The Mauna Lani Beach [68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr, Puako, HI 96743 – follow the signs to Historic Shoreline Access] is a hidden gem in plain sight, north of Kona. This resort is incredible, and the best part is you don’t have to pay big resort dollars to experience it. After […]
Hawaii
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Many people choose to split their time on Big Island between the Hilo and Kona sides. Our itinerary was already crazy because we would be visiting three different islands so we wanted to keep everything as simple as possible, just one hotel for us, thank you. Although we were on […]
Similar to the south section of Big Island, the north is remote, rural, peaceful. The big draw of the north is the view of striking Waipi’o Valley [Hwy. 240 west to Kukuihaele – the road comes to a dead end at the Waipi’o Overlook]. You could walk down from your […]
See a stunning waterfall and brilliantly beautiful natural scenes while walking comfortably on a smooth path? Yes please. A visit to ‘Akaka Falls [875 Akaka Falls Road, Honomu, HI 96728] is what I call a seriously fancy nature walk. Even though we’re fancy, we don’t want to break the bank. […]
There are only four green sand beaches in the world and one of them happens to be on Big Island, Hawaii. It is named Papakolea Beach [On Hwy. 11 between the 69 and 70 mile markers, find the signed South Point road. Carefully drive this road for about eight miles, […]
Malasadas are an awesome Portuguese donut which became extremely popular in Hawaiian culture. If you’ve never had one, you must try! Our first time gorging on these tasty morsels was on the island of Oahu at Leonard’s, a bakery renowned for their fresh fantastic malasadas. When I heard about Punalu’u […]
Volcano red, macadamia nut honey, and Hawaiian guava grape. With names like those, who wouldn’t want to taste some fruity wine while in paradise? The vibe at Volcano Winery [35 Piimauna Dr, Volcano, HI 96785 10-530] is classy, yet laid back, the true essence of Hawaii. I love the intensity […]
Orchids are one of the most exceptional and exotic blossoms I have encountered in life. I love how such a bold and vibrant flower pops out of a slender mundane stem. My love began when I went to the orchid show at the Bronx Botanical Gardens and saw the incredible […]
Funny thing about this beach. There are so many wonderful elements, but tanning and swimming aren’t at the top of the list! Punalu‘u Beach [Hwy 11 Island of Hawaii, HI 96777] has some of the blackest sand I have ever seen, especially when wet from the lapping of the waves. […]
Visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is simply a must when on the Big Island. It is incredible to be in the presence of an active volcano and such diverse awe inspiring nature. Pele the Hawaiian fire goddess lives here, so if you choose you can walk through a lava tube, […]
One faithful night we had what was easily our best meal on Big Island, and quite possibly one of the best on Hawaii, or anywhere else for that matter! Moon and Turtle [51 Kalakaua St Hilo, HI 96720] is a small and thoughtful restaurant. There is a clear focus on […]
Want to take an early morning stroll, have some extra time before dinner? There are some lovely little parks right in the city of Hilo for your enjoyment. If you have some extra time between your big events of the day or you want to stretch your legs after a […]
Poke is quite possibly my favorite food on earth. I first discovered its wonder on Oahu last year at Tanioka’s, and have been addicted ever since. Raw cubes of fresh fish marinated in all sorts of goodies served on a bed of rice, simple perfection. It doesn’t get much fresher […]
From the minute you walk in the door, the friendly staff at Big Island Candies [585 Hinano St Hilo, HI 96720] will offer you samples and you are free to discover them down the aisles as well. Taste test around and find what you’re favorite style of candy is in […]
Waterfalls are one of those magical Hawaiian elements, along with rainbows and poke, but let’s stay focused. There are so many waterfalls on the islands, you could spend your whole vacation chasing them and never run out! Even if you don’t spend all of your time seeking waterfalls, you must at […]