Five Hawaiian residence families with the assistance and direction of Andrew Kawabata of UH Cooperative Extension began the farmers market held Saturday mornings in Waimea at Kuhio Hale in 1992. The focal point of the market are flowers, food items and locally grown produce and some crafts are also allowed. The stalwart families who resolved to be there every Saturday have made companions with their Waimea neighbors and guests to the island striving to develop and produce the best items they can.

Homestead Farmers Market

Waimea Homestead Farmer's Market

67-1229 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743, USA

20.019644, -155.669637

+1 808.333.2165

www.waimeafarmersmarket.com

The Turkish Döner has been a eu favorite for many years. At Dan-o’s Döner, they recreate this delicious ‘turning meat’ using solely all-Hawaiian, healthy and grass fed beef stacked daily by hand on a spit. Slow cooked to tender perfection, the meat is stuffed into its bread pocket with healthy greens, tomatoes and yoghurt. Committed to serving ultimately healthy food of the very best quality, Dan-O’s make their dishes in house and sources native ingredients whenever possible—guaranteeing freshness and serving to support the community. Enjoy Döner kebabs, wraps, plates, salads and a whole lot more.

Dan-o's Doner

64-1067 Hawaii Belt Rd, Waimea, HI 96743, USA

20.024495, -155.661227

+1 (808) 938 – 9978

www.danos-doner.com

A Big Island treasure for more than 20 years, Merriman's Waimea is Chef Peter Merriman's invention, situated in beautiful heartland Waimea. Experience the bona fide taste of Hawaii and the first Home of Hawaii Regional Cuisine. Incredible nourishment, extraordinary vibe, incredible service. What more can anyone ask for? In case you're in the area, you absolutely must try Merriman's!

Merriman’s

Merriman's Big Island

65-1227 Opelo Road Kamuela B, Waimea, HI 96743, USA

20.023028, -155.676604

+1 808-885-6822

www.merrimanshawaii.com/waimea

A cool and casual quick service restaurant that serves pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and salads in generous portions. Pizza is their speciality and it comes in a variety of flavors and toppings. The service is fast and friendly and the food comes fresh.

Pau Restaurant

Pau

65-1227 Opelo Rd

Kamuela, HI 96743

20.023232, -155.676907

www.paupizza.com

(808) 885-6325

Despite being situated unusually, be surprised  by the quality of food you’ll find at Village Burger. The food here is absolutely locally grown and fresh -- even the kobe beef!

Village Burger Waimea

67 - 1185 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743, USA

20.020205, -155.667069

+1 (808) 885-7319

www.villageburgerwaimea.com

Café pesto is a great italian eatery that serves wood fired pizza. From their whole ambience, consistency, professional and classy service, it’s no wonder why this place is so popular in Hilo. If you’re looking for a nice little date spot, this is the place to be.

Cafe Pesto

19.723757, -155.085010

308 Kamehameha Ave #101, Hilo, HI 96720

(808) 969-6640

cafepesto.com

Looking for a local favorite? Miyo’s has you covered with their awesome homestyle japanese cooking! From their yummy poke, deep fried dishes, and huge portions, you won’t be going away hungry! If you’re looking for fine-dining, this won’t be the place to go. Miyo’s atmosphere is very laid back and down-to-earth.

Miyo’s

564 Hinano St Hilo, HI 96720, USA

19.713057, -155.068870

+1 808 935 2273

www.miyosrestaurant.com

Moonstruck’s pastries come from the hand and imagination of a very fine chef. Whether it is a small snack you are after to answer the demands of your sweet tooth, or throwing a major party and need a perfect dessert, this is the place. And as you eat your pastries, go ahead and walk around downtown Hilo to see some of the other local shops!

Moonstruck Patisserie (coffee/pastries)

19.724065, -155.085793
16 Furneaux Ln, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
www.moonstruckpatisserie.com

+1 808-933-6868

Twice-weekly outdoor market with over 200 vendors selling produce, artisanal foods & crafts.

Hilo Farmers Market

Hilo Farmers Market,Kamehameha Avenue,

Mamo St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA

19.723442, -155.084773

+1 808-933-1000

www.hilofarmersmarket.com

WikiFRESH is one of the greatest places to stop for lunch when in Hilo. Everything is fresh like the name implies and you will absolutely feel the Aloha spirit from the people in the store! It is very much like a chipotle restaurant, you get huge portions for a reasonable price. You also are entitled to free refills on all drinks. The infused water is very refreshing after a long walk

WikiFresh

1177 Kilauea Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA

19.711693, -155.076680

+1 808-930-9454

www.gowikifresh.com

Café 100 is a great local burger-and-fries type of place with a variety of barbeque plate options served with rice. Legend has it that the famous loco moco was invented here. It’s a hawaiian specialty of rice topped with a meat patty, fried egg, and gravy.

Cafe 100

19.714452, -155.077149

969 Kilauea Ave, Hilo, HI 96720

(808) 935-8683

cafe100.com

The People's Theater is the biggest venue on Hawaii Island, with a 525 seating limit and a huge 50 foot screen. The People's Theater has charmed the small town of Honokaa, Hawaii, since 1930. Not just a place to watch motion pictures, it holds history and recollections. For the inhabitants of Honoka'a, the People's Theater characterized the town. It engaged Honoka'a plantation laborers when the sugar industry was doing great, and it lifted their spirits when the plantations shut down and many lost their jobs.

Google Maps: 20.079315, -155.467681

Experience the scenic view and feel of Hawaii in Botanical World Adventures. See thousands of intriguing plant species from around the globe. Take a short drive to the Overlook Parking Area 100 feet above the river and take in the amazing perspective of the generally acclaimed Kamae'e Falls, climb down to the perfect and private Honopueo Falls, or go for a relaxed walk along a falling creek on an obscure, wide, cleared walkway underneath transcending trees hung with the pendulous stems and underlying foundations of tropical vines on a Rainforest walk. Appreciate a Hawaiian experience of a lifetime with the zipline trip through the rainforest or jump on and drive away on a Segway Rainforest Off-Road tour.

Google Maps: 19.904089, -155.136367

The Keck Observatory has a small visitor’s center with models and images from their highly successful telescopes on Mauna Kea. They are open from 10 am – 2pm Monday through Friday; admission is free.

Guests are invited with the aloha spirit and will discover captivating photos, railroad ancient rarities and memorabilia from days passed by. The volunteers have spent their lives in the village, and are pleased to "talk story" with guests. The exhibition hall grounds are planted with tropical trees and ornamentals, and make a dazzling spot to walk, have a picnic or unwind.

Despite the fact that the exhibition hall is one of the littlest in the state, the community-run office on the Hamakua Heritage Coast still observes in excess of 5,000 guests per year from everywhere throughout the world. It is situated in the old station agent’s home and outfitted as it would have been in the mid 1900s, on account of network occupants who reestablished and outfitted the home themselves.

Google Maps: 19.984445, -155.233669

The summit of Mount Everest is higher above sea level than the summit of any other mountain, but Mauna Kea is the tallest when measured from base to summit. Astronomers from around the world explore the universe from its peak and Hawaiian’s have many ancient spiritual connections to this special site. For visitors, it is one of the clearest places on the planet for viewing the night sky and offers a rare opportunity to experience the polar tundra in Hawaii.

We do not recommend you drive past the visitor’s center to the summit, it is steep, four-wheeled drive only and not recommended for visitors. Visitors information station is plenty high to get a feel for mauna kea. If you’re visiting during the day you can stop at the visitor’s information station where they often have one of the solar telescopes to view the sun. But we really recommend is visiting in the evening when you can enjoy the center’s stargazing program from 8pm - 9pm. Call this number to get weather conditions on a recorded phone line:

The ‘Imiloa astronomy center is part of the University of Hawaii at Hilo, and is a gathering place that integrates science and Native Hawaiian culture. They have a visitor’s center, with wonderful exhibits, programs, and events. Since Hawaiian society was built on exploration and observation, Hawaiian cultural practices have become an important part of ‘Imiloa’s exhibits. (Hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

Learn about the first lady of racing, Anna Lindsey Perry-Fiske at this historic site that’s dedicated to the rancher. The home is filled with stories seeing as it’s been in her family for five generations! 

Open 10AM - 2:30PM and closed Saturday-Monday and costs $10 per person.

In 1946 there was a devastating tsunami in this area that killed over 150 people, many of them being school children. During the tour you’ll hear the story of this tragic day and learn about a few brave survivors. At the beach park, you can pay tribute at a memorial that honors the lives lost that day. This is also a great viewpoint of the ocean coastline.

The People's Theater is the biggest venue on Hawaii Island, with a 525 seating limit and a huge 50 foot screen. The People's Theater has charmed the small town of Honokaa, Hawaii, since 1930. Not just a place to watch motion pictures, it holds history and recollections. For the inhabitants of Honoka'a, the People's Theater characterized the town. It engaged Honoka'a plantation laborers when the sugar industry was doing great, and it lifted their spirits when the plantations shut down and many lost their jobs.

Google Maps: 20.079315, -155.467681

Guests are invited with the aloha spirit and will discover captivating photos, railroad ancient rarities and memorabilia from days passed by. The volunteers have spent their lives in the village, and are pleased to "talk story" with guests. The exhibition hall grounds are planted with tropical trees and ornamentals, and make a dazzling spot to walk, have a picnic or unwind.

Despite the fact that the exhibition hall is one of the littlest in the state, the community-run office on the Hamakua Heritage Coast still observes in excess of 5,000 guests per year from everywhere throughout the world. It is situated in the old station agent’s home and outfitted as it would have been in the mid 1900s, on account of network occupants who reestablished and outfitted the home themselves.

Google Maps: 19.984445, -155.233669

Waipi‛o Valley is one of the most storied valleys in Hawaii. According to legends, the gods lived in Waipi‛o in ancient days. It was also the royal center for many ancient rulers on the Big Island, including Kamehameha. There’s a stunning view of the valley just from the lookout area. If you’re interested in driving into the valley, you MUST have four-wheel drive. This journey is not for the faint of heart. You’ll be driving down one of the steepest roads in the world. In fact, we actually recommend you avoid driving this road all together. If you’re really yearning to visit the valley, we’d suggest you hike it. The hike is about 4 miles round trip and will take about 3 hours to complete, depending on how much time you want to spend marveling at Waipio Valley’s black sand beach.

Ready for another waterfall? There’s an entrance fee to see Umauma Falls, but once you do you’ll drive up to this three-tier waterfall. If you’re pressed for time we recommend you skip this spot. Note: the cost to see the falls is $10.00 per car.

Located just a short drive from Downtown Hilo is Rainbow Falls. On sunny days, rainbows appear in the midst of the 80-foot falls, making for some pretty magical views. The broad waterfall - nearly 100 feet in diameter - plunges over a natural lava cave and into the river below. 

Kaumana Caves is a massive cave part of a 25-mile long lava tube created by the Mauna Loa lava flow of 1880. The public part of the cave stretches about 2 miles and quickly goes pitch black as soon as you enter. Be sure to bring a flashlight if you plan to do some exploring.

Arguably one of the most famous waterfalls on Big Island, you can take the half-mile stroll on a paved path through lush rain forest filled with wild orchids, bamboo groves and draping ferns to get a glimpse of this iconic natural wonder. The accessible portion of the park lies high on the right shoulder of the deep gorge into which the waterfall plunges, and the falls can be viewed from several points along a loop trail through the park. Note: $5 per vehicle parking fee.

Onomea Trail, or donkey trail, is an easy hike that runs along a breathtaking section of coastline that gives you 180-degree views of Onomea Bay. It’s worth it for the photo opportunities alone! Being on the wet side of the island, there are a lot of streams running through the trail as well as a small waterfall and a swimming hole.

Pu'u Wa'a Cinder Cone Trail is a 8 mile daint circle trail situated close to Waikoloa, Hawaii that highlights excellent wild flowers and animals. The trail is essentially utilized for climbing, strolling, nature trips, birding, and steeds and is open all year. Steeds are likewise ready to utilize this trail. This is a one of a kind topographical trail that resembles jello! It used to have an obsidian mine is still a piece of a working farm. This is a simple climb to the top where you can see Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Hualalei and North Kohala.

Pu'u Wa'a Wa'a Cinder Cone Trail

19.801463, -155.839652

Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA

At this point in the tour you’re probably ready for a quick bite. Well do we have a treat for you! We’ll guide you to Tex’s Drive Inn -- a local spot with hearty plate lunches that will keep you fueled and ready to go for the rest of your journey.

Pro Tip! Be sure to order a malasada (think filled donut without a hole) while you’re at Tex’s; they have some of the best in Hawaii! Not hungry yet? Skip this spot and grab lunch in Waimea Town.

Hilo is the loco moco made its debut, however there's another thing, another must have if you're in Hilo: the Gravy Burger. Amongst the best around, you can grab them up at Blane's Drive Inn, about a mile from the airplane terminal. The home cooked gravy is made new day by day, and cheddar is an unquestionable requirement.

Blane's Drive Inn - Industrial

150 Wiwoole St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA

19.701606, -155.065101

+1 808-935-2259

www.facebook.com/BlanesBigIsland

Gramma’s Kitchen is a local Portuguese-inspired food hub in Honokaa Town. It’s vintage and cozy. You’ll find old family photos and flowers on the windowsills. Enjoy all time favorites like chopped steak, corned beef hash and Korean chicken on the menu. Have pequeno-almoco for breakfast, almoco for lunch and enjoy their beverages called bebidos. Experience inviting smells, a friendly staff and homey environment - reminiscent of visits to Grandma’s house

Gramma’s Kitchen

Grammas Kitchen & Checkered Flag

3408 N Plainview Rd, Walcott, IA 52773, USA

41.618431, -90.783915

+1 563-284-5055

www.grammaskitchenia.com

Experience delectable, new, natively produced tasting treats! Cherished by local people and island guests. They welcome you with new cookie treats and help you pick the correct sizes for you. The ideal present to give family and companions. You absolutely must include Donna's on your list and get a few treats!

Donna’s Cookies

421019 Hawaii Belt Rd

Paauilo, HI 96776, USA

20.029859, -155.348087

+1 808-776-1668

www.donnascookieshawaii.com