Big Island Guidebook
Neighborhoods
Often called "the jewel of Puna", Leilani Estates is a private residential subdivision located 2.5 miles from Pahoa Village, 23 miles from Hilo and bordering the Malama Ki Forest Reserve.
Our subdivision hosts a park and community center a quick drive from the house at 13-3441 Moku Street. There you will find a children's playground, a covered basketball court, a running track and along the track are athletic strength building machines.
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Leilani Estates
Often called "the jewel of Puna", Leilani Estates is a private residential subdivision located 2.5 miles from Pahoa Village, 23 miles from Hilo and bordering the Malama Ki Forest Reserve.
Our subdivision hosts a park and community center a quick drive from the house at 13-3441 Moku Street. There you will find a children's playground, a covered basketball court, a running track and along the track are athletic strength building machines.
Beaches
The nearest beach is Kehena and it’s a beautiful black sand beach. The trail down to the beach requires some care as it is rocky and a bit steep; but my four year old handles it fine. Not everyone is comfortable with Kehena because there is a counter culture element. There will be some nudity and marijuana smoking. Still many children play there, especially in the mornings. There is some surf and some undertow, but it’s a good spot to try some body boarding or just play in the crashing waves close to shore.
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Kehena Black Sand Beach
The nearest beach is Kehena and it’s a beautiful black sand beach. The trail down to the beach requires some care as it is rocky and a bit steep; but my four year old handles it fine. Not everyone is comfortable with Kehena because there is a counter culture element. There will be some nudity and marijuana smoking. Still many children play there, especially in the mornings. There is some surf and some undertow, but it’s a good spot to try some body boarding or just play in the crashing waves close to shore.
You won't want to miss the snorkeling at Carlsmith Beach. We have fins available; but you will want to bring a mask or pick one up at the pharmacy (or there is a Target and Walmart in Hilo). The water is clear and you will often find sea turtles. Carlsmith is in nearby Hilo and it’s easy to get to.
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Carlsmith Beach Park
1815 Kalanianaole StYou won't want to miss the snorkeling at Carlsmith Beach. We have fins available; but you will want to bring a mask or pick one up at the pharmacy (or there is a Target and Walmart in Hilo). The water is clear and you will often find sea turtles. Carlsmith is in nearby Hilo and it’s easy to get to.
Located just east of the Hilo Airport, Onekahakaha Beach is a favorite with keiki (children). This small, shallow, sand-bottomed ocean pool is one of the safest swimming areas along the Hilo coast, with tide pools and inlets. Although there’s no actual beach, the park is perfect for play, picnics and lovely views of Hilo Bay.
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Onekahakaha Beach Park
74 Onekahakaha RdLocated just east of the Hilo Airport, Onekahakaha Beach is a favorite with keiki (children). This small, shallow, sand-bottomed ocean pool is one of the safest swimming areas along the Hilo coast, with tide pools and inlets. Although there’s no actual beach, the park is perfect for play, picnics and lovely views of Hilo Bay.
A favorite hang out for turtles and seals, Shipman Beach takes an hour or two to hike to. The reward is tranquility and a lack of big crowds.
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Shipman Beach / Haena Beach
A favorite hang out for turtles and seals, Shipman Beach takes an hour or two to hike to. The reward is tranquility and a lack of big crowds.
A good place to surf or watch the surfers, Honoli'i is just North of Hilo. Fun to collect sea glass.
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Honoli'i Beach Park
A good place to surf or watch the surfers, Honoli'i is just North of Hilo. Fun to collect sea glass.
National and State Parks
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cherished cultural landscapes in the world. Extending from sea level to 13,681 feet, the park encompasses the summits of two of the world's most active volcanoes - Kīlauea and Mauna Loa - and is a designated International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cherished cultural landscapes in the world. Extending from sea level to 13,681 feet, the park encompasses the summits of two of the world's most active volcanoes - Kīlauea and Mauna Loa - and is a designated International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lava Tree State Monument features a forest of lava trees, lava molds of the tree trunks that were formed when a lava flow swept through the forested area in 1790.
The Lava Trees Loop Trail is a .7 mile loop.
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Lava Tree State Monument
Hawaii 132Lava Tree State Monument features a forest of lava trees, lava molds of the tree trunks that were formed when a lava flow swept through the forested area in 1790.
The Lava Trees Loop Trail is a .7 mile loop.
Food scene (Pahoa)
Tin Shack Bakery is a family owned business with a local vibe, fresh breads, yummy sandwiches on our breads and bagels...insider tip: veggie pesto bagel is our best seller. Delicious eggs benedict and other breakfast items are on the menu, along with a full assortment of organic teas, and fair trade, organic, and small batch air roasted coffee and espresso drinks. Prepared food starts 7am, bakery opens 6am, closed Sundays. They also offer WiFi internet connection and lots of cakes, sweets and unique treats.
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Tin Shack Bakery
15-1500 Akeakamai LoopTin Shack Bakery is a family owned business with a local vibe, fresh breads, yummy sandwiches on our breads and bagels...insider tip: veggie pesto bagel is our best seller. Delicious eggs benedict and other breakfast items are on the menu, along with a full assortment of organic teas, and fair trade, organic, and small batch air roasted coffee and espresso drinks. Prepared food starts 7am, bakery opens 6am, closed Sundays. They also offer WiFi internet connection and lots of cakes, sweets and unique treats.
Our good friends founded Nicoco Hawaiian Gelato in 2011. Each batch of Nicoco is made with the highest quality, locally sourced ingredients available. They begin with fresh made coconut milk, raw organic cane sugar and a sprinkle of vegan fairie majick to create our signature gelato flavors. Nicoco believes that peace begins in a cone or cup, so everything we create is always plant based, vegan, gluten-free and organic.
Open Tuesday - Saturday 12ish - 7ish
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Nicoco Hawaiian Gelato
15-2929 Pahoa Village RdOur good friends founded Nicoco Hawaiian Gelato in 2011. Each batch of Nicoco is made with the highest quality, locally sourced ingredients available. They begin with fresh made coconut milk, raw organic cane sugar and a sprinkle of vegan fairie majick to create our signature gelato flavors. Nicoco believes that peace begins in a cone or cup, so everything we create is always plant based, vegan, gluten-free and organic.
Open Tuesday - Saturday 12ish - 7ish
Hawaiian inspired local cuisine, includes takes on American classics. Casual and relaxing. Reservations recommended.
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Kaleo's Bar & Grill
15-2969 Pahoa Village RdHawaiian inspired local cuisine, includes takes on American classics. Casual and relaxing. Reservations recommended.
Much better Mexican than you would expect to find on the Big Island, Coco's is kid friendly and has nice cocktails.
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Coco Cantina
15-2714 Pahoa Village RdMuch better Mexican than you would expect to find on the Big Island, Coco's is kid friendly and has nice cocktails.
A vibey, family-run farm to table cafe that's a great choice for breakfast. Open 7:30am to noon and closed Mondays.
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Pele's Kitchen
152923 Pahoa Village RdA vibey, family-run farm to table cafe that's a great choice for breakfast. Open 7:30am to noon and closed Mondays.
Laundry
They have drop off service for $1.75 per pound. You can usually get it by the next day.
Suds 'n Duds Laundromat
15-2866 Pahoa Village RdDowntown Laundry Express
194 Kilauea AveFarmers Markets
Sundays from 7am to 12pm, closeby in Keaau on the road to Hilo. This is the one we frequent every week for fruit, fresh juice, handcrafts and various cuisine.
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Maku'u Farmer's Market
15-2131 Keaau-Pahoa RdSundays from 7am to 12pm, closeby in Keaau on the road to Hilo. This is the one we frequent every week for fruit, fresh juice, handcrafts and various cuisine.
The Kaimu Farmers Market at Uncle Robert's is held Saturdays from 8am-12pm. Fruits and vegetables, fresh juices and cuisine from local vendors.
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Uncle Robert's Awa Bar and Farmers Market
12-5038 Kalapana Kapoho Beach RdThe Kaimu Farmers Market at Uncle Robert's is held Saturdays from 8am-12pm. Fruits and vegetables, fresh juices and cuisine from local vendors.
The Market at the Mill is a tiny market held Saturdays from 9am-2pm. It great to drop by on your way to Volcano National Park to get some snacks and try some local coffee. If you want to bring back some of the beans, they ship worldwide.
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Hilo Coffee Mill
17-995 Volcano RdThe Market at the Mill is a tiny market held Saturdays from 9am-2pm. It great to drop by on your way to Volcano National Park to get some snacks and try some local coffee. If you want to bring back some of the beans, they ship worldwide.
Food Scene (Hilo)
Right on Hilo Bay, this poke is straight off the boat. Takeout only. Expect a line; but the view and atmosphere are nice.
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Suisan Fish Market
93 Lihiwai StRight on Hilo Bay, this poke is straight off the boat. Takeout only. Expect a line; but the view and atmosphere are nice.
Bar and grill serving seafood, steaks and great cocktails.
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Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill Hilo
64 Keawe StBar and grill serving seafood, steaks and great cocktails.
Opened in 1971, Ken's House of Pancakes is a Hilo Landmark. Its sort of like an IHOP or Denny's with a Hawaiian twist.
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Kens House of Pancakes
1730 Kamehameha AveOpened in 1971, Ken's House of Pancakes is a Hilo Landmark. Its sort of like an IHOP or Denny's with a Hawaiian twist.