Josh and I just returned from taking Oakley (2.5 years) and Dean (!3 months) to the Big Island of Hawaii for 11 days! I took notes the entire time and wanted to break down and share everything we did, where we stayed, where we ate, what I would have changed, and what’s on the list for our next trip!
We traveled to Maui and Oahu before in 2021, and those blog links are below. This trip was MUCH different as the shutdowns were non-existent compared to the last time we went. I am glad we gave Hawaii another try because we had an incredible time! We captured a ton of content, had a dozen photo and video shoots, and accomplished our work goals!
I also have zero affiliation to anything linked or shared on this blog. I rely heavily on reviews, and blogs when planning trips so I wanted to pay it forward with everything we did!
Trip Planning
When I book trips, I will print off the area we are traveling to and physically mark the points of interest on a map, where we are staying, etc, The visual representation of the trip helps a ton for me to see it on the map. This also helps me clump activities together based on their geographical location. It’s something I highly recommend doing to help lower any trip or planning anxiety you may have!
I also heavily utilize other blogs, reviews and photos from: google, yelp, open table, trip advisor, local recommendations (once we get there), etc. For all outdoor farm experiences, no matter where you are, you can search “farm tours” and unique experiences will appear! Several apps and websites for hikes will give you parking instructions, tips, difficulty of each hike, maps, and a ton of other information!
Food
We loved the food we had on the trip. Most of our dinner restaurants were oceanfront or shoreline dining. I took notes on every place we ate in chronological order. I have linked the restaurant’s website or social media page:
- Shaka Tacoz
- Ali’s Farmers Marketplace
- Lava Java
- Donkey Balls
- Sushi Cocoro
- Shave ice Scandinavia
- Fish Hopper
- MAC PIE
- Huggo’s On The Rocks
- Waimea Coffee
- Sakura
- Hot Malasadas Truck
- Fresh Off The Grid Juice
- Don’s Mai Tai Bar
- Honu’s On The Beach
- Magic’s Beach Grill
- The Coffee Shack
- Menehune Coffee
- Volcano House
- Kona Pasta Co
- Peaberry and Galette
- Swirl Tea
- Papa Konas
- Kamuela Provision Co
- KAI Eats
Activities
- Makalawena Beach
- Krishna Cow Cuddling
- Akaka HIke
- Captain Cook Monument Trail
- Big Island Bees
- Deep Sea Fishing
- Kealakekua Bay
- Pololu Valley Hike
- Volcano Hike: Kīlauea Iki
- Kamakana Playground
- Green Sand Beach
- Niumalu Beach
- Volcano Winery
On the List For the Next Trip
I would have loved to have spent several weeks on the Big Island. There are truly so many incredible things to experience and see! Unfortunately we didn’t get to do everything on my list and I know there are a ton of restaurants I don’t even know about but these are the ones we didn’t have time to try!
- Rainbow Falls
- Kulaniapia Falls
- Umauma Falls
- The Lili House Farm
- Salt Farm Tour
- Cool Runnings
- Kona Haven Coffee
- Quinn’s Almost By The Sea
- Umekes
- Cheeky Tikis
- 808 Grindz
Where We Stayed
The rental we stayed at was PERFECT in terms of location. I am so glad we decided to stay in the heart of the city to experience the culture, food and have everything close by to us! The gym we found was an awesome find and very close to our rental. I also loved that the rental had a pool, but it was a safety concern with the kids. Overall, we would stay there if we ever visit again! They had so much in terms of pool toys, beach toys, high chair, toys and games from the kids, etc!
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