When most visitors arrive on the Island of Hawaiʻi, they land in Kailua-Kona and rarely wander farther than their all-inclusive resort.
When most visitors arrive on the Island of Hawaiʻi, they land in Kailua-Kona and rarely wander farther than their all-inclusive resort. It’s easy to understand why… oceanfront bars, souvenir shops, and an endless list of bookable activities line Aliʻi Drive and Kailua Pier. But did you know that Historic Kailua Village was once home to King Kamehameha I? Just steps beyond the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel is the home of the ʻAhuʻena Heiau, a restored national historic landmark and sacred temple located at the edge of the bay, which the king had restored and used for important traditional ceremonies. And if you head down Aliʻi Drive, you’ll find the Huliheʻe Palace, once the summer home for Hawaiian Royalty, but is now a museum for visitors to learn about the history of Historic Kailua Village and view artifacts from the era of King Kalākaua and Queen Kapiʻolani.
One of my favorite things to do in Hawai’i is to jump in my car and go up country. Just ten minutes uphill from Kona, you enter a completely different world. The air cools, the views open, and the winding road leads you into Holualoa, a community of artists, farmers, and the famed Kona coffee belt. Higher elevations create ideal growing conditions, and some of the world’s most sought-after beans come from these volcanic slopes. Many farms have been consolidated by large corporations, but Hala Tree Coffee, a family-owned and organically managed farm, continues to cultivate Kona coffee with sustainability in mind. They offer free Kona coffee tours, but you can also book a private tour for $100. If you have a chance to go up country, I can’t recommend visiting the local farms and tasting some local coffee. While you’re in the area, you can also go a bit further down the road to visit the Vanillerie, one of the only other places in the world where vanilla can naturally grow. Take a tour, or visit the shop, and be sure to pick up some fresh vanilla for your home.
No trip to Hawaiʻi Island is complete without heading south to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, where the earth feels alive beneath your feet. If you’re lucky enough to visit during an active eruption, the sight of molten lava glowing against the night sky or meeting the ocean in a cloud of steam is unforgettable. Before you go, always check the National Parks Services for the latest updates on the Kileauea eruption. If lava is visible, follow rangers’ guidance and view from designated areas only. Volcanic landscapes can shift quickly and unpredictably. While it is generally safe to view the Kīlauea eruption from designated areas, you must follow strict safety guidelines, as it can be dangerous to be too close. Stay on marked trails and overlooks, do not enter closed areas, and avoid cliff edges and earth cracks. For a completely different perspective, consider a private helicopter flight during active flow periods. I still remember the feeling of watching lava ribbon into the ocean beneath us — steam rising where the lava met the water. It was truly a breathtaking and one-in-a-lifetime experience.
Going further south to Pahoa, Hawaiʻi, for those seeking a deep connection with Hawaiian culture and a hands-on experience, we offer a 4 hour immersive experience centered around the imu (underground oven). The Imu Mea ʻAi Experience is more than just an eco-tourism initiative—it’s a social enterprise owned by the Men of PAʻA, a nonprofit committed to holistic healing and reintegration for Native Hawaiian men. All profits from Imu Mea ʻAi go directly toward funding these transformative programs. They host these immersive experience once a month, be sure to check their schedule for an opportunity to join in.
Heading northeast, explore Waimea, also known as Kamuela, known for its historic roots in paniolo culture (Hawaiian cowboys) with rolling hills and working ranches. Waimea invites a different pace. Think ranch lands, horses, historic cowboy heritage, and some of the best locally owned restaurants and boutiques on the island.For active travelers, consider booking a cycling experience with Big Island Bike Tours from from Waimea to Waipiʻo Valley. If you continue north along Highway 250, a lesser-known scenic drive, you’ll end in the charming town of Hawi, where local artisans, cafés, and community spaces line the road. At the end of the highway sits Pololū Valley Lookout, where cliffs open into sweeping views of the Hāmākua Coast. The trail here is managed by local stewards who help educate visitors on the cultural significance of the valley and ensure safe hiking conditions. If the trail is closed, please respect their guidance — preservation comes first.
And lastly, if you’re on the island for more than a week, I always recommend splitting your time between different sides of the island. Kona may be the sunshine-side, but Hilo is the soul of the island. With lush rainforests, waterfalls, and far fewer visitors, Hilo draws travelers seeking reconnection rather than consumption. Personally, I like to spend a few nights in Kona for ocean adventures and another few in Hilo to slow down, recharge, and explore the island’s quieter corners.
