Hawaii Guide

Over the years Taylor has built a list of all of her favorite places on the island. Explore Taylor's curated list of Hawaii recommendations!

Taylor’s Favorite Beaches

  • Kaunaoa Beach

    This is a beautiful white sand beach at the Mauna Kea Hotel. Arrive early in the morning (6:00 AM - 7:00 AM) - they only let in a small amount of guests every day. There is always a sign that says the lot is full, but it often isn’t.  Ask anyway.  If they won’t let you in, go to nearby Hapuna Beach or 69 Beach and try again later in the day.

  • Hapuna Beach

    This beach is often crowded, but beautiful with a white sand beach. There are lots of spring breakers here and good looking life guards!

  • 69 Beach

    This beach is really pretty, and often less crowded than other nearby beaches. Walk down the path and then take a left at the end of the path. Walk all the way to the end.

  • 2-Step Beach

    This is a terrible place to lay out, but a beautiful place to snorkel.  There’s also a cool historic site nearby to explore! Don’t plan to spend the whole day here. When you’re done, drive down to Ho’okena Beach Park. 

  • Ho’okena Beach Park

    This is a gorgeous black sand beach in a little cove, so the waves are often pretty calm and the water is unusually warm. This is mostly a local hang.

  • Pine Trees Beach

    This is a local surf spot. I’ve watched whales from this spot many times. This is a good place to lounge, but the coral is sharp, so be careful if you decide to swim or surf.

  • Keiki Beach

    This beach is within a neighborhood (behind the soccer fields). It’s basically a tide pool, so the water is very still, and it’s a great place for kids. Bring an umbrella, because there is no shade!

  • Kaloko-Honokohau

    You are almost guaranteed to see sea turtles here! Park at the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor and walk over.

  • Anaehoomalu Beach

     This beach is a nice place to take a stroll with salt and pepper colored sand. It’s right next to one of my favorite restaurants, Lava Lava Beach Club (see below).

  • Wawaloli Beach Park

    This is a small wading pool surrounded by lava. We see a lot of whales from this spot.

  • Kua Bay Beach

    This is a fun place to boogie board with crystal clear water. There’s usually pretty big waves here.

  • Makalawena Beach

    You can only go here if you have 4-wheel drive. Park in the lot and then hike past the first 2 beaches. The last beach is the best. LEAVE BEFORE SUNSET - or they will literally lock you inside… funny story maybe I’ll tell you someday.

Taylor’s Favorite Restaurants

Pau Hana: This is the best poke on the island. Order the wasabi poke and take it with you to the beach.

Honaunau Poke Shop: This is my 2nd favorite poke on the island. If you’re traveling South, don’t miss stopping here!

L&L’s: Hawaiian Fast Food - try musubis for an easy take-out option to pack for the beach (Japanese rice ball topped spam) or order the loco moco if you’re eating in (beloved Hawaiian dish with rice, a hamburger patty, a fried egg and brown gravy).

Lava Lava Beach Club: I like this place for the view, the live music, and the people watching. I don’t usually stay for dinner (the juice isn’t work the squeeze). Instead I order a coconut mai tai and sometimes the coconut cake.

Kona Brewing: This place has really good food and fantastic beer!

Izakaya Shiono: This is the only sushi place worth going to in Kona. It’s very, very good. Arrive early, because the wait is often long.

Jackie Rays: This is a great, upscale place for a special occasion!

Black Rock Pizza: There are 2 locations - the view is better from the one in Captain Cook.

Poi Dog Deli: Excellent spot to grab a sandwich to pack for the beach!

Island Lava Java: If you’re looking for a stereotypical Hawaiian breakfast, head here to get pancake with coconut syrup! Yum!

Cipriano’s Kitchen: This place is hard to get a reservation at, but you might just get lucky. Extremely expensive, extremely good! They serve Italian Peruvian fusion.

Copper Bar: This is an upscale restaurant at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Very classy - very tasty.

El Maguey: If you’re craving Mexican food, this is the only good one in Kona.

Kai Eats + Drinks: Go here for Happy Hour! Lots of good deals of snacks and drinks.

Magic Beach Grill: I love the view here and the burgers!

Original Thai Cuisine: Really solid Thai food!

Dolphin Spit: Local open air dive bar.

My Bar Kona: LGBTQ friendly bar (some of the only night life on the island). Check their website for comedy shows!

Merrimans (Waimea): This is an upscale restaurant in Waimea with great food! Make a reservation.

The Fish and the Hog (Waimea): Tasty BBQ! Long waits.

The Rim (Volcanos National Park): Make a reservation right before sunset if you’re going to Volcanos National Park. Watch the sunset over the volcano and each some wonderful grub! We usually share a steak and a fish dish and indulge!

Hilo Burger Joint (Hilo): This is a famous and scrumptious burger spot in Hilo!

Cafe Pesto (Hilo): This is a reliable place for soup, salad and pasta.

Taylor’s Favorite Activities

  • This is my favorite coffee tour! It’s free, and the guides are extremely knowledgeable. They also provide free samples.

  • I’ve found some fun gems here! Check their hours before you go.

  • I’d recommend the tour at the end of the day, so you can watch the sunset on your way back to the harbor.

  • This is my favorite farmers market. There are lots of local artists here!

  • Hike across a dormant volcano and walk through the lava tubes. Have dinner at The Rim. Make a reservation for pre-sunset, so you can watch the sun set over the volcano.

  • There’s a great Farmers Market in Waimea.

    Check out the view at Waipio Valley. If you have time, take a tour with Waipio Valley Shuttle. It’s the only way to go down into the valley, because only locals with 4-wheel drive are permitted to go down the road.

    If you want to go Horseback riding or ATVing you can do so right up the road. It’s such a cool experience! A local guide (whose family has lived on this ranch for generations) will take you up into the mountains. You’ll get to see wild horses and sample some unique fruits right from the tree while enjoying incredible views. Learn more here.

  • Botanic Gardens - This is one of the best botanic gardens in the world! You’ll walk for about a mile down a paved trail through hundreds of species of plants!

    Rainbow Falls - This is super easy to get to and doesn’t require any hiking. It’s a pretty cool view! Walk up the stairs to see one of the biggest trees I’ve ever seen!

    Akaka Falls - You’ll walk for about a mile down a paved trail through where you’ll see a very, very tall waterfall.

    Coconut Island - This is a nice place to go for a stroll.

    Panaewa Rainforest Zoo - There are lots of interesting animal species here that I’ve never seen at other zoos. It’s free!

  • There is excellent mac nut sampling here, and while you’re on the farm you’ll get to meet lots of interesting creatures, including a pig named Penny.

  • Make a small donation and paddle with the ​Kai 'Ehitu​ Outrigger Team at 6:45 AM every weekday morning at the Kamakahonu Beach, next to the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel.

Taylor’s Favorite Coffee Shops.

  • Kaya's Coffee

    This is such a nice hippy vibe. Their coffee is phenomenal. They also sell tons of vegetarian and gluten free options - quiches, smoothies, scones, cookies, etc.

  • Kona Heaven.

    This place is right on Ali’i Drive. I love their Matcha Lattes. It’s a good place to sit and watch for dolphins and whales.

  • Kona Mountain Coffee.

    The coffee here is brewed expertly. The drinks are really tasty, and they aren’t overly sugary.

  • HiCO

    HiCO is overpriced, but it has a COOL factor that makes it worth it!