Heading back in August.
One week Kailua Kona
One night Poipu, and a day in the canyon
One week Princeville
Even though we just went in September, I’m looking forward to hearing about any “new finds” from travelers.
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We just got back from a trip to Waikiki and Kailua-Kona (first time staying in each). These were the preferred stops for our friends that we met over there. Very different experiences than our prior Hawaii trips. Probably won’t do either again
I’ll let you know if I discover anything but I don’t expect to do so. I’ll be on island 5/16-5/26.
I knew I could count on you! 
Not far from Princeville is a really unique beach we love called Anini Beach. There is huge reef about 100 yards off shore, so the water is extremely protected and almost lake-like flat, as well as quite shallow. The snorkeling is really great for that reason, and the beach is really easy-going. There are trees that grow right almost up to the water’s edge and shade in August will be a must. I’d highly recommend part of a day there.
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Been there, done that. 
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Heading there at end of Feb/early March. Spending a long weekend in Kailua-Kona at KVR. Also found a short tour at the Vanillerie that I hadn’t seen before.
We’re heading to Hawaii for a wedding on Maui in June. Beforehand, we’re spending a week on the Big Island. 3 nights at the renovated Rosewood Kona Village, then the rest at an AirBnB in Papaikou near Hilo.
We haven’t been to the Big Island in a good decade. Any recommendations for dining/activities from recent experience?
@Lori–please send any new spots
@Al–will you have a car? Reel Aloha Poke is great, and close to Greenwell Farms Coffee. Manuela Malasadas (left side of the road just past Mauna Lani) is fantastic.
These others are on my research list. We like to eat out for lunch; I cook dinner.
Da Poke Shack
Broke Da Mouth Grindz
Hawaii BBQ Deli
Umeke’s
Kaaloa’s Super Js (Captain Cook)
We’re looking at the Captain Cook Snorkel Sail, and the Mauna Kea sunset and night sky tours.
We like Greenwell Farms a lot, but prefer Mountain Thunder Coffee.
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Yes, we will have a car for most of our time there. Thanks all for the ideas. Excited.
Any comments on the places in/near Kona? What to do or avoid?
Just be cautious if you venture way out to the reef, especially in winter (i would recommend not going out there). There can be some very serious rips in channels through the reef.
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Posted this a few weeks ago. If you like coffee, don’t miss the Uchida family farm tour. If you can find a hula halau (school) that allows observers, don’t miss the opportunity. Bear in mind that hula is considered by many to be sacred so be respectful of that. Some of the best experiences in my three years living on Hawai’i were the opportunities to watch a kumu hula (master teacher) work with students, and the finest halaus performing kahiko (traditional hula) at the Merrie Monarch Festival.
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Coincidentally I got an email today announcing the restart of the free hula shows held at the Waikiki Shell.
You’re invited to our Grand Opening!
Kilohana Hula Show opens on February 15 to the Waikīkī Shell
E kipa mai! Bring your ʻohana to Waikīkī to CNHA’s Kilohana Hula Show – the best Hawaiʻi has to offer. This new show is a modern twist on the iconic productions that were held in the Waikīkī Shell for over 60 years. The Kilohana Hula Show is a complimentary one-hour performance from 9:30-10:30am, Sundays through Thursdays.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Thursday, February 15, 2024, 9:30 A.M.
at the Tom Moffatt Waikīkī ShellAUTHENTIC HULA
Directed by Kipe Ebana and Nā Kumu Hula Tracie and Keawe Lopes, our show highlights mele that honor Waikīkī, featuring dancers from six award-winning hālau from across Hawai‘i.
For more information, visit https://experiencekilohana.com/
Mahalo nui to the City and County of Honolulu and Hawaiʻi Entertainment Production for partnering with the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement in the production of this show.
I hope this long post helps anyone planning a trip.
I have been meaning to post impressions of our August visit, but apparently I am still on island time.
We flew into KOA and spent our first week at Kona Billfisher, in Kailua Kona. It is an older timeshare property going through some renovations. While not fancy, it was clean, friendly, and in a good location, about a 3 minute walk to the southern edge of town, and just across Ali’I Drive from Royal Kona Resort. We ate lunches “out” and cooked dinners “in.” Here are our impressions.
Tip, if you stay in aa place with a kitchen, sign up for the Safeway app. I did an online order of essentials and receiced $30 off a $75 order. Also make sure you have the Foodland app/account. Scan your member number and save big. Plus, Foodland poke really is good.
There are a significant number of homeless people in Kailua. They are not aggressive, and mostly just seem to enjoy sleeping outside.
We did a sunset/night skies excursion to Mauna Kea; it was a highlight but freaking freezing.
We did the glass-bottom boat tour, as an homage to childhood trips to Siver Springs. It was fine (if you like screaming kids).
We also did the Petroglyphs walk at Waikoloa (stayed there last year). It is rough terrain but amazing.
We did no golf (no checked luggage) or snorkeling this year (I can be in The Keys in an hour and a half).
We really like Greenwell Farms coffee, but really love Mountain Thunder coffee.
Lunches—Abalone Farm/Food Truck, Pine Tree Café, Da Poke Shack, Pa’akai Poke, Island Ono Loa Grills, and Kaaloa’s Super Js. All were great, but Super Js was MEMORABLE.
I was pleasantly surprised at the prices/quality of the happy hour at Don the Beachcomber. $8 Mai Tais, Poke Nachos, and good Calamari steaks. It was not crowded either time we went and the surf was UP. The happy hour at On The Rocks was also fun.
We would absolutely stay in town again.
We flew to LIH and spent one night in Poipu, at the Sheraton. I booked a cheaper room on points and crossed my fingers for an upgrade—SCORE! We had a beachfront/pool front room and enjoyed the hotel a lot. We ate at their restaurant, Rum Fire, which was predictable hotel food, but still enjoyable. The next morning we got an early start, trying to beat the cruise ship tours to Waimea Canyon, We were blessed with a mostly clear morning. Midnight Bear Breads in Hanapepe is pretty good.
We spent our second full week in Princeville at The Makai Club, another older timeshare resort; we enjoyed it a lot.
Highlights were Limahuli National Tropical Botanical Garden, Haena State Park (we only hiked to the Na Pali lookout), and a drive to Kapaa to see Aldrine The Machine play uke at Oasis on the Beach.
Lunches—Puka Dog, Hanalei Taro food truck, Hanalei Poke, Pono Market (Kapaa), The Musubi Truck (Kapaa), and Tahiti Nui for happy hour. We also did afternoon of expensive drinks and munchies at Duke’s in Lihue while waiting for our night flight. The Manju pastries at Pono Market are as great as we remembered. Text in the morning to reserve them (and place your lunch order).
We are spoiled by the availability of great seafood at home, but I will give a shout out to the fish market at Dolphin Restaurant in Hanalei. While expensive, it is the first place we have found a good selection of really fresh fish. We were very disappointed in Hale l’a Da and Kona Seafood Market.
This was our 2nd visit; we hope to return.
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When in Kauai , I stay in Princeville for a week or two.
I eat at the Hanalei Dolphin 5 times during the week, never eat the same fish twice and not ahi or ono (at dinner).
Mong Chong, hebi, buttaguchi, walu, opah , shutome, Mahi , Onaga, if they have it. Only thing I’ve never gotten there was Opaakapaka.
I go around to the attached fish store for Cajun seared ahi for lunch as often.
Haven’t been in a few years but they were very BYO friendly,
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Missed it last month because of Lala, but glad I have pics and video from a previous visit.
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