insider tips
Our family has been coming to the Big Island since the early 1990s,
so we’ve created our best tips and a list of our favorite beaches for you to enjoy.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions.
We’d love to hear your favorite finds and suggestions as well!
Where to see sea turtles, dolphins and whales
Whale watching season is typically mid-December through mid-April, when humpback whales seek out Hawaii’s warm waters for calving. Most marine tours claim some whale-watching opportunity, but we’ve found it’s mostly luck and vigilance — and no guarantees.
Sea turtles are plentiful and we never go a trip without seeing these gentle friends. Easiest places to spot them are on the beach south of A-bay and Lava Lava Beach Club; at the lagoon entrance to the Hilton Waikoloa Beach Resort; at the Fairmont Orchid lagoon; and on the east side of the bay at 49 Black Sand Beach. Remember, you must give them space and never touch them.
Dolphin tours are no longer allowed, although some morning snorkel boats ignore this law. Watch for spinner dolphins in the early morning near South Kohala beaches ranging from A-bay to Spencer Beach. You may be able to get closer with a SUP or kayak, but give them space please.
Best snorkeling spots
We’re obsessed with snorkeling, and you’ll likely find all the gear your family needs (even water noodles and life jackets) in our beach toy closet. Here are our favorite places to snorkel within 10-20 minutes of the condo.
For much, much more, check out the “Snorkel Hawaii” book in the condo, which details the wonderful fish and all of the locations around the Big Island with details on entry/exit points, what you’ll see, and likely conditions.
49 Black Sand Beach — Uncrowded, well-preserved coral, no rock danger, many large schools of fish and a few sea turtles. We’ve seen eel, octopus and dolphins here too. Don’t forget your water shoes as the sand is a bit coarse and entry rocky.
Beach 69 — Varied corals, but you need to swim nearer to rocks for best viewing. Occasionally cloudy. Lots of shade (though the beach is small and can get crowded).
Mahu Kona — An abandoned harbor, there is no beach and just a (very) slippery ladder into the water. Great coral and fish, plus the ocean floor has a massive sunken propeller and boat chain with links the size of dinner plates. Do not attempt on high surf days because entry/exit can be dangerous.
A-bay — Lots of coral around this well-protected bay that’s a short walk from the condo. It can occasionally get cloudy, and watch out for watercraft and surf fishermen on the north end of the bay.
Fairmont Orchid — Swim past the lagoon walls to an initially shallow area with damaged coral, but beyond that a much deeper and richer set of marine life.
Where to golf
Waikoloa Beach Golf — Play the King’s Nine, Beach Nine, or Lake Nine. These three 9-hole courses can be played in any combination, each about par 35. Hit range balls near the clubhouse and try the bacon-forward Mai Grille.
Makani — The former Big Island Country Club, this up-island course on the shoulder of Hualalai is a hidden gem, taking you through a lush, tropical landscape and tons of wildlife. Our favorite.
Mauna Kea Beach — Pricey and pristine course with eye-popping waterside holes. Nene geese are everywhere.
Mauna Lani — Two regulation courses and a fast, 9-hole course that’s great for casual fun.
Tip: Tee off after noon or 1 p.m. and you’ll often be able to save big on green’s fees. If you’re golfing with kids or teens, ask about family specials (we love courses where we can “pay their age”).
Miscellaneous
The new saddle road from Kona to Hilo makes going to the east side of the island much easier. There are fewer beaches and it’s often rainy, so check the forecast first. Check out the waterfalls, boutiques and markets.
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has many hikes with some steam holes. Generally, if there’s an active eruption, you can’t get close enough to see it. We’ve tried frequently with no success.
The observatory on Mauna Loa requires a 4WD to get there (most rental cars are not permitted) and there are age limits on tours.
Favorite place to coffee & chill: Kona Joe Coffee. It’s south of Kona on Mamalahoa Highway. Wonderful view down the mountain and you can just hang out under the trees. Great coffee too.