big island hawaii travel guide pdf

The Big Island is world-famous for its pristine multi-colored beaches, explore more with our comprehensive beach guide.

With their incredible marine life, amazing coral, and crystal clear water, you’ll love these snorkeling spots around the Big Island.

Explore Hawaii with the Big Island Guide

Big Island Guide is your complete Hawaii travel guide before and during your Hawaiian vacation. We’ll walk you through where to stay, where to eat, and most importantly, what there is to do on the Big Island of Hawaii. Whether you’re visiting as part of a longer stay on other Hawaiian Islands or hoping to maximize your time on the Big Island, Big Island Guide is here to help.

The Big Island of Hawaii is paradise for travelers inclined toward adventure and exploration. From the flowing lava of Kilauea Volcano to the cascading waters of Hi’ilawe Falls to the snowcapped peaks of Mauna Kea, the sheer geographic and climate diversity present here is worth the journey.

At over 4,000 square miles, the Big Island lives up to its name. A trip around the island is over 220 miles, taking the better part of the day. Due to the variety and density of natural and local attractions, most visitors to Hawaii Island return several times in an attempt to explore every inch. To make the most of your Big Island adventure, smart planning and a little insider’s insight will go a long way. That’s where Big Island Guide comes in, we have the travel tips to make your Hawaii vacation amazing.

The connection to the natural world on the Big Island is truly awe inspiring. The refreshing Pacific Ocean with its abundant sea life, clear water and pristine beaches makes a dramatic backdrop for water-sports, diving and snorkeling. The night skies are so clear that multinational observatories have been established atop the staggering volcanoes at the heart of the island. Massive shield volcano Kilauea is one of the world’s most active and a breathtaking reminder of the constructive, and destructive, powers of nature.

In stark contrast to the natural beauty present here, the Big Island also offers world-class Hawaiian resorts, travel centric activities, and remarkable preservations of Hawaiian history. Hawaiian cultural sites tell the rich history of this land and provide a glimpse into the lives and customs of ancient Hawaiians.

The various observatories, dedicated to the study of the stars, help mankind gain ever-more understanding of the universe. The many galleries, museums, hula, and music events across the Big Island share a common artistic expression that only life on the Big Island could inspire. The world class resorts on the Kona and Kohala Coasts offer travelers a place to reconnect with friends and family, relax and recharge beneath the swaying palms and tropical sun of Hawaii.

Consider splitting your trip between the western “Kona side” and the eastern “Hilo side” for a more complete Big Island experience. For endless sunshine, beautiful beaches, water activities, and world class resorts, Kona is your travel paradise. If exploring the volcano, botanical gardens, lush rainforests, and breathtaking waterfalls demand your attention, then the Hilo side will fulfill your sightseeing dreams.

Big Island Guide is meant to be your constant companion, guiding you to the best attractions in Hawaii, and making sure you see all the Big Island has to offer. With such a huge variety of activities to do, sights to see and regions to explore, we recommend travelers spend a week or more on island. Even if you only have a few days to stay, we know your time on the Big Island of Hawaii will be memorable. We welcome you to the island and wish you a wonderful adventure.

Featured Articles

Visit Punaluu Black Sand Beach

• SIGHTSEEING

10 Best Family Activities for Your Big Island Adventure

• DESTINATIONS

Getting Around the Big Island – Renting A Car

• WATER ACTIVITIES

Manta Ray Night Dive with Kona’s Gentle Giants

One of the most memorable and fascinating activities to seek out on your Big Island adventure is diving or snorkeling with the manta rays at night.

Big Island Hawaii Packing Guide

Filled with plenty of exciting activities across numerous different micro-climates, packing for the Big Island requires a little planning.

• ACCOMMODATIONS

• ART & CULTURE

2018 Hawaii Volcano Eruption of Kilauea

Kua Bay Beach Dolphin Video

Meet some playful dolphins and explore Kua Bay Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Atlantis Submarine Video

Submerge 100-feet in this 48-passenger submarine to explore a 25-acre natural, coral reef in air-conditioned comfort!

• EVENTS & INFO

Kona Coffee Festival Video

Enjoy some footage from the 2021 Kona Coffee Cultural Festival in Kailua Kona Hawaii.

The Big Island of Hawaii has been experiencing an active eruption of the massive shield volcano Kilauea, here are the latest Hawaii Volcano eruption information and videos.

• ON THE BEACH

Our 4 Favorite Beachside Resorts on the Big Island

A stay at a luxury resort on Hawaii’s Big Island is a memorable experience, but these four resorts move the needle on what relaxation means.

Enjoy World Class Sport Fishing in Hawaii

Hawaii’s Big Island is an incredible, world-class, deep-sea fishing destination with plenty of high quality fishing guides and boats to keep you reeling in the fish.

• CASUAL DINING

Wallet-Friendly Kona Happy Hour Spots

It’s never a bad move to stay thrifty during a Hawaiian vacation, so here’s a list of our favorite wallet-friendly happy hour spots on the Big Island.

• COFFEE SHOPS

Kona Coffee Guide & Tasting Tours

World-renowned for the quality and consistency of its beans, Kona Coffee alone is worth a trip to the Big Island.

6 Local Artists You Should Seek Out on the Big Island

Hawaii is bursting with incredible artwork, make sure to keep an eye out for works by some of our favorite Big Island artists.

The 5 Best Scenic Drives on the Big Island

As you cruise around the Big Island taking in the sights, consider taking one of these incredible scenic drives.

5 Best Big Island Dining Experiences for the Foodie

From local favorites to pacific fusion, exploring the cutting-edge culinary scene on the Big Island will not disappoint.

Big Island Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens on the Big Island of Hawaii are as diverse as the island itself, with everything from tropical gardens, to orchid farms and rainforest zoos to explore.

• FINE DINING

Must Try Fine Dining Restaurants on the Big Island

If you’re looking for a sophisticated dining experience be sure to check out these delicious fine dining restaurants.

4 Best Big Island Lounges for a Classy Cocktail

If you’re searching for a tasty mai tai or a Hawaiian concoction of epic proportions, these four establishments will keep your thirst quenched.

4 Affordable Big Island Tours That Won’t Break the Bank

There’s no end to things you can do in Hawaii, so keeping within your budget can be challenging. If you are looking for some budget friendly activities, look no further.

Please Use Reef Safe Sunscreen in Hawaii

Please use reef safe sunscreen products and practices when you’re visiting Hawaii, our reefs, fish and community will thank you!

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2024 Big Island Travel Maps + Summary Guidesheet (Digital)

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Driving Maps for Big Island + Summary Guidesheet

These maps are pulled from our   Big Island of Hawaii Highlights Visitor Guide , which you may want to consider if you're heading to the Big Island soon.

This map packet includes a driving map with most major attractions, all major routes, airports, and a chart with estimated driving times for getting around the Big Island of Hawaii.

The packet includes a Big Island of Hawaii Road Map + Big Island Beaches Map

• Now includes free bonus maps detailing select regions of the Big Island

Our 2024 Big Island of Hawaii  Summary Guidesheet  includes the top  must-see & do  attractions,  best times to visit ,  where to stay  briefing,  airport detail , a monthly  weather summary , and where to find the most  noteworthy local ono 'grindz'  (best eats) on the Big Island. 

-File is prepared as a print-ready PDF document

This is a  Digital PDF Download . Made for use on your computer, iPhone, iPad, Android, or any other tablet. You can also optionally print the document on standard 8.5x11 paper. No physical copies will be mailed as this is a digital travel guide.

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Customer Reviews

Great info. The use of color makes it expensive to print out. Easy to read and friendly.

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Get your Trip to HAWAII BIG ISLAND WITHOUT SPENDING MONEY on travel packages or WASTING TIME organizing it yourself.

The complete guide with a one-week itinerary , the best places to visit, what to do, how to move between places, where to book tours and visits, where to stay, when to go and all costs.

Why download The Travel It Yourself Guide?

Are you planning a trip to Big Island but haven't decided on the itinerary yet? Can't find   a blog/website with a complete and actionable daily itinerary? Are you afraid of missing out on the most stunning sceneries and hidden gems ? Not sure how to get around? Not sure exactly where to book tours and visits? Not sure about the costs yet? Want to know how to get from one place to the other? 

The right organization of the stages is essential to enjoy the vacation and

this guide responds to this need , accompanying you day by day, thanks to a

complete itinerary that will guide you step by step and will save you a lot of time, without wasting whole weeks searching for tons of information online.

We have already done it and now we are giving it to you 😊

SOME OF THE PLACES INCLUDED IN THE ITINERARY:

BIG ISLAND - Volcanoes National Park

This is home to two active volcanoes , Kilauea and Mauna Loa, providing a unique opportunity to witness the Earth's natural forces at work. Venture through lush rainforests and barren lava fields, and with a bit of luck, you might even witness lava flowing from the crater.

BIG ISLAND - Kona

Kona is the main town of Big Island, it gives you opportunities for swimming in its crystal clear whater, hiking in the nearby parks and reserves and snorkelling with Manta.

BIG ISLAND - Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano with an elevation of 4,207 meters, it is the highest peak in Hawaii and one of the top astronomical sites worldwide. You can expect stunning panoramic views of the island, an awesome sunset, unique geological formations and an unforgettable stargazing experience.

BIG ISLAND - South Shore

South Shore is home to 2 unique beaches molded by volcanoes. Black Beach is made up of tiny fragments of lava, and Green Sand Beach, a rare occurrence caused by the presence of olivine crystals that were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago.

BIG ISLAND - Hilo

Hilo is a charming town that will amaze you with its lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, secret caves . A must-visit destination if you are seeking natural beauty and cultural enrichment.

BIG ISLAND - Waipio Valley

You will join an amazing 4x4 tour down into Waipio Valley. Take in the fantastic views of this lush Hawaiian paradise and see waterfalls, taro patches, tropical plants , viewpoints, flowers and more landscapes.

Can't find a guide or a blog/website with a complete and actionable daily itinerary organized by date, time and transport info between all the stunning places above?

You finally found it here, the hawaii big island travel guide with one week itinerary that will save you whole weeks organizing the trip, what will you find in the guide, 👉 instant download of a one week itinerary described in detail in each stage, 👉 a 80-page pdf with practical information about what to do and what to see, 👉 how to move between places: directions, distances, transports and travel times, 👉 all the links to book tours and visits, 👉  active volcanoes, bays, caves, beaches, craters, waterfalls, mountains, valleys, jungle trekking, rivers, boat trips, emerald lakes, kayaking, food, 👉 134+ photos of the stunning places you will see, 👉 the best accommodation to stay in while saving money, without giving up comfort, 👉 all costs of transport, tours, hotels and restaurants, 👉 tips on how to dress and what to pack, 👉 the maps of the places you will visit, 👉 tips about payments, documents and internet, 👉 free bonus you can ask us anything about the trip by email. we'll be happy to help you😊, 👉 all the places included in the itinerary:.

• Volcanoes National Park
• Akaka Falls
• Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve
• Waimea Valley
• Green Sand Beach
• Black Sand Beach
• Captain Cook
• Kailua, Lava Tubes
• Hamakua Coast
• Kukio Beach
• Hapuna Beach
• Mauna Kea Beach
• Scenic Road
• Rainbow Falls
• Kaumana Caves

Thanks to this guide with itinerary, you will have your trip organized in a few hours , instead of wasting entire weeks searching on so many different websites and then sorting all.

The Big Island Travel It Yourself Guide - 1 Week Itinerary [90 pgs. PDF FILE]

ALL THE PLACES INCLUDED IN THIS ITINERARY: Mauna Kea, Volcanoes National Park, Hilo, Kona, Akaka Falls, Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve, Waimea Valley, Green Sand Beach, Black Sand Beach, Captain Cook, Kailua, Lava Tubes, Hamakua Coast, Kua Bay, Kukio Beach, Hapuna Beach, Mauna Kea Beach, Beach 69, Scenic Road, Rainbow Falls, Kaumana Caves

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After your purchase, if you are not satisfied, send an email to info@travelityourself.com and you'll get a prompt and courteous full refund.

THANKS TO THIS GUIDE YOU'LL HAVE YOUR TRIP TO HAWAII ORGANIZED IN A FEW HOURS

⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️, get 5 itineraries of 4 islands for only $25.

YOU'LL GET ALL 5 GUIDES WITH ITINERARIES FOR ONLY $25:

• OAHU - 1 WEEK ITINERARY (90 pgs.)
• MAUI - 1 WEEK ITINERARY (82 pgs.)
• BIG ISLAND - 1 WEEK ITINERARY (80 pgs.)
• KAUAI - 1 WEEK ITINERARY (65 pgs.)
• BEST OF HAWAII - 4 ISLANDS IN 2 WEEKS ITINERARY (174 pgs.)

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The Kauai Travel It Yourself Guide - 1 Week Itinerary [65 pgs. PDF FILE]

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2024 Hawaii Visitor Guides

Eight unique islands., six destinations to explore., one remarkable experience.

Hawaii provides you with six unique islands to choose from, four of which we cover in detail in our three  2024 Hawaii Travel Planner & Visitor Guides due to their popularity with travelers like yourself. Once you know which island (or islands) best suits you, then you can really begin to plan.

Don't miss out on our inside Hawaii knowledge, tips, and recommendations . In these Hawaii Travel Guides, we'll help you select an island, or islands, for your trip if you're still undecided. If you already know which island(s) you're visiting, excellent; we've included a lot of pertinent information for Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii that should help you plan the perfect trip! Our travel guides are updated twice a year (or more) to ensure they're entirely up to date with the latest Hawaii details and information.

Below, we'll review in more detail what our updated Hawaii Travel guides include...

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Individual Island Guides

Highlights & essential visitor guide for each island, statewide guides, 2024 hawaii travel guide & visitor planner.

Grab your copy today  and take advantage of our  destination expert's Hawaii insights . We've just updated and released our latest three Hawaii Travel Planner & Visitor Guides for 2024. These new travel guides contain over 40 visual pages (Intro version),  over 60 visual pages (Highlights version),   and over 100 visual pages (Deluxe Essential version)  of pertinent Hawaii travel information  to assist in planning your perfect Hawaii trip.

The islands of  Kauai ,  Oahu ,  Maui , and the  Big Island  are covered in detail. A complete table of contents is additionally included within each travel guide. The top attractions are included for each island (top 5 in the Intro guide, top 9 in the Highlights guide, and top 11 in the Deluxe guide). The Highlights and Deluxe planner also include our Best Places to find Authentic Hawaii food guide.

- 40+ Pages -

- 70+ pages -, - 100+ pages -.

Where to Stay in Hawaii Guides

Hawaii is a destination that attracts a unique mix of tourists from all over the world. There are  resorts and hotels  all over the major islands, but there are also many free-standing hotels and vacation rentals, which allow you to choose from a wide range of accommodations. We provide a  list of these top favorable destinations by island , according to the popularity of each area.

Our  Where to Stay guides  will highlight the  best places to stay in Hawaii  and the best parts of each island. Hawaii offers several favorable areas for different types of vacationers on each unique island.

Hawaii Deluxe Essential Guide Only

Details on Hawaii's Weather & Climate

Hawaii weather is known for being rather sporadic, but that doesn't have to leave you guessing what to expect.

Know what you're likely to experience weather-wise on your trip by reading through our Hawaii Weather summary. Our weather information additionally includes a rainfall map , a precipitation chart (for each month of the year), and a high/low-temperature graph/chart so you can plan accordingly for your trip.

We've also included the best links of where to check the daily forecast for the most accurate weather outlook.

Highlights Guide

Deluxe Guide

When to Visit & Seasonal Hotel Rates

Wondering what the hotel prices will be during the weeks of your visit? Look no further, we've got you covered with our Hawaii Hotel Price averages graphic that provides insight into what pricing you can expect at different times throughout the year.

We've also covered the Best Time to Visit , including a graph showing the monthly visitor statistics for each major island.

Essential Guide

BEST TIME to... Hawaii FAQ

When is the best time for good weather? How about when to avoid crowds? Or when exactly is the best time to book your trip to Hawaii? We've covered each of these questions and several others in our Best Time to.... Hawaii FAQ .

Discover which time of the year is the best time to visit for local Hawaii festivals and events , or when hiking conditions are prime for hitting Hawaii's incredible plethora of trails. We've also covered when to go whale watching , take a Hawaii cruise , and much more.

Individual Hawaii Islands in Detail

Each of the four major Hawaiian Islands is covered in our Hawaii Travel Guides, including Kauai , Oahu , Maui , and the Big Island of Hawaii .

A general introduction to each island is also provided, along with our recommendations for each island . If you haven't decided on which island(s) to visit yet, these sections should help you narrow down your choices to a favorite or two.

Detailed Overview of Each Island's Regions

Learn more about each of the regions of Hawaii's major islands in our detailed region section for each respective major Hawaiian Island.

This section covers the basic geography of each island, the top attractions within each region, along with tips on the best nearby attractions to visit.

Highlights Guides

Hawaii Road & Beach Maps

Our travel guides wouldn't be complete without detailed high-resolution Hawaii Road Maps for each island. For Maui, we've added a bonus road map for the Road to Hana (Hana Highway), the premier drive on the island.

We've additionally included Beach Maps for each island, so you can quickly and easily determine which beaches are best to visit during your trip; not to mention which are closest to your hotel.

Discover Hawaii's Top Attractions

For each of the major four islands, we've covered their top attractions  in detail, including how to visit and where each attraction is located on the island.

Photos and details are provided for each top attraction, so you can quickly decide which sights , beaches , and/or hiking trails are right for you during your visit.

Top Local Grindz - Best Eats

Sun, sand, and surf are not all Hawaii is known for. Sure, we travel to islands for a relaxing time that will incorporate all these things, but you  gotta eat too , right? Hawaii certainly doesn’t let us down on that issue. Hawaii offers some of the  best culinary experiences  in the world.

In this section, we cover some of our  favorite places for authentic Hawaii food on each island , the best 'ono grindz (delicious food) that can be found in Hawaii.

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Big Island Wayfinder Itinerary

$ 37.00

The Big Island itinerary isn’t a guidebook, it’s better . It’s a step-by-step itinerary that takes you to all the best beaches, snorkeling spots, restaurants, and sights. There are six excursion days that take you all over the island: from Kona coffee country to the Hamakua Heritage corridor. The guide takes you step-by-step on a planned route with a link to Google Maps driving directions so you can just get in your car and go.

Are you going to multiple islands? Use the coupon code VOYAGE to get the 4th itinerary for FREE! Purchase the Kauai, Maui, and Oahu Wayfinder Itineraries and get the Big Island Wayfinder Itinerary for free.

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After you complete your purchase, the itinerary will be sent via email. You can download it on any device!

Watch our overview video, decide on your excursion days, and make your reservations. (We point these out!)

Save the itinerary to your phone. You can take it with you on the go to reference any time during your trip!

Your adventures On The Big Island await!

Frequently Asked Questions

A guidebook goes in-depth on a certain destination — you read it, research it, and then formulate your vacation plan. Our itinerary is different.

It starts with a 12 (ish) minute video to help you understand your way around the island, where things are located, and what experiences are available. Then we map our excursion days.

These days take you on a carefully planned route to one part of the island, making stops for meals, beaches, and places of interest. Each excursion day has an overview page with links to Google maps directions, what to pack for the day out, and any reservations that need to be made in advance.

This itinerary is meant to save you time while trip planning and help you make the most of your limited vacation time.

Honestly, now.

Unlike a guidebook, we publish regular updates. With so many things changing, we want to give you the most up-to-date information to have a great trip. These itineraries are reviewed and updated twice a year. Once you purchase an itinerary, you’ll have access to the itinerary and all updates for the next 11 months.

This is a digital product. Minutes after purchasing, a link to download the itinerary will be sent to your email. You can print it, but we suggest downloading it to your computer and your phone. There are a number of hyperlinks in the itinerary to link you to directions, restaurant websites, and activity operators. So it’s much easier to use it digitally!

Unfortunately, we do not. But we. do have a full website (here!) and youtube channel dedicated to giving you the best information possible. 

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• Monuments & Statues
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• Vacationing on The Big Island
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• Buy Kona Coffee Online
• Kona Coffee History
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•         - Beaches
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Aloha and welcome to the Big Island of Hawaii Travel Guide! Whether you're dreaming of sun-kissed beaches, lush rainforests, or the breathtaking dance of molten lava, the Big Island has it all. Let us take you on a journey through its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and unparalleled beauty. Grab your sunscreen, put on your shades, and let’s explore the wonders of Hawaii's largest (and dare we say the most authentic) island together. 🌺🌴🌊

Kailua-Kona

Kailua Kona Big Island Hawaii is the hub of tourism on the Kona (leeward) side of the island of Hawai’i. With 10,000 full-time residents, it retains a small-town atmosphere, despite the large number of cruise-ship tourists and seasonal residents that come and go. Most people shorten the name to ‘Kona’ to avoid confusion with Kailua […]

Surf Lessons in Kona

Learning to Surf the Waves in Kona, Hawaii: An Adventure for Everyone If you’ve ever dreamt of conquering the blue waves with a surfboard under your feet, there’s no place better than Kona, Hawaii. Imagine this: You’re standing on a sun-kissed beach, the salty breeze teasing your hair, the rhythmic sound of waves crashing, and […]

Kaumana Caves

The entrance to this lava tube is easy to find along Kaumana Drive. The large parking area, comfort station and picnic tables are the first glimpse of what is the entrance to a two mile lava tube. Those brave enough to explore the dark and damp cave will be rewarded with a skylight and numerous […]

Napoopoo Beach

This quiet bay is still the home to several local families. The rocky shoreline contrasts with the warm crystal clear waters that are a favorite od divers and snorkelers. However, this bay is one of the more significant historical sites in the Hawaiian Islands. Just off the rocky coastline is where Captain Cook and his […]

Kalopa State Recreation Area

This wonderful upland state park is a gathering spot for campers, hikers and more. A drive to the end of Kalaniai Road will fill the visitor with spectacular views of ancient Hawaiian old growth forest, sounds of birds along with hiking trails and comfort stations.

Kealakekua Bay

Although not the most picture perfect Kealakekua Bay is one of the most noteworthy in the Hawaiian Islands. The rocky shoreline and clear waters is the sight where Captain James Cook was killed. Today, many include a visit to the bay for a day of kayaking, snorkeling and diving.

South Kona – Coffee, Collectibles and Charm

Many who have a Kona Coffee on their minds as they land at Kona International Airport at Keahole already have South Kona on their radar. Others on a trek to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will zoom through the enchanting discoveries that lie south of Alii Drive. However, the area between Keauhou and Kau is awash […]

Solar Eclipse Time Capsule

Placed under the large banyan tree at King Kalakaua Park, this time capsule was placed during the Big Island’s last solar eclipse in 1991. The capsule contains significant items relative to that day and that celestial event. The capsule will be opened on the next Big Island total solar eclipse on May 3 2106.

Big Island Day Trip – Volcanoes and Waterfalls

The Big Island of Hawaii is by far the largest of all the islands in the Hawaiian chain, and it is also one of the most time consuming when it comes to getting from one place to another. Since the island is quite large and there is so much to see, a three or four […]

Hau Tree at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Located at the very edge of Kaunaoa beach, this open-air restaurant is a gathering spot for hotel guests and those looking for a light snack between surf and swim sessions. Seating is under any one of several thatched umbrellas and each table offers splendid Pacific Ocean views.

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