Big Island (Hawai'i) Recommendations

The Gypsea Traveller is a Hawaii Travel Agency. The Owner, Libbi is a travel agent that lives in Hawaii. she has visited all of the Hawaiian Islands and lives on Oahu. This blog has a ton of recommendations based on first hand experience living in Hawaii.

The Big Island is known for Volcanoes National Park which is the only place in Hawaii where you can see an active Volcano. Visitors also come to Hawaii to see lava, black sand beaches and green sand beaches. If you're adventurous you can snorkel with dolphins or night snorkel with Manta Rays! Many visitors don't believe that there's snow in Hawaii, but snow can be seen on top of Mauna Kea which can be seen all the way from Kailua Kona and the Waikoloa resort area.

Excursions

I highly recommend booking your excursions as soon as you book your vacation. Excursions are booking up months in advance. I can help recommend the best ones and make sure you book them ahead of time.

Island Tours Island Tour from Kailua-Kona

Catamaran/Boat Tours Sunset Catamaran Sunset Sail Deep Sea Fishing

Snorkel Snorkel and Dolphin Watch

Manta Ray Night Dolphin Snorkel Adventurous Mauna Kea Volcano Helicopter Tour

Whale Watching (winter only) Ziplining ATV Horseback Riding Volcanoes National Park Tour

Luau's Voyagers of the Pacific Luau This luau is located at the Royal Kona Resort. It overlooks the Kona Bay. The luau features a fiery song and dance all being oceanfront at water's edge. They also have fire knife dancers.

Don't see an excursion you're looking for? Click here for more options!

Recommended Restaurants

I highly recommend making reservations anywhere you want to eat. Some places are only taking reservations. We found eating at some local spots at around 4-5pm wasn't at busy and we usually didn't have to wait.

Kailua-Kona

Broke Da Mouth Grindz They have Hawaiian food.

Island Ono Loa Grill They have burgers and Hawaiian food.

Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill They have seafood, Hawaiian food and Poke.

The Fish Hopper Seafood & Steaks A spot for seafood and steak.

Island Lava Java A goof spot for breakfast.

Ola Brew A local brewery with food, beer and ciders.

Big Island Pizza A spot when you're wanting pizza.

Kalikala Cuisine Another spot for breakfast.

Shaka Tacoz Who doesn't like Mexican food?

Bianelli's Gourmet Pizza and Pasta When you're craving carbs.

Waikoloa

Lava Lava Beach Club A sister restaurant to the one in Kauai.

Pueo's Osteria They have Italian food

Emma's Kitchen They have Filipino and Hawaiian food.

Kuleana Rum Shack Hawaiian food and cocktails.

Island Lava Java A spot for breakfast.

The Fish and the Hog A BBQ, Burger and Poke spot.

Napua at Mauna Lani Beach Club An upscale Hawaiian and seafood restaurant.

Canoe House A Japanese, Seafood and Hawaiian restaurant that is more upscale.

Hawaiian Style Cafe Another breakfast spot.

Merriman's Wailea Hawaiian food, American food and wine.

Los Tres Mex When you're craving Mexican food.

Roy's Waikoloa Roy has restaurants all over Hawaii.

Kohala Burger & Taco When you're craving simple burgers and tacos.

If you've been dreaming of a Hawaiian vacation, but don't know where to start to plan your vacation, book your zoom minute consultation with The Gypsea Traveller to learn more. Libbi can help you book a vacation package that includes your flight, the perfect resort for you, car rental or airport transfers and insurance. She can also custom design an itinerary for you based on excursion and restaurant recommendations.

Libbi lives in Hawaii and has visited all of the Hawaiian Islands. She loves helping clients book their dream vacation to the Hawaiian Islands. You can visit www.thegypseatraveller.com and click on "Schedule Consult" to choose a date/time to zoom with Libbi, The Gypsea Traveller