Featured Restaurant
Nāpua at Mauna Lani Beach Club
68-1292 S Kaniku Dr., Kohala Coast, HI 96743
Phone 808-885-5910
Do you want to enjoy farm-to-table island cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients around? If so, you definitely need a trip to Nāpua at the Mauna Lani Beach Club. This eatery,located on the Kohala Coastʻs Makaiwa Bay, lets you enjoy breathtaking oceanfront views as you dine in style. On top of that, they offer friendly service to all – and regularly bring in local musicians to play for their valued patrons.
Although their waterfront location sets the stage for an amazing meal, the real magic lies in the exquisite ingredients. Many of the menu items come straight from the restaurant owners’ farmlands, the Kaunamano Farm. On their land they raise organic Berkshire pigs, plus grow tons of fresh fruit and veggies for diners to enjoy. Want a taste of all they grow? Look for the‘#NaturalLeeGrown Entrees’ section on the menu for items made exclusively from their produce/products.
The Mauna Lani Beach Club and Nāpua are exclusively for Mauna Lani residents until 5:00 pm each day when the gates are opened to the public. Reservations to Nāpua are highly recommended and need to be booked far in advance. The restaurant is open daily for dinner, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Featured Big Island Activity
Hike to Makalawena Beach
With some of the least populated stretches of beach, palm tree lined shores, and the most extensive sand dunes in the Kona district, Makalawena beach, makes for a beautiful and memorable day trip. Located north of Kailua-Kona on the island’s leeward side, you can park at Kekaha Kai State Park, located just a couple of miles north of the Kona International Airport between mile markers 90 and 91 on Highway 19. Watch for a sign on the highway. Plan on arriving early as parking can fill up, especially on the weekend.
it’s hot here! It’s a hike to get to Makalawena, so be strategic with what you bring with you. Make sure you pack plenty of water, reef safe sunscreen, snacks, wear a good sun hat and, if you can, pack a beach umbrella.
Swimming at Makalawena Beach is great when the water is calm, with excellent snorkeling along the lava rock outcroppings that run along the multiple coves. Makalawena Beach is part of Pu`u Ali`i Bay, and this entire area is very rich in marine life. Bodyboarding, swimming, and snorkeling are common activities here.
Be aware, there is no lifeguard on duty at Makalawena and the current can be strong. Make sure to check the water conditions on the day of your hike and stay out of the water if the surf is rough.
