A must-stop if going to Punalu'u Beach. This bakery has delicately sweet and moist Hawaiian sweetbread made from a secret, generations-old recipe. We'd recommend trying a Guava, Lilikoi or mango Malasadas!

We'd definitely recommend making a trip to this stunning Green Sands Beach. It's very close to South Point Cliff jumping, so maybe save it for sunday, but try to fit it in while you're there!

If you're the adventurous type, you can park and hike out there (but it's kind of a brutal hike), or you can pay a local and catch a ride in the back of one of their trucks!

We have not personally done this, and be cautious about entering the ocean at night; however, there are some truly incredible reviews of the Night Snorkel with Manta Rays located in Kona.

A Lyons family favorite (although some would only return via boat), for a good day hike. It's only 4 miles, but the return is all up hill and it gets HOT! There is a historical significance and the trail takes you from up on the Big Island's southwestern cliffs down to sea level to the beautiful, Kealakekua Bay. Once you reach the bay, you will be greeted by gorgeous reefs, marine life, and a monument honoring the famous explorer Captain James Cook.

We brought our snorkel gear and it was well worth it!

Off of Kapoho Road, southeast of Pāhoa Town in the district of Puna is Lava Trees State Park. Take the 0.7-mile loop trail in this 17-acre State Monument to view the unusual lava molds of tree trunks. In the 1700s, lava flow swept through the area, coating the trunks of ʻōhiʻa trees, leaving tall lava molds of the tree trunks in their wake, frozen in time.

An easy walk, this is your chance to see and take photos of the work of Pele (the volcano goddess) and her amazing sculpture garden. Restrooms and picnic tables are available.

Travel down the volcanic western coastline of the Kohala Coast and follow the signs to find a spectacular oasis that has earned a reputation as one of the island of Hawaiʻi's finest beaches. The largest of the island's white sand beaches, Hāpuna Beach has consistently been rated on international Top Ten lists of the islands’ best beaches. Hāpuna also offers consistently good conditions for swimming, bodyboarding, sunbathing and snorkeling. During the early part of the year, it’s possible to spot migrating whales in the distance as well.

Even if you aren't staying at the Hilton in Kona, their Beach & Saltwater Lagoon is something to see: Swim, snorkel, and paddle in four acres of protected lagoon. Our saltwater oasis is connected to the ocean and is home to rare green sea turtles, colorful reef fish, and tropical wildlife you won’t meet anywhere else.

They also have bottlenose dolphins that you can swim with! (https://dolphinquest.com/big-island-hawaii/)

You can buy a Day Pass from 10am-5pm for all the amenities (https://www.resortpass.com/hotels/hilton-waikoloa-village) or walk around the grounds for free.