Foodie's Guide to Luxury on Hawai’i's Kohala Coast
Curated By
Kristyne Wada (Enriched Travels)
SHARE
Hawai'i
Big Island
Beaches
Domestic Travel
Food & Wine
Nature Escapes
Island-Life
Local Cuisine
Local Culture
Curator’s statement
The Island of Hawai’i, or Big Island, is home to some of my favorite Hawaiian food like poke, shave ice and huli huli chicken. Combine that with stunning luxury resorts along the Kohala Coast and the gorgeous Hāpuna Beach (recently rated the best beach in the U.S.!) and you'll see why the Big Island is my favorite Hawaiian island. It’s a great vacation destination for couples or families looking to indulge, eat well and enjoy the unique natural beauty of the islands!
The Fora Difference
Book with Kristyne to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Hawai'i
Unlock perks by contacting Kristyne to book your trip.
Things to do in Hawai'i
Hāpuna Beach: A spacious, white sand beach with bright turquoise waters that was recently rated best beach in the U.S. and is consistently on the top best international beach lists. Westin guests have direct access to Hāpuna Beach from the resort but is a public beach open to all visitors.
Pololū Valley: Take a scenic drive on Highway 270 to Pololū Valley in North Kohala and take in the spectacular views of the coastline and lush green valley. Hike down a steep, rocky path less than a mile to a black sand beach. As Pololū is a sacred place to the ancestors of the island, please be respectful not to walk on the sand dunes and exercise caution on the trail and near the water to avoid rescues. On the way back from Pololū, stop in the cute little town of Hāwī at Kohala Coffee Mill to refresh yourself with an iced coffee, smoothie or lunch.
Waimea: Located 20 minutes from the Westin Hāpuna Beach and Mauna Kea resorts, Waimea is a charming town and has a cooler climate than on the coast. Home to Waimea Coffee Company, GJ’s Huli Chicken, Merriman’s and several other excellent places to eat.
Kailua-Kona: Located just south of Kona airport, this old fisherman’s village has local shops, restaurants and farmers markets good for taking a stroll in and grabbing some shave ice at Ululani’s to beat the heat.
Kona coffee tour: Visit a local coffee farm such as Holualoa Coffee Company to taste some delicious Kona coffee and learn about different coffee roasting techniques.
Day Trips on the Big Island
Due to the immense size of the Big Island, having a rental car is key to exploring the beauty of the entire island.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
'Akaka Falls State Park: 11 miles north of Hilo, home to ‘Akaka Falls, a 442-foot tall waterfall.
Places to eat & drink in Hawai'i
Poke on the Big Island
Hale I’a (Da Fish House): My favorite spicy poke spot, selling super fresh fish by the pound to go (located in Kawaihae).
Pau Hana Poke: Excellent fresh fish and sides to build the perfect poke bowl (located in Kona).
Shave Ice on the Big Island
Original Big Island Shave Ice Co.: Beat the heat with refreshing shave ice made with some of the finest ice you’ll ever taste! (located in Waikoloa).
Ululani’s: A shave ice favorite on the islands! (located in Kona).
Other local favorites on the Big Island
GJ’s Huli Chicken: Mouth watering, juicy rotisserie-style chicken cooked over an open wood fire can be smelt and seen from the road (open Saturday & Sundays; located in Waimea).
Kohala Burger & Taco: Casual, “50’s style drive-in” serving fresh fish tacos on homemade tortillas and delicious burgers (located in Kawaihae).
Breakfast on the Big Island
808 Grindz Cafe: Casual, local cafe serving the best macadamia nut pancakes! Located in Kona.
Waimea Coffee Company: Cozy coffee shop in the cute town of Waimea serving specialty coffees, acai bowls and breakfast bagels.
Dinner on the Big Island
CanoeHouse: Elegant restaurant and bar at the gorgeous Mauna Lani resort to watch the sunset and enjoy a delicious meal.
Merriman’s Waimea: Merriman’s flagship restaurant located in the charming upcountry town of Waimea.
A note from Kristyne
Many local spots are small family run businesses that have varying operating hours and may only accept cash. Be sure to have cash handy and check hours on their social media or call before going!
Travel Advisor
Kristyne Wada (Enriched Travels)
Get in touch with Kristyne
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Kristyne within a business day or so. You'll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).