Yahoo Sports T&C Travel Guide: Hawaii's Big Island
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Forget revenge when it comes to vacations this year, what we all need is sunny spot to rest. May I suggest Hawaii's Big Island? It's a little more locals-only than Maui and its microclimate offers the rainforest on one side of the island and sunny beaches on the other. We recommend staying at least four days to really nail the blend of adventure and relaxation— after two days of cabanas and cocktails, a waterfall hike is just the thing. Below, the very T&C things to eat, do, and see on Hawaii's Big Island.
Where to Go
Akaka Falls
One of the Big Island's most famous waterfalls, Akaka Falls and its smaller neighbor Kahuna Falls are on the Hilo side of the island, which means it is located in a lush rainforest. A quick half-mile loop takes you through both falls, making it an easy stop and general crowd pleaser (especially if you have impatient kids in tow).
Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden
A 10-minute drive from Akaka Falls, the bioreserve is an incredibly special piece of land along Onomea Bay that serves as a sanctuary and living seed bank. The mile or so walk includes a mind-boggling array of flowers, trees, and plants, along with waterfalls and views of the ocean.
Night Ray Manta Snorkel
Everyone knows that the snorkeling in Hawaii is unmatched, but do not skip out on night snorkeling with 1,000-pound manta rays (no, they are not dangerous to humans). Bonus, GoPro cameras are also available to rent for the experience for serious social media bragging rights.
Hilo Farmers Market
Hawaiian fruit is legendary and rather than be limited to a restaurant plate, explore it for yourself at one of the island's farmers markets. In addition to produce, you can score local coffee, honey, and Hawaiian treats like mochi and malasadas. Each town likely has a market, but the one in Hilo is open Wednesday through Saturday and has over 200 vendors, so it is easy to work into a travel itinerary.
Hapuna Beach
Between hiking around and zip lining over waterfalls, it can be easy to forget to take a day or two to simply soak in Hawaii itself. This white sand beach is a great place to swim and sun on repeat.
Where to Eat
CanoeHouse
Ocean views, tiki torches, and prime sunset viewing make for an experience that would be memorable no matter what, but the Japanese-inspired Hawaiian menu is also spectacularly addictive. Run by husband-wife team executive chef Matt Raso and general manager Yuka Raso, CanoeHouse is inventive and elevated without being stuffy. Order the corn ribs, radish salad, grilled Kona Kampachi, and off-menu fried rice, trust.
Merriman's
Over 90 percent of the menu at this small Hawaiian chain are locally sourced and we especially like it for a casual lunch although the prix fixe dinner is no slouch either.
Rooster Farms
Go all in on a kona coffee experience at this small, organic farm. Make an appointment in advance, be prepared to go off the beaten path, and enjoy an authentic experience. Leave buzzed, with a few bags of coffee to take home.
Where to Stay
Mauna Lani
It is no small feat for a resort to balance the surrounding culture authentically while offering the luxurious amenities that evoke a postcard tropical paradise. At Mauna Lanai, the two blend together seamlessly. A series of tiered pools, which appear to trail off into the ocean and are the perfect place to spend an afternoon, cocktail in hand, are also adjacent to former royal Hawaiian fishing ponds that have been restored to showcase ancient Hawaiian engineering. Guests can spend time with Uncle Danny Akaka, a resident historian who plays ukulele and shares Hawaiian folk tales, observe ancient petroglyphs carved into stone on the property... or play a few rounds of pickleball or tennis on nearby courts. Daily activities also include morning sunrise canoe paddles—part exercise, part meditation—snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, and swimming with the resident dog, Mika. Guests can dine at the upscale CanoeHouse (above) or grab a sandwich or spam musubi at the market. The concierge can also arrange for rental cars or a group trip to other parts of the island, but perhaps the only drawback to Mauna Lani is that you may never want to leave.
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