On this page we list our friends, recommended accommodations and activities, and list good places to find general information about the Big Island of Hawaii.
General Information | Accommodations | Activities | Eating and Drinking | Hawaiian Islands
General Information
Hele On Bus – Schedules and Maps for the Big Island (free!) bus service
USGS Hawaii Volcano Observatory – Volcano activity updates.
University of Hawaii Press – Hawaiian cultural and nature books.
Hawaii Tribune Herald – Hilo daily newspaper.
West Hawaii Today – Kailua-Kona daily newspaper.
Big Island Blogs
Blogs give a local perspective and are another good way to prepare your stay on Hawaii. These are some blogs we enjoy to read:
Big Island Blog – Our own (and favorite) Hawaii blog, full with information and background on Hawaiian volcanoes, astronomy, whales and more to help you make the most out of your stay on the Big Island
damontucker.com – Local (Big Island) news that is missed by mainstream media
My Big Island Vacation – Vacation blog of a family that loves to vacation on the Big Island
Local online Big Island retail stores
Handmade Hawaiian Soap – Soaps, salts, lip butter, salves, lotions, and sugar scrubs. Made from the most natural and pure ingredients possible and with a touch of Hawaiian aloha.
Accommodations on Hawaii
Accommodation in Hilo
Hale Kai Hawaii – Bed and Breakfast with panoramic view of the blue Pacific Ocean and Hilo Bay
Arnott’s Lodge
Hilo Bay Hostel
Hilo Backpackers Hostel
Hilo Airport Hostel – Pineapple Park
Hilo Tropical Gardens
Hilo Seaside Hotel
Accommodation in Volcano
Hawaii Volcano Vacations – Cozy vacation rentals in the rainforest
Accommodation in Kailua Kona
Uncle Billy’s
Kona Seaside Hotel
Kona Tiki Hotel
King Kamehameha’s Kona beach resort
Lions Gate Bed and Breakfast – Spend the night at a macadamia nut orchard south of Kona!
Accommodation in Waimea/Kamuela
Aaah the views
Waimea gardens cottage bed and breakfast
Belle vue
Kamuela Inn
Castle Waimea Country Lodge
Activities on Hawaii
Activities in Hilo
Mehana Brewing Company – Tasting room and gift shop
Mid Pacific Wheels – Bike Rentals
All Kine Bicyles – Bike Rentals
Hilo Bay Paddler – Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) Rentals
LavaOcean Castaway Adventures – Snorkeling tours
LavaOcean Fishing Charters – Fishing excursions
LavaOcean Lava Boat Tours – Lava boat tours (only when the lava flows are ‘active’)
LavaOcean Volcano Boat Tours – Boat tours along the scenic Puna coast
Activities in Kailua Kona
Hawaiian Pedals – Bike Rentals
Bike Works Kona – Bike Rentals
Mauna Kea Summit Adventures – Stargazing tours
KonaBoys.com – Stand Up Paddle Board Rentals
Snorkel Bob – Snorkel gear rentals
Blue Sea Cruises – Dolphin and whale watching cruises
BodyGlove Cruises – Dolphin and whale watching cruises
Kamanu Charters – Dolphin and whale watching cruises
Kona Surf Adventures – Learn to surf with the best instructors in Big Island Hawaii. All instructors are CPR, First Aid and lifeguard certified as well as trained in professional rescue. You and your family will be well taken care of!
Yoga Hale Studio: Located in Kailua Kona, on Hawaii’s Big Island, offers daily yoga classes including Hot Yoga as well as a relaxing 7 day yoga and surf retreat. www.YogaHale.com
Activities in Volcano
bikevolcano.com – Bicycle Tours up and down the Volcano
Activities in Waimea/Kamuela
Cowboys of Hawaii – Horseback guided tours
Na’alapa Stables – Horseback guided tours
Paniolo Adventures – Horseback guided tours
Eating and Drinking on Hawaii
Eating and Drinking in Kailua Kona
Java on the Rock – Serves delicious, award-winning, 100% Kona coffee. Right on the Ocean. Enjoy Kona Coffee at Java on the Rock.
Hawaiian Food: online shops
Hilo Coffee Mill – Order Hawaiian coffee from Puna from your couch
Kau Coffee Farm – Order Hawaiian Kau Coffee online
Blue Horse Kona Coffee – State certified, superb tasting 100% Kona Coffee from our small family farm in Kona, Hawaii. Always Fast & Free Shipping!
Misc Hawaii Links
Web Design – Web Design focusing on small and home business’s. Also free web design for churches, ministries and non-profit organizations. Their designs are simple, clean and efficient.
Hawaiian shirts, Hawaiian Wedding Dresses, Kids Aloha Wear – Shaka Time Hawaiian Shirts Co. – Shaka Time Hawaiian Shirt Company offers Hawaiian Aloha shirts, dresses, clothing and island gifts for men, women, children and weddings. Free shipping always.
Tropical Paradise – Hawaiian shirts for men (sizes to 8X) and Hawaiian clothing for the kids. Tiki bar accessories and wall decor as well.
Travel Directories:
Hawaii Travel Directories:
Hawaiian Vacations – Directory of information and websites related to all Hawaiian Islands.