ready for play time
We want to make your stay memorable — not only at our condo, but with plenty of activities throughout the Big Island. We'll help you enjoy them even more with beach chairs, boogey boards, snorkel gear, a cooler and toys. Our insider tips help you access our favorite "secret" beaches.
Offshore and unspoiled
Our family favorite — this snorkel tour takes you to two or three spots offshore with a catamaran cruise plus breakfast, lunch and drinks.
Get on a board
Ready to catch a wave? Maybe you want to try stand-up paddleboarding. How about canoe surfing? They'll hook your up.
Your daily dose of wow
Take an easy hike through a lush jungle to discover two waterfalls — you can even try zip-lining nearby. A great spot to stretch en route to volcanoes.
Earthly firepower
Head southeast to experience an active volcanic landscape including steam vents, interactive exhibits and lovely hikes. Check the website for current conditions.
Picture-perfect falls
Catch this 80-foot cascade in the early morning to avoid the crowds. Easy access — the view is just a short walk from the parking lot.
meet the locals
Night dive or snorkel with manta rays.
Snorkeling with sea turtles at Punalu'u Beach.
Whale watching December through April.
Swimming with spinner dolphins at Mauna Kea Beach.
you gotta try it
Visit a vanilla plantation
See vanilla orchids growing and taste a tremendous variety of vanilla products during a delicious lunch and tour. Reservations essential.
Tour a seahorse farm
See seahorses and sea dragons, like the one pictured above, in a breeding operation that gets up close with these fascinating creatures.
Enjoy coffee with the ultimate vista
Visit the world's first trellised coffee plantation for a tour, tasting and great souvenirs. But the real score is 100% free — their spectacular view.
Stock up at a farmer's market
Don't miss these finger-length slightly tangy Hawaiian bananas, ripe red papaya (we like it with a squeeze of lime), massive avocados and sweet pineapple.
taste paradise
Our full-size, remodeled kitchen is well-equipped with stainless appliances and kitchenware. When you're ready to go out, here are some of our favorite island flavors, from casual to indulgent.
Fresh fish with a view
Upscale casual dining right on the beach, and a can’t-miss opportunity to watch the manta rays winging through the water just over the sea wall at night.
Not your average pesto
When you head to Hilo, take a walk around downtown and don’t miss a menu featuring fresh local seafood, colorful eclectic salads and pasta.
Casual Chinese food
When you head south of Kona, don’t miss the crispy pork in this casual Captain Cook restaurant. This has been a family favorite for decades.
Try them all
Indulge in amazing ocean views, high-end seafood, and a high-tech wine tasting station at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel's fine dining restaurant.
Lilikoi cocktails
Located in a 100-year-old former hotel, with a gallery to boot, Bamboo serves classic Hawaiian fare and seafood — and don’t miss the lilikoi cocktails.
Sample the Spam
Macadamia nuts are available in every flavor from Maui onion to Spam (try the caramel corn too). A great place for souvenirs.
Planning your vacation?
We’re here to help with insider tips.