Your Ultimate Guide to Stops on the Kona to Hilo Drive
Wondering which direction to do the Kona to Hilo drive? Let me enlighten you!
There are 3 different routes you can take:
The drive from Kona to Hilo is easy and can be a quick 1.5hr drive or an all-day venture.
I like being efficient by hitting stops on my list along the way, breaking up the road trip with food stops and fun sites.
Let’s see what each route offers and which one might be best for your trip.
💁♀️Tab’s Trip Tip: Be sure you have a full tank of gas before leaving Kona. Typically Costco or Safeway has the best prices.
🚗 Don’t have your car rental booked yet? I find Discount Hawaii to usually have the best rates PLUS 2 Free extra drivers and extreme reduced rates for 20-24yr olds! Reserve your car here!
Kona to Hilo Map
Grab this map with every stop pinned – easy and ready to use in Google Maps! 👇
Please Note: Some of these itineraries can be reversed if you are going from Hilo to Kona but be aware of open and closing times that may not match up schedule-wise.
Kona to Hilo: Northern Route
Kona to Hilo Northern Route Distance: 145 miles
Driving Time Without Stopping: 3hrs
A good excuse to see the northern end of the island on your way to Hilo is via Hwy 19, detouring to Hawi. This route is a 3.5hr trip if you don’t stop, which is why we are gonna break it up.
Manuela Hot Malasada Truck
Address: 1 Puako Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Grab your breakfast at the Manuela Hot Malasada Truck. There may be a line but it’s okay, there’s only one person working inside and they are made fresh right there, which is why it’s a HOT malasada truck.
There are many flavors to choose from and you have to buy in groups of 3, 6, or 12 malasadas – no single orders.
So take this opportunity to try flavors out of your comfort zone. The li hing mui is pretty delicious.
Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
Admission: Free
Pu’ukohola Heiau was built by King Kamehameha I himself in 1791. A chain of men 20 miles long transferred the rocks from Pololu Valley to build this heiau. The first human sacrifice made here was Kamehameha I’s cousin and nemesis Keoua Kuahu’ula, giving Kamehameha I victory over the Big Island.
A 0.5-mile paved trail loop gets you up close to the heiau and other ancient ruins.
Download the NPS audio tour or QR code at the ranger station. It will explain the history of the site in detail giving you a better appreciation for what you’re looking at.
On your way out of the park, take a popover look at Spencer Beach next door to see a white sand beach.
Hamakua Visitor Center
Admission: Free
The Hamakua Visitor Center is an easy stop for free samples of macadamia nuts and coffee. They pride themselves in only selling 100% Hawaiian grown macadamia nuts, something sadly that isn’t true of all Hawaiian macadamia nut companies (I’m looking at you Mauna Loa!).
Their flavors range from the expected to the outlandish, the craziest flavor being Spam (although it actually does taste good!). They also have rotating seasonal flavors you won’t find elsewhere like birthday cake or pumpkin spice.
After you’ve tasted the various unique macadamia nut flavors and coffee samples, wander to the back of the store where you can watch their kitchen at work through glass windows. See how the macadamia nuts are processed and packaged in real time.
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Lapakahi State Historical Park
Admission: Free
I like to think of Lapakahi State Historical Park as a free “City of Refuge-type” stop. It is an ancient fishing village about 600 years old with ruins and reconstructions of old buildings. Most of them are just rock wall foundations.
Sometimes the park will recreate the grass roofs and have some natural salt bowls displayed, a fascinating way of making sea salt in lava rocks.
The easy, gravel trail meanders about 1 mile and can get hot from lack of shade and windy as we are nearing the top corner of the island.
Hawi Shopping
Hawi is a cute little town that kinda comes out of nowhere. Park on the street and window shop to your heart’s content.
There’s lots of fine art stores, boutique clothing, local groceries, and a teeny-tiny thrift store in a back parking lot. You’re sure to find unique souvenirs in town that’s not “made in China”.
Kohala Coffee Mill
For lunch I recommend Kohala Coffee Mill. They serve a delicious lunch of cold or grilled sandwiches and salads.
Wash your meal down with 100% Kona coffee and for your last course finish with a Tropical Dreams ice cream, 18% butterfat ice cream made locally on the Big Island.
Kamehameha I Statue
Address: Akoni Pule Hwy, Kapaau, HI 96755
A few miles outside of Hawi in Kapaau, you’ll drive right by the Kamehameha I statue. The history of this statue is actually quite interesting.
Back in 1880, a brass statue of King Kamehameha I was commissioned to commemorate Captain Cook’s landing in Hawaii (which doesn’t make sense to me since Kamehameha I wasn’t even king yet). On its way from France to Hawaii, the ship carrying the statue shipwrecked close to the Falkland Islands and the statue was lost. Thankfully the company who ordered the statue had insurance, so a replacement statue was cast and that’s the famous statue you can find in Waikiki.
However, in 1882, the original statue was recovered from the shipwreck and a British captain saw it in a town, bought and brought it to Hawaii and this statue in Kapaau is that very one!
Pololu Valley
If you are looking for a quintessential Hawaiian panorama, Pololu Valley fits the bill. I argue that this view is better than the more visited Waipi’o Valley lookout.
Parking here is a little chaotic as the road just dead-ends.
Parking spaces are reserved for 15-minute stops, enough time to look at the valley, take your pictures, and leave.
The view is breathtaking with treacherous waves crashing onto black sand and a lush tropical forest carpeting the wrinkly mountain walls.
If you plan to hike down to the valley, parking is along the shoulders up the street.
The walk down is worthwhile and is only about 15-20 minutes. It will get you to the valley floor to a black sand beach and the pond with Jurassic Park-vibing mountains as a backdrop. The ironwood tree forest gives off a mysterious, almost haunted tone.
I liked playing on the rope swing hanging amongst the trees.
The hike back up is steep but short.
Northern Route Alternative
If you are driving Kona to Hilo on a Saturday, instead of doing the Kohala Peninsula, you might want to consider doing the Waimea farmers markets:
- Waimea Town Market at Parker School
- Kamuela Farmers Market
These are the best farmers markets on the Big Island in my opinion. The one at Parker School seems to go on forever, and the one at the historic Pukalani Stables has a fun atmosphere.
Tex Drive In
Tex Drive In is one of the famous malasada shops on the island.
Now, my controversial opinion is that their malasadas are extremely disappointing. Yes they’re fluffy, yes they’re as big as your head! BUT, there’s just a flavor in the dough I just don’t like and I can’t pinpoint it.
On the other hand, some argue that Tex’s is their favorite malasada on the island, so I encourage you to taste test and decide who’s malasada you like best (and let me know!).
Waipi’o Valley Lookout
If you have a 30min detour to spare this is your chance to see Waipi’o Valley Lookout.
After coming from Pololu I find it a little underwhelming, especially since you can’t see the back of this valley from the lookout. But there are waterfalls to be seen on the opposite side of the valley if there’s been recent rain.
The hike down to the beach is closed for the indefinite future due to damage and unsafe road conditions, so you’ll have to make do with just the view.
Your other option to getting to the valley floor is by taking a guided tour, which IS legal and fun!
Akaka Falls
Admission: $
This might be pushing it, but if you are doing great on time this is a good time to stop at Akaka Falls. It’s a 0.5-mile paved loop hike with stairs that leads to one of the tallest waterfalls on the Big Island.
Walk through a tropical forest with a variety of flora and you’ll soon reach the viewing spot for Akaka Falls.
This 442 foot waterfall plummets down the face of a verdant cliff. Take a moment to enjoy its splendor before completing the loop.
💁♀️ Tab’s Trip Tip: save on a steep parking fee by parking along the shoulder of the road just outside of the parking lot.
🚗 Book your car rental from Discount Hawaii for the best rates and get two extra drivers for FREE!
This Concludes the Northern Route
You’ve made it to Hilo after a busy day; now it’s time to relax!
I recommend having dinner at Ola Brewing Co for a brewski and food.
Their beer tap menu always has something new to try, so you’ll get to taste flavors others before you haven’t. However, my favorite is their Dragonfruit Lemonade Hard Juice.
Shaka Guide App
A GPS audio tour that guides you around the island with interesting information, corny dad jokes, and Hawaiian musical interludes.
Kona to Hilo: Southern Route
Kona to Hilo Southern Route Distance: 120 miles
Driving Time Without Stopping: 3hrs
If you were to take the south route down Hwy 11 from Kona it would take you about 3hrs of driving to reach Hilo without stopping. But this is a good opportunity to knock out some popular sites on your list or make stops you may not otherwise visit.
These are stops I suggest making along the way.
Greenwell Farm
Stop by a Kona coffee farm, Greenwell Farm. Under their openair, covered pavilion is a long row of self-serve carafes of different coffee roasts and flavors, like macadamia nut, all free for the sampling.
They have a free, 45-min tour around the working farm, showing the processing steps in action and answering any questions you might have.
This is a good stop for learning but not for relaxing as they don’t have a comfortable place to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee.
Cook’s Bounty Fruit Stand
Address: 82-6087 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook, HI 96704
One of my favorite fruit stands on the Big Island is Cook’s Bounty. They are always loaded with tropical fruits, often ones you’ve never heard of, and are reasonably priced🍌🥭🍋 .
I highly recommend getting a jar of their lilikoi butter, it’s so good on toast!
Park on the shoulder of the road and grab some fresh fruit to enjoy on your trip!
Sacred Grounds Coffee Farm
💎Hidden Gem
My favorite stop for a serene, sit-down cup of coffee is Sacred Grounds Coffee Farms. Bill, the owner, will warmly greet you and serve you the best Kona coffee on the island that comes straight from his little 2-acre farm.
I like to just sit and relax on the back balcony with the gorgeous view of Kealakekua Bay below. You’ll likely have it all to yourself as this place doesn’t get too busy.
The shop is also a working pottery studio. You’ll see Bill’s many stages of clay art sitting around. His final products, mostly vases, are displayed in a museum-like fashion that are available for purchase.
Ask to wander through his property to look at his many coffee and fruit trees, which he will let you harvest. If it’s coffee picking season you might also earn a few bucks by picking the coffee cherries for him.
Kaaloa’s Super J’s
If it’s lunchtime, Kaaloa’s Super J’s is THE place to get authentic Hawaiian Lau Lau: pork and butterfish steamed in a taro leaf and ti leaf.
This hole-in-the-wall restaurant with its distinctive bright yellow exterior might be intimidating but don’t let the cover fool you. The family is super friendly and good natured and their lau laus are even better.
You can eat inside and feel like you are at the dining table of a family’s home, but it’s too dark and cluttered for my taste. I will often sit outside on the benches along the wall to eat or take them to go.
It’s best if they’re eaten warm, so if you take it to-go I would take it no further than Pu’uhonua O Honaunau, the next stop.
Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Admission: $
Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park, aka The City of Refuge, is a popular historical stop on the Big Island.
The cliffnote explanation of this site is: if you were a fugitive running from the law and you made it to the City of Refuge before getting caught, you’d be forgiven your punishment of death. No one is sure on the age of this place, but it is speculated to be about 450 years old.
Watch a 20min informative video in a covered, open-air auditorium before exploring the premises. The grounds have reconstructed hales (houses) and ki’i(tiki statues) to bring the place to life.
Learn to play Konane (Hawaiian checkers), on a rock slab board with stone pieces.
Wander the lava tidepools, it’s the best I’ve found on the Big Island so far. It’s a great way of seeing the variety of fish, sea urchins, and eels without snorkeling.
⚠️ It can get scorching hot at the City of Refuge so prepare accordingly with hats and water and such.
Two Step is a popular place for snorkeling on the Big Island and you can spot the bay next door to the park. You probably don’t have time to snorkel unless you bypass other activities on the drive.
St Benedict’s Painted Church
Admission: Free
Before getting back on the highway from The City of Refuge, make a left on Painted Church Road to visit….St Benedict’s Painted Church. It’s a quick, free stop but sooooo worth it.
The white chapel is magnificently painted inside by Father John Velge in 1899. He was an untrained artist who took regular old house paint and went to town painting the interior from floor to ceiling.
Some of the art is decorative and some of it depicts Bible stories. What you see is all the original painting, no refurbishments have been made.
I was expecting to be a snob about it since I’ve seen incredible European cathedrals and churches. But I was actually surprised at the beauty of the art and the serenity of the church. It quickly rose to a favorite stop on the Big Island for me.
Side Note: there’s another painted church in Puna, Star of the Sea!
Paradise Meadows
💎Hidden Gem
Admission: Free
You can’t miss Paradise Meadows on your way to South Point as many-a-sign will warn you about chocolate, coffee, macadamia nut, and honey tastings. Turn RIGHT!
Park under the tall trees and enter into the Local Buzz shack. You will get a tour of so many free samples you will inevitably start turning away some flavors, I guarantee it.
This is one of my favorite stops for Ka’u coffee. You’re in the Ka’u district now, so see if you can tell the difference from your Kona coffee this morning. There’s less acidity and different fruity undertones.
I also like this stop for their dehydrated macadamia nuts. By dehydrating the nuts you get a snappier crisp and nuttier flavor. These are unquestionably the best macadamia nuts on the island.
After you’ve filled up on samples, walk it off by taking a map and wandering around their farm.
See an aquaponics system at work, find fruit trees of all kinds, meet muscovy ducks and Penny the Pig, say hello to their rescued parrots, and take a look through the art gallery inside the house.
Ama’s Kitchen, the red food truck on-site, sells tacos and burgers with fresh fish and local produce caught and grown by the family, and beef from my personal friend Elizabeth at Crooked C Ranch.
South Point
Since you’ve come all this way, you must visit the southernmost point in the US.
Only about 15min down South Point Road you’ll meet the drop off into the ocean.
Brave souls face their fear of heights by jumping off the South Point Cliffs into the aqua blue waters below, about 40ft down. Yes, I have jumped myself (bruised my tailbone doing it! :/) and honestly, climbing the rusty ladder back up was almost scarier lol!
If you wander further down past the jumping spot you’ll come to the actual southernmost location of the US (though it’s unmarked). There is also an ancient rock wall, heiau (temple) ruins, and a fantastic place to watch crashing waves; some days they can get huuuge!
There is an ancient burial site that is roped off if you follow the dusty field along the coastline, along with a tiny, hidden white sand beach.
Papakolea Green Sand Beach
Further down South Point Rd is the trailhead for the famous Papakolea Green Sand Beach, one of only four green sand beaches in the world!
The trail is about 5 miles roundtrip and it is a HOT trail with no shade. The best times to do this trail are early morning or late afternoon to beat the heat. I wouldn’t recommend doing this hike on this day unless it’s one of the only stops you’re making for the day.
There are no restrooms at the beach, so use the portable toilet at the trailhead before you hike in or hold it because there are no trees or bushes for privacy along the way.
Locals will give you a ride in the back of their pickup for $25pp roundtrip. It’s a steep price but saves you a lot of time and energy; plus it’s like a bumpy amusement ride. A lot of people will hike in and get a ride back.
Please note: this service is a very controversial topic as the truck tires have destroyed the natural landscape of the trail but it is also how some locals make their money. I am not going to take a stand either way, I just want you to be aware of the situation to make your own decisions.
When you reach the beach, there is a little bit of an awkward hike down the sandy bank, but it’s doable.
Now, I’m gonna get real with you, the sand is not as green as you might hope it will be. It’s more of a gold color with a greenish hue. If you pick the grains up in your hand, you can see the green olivine crystals easier.
So while the rarity of the green sand is cool, I was honestly a little underwhelmed. But that’s me.
💁♀️Tab’s Trip Tip: If you don’t wish to do this hike but still want to see green sand, keep your eyes peeled around South Point or anywhere on the island you see gravel or sand. Green sand blends in with its surroundings but gives itself away by being sparkly like glitter on the ground. And you’ll know it’s green sand if you pick it up and see the olivine grains.
Punalu’u Bake Shop
DO NOT pass up on Punalu’u Bake Shop. This is THE best place for malasadas on the Big Island, in my humble opinion. They are made fresh daily and come in a variety of flavors; my favorite is lilikoi (passionfruit).
💁♀️Tab’s Trip Tip: if the line out the front door is long, check the other door by the malasada case, it could be a heck of a lot shorter. This cashier also tends to be faster because the front door cashier takes more lunch and drink orders (even though you can order everything from both cashiers).
Once you’ve picked your malasada flavors, sit in one of their gazebos while you savor your sweet fried Portuguese treat, sometimes being serenaded by live music. Or take it to go and enjoy it at its namesake….
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
When you think of the Big Island, you’ll undoubtedly think of the postcard perfect Punalu’u Black Sand Beach.
It’s not only famous for its unique dark sand but also for the green sea turtle popularity. I don’t think I’ve been to Punalu’u and NOT seen a sea turtle basking on the warm sand.
The water in this bay is colder than other spots on the island due to the freshwater spring underneath. But people still swim in it and like to snorkel here too.
Besides black sand and turtles you can find other interesting sites to visit. A large heiau hides through a trail beyond the foliage south of the beach by the large concrete pad, a quaint, open-air chapel with a cemetery sits above the north parking lot, and the ruins of a beach resort destroyed by the 1975 tsunami hide behind the parking lot.
💁♀️Tab’s Trip Tip: Be sure to enter via Ninole Loop Road to drive by the abandoned golf course as this is a favorite hangout for nēnē, the Hawaiian goose.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Save Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for another day when you have time to explore the whole park UNLESS:
If the lava is currently flowing and it’s near sunset or nighttime, take advantage of seeing the lava glowing.
If you pay to get into the park now your ticket is good for 7 days, so you can reuse it to visit the rest of the park another day.
Depending on where it is erupting, you can see it from:
- Volcano House
- Steam Vent Overlook
- Uekahuna Lookout
- Old Crater Rim Drive trail overlook (2-mile roundtrip hike)
This map will make the directions make more sense.
Be sure to have flashlights on hand as sometimes you’ll be walking in the dark.
💁♀️ Tab’s Trip Tip: If you have binoculars, bring them; this is a good time to use them.
I can’t tell you how exhilarating it is to see real live lava in person. The glow, the roaring, the power…you feel how small us humans actually are.
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This Concludes the Southern Route
I’m still gonna recommend dinner at Ola Brewing Co for the end of your day from the North Route because nothin’ beats a cold one on draft after a busy, eventful day!
🛏️ Where to Stay in Hilo
- Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – a Doubletree by Hilton – oceanfront property, two drink coupons per night, free snorkel rental
- Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham – oceanfront property, free parking, free breakfast
- The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls – private waterfall, free locally sourced breakfast, 100% off-grid
Shaka Guide App
A GPS audio tour that guides you around the island with interesting information, corny dad jokes, and Hawaiian musical interludes.
Kona to Hilo: Central Route
Kona to Hilo Central Route Distance: 75 miles
Driving Time Without Stopping: 1.5hrs
Now, if you are looking for the fastest route possible from Kona to Hilo, you want to take Saddle Road. The drive is a straight shot that only takes about 1.5hrs.
The road “saddles” Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea and you reach an altitude of 6,700ft. The terrain gets pretty bare up there, almost Mars-like, which is why NASA has actually used areas here for practice.
You do have a couple of stops along the way to break up this route if you don’t wish to bomb it.
Mountain Thunder Coffee Farm
Admission: Free & $
Sitting amongst a cloud forest on the slopes of Hualalai is Mountain Thunder Coffee Farm with free samples and free tours.
Every half hour they give a casual, free 15-minute coffee tour, explaining the process and showing you the machines used for sorting and roasting coffee beans.
They have self-serve free samples of their different roasts and a quaint gift shop to browse with locally made items.
For $10 per group you can take a self-tour of their lush garden grounds, see the entrance to a lava tube, and finish on an observation deck overlooking their coffee orchard.
>> Check out more Free Things to do in Kona here! <<
Mauna Kea Visitor Center
Admission: Free
Most people will try to visit the Mauna Kea Visitor Center for sunrise or sunset/starry nights, but if you are passing by mid-day you still might want to visit for the incredible view.
Drive up the steep mountain road and get above the cloud line.
You’ll be standing on technically the tallest mountain in the world from base to tip. While Mauna Kea is 13,796 ft above sea level, it measures a whopping 33,500 feet from the ocean floor; Mt Everest is only at “wimpy” 29,029 feet elevation 😛
This is one of the least sky polluted areas in the world which is why there is an observatory on the mountain and why it’s a popular destination for stargazers.
I like walking the trail behind the visitor center to see the endangered Mauna Kea silversword plants.
If you rented a 4WD vehicle you can continue driving to the summit. Only 4WDs are allowed to the summit due to the steepness of the unpaved road.
It is HIGHLY recommended to acclimate to the 9,000ft elevation at the Visitor’s Center for at least 30 minutes before heading to the summit to avoid altitude sickness. Even being relatively healthy, I unexpectedly got altitude sickness at this stop, so be safe!
Even if you don’t make it to Mauna Kea for sunrise or sunset, it’s still a fascinating area to experience and once in a while you might even get to touch snow!
Kaulana Manu Nature Trail
Admission: Free
There are various hiking trails just off of Saddle Road, but one of my favorites is the Kaulana Manu Nature Trail.
It’s a sweet, 0.4-mile trail through a forest that has many informational signs along the path to tell you what kind of plants you are looking at.
There is a viewing deck at the halfway point overlooking the valley and Mauna Kea.
It’s a good stop for stretching your legs and listening to the various kinds of birds.
Kaumana Caves
Admission: Free
Bring a flashlight or headlamp and spelunk through a lava tube at Kaumana Caves! I love this free activity that hides in plain sight just so casually off the side of the road.
Climb down a steep set of stairs, then decide whether to go left or right. Going right will take you to the main cave with a cathedral high ceiling. Going left is the road less traveled by and will require a little more climbing and crouching.
Either way you go is an adventure.
You’ll eventually run into crossroads where you have to decide if you have the bravery to continue.
🚗 Don’t forget to reserve your car rental! I find Discount Hawaii to usually have the best rates PLUS 2 Free extra drivers and extreme reduced rates for 20-24yr olds! Book your car here!
This Concludes the Central Route
As you can see, there’s a lot less sites to see taking the central route, but it does save you time!
If you’re feeling famished from your trip over the mountains and need some lunch, I would recommend The Booch Bar, the colorful restaurant front for Big Island Booch kombucha.
Get refreshing local kombucha on tap or mixed in a unique cocktail. Their Booch Bar Burger with kombucha ketchup and lilikoi mustard is one I still think about to this day and drool over.
Now that you’re in Hilo, check out all the things to do in town.
Kona to Hilo Drive FAQs
What is the most scenic drive from Hilo to Kona?
Each route has its own unique scenery, but I would say that the southern route is the most scenic drive from Hilo to Kona as you drive through lush tropical foliage with ocean views and then through the barren landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
What is the best way to get from Kona to Hilo?
It depends on what you consider best. The fastest way from Kona to Hilo is via Saddle Road. Taking either the northern or southern route could be better, depending on what activities and scenery you are interested in.
Is Hilo nicer than Kona?
Can you drive from Kona airport to Hilo?
Yes, you can easily drive from from Kona airport to Hilo. Pick up your car rental at the Kona airport and take Saddle Road or the one of the other routes to reach Hilo in the same day.
Is it safe to drive from Kona to Hilo?
It is very safe to drive from Kona to Hilo as the roads are well-paved and marked. However, the lack of street lights at night make it harder to see wild animals, people, and curves.
Can you do a day trip to Hilo from Kona?
Yes, Hilo can easily be done as a day trip from Kona. It is especially easy if you take Saddle Road to get to Hilo from Kona the fastest.
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