Hawaii Birthday Trip

[ Google Review ] A very nice experience and our favorite brewery on the island! We came in a few times; once on a Saturday and once on a Sunday knowing the kitchen would be closed - so we brought poke bowls and our dog. Great wide selection of beers and all pretty tasty! We loved the ability to make a flight with anything - beers, seltzers and ciders. They were also VERY welcoming of our pup and the server even brought him some ice water! Very kind service and great food and alcohol selection! We would come back here many times over.

Booked!! Booking reference number: BB23030510550790 Cost: $58.98 per night Details: - Female Dorm - 8 Person - This all women dorm room has private lockers, air conditioning, and includes linens. - A booking may be cancelled without charge if notice is given to My Hawaii Hostel at least 48 hours prior to 1400 hours (local time) on the Arrival Date. - Free Outdoor Parking (not guarded). Parking lot adjacent to the building used on a first come first serve basis. If this should fill up there is also public parking about 100 meters down the street. When you check in staff will point out the overflow parking location. Dorms feature in-room lockers for each guest so you can rest easy knowing your valuables are safe while you enjoy your time exploring the island. You can expect your room to be well equipped with fans, air conditioning, and comfortable bedding - everything you need to make yourself at home here while you find exciting things to do in Kona. https://www.myhawaiihostel.com/faq Driving Details: - 24 min drive from Kona International Airport - Just under 2hrs from Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park [ Google Review ] One of the best hostels I've ever stayed at!! Clean, good location and super friendly people that work there! I felt welcome from the first second I got there (thanks Bailey!) !! Right across the street is a hotel where you can walk through to get to the ocean. Trolley stops right in front of the hostel! Kitchen is awesome too! Enjoyed my stay a lot and didn't want to leave! ❤️

Entrance fee of $5 for non-residents, even those parked outside of the gates. Drive time from My Hawaii Hostel is 2hrs [ Google Review ] Stopping to see Akaka Falls State Park is well worth the trip. The pictures don’t do it justice. Just a few steps in and there’s a feeling of awe and wonder. It was as if we were transported someplace else. The waterfalls are gorgeous as are the surrounding plants, trees, and flowing water. You can make the loop relatively quickly but I recommend taking your time and enjoying the scenery and sounds. The path is paved and relatively easy to walk. There are some steps along the way so that’s something to consider if there are mobility concerns. We had to pay a $5 entry fee which I thought was strange but if it helps with the maintenance of the park, it’s worth it. There’s also a parking fee but if there’s space on the road, you can park there for free and walk down. It was our last stop for the day and I was tired so I thought the view of the waterfall from the parking lot was enough. I’m glad my friend disagreed with me. I was wrong, very wrong. Definitely explore inside.

No entry fee Drive time from Akaka Falls to Rainbow Falls is 20mins Plan to leave Akaka Falls State park by 1:30pm for Rainbow Falls. Rainbow Falls by 2pm. For vacationers to get the best out of this site, the best time to visit is between 10 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. During this time, the sun is shining, and the forming rainbow is easy to spot. Also, the traffic within that timeframe is relatively low, leaving vacationers with quite a big space to explore.

[ Google Review ] I rate the market 5 stars. People are really friendly and kindhearted, they are willing to clean the fruits and berries for you. They are hardworking and responsible. Some of them work from 6 am which is really astonishing. Highly recommend to visit the place and to try local fruits. My favorite is coconut with fresh coconut meat and juice/water. Highly recommend

[ Google Review ] This beach was fabulous. Black sand beach and a great snorkeling spot. We saw so many beautiful tropical fish and a sea turtle while snorkeling. I didn't have water shoes with me and it was no problem here! There is still some construction on the bathrooms, but there is still a drinking fountain and makeshift showers available for use.

[ Google Review ] I'll make this quick and simple because you're awesome 🤙🏼 Free and ample parking lot ✅ People come and go to enjoy and take quick pics hence easy parking. Great grand view! 😍 Out of this world! ✅ Be mindful of warnings/signs. 🙏🏻 Feel free to follow me. Mahalo! 🤙🏼

- Kilauea Iki Trail and Crater Rim Trail - 3.2-mile loop trail near Volcano, Hawaii. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. - Thurston Lava Tube Trail: 0.4-mile loop trail near Pahala, Hawaii. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 9 min to complete. Trailheads: Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) parking area and Kīlauea Iki Overlook. Parking at Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) is extremely limited. Distance: 1.5 mi (2.4 km) round-trip walk from Kīlauea Iki Overlook. 6.0 mi (9.7 km) round-trip from Devastation Trailhead (including the Kīlauea Iki loop), an additional 1.0 mi (1.6 km) from Puʻupuaʻi Bring: Water, snacks, sturdy footwear, and rain gear https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/day-hike-nahuku.htm https://volcano-hawaii.com/blog/favorite-trails-to-hike-in-volcanoes-national-park/

For parking info: Kīlauea Visitor Center parking lot is full from before 10 am to 2 pm every day. 125 total spaces https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/parking.htm https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/maps.htm [ Google Review ] This is probably one of the coolest things to do on the face of the planet! Fresh earth being made before your eyes every day. The history of the park itself is pretty cool, it has been many an inspiration to a great deal of people from around the globe. You should be prepared to spend an entire day or more exploring. Go at night and take the hike to the active viewpoint, its worth it.

19min drive from Hawai'i Volcanoes NP Free to visit and apparently easy / accessible parking [ Google Review ] The Black sand beach is amazing. If you're a traveler like me and not in a big hurry black sand beach is a place of pure beauty where you can put out a chair or just sit on the sand and watch the Ocean and sea turtles roll in and out all day. Most people stop and snap a few pictures of the turtles hop back in the car and go. If you're an adventurer there is a hike along the beach to the south to an old fishing Village. I will post those pictures soon. Again a amazing place of relaxation and pure beauty.

Booked!! Booking reference number: BB23030510550815 Cost: $58.98 per night Details: - Female Dorm - 8 Person - This all women dorm room has private lockers, air conditioning, and includes linens. - A booking may be cancelled without charge if notice is given to My Hawaii Hostel at least 48 hours prior to 1400 hours (local time) on the Arrival Date. - Free Outdoor Parking (not guarded). Parking lot adjacent to the building used on a first come first serve basis. If this should fill up there is also public parking about 100 meters down the street. When you check in staff will point out the overflow parking location. Dorms feature in-room lockers for each guest so you can rest easy knowing your valuables are safe while you enjoy your time exploring the island. You can expect your room to be well equipped with fans, air conditioning, and comfortable bedding - everything you need to make yourself at home here while you find exciting things to do in Kona. https://www.myhawaiihostel.com/faq Driving Details: - 24 min drive from Kona International Airport - Just under 2hrs from Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park [ Google Review ] One of the best hostels I've ever stayed at!! Clean, good location and super friendly people that work there! I felt welcome from the first second I got there (thanks Bailey!) !! Right across the street is a hotel where you can walk through to get to the ocean. Trolley stops right in front of the hostel! Kitchen is awesome too! Enjoyed my stay a lot and didn't want to leave! ❤️ ​

[ Google Review ] This place is amazing, they gave me to try their amazing coffee samples and I choose one I like the most and it was so delicious (to be honest they all were very rich)🤤 I walked through the shopping center and sat down outside. The view was breathtaking 😍delicious coffee, amazing view and perfect smell of the ocean! ♥️♥️♥️ what can be better for breakfast 👌

[ Google Review ] I love history and this church is living history. Great service and met real people doing God's work! Every time we come back to the Big Island this is our church home. Always see a multicultural gathering with a strong missions application. The building is beautiful and the people are very warm and inviting. Very blessed to have found this church so far from our church home of 29 years on the mainland.

[ Google Review ] What a refreshing change of pace from all the retail and food choices here on Alii Drive. So worth your time to stop in here and witness first hand the history, koa furniture, architecture, interior design, artifacts, historical photography, and pics of Royalty, (ask about Princess Ruth) throughout both floors of this well kept Palace. But first, you'll need to head towards the ocean and stroll around to the back, through the wonderfully manicured grounds to enter. The sounds, fragrance, and rhythms of the water, immediately relax you for your journey back in time. The best part... You are asked to take your shoes off and wander about barefoot, yes barefoot! If that doesn't sound appropriate for you, they will provide you with slippers for over your shoes. We absolutely chose barefoot 🤙 The flooring is immaculate and made with local materials, so the feel is incredible. The "Daughters of Hawaii" currently run the Museum and offer tours if you like. Small donation fee at the back door, and it's definitely worth every dollar.

[ Google Review ] Good place to refill your rent a car before you go back to Kona Airport. Not 24 hours. No public bathrooms but the strip mall across the street does. It's close to $5/ gallon right now.

$60 a night (4 nights = $240.44 - with taxes $282) Four Bed Women's Only Dorm Female dorm room. Shared bathroom in hall. Includes bed linen, locker (provide own lock), free daily tours of Maui (must register after check-in), pancake breakfast, free WiFi, free use of internet computer. - Free On-Site Parking - Free Luggage Storage - Quiet Time from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. in the Hostel. - Coin Laundry - Bed Linen Provided. Towels available for $5. - Free Daily 9AM Airport Drop-Off https://www.mauihostel.com/free-airport-beach-shuttle/ Property and Cancellation Policies : Cancellation Policy: You have until 9am two days prior to arrival to cancel and get your deposit back. All cancellations must be made by email. If you fail to cancel or arrive you will be considered a No Show; we will keep the first night's deposit and cancel the remaining nights of your stay. Check in Policy: Check-in begins at 1 PM; if you'll be arriving in Maui earlier please feel free to stop by the hostel to store your bags free of charge, get some water, take a shower and use our WIFI and hangout. Our tour sign ups are available the day before the tour, after that day's tour leaves. We do not take advance reservations for tours and you must be here to sign up. We cannot let you sign up anyone beside yourself for the tour. You must sign a liability waiver before each tour to participate in our free tours. Please remember that our tour guides are volunteers and work hard to show you a good time; a tip of $5- $20 is appreciated and appropriate! [ Google Review ] This was my very first experience in a hostel. It was great seeing people from all over the world. Staff were great, the tours alone are worth staying here. Great atmosphere, conversation if you enjoy party life or quiet life it works. But if you enjoy meeting great people from all over and daily tours you’ll truly love this place. My stay has me wanting to come back to Maui just to stay here and meet great friendly people and friendly helpful staff!!

Recommended to visit for sunrise. 3am-5am - https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/sunrise.htm - https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/253731/ticket/255 The above link is where you can reserve a ticket for a sunrise entrance, but for April 12th, currently no available tickets. Additional tickets will be made available on April 10, 2023 at 07:00 am HST. [ Google Review ] This was my first time at this national park and it was absolutely breathtaking. Loved the hiking and multiple trails. Honestly it wasn’t that crowded on Thursday in April from my experience with other national parks. I would suggest not going on weekends because I think it would be more crowded. Loved the restrooms and parking spots available to visitors. They actually had working toilets and open parking spaces. It’s the little things at national parks. Yeah, I would just look at the photos to see how beautiful this national park is and you be the judge. I would recommend experiencing the rainbow 🌈 bridge and hiking the sliding sands trail. Sling sands is like this mars environment experience. I would highly recommend this national park if you are in Maui!

[ Google Review ] This park is absolutely beautiful! It is absolutely worth waking up early for the sunrise, it’s unlike any sunrise you will ever see. We went Sept ‘21 and had to make a reservation. They go very quick. It is very cold in the morning make sure to dress warm. Go early to get a good spot.

[ Google Review ] Awesome brewery within a short walk from Front Street. It was a quiet evening when we visited (on a Monday), so we were able to chat with the bartender and others at the bar, who were all very friendly. Beers were good as well. Would definitely visit again!

Recommended as a good place for whale watching. [ Google Review ] It was first time visiting this cool beach Main Street town. Parking - google maps search free parking lots. Do your research to save money and time. Get there early if possible. Restrooms - they have a public restroom (green building) and they actually had soap (it’s the little things in life- haha). Shops/restaurants - seems like your standard beach places - general stores, Maui gift shops, galleries, seafood restaurants and shaved ice. Water activities- this is the main attraction to me and the ocean of course too. They have tons of water activities: whale watching, reef shows, submarines looking at the reefs, and renting a private yacht etc. Overall, I would recommend checking out this small beach town center if you are in Maui.

[ Google Review ] Amazing small park. So intriguing. Trees are so unique

[ Google Review ] My first time tasting Shaved ice. It's very good. Has a uniqueness on it's own. The place is nice, clean and well maintained. The service staff is very helpful and prepared to provide any details about the flavors and toppings. I tried one of their popular combinations and it was really good. The prices are reasonable. Outside the store there are some tables and chairs where you can sit down and enjoy your Shaved ice.

[ Google Review ] If you have friends who like to take outdoor photos, do not bring them on this hike! They will stop at every turn to snap a photo as the area is so beautiful! Seriously though, we have been on many hikes in incredible places and this is definitely one of our top 10. The first part of the hike is very steep. If you are older like me and need to warm up old muscles and joints, consider warming up in the parking lot as the first concrete section toward the water storage towers is at least a 30% grade. After that section, it is still an uphill trek but you do have some areas along the way that are less steep and a few flat areas. We had some clouds on the way up which we welcomed as the upper section of the hike does not offer much shade. The flip side to that is visibility up top was not very good. We did have a couple of breezes come through that cleared the low level clouds for 20-30 seconds which allowed for some great photos. It is a beautiful area and we highly recommend this hike but just be prepared as the hike is not easy.

[ Google Review ] A fun little 15-45 minute excursion while driving the beautiful coast. Wear your hiking shoes because it’s easy to roll an ankle on the hike down. The blowhole is something fun and different but don’t get too close, as the amount of suction that it creates can pull you in quicker than you think. Enjoy!

[ Google Review ] An enjoyable short 1.75 mile out hike that takes you through a few hotel properties and along the coast line. Fun to stop and the rocks and see the waves crash over the top. Not stroller friendly or small kids might find the walk through the lava a challenge. Go early to find easy close parking or you’ll have to line the streets with cars.

[ Google Review ] Delicious food and probably one of the best foods we tried in Maui. Hubby had the everything bagel sandwich (he required to add avocado) while I had the Bacon, egg, and provolone cheese biscuit sandwich in the specials menu. I normally don't like biscuits but theirs was soft and not dry but still maintained that crunch on the outside. Would definitely eat here again when in Maui!

[ Google Review ] Excellent Arber day community event. Everyone received a tree or plant to take home. So many informative booths about conservation, native species, national parks, proper planting, pruning etc. Spent half a day and bought several amazing plants available at the display booths.

[ Google Review ] In a nutshell: great food and great service in a very nice atmosphere. Now for the details: We are visiting Maui and decided to go to Monkeypod Kitchen for dinner. It was a Tuesday evening in December and we did not have reservations. We showed up at about 5:30 and were seated within 30 minutes. We were quickly greeted by our server who was friendly and conversational. She took our drink orders, delivered those, and then took our dinner orders. Our table ordered fish and chips, cheeseburger, fish tacos, and a fish sandwich. The orders were delivered in about 15 minutes by staff from the kitchen. The food was attractively plated, but more important, each selection tasted very good. I personally tasted the fish tacos and my wife's cheeseburger and they were great, but others in our party were pleased with their food as well. The only real downside was that the restaurant is a bit noisy with normal restaurant noise as well as a duo performing live music. So, conversation was a little difficult and, of course, raising our voices to converse adds to the noise. But noise is a common restaurant condition, and it did not keep us from thoroughly enjoying our meals. I was impressed with the industriousness of the staff. There was nobody standing around, but they were all on the move like bees in a beehive, doing their part to make the entire organization successful. Good food and a hardworking staff makes for happy customers.

[ Google Review ] We came for happy hour. Sitting on the top floor of the restaurant is a must. The service was amazing with kind bartenders that served us. We had the oysters, lobster roll and Fleetwood Mac and cheese. The lobster roll was so good with the warm butter over it. Oysters had a nice taste with their cocktail and horseradish sauce. The mac and cheese we could have went without. It was tasteless, so tasteless that Kraft Mac and cheese would have had more flavor. Happy hour is where it’s at with this restaurant.

[ Google Review ] The best pies on planet earth. We love the sweet pies: chocolate haupia (coconut) and banana cream are standards whenever we come to Maui. This time we tried the chicken savory pie and it was hands down the best chicken pot pie I’ve ever had in my entire life. It was delicious. The chicken was plentiful with great veggies. Also, the crust was perfectly baked. Crusty and flavorful. No picture because we basically pounded it right when we got it. The savory pies do take longer to get so just be aware it’ll take longer than the sweet pies. We were in a hurry and it took 10-15 minutes extra.

[ Google Review ] Not recommend for swimming. Park has benches, shade trees, restroom, kid playground, skateboard ramp. It has large grass area. Park goers for meditation, sun-bathing, surfing practice, or watching waves crashing the rock barrier. For kids, they are enjoying their own playground with structures under parent supervision.

40mins from Black Sand beach Location: Papakōlea Beach (Green Sand Beach) is a remote beach on the southern point of the Big Island. Access: Reaching Papakōlea Green Sand Beach requires both driving and hiking. First, drive to "South Point" between Mile 69 and Mile 70 on Hwy 11. Park at the harbor's parking lot. Then, walk east along the road (the ocean will be on your right) for approx. 2.5 miles. Then, hike down the lava cliff to reach the beach. Conditions: Papakōlea Green Sand Beach is very hot and sunny — and sometimes windy. It's recommended to visit the beach before 1 p.m. and avoid the heat of the day. Amenities: No amenities at Papakōlea Green Sand Beach. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. https://www.southkohala.com/things-to-do/big-island-beaches/papakolea-green-sand-beach#:~:text=Location%3A%20Papak%C5%8Dlea%20Beach%20(Green%20Sand,at%20the%20harbor's%20parking%20lot. [ Google Review ] One of the best beaches I’ve been to on the island! There is a somewhat long hike, about 2.5 miles, to get to the beach but it is definitely worth it! You can also pay some of the locals to get a ride down to the beach ($20). The sand is more olive than bright green but still obviously green sand. The surf is suitable to swimmers but can be a bit rough for novice swimmers. 100% recommend the trip! Bring lots of water and be prepared to carry whatever you bring!

[ Google Review ] Absolutely fantastic experience. The people are kind and take the time to educate travelers not familiar with the cuisine. The food is authentic, fresh, and absolutely delicious. Best Pad Thai and Green Curry I've had in years. They offer food starting at mild and their medium heat is warm and flavorful. They do offer coconut milk for Thai tea for those who can't have dairy. Very friendly for dietary restrictions like gluten too.

[ Google Review ] Maui Brewing Co is the spot for local brewed beers and their selection is diverse and consistently delicious. Their beers are favoured to be light drinking which fits the Hawaiian theme. I really enjoyed their Mango Rice beer, it was superb! The vibe checks out, it’s huge and easy going with great indoor and outdoor seating. Most surprising is their diverse menu of great eats!! Much underrated food… highly recommend visiting Maui Brewing Co whenever you can!

1hr drive from My Hawai'i Hostel (38 miles) Free parking A great place to whale watch from the shore is Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2023/02/ancient-temples-and-migrating-whales-puukohola-heiau-national-historic-site

[ Google Review ] We went to an early dinner there and had a fabulous meal! They have a great variety of of dishes, all meant to be shared. Our party of 6 each picked out an item and we shared everything. The pork buns were spectacular. The steamed clams were amazing too. They came with toasted bread for sopping up the amazing broth which we made short work of. All of the other dishes were great too. There wasn't one item that wasn't exceptionally tasty. Those of us who had drinks enjoyed them as well. Service was perfect. Attentive but not overbearing. This is obviously a 5 Star restaurant in every way!

A day that you cannot miss! Be sure to be in the common area by 8 a.m. on Tuesday for this extraordinary Hana tour. We take you along the coast for miles of beautiful views and cross over 40 one-lane bridges, with waterfalls at every turn. You will see Waianapanapa State Park’s legendary caves and visit a black sand beach. You will hike through a bamboo forest and cool off in waterfall-fed pools. The tour leaves at around 8:30 a.m., and returns around 8:00 p.m. $15 park entry fee