Big Island Vibes
Ono Grinds
(Delicious Food)
The Coffee Shack
Coffee Shack is a must when spending time in South Kona. They have arguably the best view of any resaraunt on the Big Island, perched 1000' above Kealakekua Bay. They are know for their breakfasts and fresh baked breads. We are fortunate to have them as a partner providing all of the snacks and lunches for our Kealakekua Bay guided kayak tours. If your are in South Kona, don't miss this stop.
Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill
Great Eats After A Water Day After tiring out from playing in the water all day, we usually want just one thing--some ono grinds (delicious food). So, we thought we'd spotlight some of the best places in town. One of our favorites is Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill. They have a wide selection of ono grinds (really great food), but really specialize in fresh seafood and steaks. We love coming here and trying something new each time. They've been rated #1...
The Strawberry Patch Restaurant
The Strawberry Patch Restaurant is one of our favorite lunch places because of it's super-fresh, uber-tasty food. They prepare everything fresh, right down to the sauces and dressings. And, on top of great sandwiches and pretty ridiculously rich desserts, they are family-owned and operated.
Places to Stay
Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
The recently renovated King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel is conveniently located in downtown Kona. Our own beach shack is located directly in front of this beautiful spot on Kamakahonu Bay.
Manago Hotel
The Manago Hotel is located in Captain Cook Town on the slopes of Mauna Loa at an elevation of 1,350 ft. It overlooks the beautiful Kealakekua Bay, and the ancient Hawaiian Place of Refuge in Honaunau.
Activities
Lava Viewing
If you're here, you should check it out. On the Big Island we're blessed with one of the most active volcanoes in the world. In fact, the volcanoes on the side of Mauna Loa has been actively spewing lava for the last 30+ years. You can check the current status of where to see the flows here: http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/activity/kilaueastatus.php. For the most recent images, maps, webcams, and more start at: http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/update/images.html.
Kahalu’u Beach Park
You may have already visited Kahalu'u Bay in Kona near mile marker 5 on Alii Drive. But you might not know that it is one of Kona's premier beach parks. Originally the spot of several heiaus (temples) and sacred fish ponds, Kahalu'u has the Big Island's only surf heiau — that's right, a temple where ancient Hawaiian cheifs used pray for good surf. Kahalu'u is also unique because of its barrier rock wall that was built, as the story goes,...
Island Spots
Kamakahonu
Home of the Ahuena Heiau, this beautiful beach located just behind King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel is also where you'll find our Beach Shack.
La’aloa Bay Beach
La'aloa means "very sacred" in Hawaiian. Often called "White Sands," "Magic Sands," or "Disappearing Sands," this small, fun beach on the main drag in Kona is one of our favorites. So-named for the fact that the beach's sand comes and goes seemingly overnight when big storms come, when the sand is in, it is a great place to relax and play in the shore break. La'aloa was an ahupua'a--an historic land division--which still has some retained Hawaiian rights today. You...
Kua Bay
Officially called Manini’owali Beach, most locals and books still refer to this gorgeous beach as Kua Bay. This is one of our highly recommended beaches north of Kona. Part of Kekaha Kai (lit. "the shore line") State Park, it is a perfect beach for sunset watching, boogie-boarding, hiking, and just having a relaxed time with your family. If you're looking for a hike, 4.5 miles of Ala Kahakai ("shore line path") passes through Manini’owali on its way south. Ala Kahakai...
Kahalu’u Beach Park
You may have already visited Kahalu'u Bay in Kona near mile marker 5 on Alii Drive. But you might not know that it is one of Kona's premier beach parks. Originally the spot of several heiaus (temples) and sacred fish ponds, Kahalu'u has the Big Island's only surf heiau — that's right, a temple where ancient Hawaiian cheifs used pray for good surf. Kahalu'u is also unique because of its barrier rock wall that was built, as the story goes,...
Kealakekua Bay
Kealakekua Bay is a sacred and beautiful place. We are privileged to enjoy it and share it with others. This sweet pocket of historical importance, unmatched snorkeling, and onshore adventure is the most protected deep water bay in all of Hawaii.
People Spotlights
Jennifer Kalmbach
Jenny is a Kona local and accomplished stand up paddler who knows how to dream big and make it happen. As of this writing, Jenny has competed in over 40 stand up paddling events, placing well throughout, and killing it in the long-distance races. Jenny helped create the Destination 3 Degrees adventure where she and two friends paddled across Hawaii's 9 open-ocean channels to raise awareness and funds to help benefit Algalita Marine Research Foundation in their efforts to understand...
Gary Young
Kona Boys is lucky enough to carry some of Gary's boards, and we're glad to call him a friend of the shop. For over 30 years Gary has worked independently in Natural Fiber Composites Product Development using mostly wood/epoxy and bamboo/epoxy laminates Young is most known for unique products like formed wood-veneer skinned surfboards and sailboards - receiving awards for his work. He has also built race-winning canoes, paddles, and foam-core Alaia boards. In 1976, using veneer, epoxy resin, and...
Bryce Groark
Bryce is a friend of the shop, an outstanding underwater wildlife photographer, and director at Living Ocean Productions on the Big Island. His award-winning work has been featured in magazines, newspapers, numerous domestic and international television networks as well as a myriad of International Film Festivals, Aquariums and Museums around the world. Kona Boys is pumped to have some of his shots on our website. We love his work and thought you might too. All images here are copyright Bryce...
Abe and Donica Shouse
The Shouse house is place with adventure in every corner, think feng shui meets action sports. This couple is serious about having fun and enjoying life. Together Donica and Abraham Shouse have created Big Island's own 'FantaSea Factory' where dreams become reality. Starting their own business together in 2009, Paddle Hawaii is a company full of innovations and focused on ecological production every step of the way. You can often find them out 'testing' new and old paddles in the...
Alison Teal, Adventurer
Kona Boys was stoked to get an interview with bikini-clad world adventurer, surfer, and Odina swimwear girl Alison Teal. We love supporting locals and their work. Alison has been particularly fun to journey with through Alison's Adventures and her work with Donica Shouse on Odina swimwear. We're proud to carry their line of bikinis at our Kealakekua shop, and blessed to occasionally hang out with Alison when she's not on the road doing amazing things. What was your latest journey?...