Things To Do
Pololū Valley Lookout & Hike
Free, gorgeous, close to Puakea Ranch. Hike down into Pololū Valley and back up again, then down again into the next valley. Go for the views, and for the hike - if you're up for a lot of ups and downs.
Paniolo Adventures
Horseback riding very close to Puakea Ranch.
The Umauma Experience
Waterfall Swimming, Garden & Falls Tour, Horseback Riding, Zip Line, ATV's. Located 1.5 hours from our ranch, on the much greener Hilo side of the island.
Māhukona Beach Park
This was once a harbor used by a local sugar company. There is no beach here, but it is a good place to snorkel or dive and explore the abundant fish life. Abandoned mill equipment and an old shipwreck sweeten the underwater experience. Restrooms and drinking water are available.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
World's most active volcano. Very long day-trip from the ranch (up to 3 hours each way). If you go only one place on the big island, go here. Our top pick!
Kohala Zipline
Looks like fun!
Fresh Off the Grid
Gorgeous lunch spot, near the ranch. Basically a food truck in paradise. Highly rated by TripAdvisor. Limited Hours & Days - check ahead.
Two Step Nature Preserve
Fantastic snorkeling! We went here twice on our 10-day trip in 2019.
The Coffee Shack
Spectacular views of Kealakeua Bay. Good food & coffee. Very close to Two Step and Pu'uhonua Historical Park. May be haunted.
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
Right next to Two Step at Hapuna Beach. Fascinating historical Hawaiian site.
Bamboo Restaurant & Gallery
Good lunch and dinner spot not too far from the ranch. Limited hours - check ahead.
Merriman's Big Island
Open for Lunch & Dinner, Wednesday - Sunday
Hawaiian Vanilla Co.
Tours and lunch featuring vanilla grown right there. We had high tea on our last trip there.
Hāmākua Chocolate Farm
Looks pretty gorgeous and delicious. It's about 1 hour 40 minutes from the ranch on the windward side of the island, (and only 53 minutes from Volcano National Park). Chocolate tours, tastings, and "experiences". (I don't know - it says so on their website.)
Hawaii Forest & Trail Kona Headquarters
Paid excursions all over the island - Waterfalls, Zip Lines, Hikes, Tours, Adventures galore!
LightSUP Hawaii
Stand up paddle boarding, close to Puakea Ranch, available day or night.
Big Island Bike Tours And Rentals
Bicycles!
Lapakahi State Historical Park
Super close to Puakea Ranch, decent snorkeling and ruins of an accent Hawaiian fishing village.
Manta Ray Advocates
Night swim with manta rays!! The 6 members of the newly-blended Linz-Dinnean Family is doing this on Friday, July 5th.
Hana Hou Restaurant
Since 1940, Hana Hou Restaurant has offered delicious homemade comfort food and dessert that you can't find anywhere else - plus it's the southernmost restaurant in the USA!
Boat Charter for Fireworks Cruise, Deluxe Snorkeling, Etc.
Watch 4th of July fireworks from the ocean or book a "deluxe" snorkeling and dolphin watch adventure.