So I’m going to Kona as a medical volunteer (by myself) and will be staying 5 days. Obviously the race takes up Saturday, which will be blast. Any suggestion on particular restaurants, beaches, etc. to check out? Fun bars, sights, things like that?
Island Lava Java. That’s all you need to know.
Kona Brewery - that’s all you need to know. Z
What Z said.
Nuttin’ again Lava Java, but - Kona Brewery ROCKS.
We even went to the other one on Oahu on the way back home. Worth the side trip.
mmmmMMMMMmmm Liquid Aloha, mmmmMMMMmmmmmm 
Drive up to Hawi and go to Bamboo. Another awesome place, and worth the trip as well.
We used this group for snorkeling and had a great time. http://www.captainzodiac.com/index.html
We also went to Hapuna beach, which is 30 minutes (if I remember correctly) or so north of Kona. Nice beach and snorkeling for free. http://www.hawaiiweb.com/Hawaii/html/beaches/hapuna_beach_state_park.html
We went to Mauna Kea beach, which is about a mile from Hapuna. You can walk a trail from Hapuna or park at the Mauna Kea Beach Resort. (limited parking) http://www.letsgo-hawaii.com/beaches/maunakea.html
Hope this helps.
Have a great time!
You should check out White Sands beach
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I second the Hapuna Beach recommendation. Definitely go see the volcano. Merrimans (sp?) in Waimea is a great restaurant. Huggo’s is great also - order the Ahi. Hike down into the Waipo valley north of Waimea.
There is a little market in a parking lot across the street from where the expo is located. You will find some great souvenirs and local art work there as well as island fruit. Sushi at the Fairmont Orchid (next to Mauna Lani) is the best I have ever had. Deep sea fishing www.lindasue2.com
The Kona Inn makes a Mai tia (sp?) that should be illegal. Kona brew pub is good.
Here’s another one for you…rent a kayak and snorkel stuff and hit Kealakekua Bay/Captain Cook’s Monument. It’s very nice there and if you’re lucky there’ll be dolphins swimming around.
I recommend the drive to Hawi. You will get a feel for the bike course. Stop in Hawi for lunch. There are a number of art galleries and quality craft shops to visit. Just past the bike turn around you can visit the King KK statue. Follow the road out of Hawi to the end. You will wind through some beautiful overgrown valleys. At the end there is a little known valley almost as spectacular as Waipeo. You can park and take a moderate hike down to a black sand beach. It is a lot closer than Waipeo and not as touristy. There is also a Local beach park off the road. You have to watch for the sign. Its a popular local surfers hang out. The surf crashing on the rocks is spectacular. Plan most of the day for it and enjoy.
You can stop by and check my bikes out at the Kona Inn shopping village. I will be set up right across from the Cuzn’s ice cream shop.
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o285/beyondfabrications/phpzPsMr6PM.jpg
Any good surfing close? If so…place to rent a board?
Poncho & Leftys - great food, drinks, and a great place to watch the race. I think there is also a charter boat company that you can fish and then Ponco & Leftys will cook it up.
Another vote for Lava Java
Costco is a good place for cheap booze.
You can walk up the road from the village up to Kahaluu Park and go snorkeling.
Two of my favorites that haven’t been mentioned yet: Green Sand Beach at southern point of the island. Kohala Mountain Road between Hawi and Waimea.
Come say hi to me at Bikeworks and keep me sane PLEASE
One of my favourite beaches (which I do not get to often enough):
Mauna Kea Beach.
Go early as parking is limited. You’ll get a pass from the gate keeper. Follow the road down and around to the left. Park. Short walk to the access area.
Simply sit, relax and enjoy !
Mauna Kea Hotel is still being renovated from the earthquake but I do believe part of (or most of) the hotel are open.
Check out local pro Bree Wee’s recommended favorites: http://breeweehawaii.blogspot.com/
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Surfing in Kona is tough. There are three or four decent breaks, but the locals have it pretty well wired so you probably won’t catch a lot of waves. Body surfingBoogie Boarding at Magics is probably the best bet. IMHO
So I’m going to Kona as a medical volunteer (by myself) and will be staying 5 days. Obviously the race takes up Saturday, which will be blast. Any suggestion on particular restaurants, beaches, etc. to check out? Fun bars, sights, things like that?
Insufficient love being shown for Kilauea and Volcanoes National Park. You want Madame Pele on your side or not? Go say hello while you are on the Big Island, it’s unlike any other place I have ever been.
See y’all there,
Paul
Starbucks on Palani and Sizzler near by, great coffee, great food, good times.