Island of Hawaii Insider Tips

Island of Hawaii | Savor 100% Kona coffee - grown only in the mineral-rich volcanic soil on the slopes of Hualalai and the Mauna Loa Mountains.

Island of Hawaii | Mauna Kea Beach Hotel now offers Golfboards - the newest rage on the course! Surf the Earth at Mauna Kea Golf Course, a fun new way to carve your way through a round of golf. These easy-ride boards are a great exercise option and tons of fun too. Click here to learn more about it. ~ Gary Hunn, Destination Marketing Manager

Island of Hawaii | Some of the best malasadas (jelly-filled donuts) are found at Tex's Drive-In in Honokaa; be sure to try mango, guava and raspberry. Pick up some stone cookies to take home with you, from Mt. View Bakery in Mountain View - they're perfect for dipping in coffee. Or, if you're looking for a casual eatery, stop by Cafe 100 in Hilo - originally opened in 1946. For a local favorite, order the traditional loco moco, or consider beef teriyaki or chicken katsu.

Island of Hawaii | Celebrate Turtle Independence Day on July 4 at Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows with live entertainment, educational displays and a welcome ceremony honoring the honu with a momentous release into the wild.

Island of Hawaii | Seeing the manta rays at night is a must at Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay. Guests can view the mantas from the lanais of the oceanfront rooms or from the Rays on the Bay restaurant. ~ Lauren Taveres, Destination Specialist

Island of Hawaii | There are multiple special events and activities to explore on the Island of Hawaii, including the Kona Historical Society's sweet bread making with a traditional Portuguese stone oven usually every Thursday, The Shops at Mauna Lani's Taste of the Movies film festival in May with chefs presenting specialties paired with foodie movies including Mystic Pizza, Chocolat and Ratatouille or beginning in April visit Rays on the Bay at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay on Saturdays and Sundays for a Street Market Bubbles & BBQ featuring local farmers, artists, complimentary cultural activities and food booths.

Island of Hawaii | Avid surfers should plan to visit Ke'ei, Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island. With an underwater reef that stretches out for 300 yards, surfers are promised long, consistent rides when conditions are just right. Intermediate to master surfers will have a blast just hanging-10 with friends at Ke'ei Kealakekua bay.