In Kona, coffee is king. Introduced back when mule-drawn carts and horses were still the primary mode of transport in the 19th century, Kona families have farmed and made a living from coffee for over 200 years on the slopes of Hualalai volcano. Relatively new on the scene is the coffee shop.
This Big Island of Hawai’i is BIG! While visiting, you might feel overwhelmed by all the things to see and do. As a backpacker, you’re also probably watching your budget. No worries friend, we’ve got your back! Here’s our top 10 list of FREE things to see and do on the Big Island of Hawai’i.
This holiday season, support Big Island business! Last year we wrote about Kona-based small businesses in our post Shop Kona. This year, we want to shine a light on some awesome small businesses island wide. Even if you aren’t spending the holidays in Hawai’i, you can still shop online at many of these companies! Read on to learn where to find made in Hawai’i gifts from the Big Island.
Halema’uma’u crater is the legendary home of Pele, the Hawaiian volcano goddess. Located at the summit of Kīlauea volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii, Halema’uma’u is famous for its lake of molten lava. The lava lake appears and disappears like a magic trick, wowing spectators and scientists for at least the last 200 years. The last four years, (2018 - 2021) have seen historic activity in the crater. Most recently, on September 29th, 2021, Pele returned to Halema’uma’u, filling the crater with lava once again.
Great news, friends! As of October 15th, travelers to Hawaii can forgo the 14 quarantine with the State’s new pre-travel testing program for COVID-19. Read on to learn more about how the testing program works, what to expect while on island, plus safety measures we are taking at My Hawaii Hostel to protect our guests.
Sipping a cold drink as you watch the sun slip into the Pacific Ocean is the perfect way to end the day in Kona! Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the green flash. The following spots are some of our favorites to catch a Kona sunset while enjoying some cocktails, eats, and a lively social scene. Looking to save money and DIY your own sunset experience? We’ve got some pointers for that too. Read on for where to go for cocktails with a sunset view in Kona.
