough time to leisurely spend viewing everything. The nominal entrance fee helps to keep the palace open. The docents were very knowledgeable and were willing to answer all our questions. It was amazing to view the historic Victorian items of King Kalākaua and Queen Kapi‘olani. I was mesmerized by the beautiful, hand carved koa wood furniture (absolutely breath-taking), portraits of the royals, kapa (a fabric made from local trees and shrubs), actual pieces of clothing worn by the royals,and handmade feather work. Take a break and sit outside under swaying palms on the lawn and watch the waves and boats in Kailua Bay. Most of all, do yourself a favor and allow adequate time for a guided tour and to peruse this lovely palace and grounds.
7. Genesis Gallery Queens Marketplace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
8. Kahilu Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By activetravelfun
Fun, local feel. Last night we saw a great Irish band. Last week we saw a bluegrass/rock band. The week before there was a wonderful, local slack key artist. Make a night of it, come for early dinner at Merrimans, Pau Pizza, Big Island Brewhaus, Moa Kitchen, Red Rock Cafe. See a great show. Then drive back down to Kohala, kona or Hawi.
9. Volcano Art Center Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 232 reviews
Volcano Art Center (VAC) provides ongoing opportunities for visual artists in all media to sell their work on consignment in Volcano Art Center Gallery. Volcano Art Center Gallery, located within the former Volcano House Hotel built in 1877, is open year-round, seven days a week (except Christmas Day). It is operated under a Cooperative Agreement with the National Park Service, as an enhancement to the interpretive programs of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park (HVNP).
Reviewed By kcchin
The art gallery is housed in the original hotel located in Volcano National Park. There is six original hotel rooms which each room is now use for displaying top quality artwork. There was a $2500 (yes..two thousand five hundred) canvas oil which I was impressed with. I believe everything is restored and upkeeped in the original mid 1800’s look...catchment still in use ! Even the small restroom building next door. Living history !
10. Cooper Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By 977kirstens
Hot breakfast made to order, delicious baked goods, the freshest produce around, beautiful pottery and wood creations, wontons, tacos, Thai food, jewelry, hand-printed t-shirts, freshly caught fish... I never know what this little gem of a market will have in store for me. Oh and an on-site thrift store! Got me a chainsaw and a $1 Patagonia cashmere sweater. Mahalo Cooper Center! <3
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