Fun memory: This last trip they had a baby pineapple growing that might be ready for picking when you visit!
For the coffee lover: Indulge your senses at Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation with a captivating coffee tasting experience, where you can savor the rich flavors of locally grown beans. They offer free guided tours showing you the world of coffee production from bean to cup. They offer a Nature Trail Walk including native vegetation, coffee plantation, observation deck and lava tubes.
The Rainbow Falls cascade 80 ft over a lava cave. You can only see a rainbows when you are standing with your back towards the source of the sun (or any other light source). This is because rainbows are caused by the reflection, refraction of light in water droplets.
The 422 ft tall ‘Akaka falls are part of the ‘Akaka falls state park. To get to the waterfalls, it's a short 0.4-mile hike right from the parking lot through the lush rainforest filled with wild orchids, bamboo groves and draping ferns.
Zedrick absolutely loves cliff diving at South Point on the Big Island. A hilarious memory from one of his jumps involves us waiting for him to take the plunge, only to realize he was swimming right next to a peaceful turtle, completely oblivious to the magical moment! Experience the thrill of a 40 foot cliff jumping adventure at South Point Cliff Dive on the Big Island, Hawaii. Plunge into the crystal-clear waters from towering cliffs, surrounded by stunning coastal landscapes, for an exhilarating and unforgettable adventure.
Diving off the Kona Makai (our usual AirBNB) coast offers a mesmerizing underwater experience with vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and clear blue waters. Adventurous divers can explore captivating underwater landscapes including an under water sea arch, caves, colorful tropical fish, and even manta rays! This is a must-visit destination for diving enthusiasts.
Booking this is the best way to control your boat day. When booking this "tour" you're actually booking a private boat. You're the captain, you control where this boat goes. They provide a book of mores that you can drive down to and tie on. When renting the boat our favorite spot to hit is captain cook - it's a fan favorite for snorkeling, seeing whales, dolphins, octopus, fishies, and more!
Explore the dramatic landscapes of Volcanoes National Park, where the earth comes alive with the spectacle of active volcanoes. Witness the power of nature as you stand on the rim of a volcanic crater, surrounded by otherworldly landscapes shaped by millennia of volcanic activity.
Some off our favorite spots are:
Wahinekapu (Steaming Bluff / Vents)
Kilauea Iki Trail (hike from the rain forest to the crater floor)
Crater Rim Trail
Hōlei Sea Arch (fun fact: This spot is where Zedrick almost proposed -- he had the ring in his pocket the whole time and Taylor had no clue)
Punaluʻu Beach is known for its black sand and crystal-clear water. You can usually count on seeing green sea turtles basking on the shore!
Near Akaka falls make sure to stop at this goat dairy farm to socialize with baby goats. Here you can sample a wide selection of goat milk cheese, caramels, and fudge. A very kid-friendly experience!
Our favorite thing to do every single night is soaking in the beauty of watching the sunsets on the Big Island. With the vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple casting a mesmerizing glow over the volcanic landscapes. Make sure to stop and watch the sunset from iconic spots like Mauna Kea or the coastline, savor the tranquil beauty of the Pacific as the sun sets.