Big island - Naalehu essentials
Food scene
Some of the restaurants are not in Ocean View & not Naalehu, we'll note it when it is so. Ocean View is about 15 minutes away. Our town is centrally located for most activities.
If you are craving Hawaiian garlic shrimp with pork chop or steak over rice & some greens or mac salad, this is the place to go in town. Do try the garlic shrimp & the pork chop, it's quite good with a fresh smoothie. A little pricey but it’s the only place for garlic shrimp around here
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Aloha Mix Food Truck
95-5649 Hawaiʻi Belt RdIf you are craving Hawaiian garlic shrimp with pork chop or steak over rice & some greens or mac salad, this is the place to go in town. Do try the garlic shrimp & the pork chop, it's quite good with a fresh smoothie. A little pricey but it’s the only place for garlic shrimp around here
Great macadamia cream pies & a good local diner (lunch & dinner only)
40 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hana Hou Restaurant
95-1148 Naalehu Spur RdGreat macadamia cream pies & a good local diner (lunch & dinner only)
Famous bakery shop for Hawaiian baked goods. Delicious and always fresh. Sometimes they have live Hawaiian music also
185 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Punalu'u Bake Shop
95-5642 HI-11Famous bakery shop for Hawaiian baked goods. Delicious and always fresh. Sometimes they have live Hawaiian music also
Ka Lae
95-5656 Hawaiʻi Belt RdThe best coffee shop in town with free wifi & room to relax while you sip
This place is in Ocean View (about 15 minutes away) & NOT Naalehu.
Decent food option that open late (for the area): 8pm. It is a Hawaiian "Fast & Casual" restaurant chain & at this location, it is also a Chinese restaurant in disguise :) My favorite item here is the garlic butter grilled Mahi (fish) & loco moco. You can call ahead to order
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Oceanside L & L Inc
92-8701 Hawaiʻi Belt RdThis place is in Ocean View (about 15 minutes away) & NOT Naalehu.
Decent food option that open late (for the area): 8pm. It is a Hawaiian "Fast & Casual" restaurant chain & at this location, it is also a Chinese restaurant in disguise :) My favorite item here is the garlic butter grilled Mahi (fish) & loco moco. You can call ahead to order
This place is in Ocean View (about 15 minutes away) & NOT Naalehu.
We have not gone here personally but we've heard good things about it.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kai Loki’s Restaurant
92-8754 Hawaii BoulevardThis place is in Ocean View (about 15 minutes away) & NOT Naalehu.
We have not gone here personally but we've heard good things about it.
This place is in Ocean View (about 15 minutes away) & NOT Naalehu.
Decent American style pizza (thick slice with lots of cheese) & pastrami, roast beef subs. Takeout only, no place to seat. Better call ahead
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ocean View Pizzaria
Lotus Blossom LaneThis place is in Ocean View (about 15 minutes away) & NOT Naalehu.
Decent American style pizza (thick slice with lots of cheese) & pastrami, roast beef subs. Takeout only, no place to seat. Better call ahead
This place is in Ocean View (about 15 minutes away) & NOT Naalehu.
Located at the very top (high elevation) of Ocean View Estates, this off grid restaurant serve good food! Steak was awesome & they are open fairly late for the area. Usually til 8pm
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tai Shan Farms
3 miles off the highwayThis place is in Ocean View (about 15 minutes away) & NOT Naalehu.
Located at the very top (high elevation) of Ocean View Estates, this off grid restaurant serve good food! Steak was awesome & they are open fairly late for the area. Usually til 8pm
Neighborhoods
It's a small historic town on Hawaiian belt road; town center is about 3mi from the place. Most restaurants, convenience stores farmer's produce stalls & shops are in this area.
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Naalehu
It's a small historic town on Hawaiian belt road; town center is about 3mi from the place. Most restaurants, convenience stores farmer's produce stalls & shops are in this area.
The property itself is on the edge of the Discovery Harbor Golf Course & part of the Association. It should be possible to rent cart and bring your own clubs for the day. Call ahead for more information. We've not done this so we don't know the actual process.
You can walk to the course from our property. The nearest easy entrance is at: 94-5835 Lewa Lani Pl (one street away, near the end)
Discovery Harbour Golf Course
The property itself is on the edge of the Discovery Harbor Golf Course & part of the Association. It should be possible to rent cart and bring your own clubs for the day. Call ahead for more information. We've not done this so we don't know the actual process.
You can walk to the course from our property. The nearest easy entrance is at: 94-5835 Lewa Lani Pl (one street away, near the end)
Grocery & Household Supplies
A tiny Home Depot for the town. Any house hold supplies that you might need: soap, batteries, bug spray, tools, kitchen utensil, etc...
NAALEHU ACE HARDWARE
95-5656 Mamalahoa HwyA tiny Home Depot for the town. Any house hold supplies that you might need: soap, batteries, bug spray, tools, kitchen utensil, etc...
Convenience & small grocery in town (part of the 76 gas station). It does not have a lot of things but it's the closest one
UNION 76 Wiki Wiki Mart Na'alehu
95-5591 Hawaiʻi Belt RdConvenience & small grocery in town (part of the 76 gas station). It does not have a lot of things but it's the closest one
This place is in Ocean View (about 15 minutes away) & NOT Naalehu.
We prefer this grocery store over Ocean View Market because it has a better selection for vegetables (seems fresher). If you are going to Kona or Hilo for grocery, pack the cooler with you and buy some ice.
31 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mālama Market
92-8701 Hawaiʻi Belt RdThis place is in Ocean View (about 15 minutes away) & NOT Naalehu.
We prefer this grocery store over Ocean View Market because it has a better selection for vegetables (seems fresher). If you are going to Kona or Hilo for grocery, pack the cooler with you and buy some ice.
Every Wednesdays & Saturadays between 8am - noon. You can find local fruits and vegetables (whatever's in season), food stalls & crafts. I bought the best Logan & Avocados from here
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ka’u (Na’alehu) Farmers Market
95-5656 Hawaiʻi Belt RdEvery Wednesdays & Saturadays between 8am - noon. You can find local fruits and vegetables (whatever's in season), food stalls & crafts. I bought the best Logan & Avocados from here
Other Important Things
If you have a lot of trash & you just need it gone fast? You can take it out yourself here. Open: 6am-6pm Monday, Thursday & Saturday. For recycling, they only take: cardboard, cans, glass & plastic bottles only (and they should be sorted ahead). Everything else needs to be thrown out as trash
Waiohinu Transfer Station
Kaulia RoadIf you have a lot of trash & you just need it gone fast? You can take it out yourself here. Open: 6am-6pm Monday, Thursday & Saturday. For recycling, they only take: cardboard, cans, glass & plastic bottles only (and they should be sorted ahead). Everything else needs to be thrown out as trash
The town's only dental office. If you need emergency dental work, this is the nearest. If not, I suggest going to Hilo or Kona
Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Center, Kaʻū Family Health & Dental
95-5583 Mamalahoa HighwayThe town's only dental office. If you need emergency dental work, this is the nearest. If not, I suggest going to Hilo or Kona
Technically not in Naalehu but in Pahala. This is the nearest health clinic (small hospital) facility near the town. They are only open 8am - 5pm Monday - Friday. If there is an emergency, call 911, drive to Hilo Medical Center (your first choice) or Kona Community Hospital (second choice).
Kaʻū Hospital & Rural Health Clinic
1 Kamani StreetTechnically not in Naalehu but in Pahala. This is the nearest health clinic (small hospital) facility near the town. They are only open 8am - 5pm Monday - Friday. If there is an emergency, call 911, drive to Hilo Medical Center (your first choice) or Kona Community Hospital (second choice).
If you need to take a restroom break between the drive from Naalehu & Hilo, this campground is about 50 minutes from Naalehu (about the half way point). Facility has running water & maintained toilets
Namakanipaio Campground
If you need to take a restroom break between the drive from Naalehu & Hilo, this campground is about 50 minutes from Naalehu (about the half way point). Facility has running water & maintained toilets
Attractions - Western Side
All of these are covered again on our other: Big Island - Western Side Guide Book. They are listed from nearest to furthest. All are free & within 30 minutes drive from the property (unless noted).
You may encounter wild boars, goats & chicken on the road, be on the lookout.
Rugged 45 minutes (free) hike without restroom & services, very little shades. The beach itself requires a 40ft moderate climb down from the top; sand is ultra soft, olivine green, no rocks but the waves are high & strong. Take water and some snack with you. Pack out all of your trash. No life guard & not kids friendly.
Do not take your rental car beyond the parking area. Hike or pay a local for a round trip ride to the green sand beach. Cost should be about $20 per person. Technically the nearest beach to the property. There are only 4 green sand beaches in the world; no other Hawaiian island has it.
148 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Playa de arena verde Papakōlea
Rugged 45 minutes (free) hike without restroom & services, very little shades. The beach itself requires a 40ft moderate climb down from the top; sand is ultra soft, olivine green, no rocks but the waves are high & strong. Take water and some snack with you. Pack out all of your trash. No life guard & not kids friendly.
Do not take your rental car beyond the parking area. Hike or pay a local for a round trip ride to the green sand beach. Cost should be about $20 per person. Technically the nearest beach to the property. There are only 4 green sand beaches in the world; no other Hawaiian island has it.
After the last farm end, a patch of dirt and low grass open up, allowing you to drive right up to the cliff & watch the most spectacular sunset. Area is really windy so don’t get too close to the cliff. Kids friendly but watch them carefully as it is a steep drop & no fencing.
There is an area for fishing & cliff diving that requires a little hike but we advise against cliff diving: No life guard & emergency services are hours away. Nearest cliff to watch a sunset from the property. Free
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
South Point "Southern most point in the USA"
After the last farm end, a patch of dirt and low grass open up, allowing you to drive right up to the cliff & watch the most spectacular sunset. Area is really windy so don’t get too close to the cliff. Kids friendly but watch them carefully as it is a steep drop & no fencing.
There is an area for fishing & cliff diving that requires a little hike but we advise against cliff diving: No life guard & emergency services are hours away. Nearest cliff to watch a sunset from the property. Free
Many of our friends recommend this trail; they say it is an easy & kid friendly hike with low grass and beautiful views. Trail is usually not crowded; free & staffed by park rangers. No bathroom or running water. Open Thursday - Sunday only: 9am to 4pm sharp (don't get locked in!).
If you see goose on the trail, avoid them; they are endangered and could be aggressive. Let us know about your experience. This is the closest trail & volcano park to the property. No lava viewing here
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Kahuku Unit
Many of our friends recommend this trail; they say it is an easy & kid friendly hike with low grass and beautiful views. Trail is usually not crowded; free & staffed by park rangers. No bathroom or running water. Open Thursday - Sunday only: 9am to 4pm sharp (don't get locked in!).
If you see goose on the trail, avoid them; they are endangered and could be aggressive. Let us know about your experience. This is the closest trail & volcano park to the property. No lava viewing here
Old lava tube that was also used by ancient Hawaiians. This cave can only be accessed behind private property via a guided tour. Do not go by yourself. Cost about $32/per adult for a 90 minutes tour. Wear closed toe shoes and bring flash lights. Should be kids friendly, call ahead & consult with the tour guide. This is the nearest lava tube to the property
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kula Kai Caverns
92-8864 Lauhala DrOld lava tube that was also used by ancient Hawaiians. This cave can only be accessed behind private property via a guided tour. Do not go by yourself. Cost about $32/per adult for a 90 minutes tour. Wear closed toe shoes and bring flash lights. Should be kids friendly, call ahead & consult with the tour guide. This is the nearest lava tube to the property
A public beach with beautiful soft salt & pepper sand, clear water with waves; good for body board & bare foot. Kids friendly on the left side (waves shielded by the rocks). Multiple showers, small parking with handicap accessible restroom and beaches. It is also a camp ground (registration ahead is necessary).
The way down by car is a little rough & narrow, better with a 4x4 in low gear or hill descent control. When you get to the bottom, use the narrow 1 way path to the left that connects to the public parking lot. Beach close at 7pm. Nearest beach from the property with soft salt & pepper sand. This is the nearest soft sand beach to the property (about 40 minutes drive).
84 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque de la Playa de Ho'okena
86-4322 Mamalahoa HwyA public beach with beautiful soft salt & pepper sand, clear water with waves; good for body board & bare foot. Kids friendly on the left side (waves shielded by the rocks). Multiple showers, small parking with handicap accessible restroom and beaches. It is also a camp ground (registration ahead is necessary).
The way down by car is a little rough & narrow, better with a 4x4 in low gear or hill descent control. When you get to the bottom, use the narrow 1 way path to the left that connects to the public parking lot. Beach close at 7pm. Nearest beach from the property with soft salt & pepper sand. This is the nearest soft sand beach to the property (about 40 minutes drive).
Attractions - Eastern Side
All of these are covered again on our other: Big Island - Eastern Side Guide Book. They are listed from nearest to furthest. All are free & within 30 minutes drive from the property (unless noted)
Stop here for a photo and take in the spectacular view of the island's eastern shore. If you see a gate, do not park there: it's someone's drive way. It's a long and wide section of shoulder, enough to accommodate about 10 cars in tandem. Usually there are a few cars parked here always; you'll know it when you see it.
Haleokane Lookout
Stop here for a photo and take in the spectacular view of the island's eastern shore. If you see a gate, do not park there: it's someone's drive way. It's a long and wide section of shoulder, enough to accommodate about 10 cars in tandem. Usually there are a few cars parked here always; you'll know it when you see it.
This park used to be the old dock where local sugar from the plantation are transported; you can still see the remanence of the (almost 200 years) old dock. There's an ancient fish pond behind. Public restroom. No actual beach to swim here. Handicap accessible & kids friendly.
28 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Whittington Beach Park
Hawaii 11This park used to be the old dock where local sugar from the plantation are transported; you can still see the remanence of the (almost 200 years) old dock. There's an ancient fish pond behind. Public restroom. No actual beach to swim here. Handicap accessible & kids friendly.
This is the trailhead to Kawa'a Bay: An ancient Hawaiian settlement ruins that is still being studied archeologists. It is an easy 1/2 miles hike to the beach with some rocks along the way so wear good shoes. A hat & some water is recommended. Not handicap accessible, portable toilets only & no running water.
You will find the trailhead on Highway 11, just south of the 58 mile marker (between Whittington Beach Park & Punalu'u Black Sand). Punch in the address on GMap & switch to satellite view to see the trail and the beach. On the road, look for the widened shoulder on the ocean side of the highway with yellow gates & the portable toilets. This beautiful & secluded area features a natural spring that empties into a brackish seaside pond with a sandy bottom that is ideal for wading and swimming. The beach itself has black sand, rocky & rough surf. Swimming is not advised.
For more info, see: alltrails,com/explore/trail/us/hawaii/kawa-a-beach-trail
Reeser Str. 106, 46446 Emmerich am Rhein, Alemania
This is the trailhead to Kawa'a Bay: An ancient Hawaiian settlement ruins that is still being studied archeologists. It is an easy 1/2 miles hike to the beach with some rocks along the way so wear good shoes. A hat & some water is recommended. Not handicap accessible, portable toilets only & no running water.
You will find the trailhead on Highway 11, just south of the 58 mile marker (between Whittington Beach Park & Punalu'u Black Sand). Punch in the address on GMap & switch to satellite view to see the trail and the beach. On the road, look for the widened shoulder on the ocean side of the highway with yellow gates & the portable toilets. This beautiful & secluded area features a natural spring that empties into a brackish seaside pond with a sandy bottom that is ideal for wading and swimming. The beach itself has black sand, rocky & rough surf. Swimming is not advised.
For more info, see: alltrails,com/explore/trail/us/hawaii/kawa-a-beach-trail
This is the famous black sand beach on the Big Island & the favorite nesting place for giant turtles, lots of them. November to February are nesting season for these endangered turtles; please give them extra space during this time. The water here is a bit colder than normal because it is mixed with the fresh underwater river near the shore.
Don't venture too far from shore (beyond the buoys). The beach itself is rocky so bring water shoes. Shower & toilets are provided. There's also an area for BBQ. There's a shack that sell fresh coconut and souvenirs. Handicap accessible & kids friendly. I've stay here until it's pitch black; very safe.
175 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Punalu‘u Beach
This is the famous black sand beach on the Big Island & the favorite nesting place for giant turtles, lots of them. November to February are nesting season for these endangered turtles; please give them extra space during this time. The water here is a bit colder than normal because it is mixed with the fresh underwater river near the shore.
Don't venture too far from shore (beyond the buoys). The beach itself is rocky so bring water shoes. Shower & toilets are provided. There's also an area for BBQ. There's a shack that sell fresh coconut and souvenirs. Handicap accessible & kids friendly. I've stay here until it's pitch black; very safe.
Kona coffee is world famous but I think Ka'u coffee is just as good: grown in the same elevation & almost identical soil (probably with more water); this coffee is about 40% cheaper than the Kona variety.
Free coffee tours twice daily on this plantation. See how Ka'u Coffee is grown & process. Taste the difference between the various natural processing methods for the same coffee. The store also sell souvenirs, smoothies & dried snacks.
39 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ka'u Coffee Mill
96-2694 Wood Valley RdKona coffee is world famous but I think Ka'u coffee is just as good: grown in the same elevation & almost identical soil (probably with more water); this coffee is about 40% cheaper than the Kona variety.
Free coffee tours twice daily on this plantation. See how Ka'u Coffee is grown & process. Taste the difference between the various natural processing methods for the same coffee. The store also sell souvenirs, smoothies & dried snacks.
Consejos para la ciudad
Facilidad para moverse por la casa
Slow down, when driving through town
Speed limit is 25mph as there are a lot of people walking near town center so drive slow. There is a police station on the edge of town and frequent patrols. You will be cited for speeding through town.
Costumbres y cultura
Restaurant are usually short staffed
Most places are family owned & operated in town. Small business would sometimes open late, or close early unexpectedly. Call ahead if it's critical to your schedule & come with an Aloha spirit; relax, you're on island time 🏝
Facilidad para moverse por la casa
Don't take your car off-road
Most rental & even private car insurance won't cover off-road damage and recovery costs. If you have any doubt, call the insurance company & check. Big Island is rural and it might take hours before roadside service & emergency vehicle to reach you. The places that require off-roading might not even have cellphone coverage. Typically dirt & gravel roads are OK but not rocks or broken pavements.
Costumbres y cultura
Stay 30ft (9m) away from Turtles, Seals & Geese (Nene)
The turtle population in Hawaii is declining every year. Most turtle species are the island are endangered & the seals will attack. The geese are also endangered & they could get aggressive. This is for the animal well being and your own safety. Lifeguards & park rangers will issue citation if they find you next to these animals.
Qué debes empacar
Bring water shoes
The beaches on the eastern side tend to be rocky, bring water shoes for extra safety & enjoyment. You can pick them up at the local target stores. Everything else is already provided by our property: beach towels, chairs, blanket, umbrella, bodyboards, snorkeling gears, sand toys & a cooler.