Think you have seen and done everything the Big Island of Hawaii has to offer? Think again! We have assembled this list of fun new restaurants, shops, activities, and events to try in 2024 on the Island of Hawaii. Combine your favorite spots on the island with a few of these new experimental options on your next vacation with us along the Kohala Coast.
Alebrije Hawaii
Have you eaten at the newest restaurant to open at the Shops at Mauna Lani? Alebrige Hawaii is home to authentic Mexican flavor and menu options that will have you salivating. With breakfast menu items like banana churro pancakes and chorizo huevos rancheros you might find yourself returning morning after morning. Lunch and dinner favorites include grilled chicken fajitas and steak aracherra.
CocoNene
For those unfamiliar with this “made-in-Hawaii” brand, be sure to swing by the newest storefront (and only Big Island location) at the Kings’ Shops at Waikoloa Beach. Located at six additional shops across Maui and Oahu, CocoNene makes beautiful wood home décor, picture frames, clocks, coasters, and more! Colorful Hawaiian and island-inspired themes are depicted throughout each item for sale. The most popular and iconic souvenir to purchase are the CocoNene longboard letter sets that allow you to spell out Hawaiian words using your choice of wooden letters and imagery.
The Temple Bar Kona
Coming off the popularity and success of their original location in Hilo, the Temple Bar has opened up a second location, this time in Kona. Priding itself on craft beer, specialty cocktails, foreign wine, and a tasty pupu menu, this is the place to go if looking for a fun night out. Let us know what your favorite pupu is! You might opt to choose to return multiple times to try them all.
Volunteer to Care for the Land
The Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative is a non-profit organization that strives to achieve the Hawaiian value known as Malama Aina (to take care of the land). Visitors and locals can volunteer to lend their services on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Join forces to help plant trees, collect native seeds, propagate plants, and even build trails. You can sign up for future dates here.
Kailua Village Food Truck Festival
The historic town of Kailua is filled with the aroma of cuisines from around the world during the Street Eats Food Tuck Festival. Held on September 8, October 19th, and November 10th, the island’s favorite food trucks, food vendors, and restaurant pop-ups all converge on Emma’s Square. In addition to good eats, enjoy live entertainment from local musicians and hula groups.