The Salty Island Guide for the Creative Traveler
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the bigTHE SALTYisland ISLAND guide GUIDE FOR THE CREATIVE TRAVELER STAY OFF THE BEATEN PATH THE ALOHA ABODE The Aloha Abode is a light, airy one bedroom Airbnb tucked away on the hillside of Mauna Loa. PUAKEA RANCH A historic ranch on the Big Island of Hawaii offering 4 beautifully restored plantation era cottages. BEACH CAMPING There are a bunch of gorgeous beaches you can camp at on this island! Be sure to make a reservation beforehand. HALE KUKUI ORCHARD + RETREAT Beautiful bed + breakfast that overlooks Waipio valley, welcoming guests for a retreat or to host events + weddings. THE BIG ISLAND TREEHOUSE Dreamy tropical treehouse near Volcano National Park. HOLUALOA INN Luxury bed and breakfast on a 30 acre coffee estate in the artist village of Holualoa. HOTELS + RESORTS FOUR SEASONS HUALALAI The ultimate luxury resort in paradise. Luxury price tag but incredible property. KONA SHERATON AT KEAUHOU BAY We used to live in Keauhou + LOVE the area. It's quieter than staying right in the heart of town and there are incredible views from the property! MAUNA KEA BEACH HOTEL Gorgeous oceanfront property residing along the beautiful Kohala Coast where all of the most beautiful, big beaches are located. Luxurious and welcoming with a beautiful golf course! HAPUNA BEACH PRINCE HOTEL Near Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, this upscale resort also overlooks beachfront on the Kohala Coast. We frequent the beach here often and love the feel of the resort! FAIRMONT ORCHID Luxury resort and spa also located on the Kohala Coast. We've never stayed here personally but have heard good things! GRAND NANILOA HOTEL IN HILO This newly renovated property is a great choice if you are staying over in Hilo. EAT CASUAL SPOTS UNDER THE BODHI TREE Locally sourced, globally flavored. Casual eatery on the Kohala Coast with an eclectic menu of vegetarian, vegan and raw dishes. I haven't had an item on the menu I didn't LOVE! HIYACHI'S / YOU MAKE DA ROLL Local's favorite! Inexpensive but awesome sushi. Only open from 11am to 6pm (and closes at 4pm on Saturday) and the line PILES UP QUICKLY! Typically, we place our order, walk around Ali'i Drive for about 45 minutes then go back to pick it up. Bonus if you take it down by the water to enjoy! LOKO WRAPS They've coined the phrase 'island style Mexican food.' They have a location in Captain Cook & another in Kona. The BBQ jack fruit (which resembles pulled pork) is so amazing and we're obsessed with their sauces! UMEKE'S This awesome local spot believes in wildly fresh fish caught from our Kona waters and served BOAT to BOWL fresh to create their sashimi quality Poke Bowls that have earned many awards. HUGGO'S ON THE ROCKS Serving lunch, sunset cocktails, pupus + dinner daily. We love the atmosphere on Sunday evenings as they usually have acoustic live music! KONA BREWING COMPANY Awesome local brew pub! Great for pizza + beers – although they have much more on the menu. Sometimes I'll get one of their delicious salads + the ahi sashimi for a lighter meal. My favorite beers are the Koko Brown, Big Wave + Kua Bay IPA! DA POKE SHACK One word: YUM! If you love fresh poke, I definitely recommend this local joint! They have awesome recipes, it's right in town + you can take it to the beach if you want to have yourself a little picnic! FOODTRUCKS There are some delicious island food trucks here. We had no idea until we lived here so I'm giving you the local scoop. Check out: Lotus Cafe, Cool Runnings, Kana Dogs+ Island Roots. They all update their social media with their daily location! OUT TO DINNER FOSTER'S KITCHEN Cuisine made from scratch and perfection within a hand-crafted cocktail using only the freshest ingredients possible. Can get really busy so call and make a reservation if possible! KAMANA KITCHEN Absolutely delicious Indian restaurant with a cozy atmostphere overlooking the ocean. Vegetarian + vegan options too! MI'S WATERFRONT BISTRO Intimate spot featuring house-made Italian pasta + dishes using island-sourced ingredients. Love their Lanai Spritz cocktail! LAVA LAVA BEACH CLUB Beach front casual restaurant where you can sip a cocktail with your feet in the sand. Facing Anaeho'omalu Bay, this lovely spot offers something for everyone. SHIONO SUSHI This little hole in the wall right off of Ali'i Drive has authentic japanese cuisine + Traditional sushi. Perfect for a lunch date or dinner! THE BLUE ROOM BRASSERIE You won't find any authentic Hawaiian food here! This unique restaurant offers an exciting menu of French cuisine if something different strikes your fancy! KENICHI PACIFIC Two words: HAPPY HOUR! From 4:30-6:00pm this sushi spot has the best happy hour in town on food + cocktails. Their rolls are inspired by the tropics and delicious. AMICI VISTA BAR + GRILL This gem is located in Keauhou on the same grounds as the Kona Country Club. With majestic views of Keauhou Bay and dishes straight from Italy, Amici Vista is perfect for lunch, dinner, and even happy hour! ULU OCEAN GRILL OR BEACH TREE AT FOUR SEASONS Both have an element of 'barefoot elegance' as you dine oceanside with incredible menu options. This is a well worth splurge on vacation! BIG ISLAND FAVORITES COFFEE + SOMETHING SWEET DAYLIGHT MIND COFFEE COMPANY Whether you're looking for a great brunch spot by the water, a beautiful restaurant to enjoy while you watch the sunset or a lovely little coffee shop to work from – daylight mind is your place! BASIK ACAI Right in the middle of town, just a climb up the steps into a little treehouse-style cafe - something scrumptious awaits you. Their presentation is always beautiful, but unfortunately, their food is also too delicious to wait and get that shot! Seriously, if acai bowls are up your alley - head here for your morning breakfast or mid-day treat! HOLUAKOA CAFE For an amazing cup of coffee + lovely atmosphere, head up the hills above Kona to visit the coffee shop located right in front of the Holuakoa Restaurant. Nestled in the historical town and artist community of Holualoa, this spot is worth visiting before you visit the art galleries lining the street. KONA COFFEE + TEA Visit this bright, cheery spot in the heart of town for delicious locally grown coffee, deli selections + beer/wine. The lime green walls, sunny lanai and welcoming staff makes this place really inviting! THE COFFEE SHACK Plan on grabbing a fresh cup of kona joe + breakfast overlooking 26 miles of coastline. The location in the hills is breathtaking. Views of the coast everywhere you look and tasty bites - you can't go wrong! These photos were taken on a really dreary day+ you can see even then, it's still charming. WAIMEA COFFEE COMPANY Warm and welcoming place for residents and visitors alike! We love to stop here for a cup of coffee and breakfast sandwich or burrito before an adventure up in Waimea. ONE ALOHA SHAVE ICE Serving homemade shave ice syrups lightly sweetened with certified organic cane sugar + local, organic fruits. Drool over flavors like Lilikoi, Tahitian Lime, Guava, Mango, Lychee and Coconut. GYPSEA GELATO AMAZING gelato – my favorite flavor is the Tom Kha. Locations in both Kealekekua + Kona. IN WAIMEA BIG ISLAND FAVORITES NOODLE club Japanese noodle house with amazing menu items showcasing locally sourced and homemade ingredients! Also, fun fact: you can BYOB. LUNA RESTAURANT Fantastic, seasonal Italian-inspired food made with local ingredients. Yummy house-made pasta and amazing pizza! This is definitely a favorite of ours. Keep in mind: closed Tuesdays + Sundays. FISH + THE HOG Local fare such as seafood & slow-cooked BBQ star at this rustic cafe & bar in a historic building. Aaron loves this place! Great to watch a sports game or to stop for lunch. PAU Bright, airy joint with a menu full of gourmet salads, sandwiches + pizzas. I recommend their superfood salad! Kawaihae SEAFOOD BAR + GRILL Island-style bar with inventive cocktails + interesting menu! Love the atmosphere of this place and it has a great happy hour! HINA RAE'S SUGARSHACK Cute little shop to grab an acai bowl, pitaya bowls or boba tea if you're up exploring Waimea! BIG ISLAND BREWHAUS A kitschy place serving up Mexican classics, occasional live music & your choice of delicious housemade margaritas or locally crafted beer. We love this place! IN HAWI SUSHI ROCK Best sushi on the island in my humble opinion! It's a bit pricey but worth it! Perfect for lunch after hiking down to Pololu. SWEET POTATO KITCHEN + BAKERY Breakfast and lunch weekdays, brunch on weekends! Awesome for vegans and vegetarians, gluten free options. BIG ISLAND FAVORITES IN HILO CONSCIOUS CULTURE CAFE Nutritious menu items made with aloha! Vegan and gluten free friendly! Their 'blessed-up bowls' are heavenly and we love that they have Big Island Booch on tap! BIG ISLAND JUICE CO. This colorful, tiki shack offers an assortment of acai bowls, smoothies, frappes, ice cream goodies + epic sandwiches! We stop in here every time we go to Hilo. MOON + TURTLE Locally sourced seafood stars at this Asian-fusion cafe with a menu that changes frequently. hilo bay Cafe New American menu with a tropical twist – great cocktails & bay views. PINEAPPLES Island-style cuisine with live entertainment + fun atmosphere! This place is a legacy in downtown Hilo and the first restaurant we ever visited on that side. Love it here! IN HONOKA'A SEA DANDELION In this cozy space a husband-and-wife team serve up creative healthy vegetarian fare.