Out and About

If you have some things you would like to ship back home, there are a couple of options:

USPS, 68-1875 Pua Melia St, Waikoloa Village

Waikoloa Mailbox (Waikoloa Highlands Center), 68-1845 Waikoloa Rd # 106, Waikoloa Village

Lava Lava Beach Club, Waikoloa, waitlist seating (outdoor / open air venue)

Tropics Ale House, Waikoloa,  local hole in the wall, extensive menu, great happy hour, reasonable prices

Hawaii Calls, Marriott, Waikoloa, reservations on Open Table, beautiful sunset spot

Merriman's, Waimea, reservations required (808-885-6822)

Kamuela Provision Company, Hilton, Waikoloa, ask for a table with a sunset view! website 

Pueo's Osteria (Waikoloa Plaza), Italian food, has indoor / outdoor seating, close to the house

Island Lava Java (Waikoloa Highlands Center), great and reasonably priced breakfast, close to the house (note: website is mainly for their Kona location!)

Some places in the village I've been told are good but have not yet tried (may not be open or have limited hours due to Covid):

• Los Tres Mex (Waikoloa Highlands Center)

• Johnny's Restaurant (golf course clubhouse)

I honestly don't eat out much, but these are a few of my faves when I do!

Hulakai, King Shops, Waikoloa Board and Kayak rentals, also lessons!

Waialea Beach, closest for great snorkeling in my opinion. You will need to pay for parking, but well worth it. It has restrooms, a place to rinse yourself and gear, and shade! I like to set up near the bleached white tree, but enter the water to the right of that and to the right of the big center rock (if facing the ocean). Lots of shade and less crowded to the left. I'm told if you walk to the left as far as you can, there is a very small green sand beach.  Note. heading all the way to the right... clothing optional beach.

Waipio Valley, a lot of folks go here and stop at the overlook (which is amazing!) but definitely drive down if your car will make it (ie. 4 wheel drive). You can walk down but the walk up might be a challenge, a lot of folks hitchhike to get back up!

Kiholo Bay, it is a bit of a hike to get to but SO worth it. It is one of the best places to see turtles and there is a beautiful turquoise blue water for swimming. I cannot recall if good for snorkeling. 

Looking for even more ideas? I highly recommend the book: Hawaii the Big Island Revealed. There is a copy at the house but if you are wanting to plan beforehand, you won't regret ordering a copy. Look for the "Gems" throughout!