Kohala Coast, Hawaii (Big Island)
Everyone is happy when we are at the beach!
- More about your Oliver Guide: Courtney Leary
- Trip type: Family, Group getaway, Beach
- Activity level: easy
- Ideal length of trip: 4-7 DAYS
to & from
United direct flight from SFO to Kona. Unless you have access to a private option, direct is the way to go, be sure and fly into Kona and not Hilo.
Where to Stay
A house in The Fairways at the Mauna Kea allowed us to use the amenities of the resort and the amazing beach but have the privacy and flexibility of a house. (Note the Mauna Kea Resort is going through renovations due to be complete in the Spring of 2026. It is open and they are making the best of the situation but it will be AMAZING once the renovations are complete!)
The Rosewood at Kona Village just opened and is the new IT spot on the island. Anyone seeking privacy should stay here as the rooms are all separate villas and relatively spread out. We have not stayed here but have visited and have heard great reviews.
A less expensive alternative are the condos at Mauni Lani Point. These do not have access to the Mauna Kea beach but there is a smaller beach club within walking distance and almost all condominiums have an ocean view.
Where to Eat and Drink
The Mauna Kea beachfront restaurant, Hau Tree for lunch… order a famous Frederico at the beachfront bar.
The breakfast buffet at the Mauna Kea’s upscale restaurant, Manta Restaurant is a must do at least once every trip. We also love it for dinner.
We have been enjoying The Copper Bar at the Mauna Kea as a good teenager dinner option recently– they have sushi, pizzas and other food the kids love and a more relaxed vibe than Manta.
For the family or adults only, we love HaLani at the Mauna Lani Hotel. Great Mediterranean inspired menu and fun casual atmosphere.
For date night, venture off “campus” to CanoeHouse at the Mauna Lani Hotel.
Also recommend a trip to any of the restaurants at the Four Seasons Hualalai.
And our favorite meal of all, picking up fresh fish to grill at home from Da Fish House now located in the Kawaihae Marketplace just down the road from the Mauna Kea in the “town” of Kawaihae. We love to pick up a “ahi block” to slice up as pre-dinner sashimi when we grill at home. This is also a great place to get really fresh poke for a meal or apps.
Lava Lava Beach Club in Waikoloa village – casual waterfront lunch or early dinner. We have not been but recommended by many!
Brown’s Beach House at the Fairmont Orchid is a little hit or miss on the food but the setting is spectacular so I recommend you take the chance!
The Mauna Lani shops area has a great grocery store to pick up lunch or dinner (Foodland), also a yummy juice + coffee shop.
What to Do
Beach beach and more beach. The beach at the Mauna Kea is among the best on the island for families. It is big and long and protected from the wind.
The Mauna Kea offers morning yoga on the beach for adults… a perfect way for mom and dad to start the day.
A night swim with the giant Manta Rays is a fun family activity a very cool experience. If staying at the Mauna Kea or another hotel, arrange through your hotel as they will know the best and closest option. At the Mauna Kea you can walk out from the beach (which we did), other places will have you take a boat which can be a longer and colder (on the way back) experience but have heard good things.
The Big Island Luau held on the Mauna Kea Property was a favorite evening outing.
Play Tennis on the Mauna Kea Courts, some even have an ocean view. Lessons and clinics available.
The Mauna Kea Golf course is world renowned. Try it out. Also there is a 9 hole pitch and putt at Mauna Lani – really fun for the kids and the 18 hole golf course at Mauna Lani is also really nice.
Shop the shops at The Four Seasons. Truly an incredibly curated assortment of apparel and accessories for both men and women.
Snorkeling– You can book a snorkeling trip through your concierge at most hotels. Some require that you bring your own gear so be sure and ask. There is also good snorkeling at the Mauna Kea beach (at the end towards Manta Restaurant) and at t the little beach that is part of the Mauna Lani beach club (not hotel).
IYKYK–There is one of those little ponds on the path between the Mauna Lani hotel and the Mauna Lani beach club where little tiny fish will “eat” your feet like a natural pedicure. It’s a fun mini-adventure!
Pololu Valley hike is a fun excursion. There are a ton of rope swings at the bottom and the views are gorgeous. (beach at bottom is not for swimming).
This is from my friend and Oliver Guide author Alex Jennings– “The lesson we did at the beach club (down the path from Mauna Lani) was fantastic. We booked a 1 hour private but the teacher “Uncle” had them out for 2 hours and they had the best time. Our other friends said surfing lessons at the Mauna Lani are great, and the surf shack guys and girls make it super fun. At both of the beach huts you can rent kayaks or SUP, the morning water is very calm.”
Haven’t tried it but the Kohala Zipline has been recommended.
Inside Scoop
If renting a house or condominium, be sure and rent a car and stop at the grocery store on your way in, Foodland Farms in The Mauni Lani or Waikoloa Village Market.
Stay within the Mauna Kea, Mauni Lani or Four Seasons resorts so that you have access to amenities. All offer hotels, condominium and home rentals.
What to Pack
Resort attire– bathing suits, sun dresses, golf shirts, golf/tennis/workout attire.
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