NAME: Mackenzie
CITY: Kealakekua, HI
COUNTRY: USA
YEAR OF TRIP: 2017
HOW LONG WERE YOU THERE? 2 months and a week
BEST TIME TO GO: Summer and fall
GREATEST CHALLENGE: If you don't have a car it's difficult to get far without hitchhiking. If you are without time restraints, as the bus is usually 10-30 minutes late, and sometimes doesn't show up at all, the bus is fun and $2 to go anywhere on the route on the island! You could go across from Kona to Hilo if you wanted!!
WHAT MAKES THIS PLACE SPECIAL? [left blank]
MUST EAT:
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All gluten free and vegan baked goods at local coffee shop/little green haven Kaya's!!!
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Gypsea Gelato, it's got so many delicious and regional flavors like lilikoi and Kona coffee!
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Not eating exactly but Sam's Hideaway is a radical biker bar, near the water, incredibly cheap drinks and fantastic karaoke with regulars. In downtown Kona tucked away among the tourist shops but it's where all the locals go.
MUST SEE:
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Waipi'o Valley, to the left of the look out down the steepest road in the nation (no seriously with some spots on a 45% gradient) into the jungle and out onto one of the most otherworldly beaches I've ever seen. 4 x 4's or walking only for sure.
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Hapuna Beach, stunning water, fun waves, and a heartbreaking sunset.
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Hookena Beach Park, gorgeous blue water (as always) and one of the black sand beaches. Hookena's particularly beautiful on grey rainy days.
MUST DO:
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Kealakekua Bay in Captain Cook, a legendary hike made worth it by clear waters for snorkeling and a beautiful view.
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If it's intimidating no need, but hitchhiking is common here, it's how my friends and I got around almost every day. You learn so much about local spots, and usually end up with some good stories from interesting people. Use your intuition, be safe, and travel with your friends!
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Drink all the coffee but check the labels-much of it is sold in Kona but it doesn't mean it was grown in Kona! Keahou Market on Saturday and Captain Cook on Sunday for farmer's markets, good locally grown produce, baked goods, and people!
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Guava, avocados, lilikoi, papaya - all these and more grow everywhere so keep an eye out on the side of the road for fruit trees! Make sure to wash beforehand just in case.
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Go to the volcano at night, park on the end of Chain of Craters, and walk the couple miles or so to see the volcano alive at night! It was one of the most transcendent experiences to hike out with an expansive canopy of stars above, the ocean and sound of waves to your left, and a long stretch of road with glowing red lava and a bright moon to light your way. Best to go during the full moon!
Other Recommendations:
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Be respectful of the land and the locals, the United States overthrew the reigning Hawaiian monarchy, Queen Liliuokalani was deposed, imprisoned, and forced to abdicate in the 1890's; educate yourself on the history of the islands before you go.
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If there's a dead shark in the water, know that other, live, sharks are close by so don't be an idiot and jump off South Point when that happens.
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Hawaii is a truly magical, heart-opening place. Be ready and open to learn from the people you meet, to experiencing life as it may unfold, and to many many coincidences, good luck, and manifestations.